7 AI, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Teaching Trends: ISTE 2025

Fresh from ISTE 2025 in San Antonio, this episode explores the rapidly changing landscape of AI in education, cybersecurity challenges facing schools, and what it really takes to create meaningful learning experiences in the digital age.

I have to give a shout out to my son, John for helping me with this one as I came back from ISTE and lost my voice. So, the news at the beginning and announcement of my top tools at the end was written by me, but my son, John, did a great job with the voice over. (Hey, give him a shoutout in the comments, that would be nice!)

Let’s dig in.

✔️Check out all of our ISTE 2025 updates at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/iste2025

This Episode Features:

• Dr. Sarah Thomas (Regional Technology Coordinator, Prince George’s County Public Schools) on using AI to reclaim your creative genius
• Dr. Caitlin Tucker (Author of “Elevating Educational Design with AI”) on the UDL framework that makes AI actually useful for differentiation
• Jay James (Auburn University) on building student-powered cybersecurity programs that protect schools while creating career pathways with the SOC “student operations center approach.

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Listen to the Audio on the Podcast

Topic 1: AI Updates: The Good, The Challenging, and The Practical

Several major AI developments emerged just before and during ISTE 2025. Microsoft released Copilot for Schools for ages 13 and up, while Google made Gemini available to all ages and rolled out over 30 AI tools for Google Classroom. However, these advances come with implementation challenges—particularly around monitoring, where only IT administrators can review student chats in many systems.

Key Developments:

• Microsoft Copilot for Schools: Now available for ages 13+, with the ability to create age-based groups
• Google Gemini: Released for all ages with new classroom integration features
• AI Rubric Conversion: Google’s new tool converts your existing rubrics into Google Classroom format
• Monitoring Challenge: Only IT administrators can view student chats, creating oversight difficulties for teachers

Apple took a notably different approach, moving most of their AI strategy to 2026. So, Apple schools will just have to figure out other options, for now. We give a full roundup on the show.

The NPU Architecture in new PC’s: Microsoft’s new Neural Processing Units (NPUs) enable Small Language Models (SLMs) to run locally on devices without cloud connectivity, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining AI functionality and offloading AI processing to the local machine instead of the cloud.

✔️Check out all of our ISTE 2025 updates at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/iste2025

Topic 2: AI as a Creativity Amplifier with Dr. Sarah Thomas

Dr. Sarah Thomas, founder of EduMatch and regional technology coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools, offers a refreshing perspective on AI integration that moves beyond fear-based adoption.

Moving From Productivity to Creativity

“AI, if you use it for productivity, then that actually frees up your time so that you’re able to actually shine and devote your own space and creativity to your zone of genius.”

Dr. Thomas describes practical applications like using AI to convert spoken presentation run-throughs into bullet-point speaker notes:

“I created the slides myself. I created the content myself, but I went and I did a run through of how I was going to present it, and I spoke to the AI, and I was just like, if you could just give me this back in bullet point format so I could plug it in on my speaker notes.”

The Safety-First Approach

When it comes to student use, Thomas emphasizes the critical importance of privacy and verification:

“We definitely need to model with our students on how to use it ethically, and how to also use it in order to maximize their output. So not just to run it through, copy and paste, whatever the output is.”

Her advice for educators starting their AI journey is clear:

“Safety first, definitely safety first. And on the flip side of that, also evaluating the output… even if it does 80% of the work, that’s 20% that eyeballs on it.”

Students as AI Writing Tutors

Sarah shares examples of students using AI effectively:

“Students have been using it as a writing tutor, but they would create their essay and then they would ask the AI to help give them feedback, help poke holes in and things of that nature.”

Topic 3: Do AI Lesson Planners Measure Up? with Dr. Catlin Tucker

Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and international trainer, tackles one of education’s biggest AI misconceptions: that generic lesson plan generators are sufficient for quality instruction. With her expertise in UDL, she holds up a light to examine the quality of AI lesson and what we can do about it as educators.

The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All AI

Dr. Tucker’s new book “Elevating Educational Design with AI” emerged from concern about social media posts celebrating AI tools that “spits out a lesson, or it spits out an entire unit.”

“It’s not spitting out a new and improved lesson. It’s spitting out the same one size fits all teacher led experiences that educators have been using forever, and I would argue to not great results.”

