International speaker and best-selling author Brett Salakas provides a preview of his keynote address at this year’s National Education Summit.
There’s a reason Homer’s Odyssey is still relevant thousands of years later: it’s the ultimate story of a hero’s journey, full of storms, monsters, and unexpected detours. And right now, I think every school leader in Australia is on their own odyssey – only this time, it’s not mythical. It’s the voyage to navigate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education.
That’s why I’ve themed my keynote at this year’s National Education Summit – both in Brisbane and Melbourne – as An AI Odyssey: Navigating the Future of Education. In true form, I’ll be on stage in a toga (yes, really) as ‘Brett Odysseus’, inviting leaders to set sail with me through the uncharted waters of AI.
In Homer’s myth, Odysseus spends years trying to get home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. He’s blown off course by storms, delayed by distractions, and has to battle some pretty fierce monsters along the way. Sound familiar? Right now, many schools are stuck in a similar cycle – unsure how to integrate AI, overwhelmed by choice, or paralysed by fear of the unknown. The problem? We don’t have years to waste. AI is moving fast, and education can’t afford to drift aimlessly while the world changes around us.
Why this journey matters
School leadership is always a journey, but AI has added a whole new dimension. The stakes are high. If we get it right, AI can transform everything from administrative efficiency to learning outcomes. Get it wrong, and we risk making costly mistakes – whether it’s rolling out flashy tools that don’t stick, mishandling student data, or letting fear of change hold us back altogether.
The key message of my session is simple: we need a map. We need to know our ‘true north’ and set a course that’s strategic, intentional, and human-centred. The goal isn’t to let AI take over the ship; it’s to make sure we, as leaders, are confidently steering it.
Facing the monsters
In Odyssey, Odysseus faces all kinds of challenges – Scylla and Charybdis, the Cyclops, the lure of the Sirens. In the AI journey, our monsters look a little different, but they’re no less dangerous.
One monster I see too often is overreliance. There’s a temptation to throw AI at every problem, assuming it’s a magic wand. But AI should be a tool, not a crutch. If we’re not careful, we risk deskilling our teachers or even undermining the human relationships at the heart of good learning.
Another storm to watch is data privacy. AI systems rely on huge amounts of data – but with that comes the responsibility to safeguard student information rigorously. Without robust privacy policies and digital hygiene, schools can end up in very murky waters.
Then there’s what I call the shiny object syndrome. Schools get dazzled by the latest AI tool or app, only to realise it doesn’t fit their real needs or strategic goals. The result? Money wasted, teachers frustrated, and students left no better off.
Finding the treasure
But it’s not all storms and sea monsters. There’s treasure to be found, too – and it’s often in simple, practical wins. One of the easiest and most impactful places to start is reducing teacher admin workload. AI tools that help with lesson planning, report writing, or analysing assessment data can save hours – hours that teachers can reinvest in what matters most: their students.
I’m especially excited to showcase tools like Adobe Acrobat AI, which transforms clunky paperwork into streamlined processes, and Microsoft Copilot, which puts AI right inside your familiar apps to supercharge productivity. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky ideas – they’re practical, here-and-now solutions that school leaders can start trialling tomorrow.
Keeping humanity at the helm
One thing I’ll hammer home in my keynote (and something I’m deeply passionate about) is that AI should never be seen as a replacement for human connection. It’s there to amplify, not replace, what teachers do best. No 15-year-old masters algebra because a computer screen tells them to. They do it because their teacher – someone they trust and respect – sits with them, explains the concept, and encourages them when it’s tough.
This is where leadership comes in. It’s up to us to ensure that AI strengthens, rather than erodes, the humanity of education. We need frameworks that balance innovation with empathy, and policies that put student wellbeing at the centre of every decision.
Why the National Education Summit is a must-attend
The National Education Summit is where Australia’s most passionate educators come together to share, learn, and lead. This year’s AI in the Classroom stream is essential for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve – not just keeping up with change, but actively shaping it.
Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, or aspiring changemaker, you’ll find the tools, ideas, and connections you need to move forward with confidence.
Your call to action
Whether you make it to the summit or not, I challenge every reader to reflect: What’s your AI map? Do you have a clear strategy – or are you hoping to stumble your way to Ithaca? The time to get serious is now. Start small, start smart – but start something. Because if we, as school leaders, don’t steer the ship, someone else – or something else – will. I can’t wait to see you at the summit. Toga and all.
About the author
Mr Brett Salakas, HP Education Ambassador, is a global keynote speaker, best-selling author of A Mammoth Lesson: Teaching in the Digital Age, and founder of #aussieED. A leading voice on LinkedIn in K-12 Education, Mr Salakas was named Australia’s Most Influential Educator (2024) and recognised globally as one of education’s top 100 leaders.
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