By Heidi Happonen

Jennifer Madonna, EdD., Director of Field Experiences and Licensure in Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, participated in the inaugural Ethical Thought Speaker Series hosted by Boston Prep on October 30. The panel explored critical questions surrounding artificial intelligence’s growing role in K-12 classrooms.

The event, held at Trident Booksellers & Cafe, brought together educators, technologists, and thought leaders to examine how schools can balance innovation with integrity as AI increasingly shapes the student experience. Facilitated by Dr. Meekerley Sanon, Executive Director of Boston Prep, the discussion centered on three urgent ethical questions: How can schools use AI without reinforcing bias? What guardrails are needed to protect student privacy and intellectual growth? And how can AI close (rather than widen) the equity gap?

“As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment, not displacement.”

Jennifer Madonna

Madonna was joined by fellow panelists Vincent Cho, Ph.D. from Boston College, Daniel Lopez of OneGoal Massachusetts, Dr. Izzat Jarudi of Edifii, and Jeffrey C. Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment, not displacement,” Madonna said. “The real question isn’t whether AI will transform education, it’s whether we’ll guide that transformation with the equity and ethical frameworks our educators, students, and communities deserve. This conversation reminded us that thoughtful implementation requires both practitioner wisdom and policy leadership working in tandem.”

Madonna’s research examines sustained teacher outcomes and workforce development in education, with particular focus on the ethical integration of emerging technologies. As a former Boston Public Schools teacher and licensed K–12 administrator, she has consulted with the Burnes Center for Social Change and GovLab on projects exploring how AI can advance literacy initiatives and create more accessible IEPs.

Boston Prep’s new speaker series is designed to run 1-2 times annually, tackling big-picture ethical questions that impact education and society while elevating the school’s values of equity, ethics, and excellence in public dialogue.