The Prompting Reality

Catlin emphasizes that effective AI use requires sophisticated understanding:

“If you generate a lesson from an AI powered education tool, then you almost always have to go into an AI chat bot… Then you have to know how to prompt it so that you are creating a lesson that is differentiated, that offer students agency and meaningful choices.”

Universal Design for Learning Framework

Catlin’s approach centers on systematic design:

“Think big, get excited about the possibilities. Start small… maybe the first thing you’re doing is working with the AI to create construct specific options or choices, right? Really honoring student agency.”

She warns against superficial choice implementation:

“A mistake for sure is we’re giving students a choice, but they’re just kind of like random choices, right? They’re not connected.”

Teachers as Architects, Not Information Deliverers

Tucker challenges educators to reframe their role:

“We are architects and then we are facilitators, and in that role as facilitators, we are working side by side with students leaning into this human work that I can’t do listening, observing, organically, responding to students needs, being compassionate, building relationships.”

Her vision for meaningful choice extends beyond simple options:

“Why does every kid need to write an argumentative essay on the same prompt? Why don’t you design your own prompt with AI?”

The Station Rotation Model: Dr. Tucker’s framework allows teachers to work with small groups while other students engage in self-directed learning, creating opportunities for differentiated instruction that AI tools often miss.

Topic 4: Cybersecurity Education Through Real-World Experience with Jay James from Auburn University

Jay James, Cybersecurity Operations Lead at Auburn University, addresses the critical cybersecurity workforce shortage (400,000 jobs) through an innovative student program that provides authentic learning while protecting the university. This also helps as the increasing needs of cybersecurity on campuses are becoming challenged. He integrates Microsoft Security Copilot and other AI tools to help his students learn and troubleshoot while under the supervision of those who are trained and do this every day. This is a great example of a win win program!

Selecting Students: Passion Over Prior Knowledge

“The ones that do the best are the ones that are passionate, the ones that are curious, the ones that really want to do it. And when they come in, they have that aptitude. It’s really easy to teach them and get them up to speed.”

James recruits across disciplines:

“We don’t limit it to just the College of Engineering, even though a lot of our students come from there. We recruit from the College of Business, we open it to all of the colleges.”

Why Schools Are Targets

Educational institutions face unique cybersecurity challenges:

“They have a lot of data that attackers are interested in. We’re looking at that research data… they’re just good playing grounds to test out new attacks.”

AI in Cybersecurity: Fighting Fire with Fire

“AI is great and it’s great for us, but also it’s great for the attacker. They are doing their attacks faster, better and they skill. So the only way that we can compete against that is fighting fire with fire.”

James describes innovative AI integration:

“Some of our students actually prompt IT Security Copilot to ask, hey, can you be a mentor but also a trainer while I work on these incidents? So in real time, while they are working through incidents or learning about alerts, security Copilot is coaching them.”

Building SOC Programs

For institutions considering similar programs:

“Start with where you are… you’re going to have to sell this to someone… we don’t give students enough credit. They’re also students at the university, so they have to find all of these agreements of what they will and will not do.”

See Microsoft’s Article on Student SOCs and what Jay James is doing to dig deeper.

Topic 5: The Human Element – Why AI Can’t Replace Teaching Relationships

During every AI discussion I’ve recorded for ISTE 2025, a powerful theme has emerged: the irreplaceable value of human connection in education.

I shared the story of a student I taught two years ago who still calls me for life advice. The best thing I taught him? How to show up to class on time (according to him.)

This exemplifies what Dr. Tucker meant when she said teachers are “architects of learning experiences.” We design not just lessons but life-changing moments that no AI can replicate that often extend far beyond academics into life lessons that can only be taught by another living human being.

Based on conference buzz, several tools emerged as educator favorites:

1. Brisk – Chrome extension using AI for teacher feedback and email writing
2. Snorkl – Graphics tool for math and language teachers with instant feedback features
3. Suno – Music creation tool, now with custom lyrics (elementary teachers using it to create music from student poems)
4. Google Veo 3 – New video tool with voice and conversation generation
5. Google Notebook LM – Available for all ages with interactive podcast features
6. Microsoft One Note gets AI upgrades

Pro Tip: Before implementing any tool, create a test student account and try to “break it” – test profanity filters, inappropriate requests, and edge cases your students will inevitably discover.

