In this episode of the Educators AI Playbook, Mark Orchison, Julia Pidduck, and Dan Fitzpatrick tackle the most pressing AI governance updates affecting schools today. The session features an exclusive interview with Microsoft President Brad Smith, discussing Microsoft's unprecedented, legally binding AI agreement with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
As AI models evolve rapidly, the education sector is experiencing a significant shift in how these tools are governed and regulated. This episode breaks down the commercial, strategic, and practical implications of the latest AI developments for your school.
1. The Microsoft & AFT Agreement: Setting a New Standard
Microsoft has introduced a 30-page binding contract with the AFT that enforces strict AI guardrails. We discuss how this legally enforceable agreement ensures student data is not used for AI training, guarantees clear transparency, and allows users to completely "re-baseline" their profiles.
2. The EdTech Squeeze
The rigorous compliance requirements set by Microsoft—such as mandatory independent equity analyses and penetration testing—create a massive hurdle for smaller EdTech startups. We analyze how this strategic move positions Microsoft as the safest choice for schools and what it means for the wider EdTech market.
3. The Tech Backlash & Moratoriums
Alongside the release of powerful new models, major districts like New York City Public Schools and LA Unified have recently instituted moratoriums on AI use for students. The panel discusses how schools can balance the push for AI literacy with the need to preserve timeless values, critical thinking, and human judgment.
4. Global Compliance & Vendor Accountability
Julia analyzes how the Microsoft/AFT contract heavily mirrors data privacy principles found in the GDPR and UK DfE product safety standards. We explore why schools must push their vendors for plain-language transparency and why standard terms and conditions may no longer be enough to protect your community.
Brad Smith is responsible for spearheading the company’s work and representing it publicly on a wide variety of critical issues involving the intersection of technology and society, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, environmental sustainability, human rights, digital safety, immigration, philanthropy, and products and business for non-profit customers.
Over 20 years' experience helping schools navigate technology, cyber, privacy and safeguarding — a highly respected voice in K-12 education governance.
Bestselling author of The AI Classroom, Forbes contributor, and award-winning strategist who has helped over 100,000 educators worldwide navigate AI responsibly.
Julia explains how schools can assess AI and EdTech vendors across safeguarding, security, educational value, privacy and data protection — and what genuine contract transparency should look like.
Discover how 9ine Trust connects schools, parents, and students—providing complete visibility into the technology, data privacy, and AI tools used in everyday school life.