Erin Mote is the CEO and founder of InnovateEDU, a nonprofit working at the intersection of K–12 education, workforce development, higher education, technology, policy, and practice. Featured in Chapter 4, “Important Concepts,” of The AI Toolkit for Librarians, Erin brings a national perspective on AI in education, including her work advising organizations and leaders across government, education, and policy.

This conversation explores the promise and peril of AI, the importance of building AI literacy, and why schools and libraries cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Erin discusses bias, privacy, responsible use, and the need to keep humans at the center of education. She also explains why fear should not lead to avoidance, how hands-on exploration can build confidence, and why librarians have an important role in helping students, families, and communities engage with AI safely, ethically, and thoughtfully.