Topic 7: Instagram’s School Safety Partnership – A Game Changer for Digital Wellbeing

In a significant announcement at ISTE, Instagram unveiled a partnership specifically designed to combat one of schools’ most persistent digital challenges: cyberbullying and harmful social media behavior.

👉 Apply here: https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/school-partnerships-program

The Instagram School Program Features:

• Official School Account Verification: Only verified school accounts can access enhanced reporting features (so the school instagram account MUST be the one to apply.)
• Fast-Track Reporting: Reports of fight pages, bullying, and harmful content receive priority review
• Direct Communication Channel: Schools get a dedicated pathway to Instagram’s safety team
• Preventive Resources: Access to digital citizenship materials and parent education resources

How to Apply:

1. You must apply using your school’s official Instagram account (not personal principal or teacher accounts)
2. Complete the verification process through Instagram’s education portal
3. Designate authorized staff members who can submit reports
4. Implement the provided training materials for staff and students

Why This Matters: With students reporting that much of school-related harassment happens on social media platforms outside school hours, this partnership provides schools with tools to address issues that impact the learning environment, even when they originate online.

Implementation Timeline: Apply immediately. The verification process can take several weeks, so early application is crucial.

Moving Forward: Practical Implementation

The episode’s key takeaway centers on thoughtful, safety-first implementation. Whether using AI for productivity and creativity (Thomas), differentiated lesson design (Tucker), or cybersecurity training (James), success requires:

• Testing tools thoroughly before student use
• Maintaining human oversight and verification
• Focusing on meaningful choice and authentic learning experiences
• Preserving the relational foundation of education

As we navigate this AI-enhanced educational landscape, these expert voices remind us that the most powerful technology is only as effective as the thoughtful humans who implement it.

Listen to the full episode: Available wherever you get podcasts
Show notes and resources: coolcatteacher.com
Connect with guests (here are their bios as submitted)

Jay James

Jay James is a cybersecurity professional and technology educator who currently serves as the Cybersecurity Operations Lead at Auburn University. In this role he leads the cybersecurity student worker program, where students gain hands-on learning through real-world experiences that also help protect the university. The program blends security operations and mentorship to give students practical, high-impact exposure. It also integrates AI tools into their daily workflows, preparing them to navigate the evolving tech landscape. Jay also serves as an adjunct faculty member and cybersecurity instructor at several institutions, further supporting student growth in and out of the classroom. Through this approach, he is developing cybersecurity professionals who are job-ready and mission-driven from day one.

Blog: https://leadershipjay.com/

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipjay/

Dr. Sarah Thomas

Sarah Thomas, PhD is the founder of EduMatch, an organization that empowers educators to make global connections across common areas of interest.  She has spoken and presented internationally, participated in the Technical Working Group to refresh the 2017 ISTE Standards for Educators, and is a recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen award.  Sarah is a co-author of the ISTE digital equity series, Closing the Gap, the winner of the 2023 Maryland Society for Educational Technology Outstanding Leader Using Technology award, and the 2023 Leader of the Year as designated by the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

Blog: www.EduMatch.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/edumatchfam

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jane-thomas/

Podcast: EduMatch Tweet & Talk https://open.spotify.com/show/57CTSLSXGcuQbk14AiiYWD

Dr. Catlin Tucker

Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her master’s in education at the University of California at Santa Barbara and her doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University. She delivered her first TEDx Talk, Education Reimagined: Student-led Learning, in June 2024.  Catlin has published eleven books, including The Station Rotation & UDL, Elevating Educational Design with AI, The Shift to Student-led, and The Complete Guide to Blended Learning. She hosts The Balance podcast and is active on X @Catlin_Tucker and Instagram @CatlinTucker. You can learn about Catlin’s work on her website,

CatlinTucker.com. Blog: https://catlintucker.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/catlin_tucker?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCatlinTucker

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-catlin-tucker-7033b531/

Podcast: The Balance with Dr. Catlin Tucker https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-balance-by-dr-catlin-tucker/id1485751335

How are you implementing AI in your classroom? What challenges have you encountered? Share your experiences in the comments below.