January: Opportunity Focused AI with Mai Vu
Episode Overview
In this episode, Courtney Groskin and Dr. Matthew Moulton explore the “O” in ETHOS—Opportunity Focus, highlighting how AI can expand learning pathways for students while strengthening the human-centered work of educators. From blended learning models to real-world, student-driven AI projects, this conversation showcases how intentional AI use creates meaningful opportunities across St. Vrain Valley Schools.
🏔️ AI Summit Spotlight: Dr. Catlin Tucker
The hosts kick off the episode by inviting listeners to the AI Summit with Dr. Catlin Tucker, happening Saturday, February 21 at Skyline High School.
Attendees can expect:
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Sessions led by curriculum coordinators, administrators, learning leaders, and AI Champions
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A keynote from Dr. Catlin Tucker
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Free breakfast, lunch, and swag
Dr. Tucker’s blended learning models exemplify Opportunity Focus by creating flexible pathways, prioritizing small-group instruction, and giving teachers more time for feedback, connection, and responsive instruction. Her work demonstrates how AI can support—not replace—teachers by opening space for deeper learning and stronger relationships.
🌟 Student Opportunity in Action: AI-Powered Learning at Longmont High
The episode celebrates Paulina Hansen, world language teacher at Longmont High School and winner of the January Student-Powered AI Challenge. Paulina uses School AI tools to enhance learning in her Spanish for Spanish Speakers classroom by:
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Generating visual diagrams as mentor texts
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Providing sentence starters as scaffolds to support writing development
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Using AI assistants for low-stakes, communicative language practice
Her intentional use of AI builds student confidence, fluency, and independence while modeling how educators can recognize and act on opportunity.
🤖 Guest Spotlight: Mai Vu, AI Program Manager
Courtney and Matt welcome Mai Vu, AI Program Manager at the Innovation Center, who shares insights into her teaching and student project teams. Mai’s work centers on:
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AI literacy for students
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Real-world problem solving
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Project-based learning through the AI Youth Competition
Students have tackled challenges ranging from environmental conservation and robotics onboarding to skincare selection for teens and increasing adoption rates for animals through the Humane Society. Each project reflects authentic learning driven by student voice, purpose, and impact.
🧠 Preparing Students for an AI-Ready Workforce
Mai discusses how she intentionally builds durable skills such as:
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Critical thinking
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Communication
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Reading and writing
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Executive functioning
By focusing on human-centered competencies, students learn how to “AI-proof” their skill sets and understand that success in an AI-rich future depends on responsibility, adaptability, and strong foundational habits.
Closing Thoughts
This episode reinforces that opportunity-focused AI use empowers students, supports teachers, and keeps human connection at the center of learning. From classrooms to competitions, St. Vrain continues to model what thoughtful, ethical, and opportunity-driven AI integration can look like.
🎧 Don’t miss next month’s episode, where the conversation continues with the S in ETHOS: Safety.
January PDF [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t53ZOhCMm7REg55Ek8BfTofC9pz-TzSx/view?usp=sharing]
