Last December, our headmaster assembled a team of faculty to consider the challenges of AI in education. After six months of reviewing the research, reflecting on the school’s mission, and discussing at-length the possibilities and implications of AI for both teachers and students, this task force published its report in July. The report is a way to communicate the school’s ongoing thought process around AI policies and procedures, rooted in virtue.
Today we welcome two members of the task force, upper school head Michael Moynihan and upper school logic and history teacher Mark Grannis, to share some takeaways from the group’s discussions. They explain how they use—and how they don’t use—AI in their own classrooms, as well as how they frame the issue to students and parents.
Chapters:
3:19 AI’s rapid arrival
5:47 The Heights AI Task Force
9:35 AI use for teachers
13:09 AI misuse for teachers
17:44 Restructuring strategies: homework, quizzes, remedial modules
22:47 Don’t give up on writing assignments
25:40 Value work over outcomes
29:44 Writing as thinking
35:25 Trust in a school community
41:33 Non-AI digital resources in education
44:42 The role of parents
Links:
“Making AI Work for the Good of Our Students,” Report of the Heights AI Task Force, 2026
ChatGPT Holds These Truths to be Self-Evident by Mark Grannis
Teaching Sovereign Knowers Series by Michael Moynihan
The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning—and How to Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Cooney Horvath
Also on the Forum:
Struggling in Math: Where Digital Tools Can Assist in Academic Virtue featuring David Maxham
The Walled Garden: Critical Considerations for Classroom AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti
Classroom Habits of Attention in the Age of AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti
AI and the Take-Home Essay by Dr. Matthew Mehan
Featured Opportunities:
Fall Open House at The Heights School (October 24, 2026)
Fatherhood Conference at The Heights School (November 7, 2026)
Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)