What School Leaders Really Need to Know About AI With Ann Palmer

What School Leaders Really Need to Know About AI With Ann Palmer

Teach Middle East Podcast · 2025-06-22

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, but are school leaders ready to guide this transformation? Veteran educator Ann Palmer, with over 35 years of leadership experience, shares her journey from headteacher to AI advocate, revealing a striking contrast between the UK's cautious approach and the Middle East's enthusiastic embrace of educational technology.

After recognising how time-strapped administrators struggle with strategic tech integration, Palmer wrote her book on AI leadership and uncovers a surprising trend of "covert AI use" amongst UK school leaders who quietly experiment with AI tools but hesitate to discuss them openly due to lingering "cheating" associations.

Palmer's vision for AI in schools extends far beyond typical cheating concerns, encompassing reduced administrative burdens, personalised professional development, efficient data analysis, and cross-curricular integration. What makes this conversation particularly valuable is her balanced perspective - whilst enthusiastic about AI's potential, she remains steadfast that emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and human connection must stay central to education.

"We are leaders, so we lead the developments. We don't let AI lead us," she asserts, offering a framework for thoughtful implementation that keeps humanity at the forefront whilst leveraging technology for more equitable, personalised learning.

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BIO: Ann Palmer has over 35 years of experience working in education, with schools and universities. She has partnered with schools and other organisations across the UK and internationally and is the founder of the RACE Charter Mark which is an award recognising effective race equality strategies. She has supported sectors outside of education with setting up similar accreditations.

Ann has been a facilitator on a number of professional programmes, is a public speaker and is highly acclaimed in the field of DEI, leadership and Artificial Intelligence. She is a Generative AI Training Advisory Board member in the UK. Ann is a qualified Executive Coach and Team Coach, coaching CEOs and other senior personnel and teams internationally. She is described as "a leader who leads with flair and vision" and is described as "inspirational".

As an entrepreneur, Ann currently holds roles across a number of businesses, including Race Excellence which is a consulting business offering high quality and personalised diversity training and accreditation for corporations and businesses. She is a Founding Fellow with the Chartered

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Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson

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Teach Middle East Podcast

Welcome to the Teach Middle East Podcast, the ultimate audio hub where educators find inspiration, share innovative ideas, and grow together! Brought to you by Moftah Publishing—the minds behind the premier Teach Middle East Magazine—this podcast is your gateway to the latest research-based practices, cutting-edge classroom strategies, and the heartwarming stories of educators from the Middle East and around the globe.


As the only podcast that interviews school leaders from across the Middle East and beyond, we offer unparalleled insights into the challenges and successes that shape educational landscapes in diverse settings. Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of education, where every episode promises a treasure trove of insights designed to connect, develop, and empower the brilliant minds shaping our future. Whether you’re seeking fresh perspectives, practical tips, or a dose of inspiration, the Teach Middle East Podcast is your must-listen resource. Tune in and transform the way you teach!

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