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As AI increasingly automates technical tasks across industries, students’ long-term career success will rely less on technical skills alone and more on durable skills or professional skills, often referred to as soft skills. These include empathy, resilience, collaboration, and ethical reasoning–skills that machines can’t replicate.

This critical need is outlined in Future-Proofing Students: Professional Skills in the Age of AI, a new report from Acuity Insights. Drawing on a broad body of academic and market research, the report provides an analysis of how institutions can better prepare students with the professional skills most critical in an AI-driven world.

Key findings from the report:

• 75 percent of long-term job success is attributed to professional skills, not technical expertise.
• Over 25 percent of executives say they won’t hire recent graduates due to lack of durable skills.
• COVID-19 disrupted professional skill development, leaving many students underprepared for collaboration, communication, and professional norms.
• Eight essential durable skills must be intentionally developed for students to thrive in an AI-driven workplace.

“Technical skills may open the door, but it’s human skills like empathy and resilience that endure over time and lead to a fruitful and rewarding career,” says Matt Holland, CEO at Acuity Insights. “As AI reshapes the workforce, it has become critical for higher education to take the lead in preparing students with these skills that will define their long-term success.”

The eight critical durable skills include:

• Empathy
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Motivation
• Resilience
• Ethical reasoning
• Problem solving
• Self-awareness

These competencies don’t expire with technology–they grow stronger over time, helping graduates adapt, lead, and thrive in an AI-driven world.

The report also outlines practical strategies for institutions, including assessing non-academic skills at admissions using Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs), and shares recommendations on embedding professional skills development throughout curricula and forming partnerships that bridge AI literacy with interpersonal and ethical reasoning.

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AI is a present-day reality rapidly integrating into K-12 classrooms. From personalized learning to drafting assignments, AI tools are changing how students learn, write, and create. This transformation holds immense potential, but it’s also happening faster than anyone was ready for. For most school districts, this new reality has created a feeling of “flying blind.” You’re being asked to fly a new kind of plane, at incredible speed, while you’re still building it. And right now, most of the cockpit instruments are dark.

The Alarming Gaps We Can’t See

Perhaps the most alarming challenge is the sheer lack of official guidance. This isn’t a failure of leadership; it’s a symptom of speed. 

Teachers and administrators are operating in a gray area, making decisions on the fly about which tools are permissible and how they should be used. The data confirms this unsettling reality: Nearly half of teachers, principals, and district leaders say their district or school does not have an AI policy, according to a survey conducted in summer 2025 by the EdWeek Research Center.

The greatest hurdles schools face today center on three critical areas: student safety, classroom management, and AI policy enforcement.

The Human Blind Spot: The Student in Crisis

Generative AI chatbots are conversational, making them an attractive, private outlet for students to discuss sensitive topics. While most interactions are harmless, students may enter prompts related to self-harm, violence, bullying, or other concerning behaviors. Unlike regular searches and browsing activity, these often deeply personal conversations happen in a walled-off environment that traditional safety tools don’t have visibility into. This leaves school safety teams with a critical blind spot, unable to intervene when a student is communicating their distress to an AI.

The Classroom Blind Spot: The Teacher in the Dark

When AI is used extensively, educators are struggling to manage its presence in the learning environment. Teachers wonder, “Are my students using it to learn, or just to cheat? Are they exploring new ideas, or just spinning up generic, soulless text?” 

Without clarity, the teacher is burdened with managing a powerful, opaque technology they can’t see. They’re caught between being an innovator and being an AI cop, which distracts from their real mission: to teach.

The District Blind Spot: The Leader Without Data

Finally, there’s the district leader. You’re trying to write responsible policy for a technology that changes every week, but that policy is unenforceable because you have no data. You’re left wondering: Which AI tools are really being used? Are they being applied equitably across different schools? Are the rules we just wrote even being followed?

Without answers, you can’t make smart decisions about technology, ensure safety, or prove that your policies are working.

The Solution: Securly’s AI Transparency for Clarity and Control

The future of K-12 education isn’t about blocking AI. That’s a losing battle, and it locks away a powerful tool for learning.

The key isn’t restriction; it’s transparency.

We need to turn the lights on in the cockpit.

That’s why Securly created the first-of-its-kind AI Transparency Solution, part of the comprehensive Securly safetyOS™ for K-12. It’s designed to close the visibility gap and give districts the tools they need to navigate AI both safely and effectively.

Here’s how it works:

1. For the Student in Crisis: AI Safety Alerts

Student safety in the age of AI requires a new defense. Through seamless integration with Securly Aware, the solution includes AI Safety Alerts that automatically detect and flag risky or concerning AI conversations. Whether a student is expressing suicidal ideation or planning harm, Securly’s award-winning safety engine works 24/7 to catch these critical, life-saving signals within the context of their AI chats. This ensures that the essential layer of safety and wellness support extends to this new digital frontier.

