The AI Edge #1 — Lead Smarter in Under 5 Minutes

This weekly briefing delivers tools, prompts, and strategies for forward-thinking school and district leaders.

Author

Lawrence Kohn
May 25, 2025

⚡️ This Week’s Quick Take 

AI isn’t the future of leadership. It’s the assistant smart leaders are using right now. 

In this issue: tools to streamline onboarding, reduce meeting load, and personalize coaching. Plus, a prompt to make your new AP a success before day one.

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✅ 3 Tools & Prompts to Try Now

🔹 1. Prompt Generator for Principals 

📋 Need onboarding support? Let AI write the plan. 

> “I’m a school principal preparing for a new teacher onboarding. What AI prompt could I use to create a 30-day induction plan focused on culture, classroom expectations, and staff support?”  

Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and get a tailored prompt instantly.  

🟢 Badge: [Fast Win] | 🕒 Save 45–60 minutes of planning time

🔹 2. Otter.ai – Smarter Meeting Notes 

🗣️ Record your leadership meetings. Let AI handle the recap. 

Otter transcribes your team discussions, identifies action steps, and formats a professional follow-up email.  

🎯 Perfect for principal PLCs, cabinet meetings, or coaching debriefs.  

🔹 3. Diffit – Instant Differentiation Support 

📚 Turn any text into leveled resources with one click. 

Upload an article or standard, and Diffit automatically creates leveled readings, guiding questions, and summaries.  

🎯 Great for coaches, SPED, and MTSS teams.  

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🧩 1. AI and Retention Prediction Are Colliding 

Districts are now using AI to analyze survey language and behavior patterns to flag burnout risks. 

AI-powered tools like Qualtrics and Panorama help leaders act before resignations happen.  

🤖 2. Micro-PD with AI? It’s Happening. 

Chat-based coaching tools are now delivering “5-minute PD” tied to walkthroughs or survey feedback. 

Think individualized nudges, goal-setting, and reflection prompts—without scheduling another PD day.  

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🎯 A Leadership Strategy to Apply This Week

✍️ Prompt of the Week: 

> “Draft a 90-day success plan for my new assistant principal, focused on culture-building, team trust, and instructional priorities.”

Drop this into Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini to generate a smart, editable onboarding plan that reflects your school’s values and goals.  

🟡 Badge: [Leadership-Onboarding] | 🕒 Estimated time saved: 1–2 hours

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🗣️ From Leadership Partners 

The best leaders don’t wait to master AI—they start small and stay intentional.  

You don’t have to use everything. You just need to take action where it matters.

We're here to help you lead smarter, not harder.  

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📣 Share This With a Colleague 

Forward this to a principal, superintendent, or coach who’s ready to lead with the edge that matters.

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🔜 Coming Next Issue: 

AI Coaching Prompts That Build Trust Without Sounding Robotic