From AI to EI: Strengthening Human Connections
May 01, 2026
AI APPLIED
When I became superintendent, one of my first observations was that our leaders were spending too much time behind their screens and not enough time dealing directly with people. Amid compliance reports, contracts and communications, the minutes that matter most — those spent observing classrooms and supporting staff — were slipping away.
To change that, we adopted a simple approach: Use artificial intelligence to save time, then reinvest that time in relationships and feedback. In Vallejo, we call the initiative “From AI to EI,” pairing artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence. The goal is to help managers work smarter while staying connected to their teams, where they can have the most impact as educational leaders.
Our tool of choice is NotebookLM, an AI assistant trained on our school district’s policies, procedures and communications. Managers use it to draft letters, search school board policies and create quick summaries, all within a secure district environment. What matters most, though, is what they do with the time they gain.
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Author
Rubén AurelioAdvertisement
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