Episode:
12
guest episode
January 16, 2025
Tom D'Amico: A School District's Experimentation with AI
Equity in Schools
AI in Education
Experimental Learning
Listen or watch on your favourite platform
In this episode, Tom dives into the role of AI in education, advocating for curiosity, ethical consideration, and a balanced approach to AI adoption. While AI has the potential to enhance teaching and learning, he explores its dual nature—both widening and bridging the digital divide—and underscores the irreplaceable human elements of teaching. Tom envisions a future defined by competency-based learning, flexible schedules, and relationships that anchor education in the things that truly matter.
resources
- Brisk – AI-powered tool to assist with lesson differentiation and personalized learning.
- Quizizz – Gamified assessment tool to make learning interactive.
- HeyGen – AI-driven translation and dubbing tool for school communication.
- Suno – AI tool for music and creative content generation.
- Artificial Intelligence at the OCSB
- OCSB Artificial Intelligence Guiding Principles
About The Guest
Tom D'Amico
Tom D’Amico is the Director of Education with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. He has 35 years of experience in education. An award-winning educator, he has been recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for teaching excellence, and was named as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. As a Superintendent he received the EXL award for education leadership and as Director of Education he received the provincial Distinguished Leadership award.
Tom has presented across Canada on the topics of educational technology, leadership, and AI in Education. Tom is the Canadian co-lead for New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL), a global partnership of over 3000 schools across 20 countries focused on practices to develop deep learning and the development of global competencies.
He holds an Osgoode certificate in education law; a workplace mental health leadership certificate, a diversity and inclusive management certificate, and an executive certificate in conflict management. Tom is an off-ice official with the NHL and prior to his career in education was the general manager of Ottawa’s professional soccer team, The Ottawa Intrepid.
Tom has presented across Canada on the topics of educational technology, leadership, and AI in Education. Tom is the Canadian co-lead for New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL), a global partnership of over 3000 schools across 20 countries focused on practices to develop deep learning and the development of global competencies.
He holds an Osgoode certificate in education law; a workplace mental health leadership certificate, a diversity and inclusive management certificate, and an executive certificate in conflict management. Tom is an off-ice official with the NHL and prior to his career in education was the general manager of Ottawa’s professional soccer team, The Ottawa Intrepid.
additional information
Championing Canadian Education on the Global Stage
Guest Introduction
Upbringing & Family of Educators
From Soccer to Teaching: A Non-Linear Path
Childhood Memories & Unstructured Play
Reevaluating Math Pathways & Missed Opportunities
Inspiration Across the Education System
Great Classrooms: Collaboration & Deeper Learning
What Makes Canadian Education Unique
AI Integration: Balancing Opportunity & Anxiety
The Potential of AI in Teaching & Learning
Why Teachers Remain Irreplaceable
Narrowing the Digital Divide with AI
Envisioning Education’s Future
If a Magic Wand Existed: Doubling Education Investment
Final Reflections & Recommended Reads
Related Episodes
Episode
61
Leadership in Education
May 6, 2026
Dean MacInnis & Dr. Alec Couros: The Principal and the Professor
Dean MacInnis and Alec Couros explore AI’s impact on school leadership, policy gaps, and protecting writing as thinking.
Episode
7
Equity in Schools
December 31, 2024
Domenic Scuglia: Rugby, Resilience, and District Leadership
Domenic Scuglia explores mentorship, education, and sports in shaping character, leadership, and inclusive learning.
Episode
10
Leadership in Education
January 9, 2025
Mark Pearmain: Education at the Intersection of Technology and Society
Mark Pearmain discusses leading a large district, balancing education and business, and the future of digital learning.
About the Host
Jason Buccheri is a Podcast Host & Edtech Strategist, sharing insights on education, technology, and innovation while building impactful industry connections.
Latest Episode
NEW!
Episode
65
Leadership in Education
September 29, 2026
Scott Miller, Karyn Bruneel, David Noble, and Vince Romeo explore literacy leadership, the science of reading, and AI in education.