EdGate Powers Podcast #39- with Amber Berry

Schools everywhere are exploring artificial intelligence, but successful adoption requires more than selecting the right tools. The real challenge is preparing educators, students, and institutions for a future where AI transforms how learning happens, not just how technology is used.

In this episode of the EdGate Powers Podcast, Rich Portelance sits down with Amber Berry, Vice President of AI and Strategy at the Middle States Association and co-founder of Responsible AI and Learning (RAIL), to discuss how education leaders can approach AI as a catalyst for long-term, mission-driven change.

Rather than focusing on technology first, Amber explains why schools should begin by defining the learning outcomes they want for students and aligning AI initiatives with their broader vision. From governance and professional development to academic integrity and community engagement, the conversation explores what it takes to build future-ready schools that can adapt to continuous change.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • Why schools should define their "North Star" before implementing AI initiatives.
  • How AI can support meaningful learning outcomes instead of simply automating existing practices.
  • Why academic integrity conversations should begin with assignment design and student learning.
  • What teachers need to build confidence through AI literacy and safe experimentation.
  • How school leaders can create lasting change through governance, stakeholder engagement, and flexible policies.
  • Why future-ready schools prioritize adaptability, continuous improvement, and mission alignment.

Why This Conversation Matters

AI is reshaping education at every level, but there is no universal roadmap for implementation. School leaders are balancing questions around teacher readiness, student use of AI, governance, privacy, and long-term strategy, all while technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.

Organizations that approach AI as part of a broader change management strategy, rather than simply another technology initiative, will be better equipped to support educators, strengthen student outcomes, and build resilient learning communities.

Join Rich Portelance and Amber Berry as they explore how schools can move beyond AI adoption and begin building systems that prepare students and institutions for the future.

Image of two young students using a computer at school.

Learn practical strategies for leading AI-driven change while keeping student outcomes, teacher support, and school mission at the center.

Watch the Recording


Rich Portelance is passionate about EdTech and helping people discover pathways to successful careers. He leverages his many years of business experience in strategy, product development, brand creation and sales & marketing as a frequent industry speaker and sought after consultant.

Beginning his career in digital marketing and web development, Rich was recruited into the private, independent school market to help usher in digital technologies and social media. During this time, Richard served as a student advisor, and was nominated to serve on the CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) Technology Commission. In 2012, Rich joined York & Chapel, a brand and digital transformation agency where he began working with secondary and higher ed clients, developing strategies for student engagement and pathway creation. In 2014 Richard founded CareerPath, a SaaS engagement platform. Over the past ten years, Rich has given back to the industry as an advisor to numerous EdTech startups, and generally has had a blast doing what he loves to do — help others succeed.

Amber Berry serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Middle States Association, where she focuses on expanding programs and services to better support member schools across the United States and internationally.

Amber brings a strong background in education leadership, school administration, and curriculum development, along with extensive experience in the accreditation process. Prior to joining Middle States, she served as Head of Middle School at St. Luke's School in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she also held leadership roles as Chair of the World Language Department and Director of the Fellows Program.

A recognized thought leader in education, Amber combines classroom experience with strategic leadership to help schools strengthen continuous improvement efforts and better serve students and educators worldwide. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, studied at Middlebury College, and received her Ed.M. from Columbia University.

Amber Berry serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Middle States Association, where she focuses on expanding programs and services to better support member schools across the United States and internationally.

Amber brings a strong background in education leadership, school administration, and curriculum development, along with extensive experience in the accreditation process. Prior to joining Middle States, she served as Head of Middle School at St. Luke's School in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she also held leadership roles as Chair of the World Language Department and Director of the Fellows Program.

A recognized thought leader in education, Amber combines classroom experience with strategic leadership to help schools strengthen continuous improvement efforts and better serve students and educators worldwide. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, studied at Middlebury College, and received her Ed.M. from Columbia University.

Rich is passionate about eEdTech and helping people discover pathways to successful careers. He leverages his many years of business experience in strategy, product development, brand creation and sales & marketing as a frequent industry speaker and sought after consultant.

Beginning his career in digital marketing and web development, Rich was recruited into the private, independent school market to help usher in digital technologies and social media. During this time, Richard served as a student advisor, and was nominated to serve on the CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) Technology Commission. In 2012, Rich joined York & Chapel, a brand and digital transformation agency where he began working with secondary and higher ed clients, developing strategies for student engagement and pathway creation. In 2014 Richard founded CareerPath, a SaaS engagement platform. Over the past ten years, Rich has given back to the industry as an advisor to numerous EdTech startups, and generally has had a blast doing what he loves to do — help others succeed.



Questions Answered

During the podcast, we tackle plenty of critical questions that many school leaders are asking as they attempt to adapt and change with new technologies.

  • What does the Middle States Association do?

  • What are the most common challenges school leaders are wrestling with today?

  • Are there any noteworthy misconceptions about independent schools?

  • If you are a school looking into innovation, are schools with support systems able to sustain innovation better than schools without these systems?

  • How can school leaders create alignment without creating bureaucracy?

  • Are there certain concerns that are coming up regarding AI adoption that resonate across the whole spectrum?

 
  • What is needed to support teachers as best as possible with AI integration? What are we telling teachers in that space?

  • What makes the difference between technology that creates clarity and technology that creates complexity?

  • How important is it to have a strong underlying framework or system when schools are implementing some of these new initiatives, and what does that framework look like?

  • If schools want to become more agile and future-ready, what foundational capabilities should they prioritize first?

  • What is one thing you would tell school administrators to better prepare their students and faculty for AI?

  • What is one thing educational leaders should stop doing right now?