When tools like ChatGPT brought artificial intelligence into the spotlight in late 2022, education leaders across the region faced new questions, opportunities, and uncertainties. Rather than navigating those challenges alone, many turned to one another.

This led to the creation of ESD 112’s Leadership AI Roundtables, a monthly, participant-led space for open discussion about how artificial intelligence is impacting education. Since 2022, the roundtables have met on the second Friday of each month, bringing education leaders together to share experiences, discuss emerging issues, and learn from one another in real time.

Unlike traditional trainings or webinars, the Leadership AI Roundtables are driven by the participants themselves. Attendees submit topics, questions, or practice problems ahead of each session, collectively shaping the agenda. ESD 112 provides coordination and resources, but the conversations are intentionally led by those in the room.

“The Leadership AI Roundtables aren’t about providing answers, they’re about creating space,” said Kristina Wambold, program lead with ESD 112 Digital Learning Services. “Space for district leaders to talk honestly, learn from one another, and realize they’re not navigating AI alone. That shared learning and trust is what makes the work move forward.”

Katherine Livick, who co-leads the AI Roundtables and related communities of practice with Wambold, has observed how that participant-led structure changes the dynamic of professional learning.

“People tend to be a bit shy at first, because they’re not used to having the conversation centered on them,” Livick said. “They’re used to having us present to them. Once they get comfortable, though, some meaningful conversations start to unfold.”

The roundtables are open to everyone. Participants include building principals, superintendents, instructional coaches, ESD staff, and higher education partners from across Washington and Oregon. To date, over 66 districts and organizations have participated, reflecting the broad regional interest in collaborative learning around AI.

As conversations evolved, participants consistently returned to shared priorities, including aligning policy, understanding ethical considerations, protecting data privacy, and supporting thoughtful classroom implementation. District leaders have used the roundtables to review draft AI policies, share real-world examples, and discuss common concerns such as student use, staff guidance, and responsible adoption.

“Everyone comes with a different level of experience and comfort with AI,” Wambold said. “We work hard to create a safe space where people can listen, ask questions when they’re ready, and learn from one another without pressure.”

The success of the Leadership AI Roundtables led to expanding this effort. In fall 2024, ESD 112 launched an AI Educators Community of Practice to address the growing interest among classroom educators and support staff. This community brings together K–12 teachers, paraeducators, special education professionals, multilingual support staff, counselors, substitutes, and higher education faculty to explore AI integration, student use, policy considerations, and curriculum impacts.

Participation in the educator community quickly exceeded expectations, attracting educators from across Washington and beyond, including international participants. For many educators, the community of practice has provided a space to ask classroom-level questions, share challenges, and learn how peers are navigating similar issues.

Over time, the conversations began pointing toward something more. District leaders expressed a desire for deeper, structured professional learning opportunities that could support both certificated and classified staff. That feedback directly influenced the development of Forward ’26: AI + Innovation, an upcoming conference designed to address practical use cases, ethical considerations, and policy development tailored to regional needs.

“Districts attending our roundtables recognized a need and asked us to help coordinate a high-quality learning experience,” Wambold said. “It came directly from the conversations and the trust built in these spaces.”

Interest in ongoing collaboration remains strong, including emerging conversations about creating a superintendent-level forum focused on the broader impacts of AI in education. While those plans are still developing, they reflect a shared commitment to addressing rapid change through collective effort.

“What stands out most is how willing our districts are to lean in together,” Wambold said. “Budgets, uncertainty, and rapid change are real — but so is the commitment to collaboration. The ESD 112 region continues to show that when we face challenges together, we come out stronger.”

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, ESD 112’s focus remains on connection rather than instruction. By convening open, participant-led spaces and responding directly to district-identified needs, the agency helps educators and leaders build shared understanding, support each other through change, and shape what comes next, together.

For more information about the AI Leadership Hub or to join a future roundtable, visit the AI at ESD 112 webpage or contact Kristina Wambold, program lead with ESD 112 Digital Learning Services, at kristina.wambold@esd112.org.