This past Tuesday, SAR had the privilege of hosting a transformative AI in Education conference in partnership with The Jewish Education Project. Along with Gary Pretsfelder and Rivkah Shack from The Jewish Education Project, and Sarah Rubinson Levy, a Jewish educator and consultant specializing in educational innovation, SAR brought together forward-thinking educators from 16 schools across New York.
SAR Academy has always believed in embracing innovation while staying true to their core values and mission. This conference was a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. It was inspiring to see representatives from such a diverse array of institutions gathered under one roof.
Notable speaker, Sarah Rubinson, flew in from Denver for the event and shared her expertise in educational innovation and AI integration. Her presentation was deeply resonant with the mission at SAR: to empower faculty and students with both timeless values and the cutting-edge skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
The structure of the day reflected the school’s practical approach to innovation. Rather than simply discussing AI in abstract terms, they made sure participants had hands-on experience with various AI tools and applications. School leaders were particularly impressed by the focused discussions on aligning AI integration with the schools’ values and educational philosophies—a crucial consideration for everyone in Jewish education.
The breakout sessions on policy development were especially valuable. As school leaders, the need to establish frameworks that both embrace innovation and protect educational integrity are paramount. It was inspiring to see administrators and technologists collaborating on creating contextually appropriate AI policies. This kind of thoughtful approach is essential as schools navigate the rapidly changing landscape of education.
What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration throughout the day. The open exchange of ideas, concerns and solutions fostered an atmosphere of collective growth and learning.
SAR feels confident that this conference will serve as a catalyst for the meaningful and safe integration of AI across all schools. SAR is committed to continuing this important work, ensuring that the students are set up for success. Thank you to the participating schools, The Jewish Education Project, and everyone who made this event a success.
Becca Glassberg is director of Technology at SAR Academy.