2. For the Teacher in the Dark: Prompt-Level Classroom Visibility

What about the teacher managing their lesson? This solution gives them real-time insight into the exact prompts their students are entering into AI tools, right from the classroom management interface they already use. Teachers can now instantly see how a student is interacting with AI during a lesson. This visibility helps them guide students on responsible AI use and manage the technology within their lessons.

3. For the Leader Without Data: AI Transparency Dashboard

For the district leader, this dashboard is the new instrument panel. For the first time, you get a centralized, high-level view of AI usage across the entire district, and can zoom in by school, grade, or classroom. You can finally make data-informed decisions, see if your policies are working, and ensure equitable access, all while spotting potential policy violations quickly.

4. For the Policy Stuck on Paper: Real AI Guardrails

Instead of simply blocking all AI, Securly enables districts to set granular, district-specific AI policies that align with instructional goals and student privacy requirements. This means schools can limit specific tools by grade level or block inappropriate output, transforming a blanket ban into a nuanced, policy-driven approach. It’s the difference between a blunt instrument and a surgical tool, allowing you to foster ethical AI literacy without sacrificing safety.

Lead the Way, Don’t Be Dragged Along

By delivering this critical transparency and control, Securly’s AI Transparency Solution empowers schools to move beyond anxiety and confidently lead their students into an AI-powered future.

Watch the clip from our recent webinar to hear more about what’s next for AI Transparency in K-12 schools.

Securly CEO Tammy Wincup recently sat down with Lindbergh Schools’ Director of AI and Blended Learning Colin Davitt to explore how districts can lead confidently through the AI revolution. In their conversation, they explore why transparency, not restriction, is the key to empowering safe and effective AI use; how to build a culture of responsible AI use for both students and staff; and practical steps for balancing the promise of innovation with the non-negotiable responsibility to keep students safe.

Watch their full conversation here.

Ready to see Securly’s AI Transparency Solution in action? Schedule a demo today to close the AI visibility gaps in your district.

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When I first started experimenting with AI in my classroom, I saw the same thing repeatedly from students. They treated it like Google. Ask a question, get an answer, move on. It didn’t take long to realize that if my students only engage with AI this way, they miss the bigger opportunity to use AI as a partner in thinking. AI isn’t a magic answer machine. It’s a tool for creativity and problem-solving. The challenge for us as educators is to rethink how we prepare students for the world they’re entering and to use AI with curiosity and fidelity.

Moving from curiosity to fluency

In my district, I wear two hats: history teacher and instructional coach. That combination gives me the space to test ideas in the classroom and support colleagues as they try new tools. What I’ve learned is that AI fluency requires far more than knowing how to log into a platform. Students need to learn how to question outputs, verify information and use results as a springboard for deeper inquiry.

I often remind them, “You never trust your source. You always verify and compare.” If students accept every AI response at face value, they’re not building the critical habits they’ll need in college or in the workforce.

To make this concrete, I teach my students the RISEN framework: Role, Instructions, Steps, Examples, Narrowing. It helps them craft better prompts and think about the kind of response they want. Instead of typing “explain photosynthesis,” they might ask, “Act as a biologist explaining photosynthesis to a tenth grader. Use three steps with an analogy, then provide a short quiz at the end.” Suddenly, the interaction becomes purposeful, structured and reflective of real learning.

AI as a catalyst for equity and personalization

Growing up, I was lucky. My mom was college educated and sat with me to go over almost every paper I wrote. She gave me feedback that helped to sharpen my writing and build my confidence. Many of my students don’t have that luxury. For these learners, AI can be the academic coach they might not otherwise have.

That doesn’t mean AI replaces human connection. Nothing can. But it can provide feedback, ask guiding questions, and provide examples that give students a sounding board and thought partner. It’s one more way to move closer to providing personalized support for learners based on need.

Of course, equity cuts both ways. If only some students have access to AI or if we use it without considering its bias, we risk widening the very gaps we hope to close. That’s why it’s our job as educators to model ethical and critical use, not just the mechanics.

Shifting how we assess learning

One of the biggest shifts I’ve made is rethinking how I assess students. If I only grade the final product, I’m essentially inviting them to use AI as a shortcut. Instead, I focus on the process: How did they engage with the tool? How did they verify and cross-reference results? How did they revise their work based on what they learned? What framework guided their inquiry? In this way, AI becomes part of their learning journey rather than just an endpoint.

I’ve asked students to run the same question through multiple AI platforms and then compare the outputs. What were the differences? Which response feels most accurate or useful? What assumptions might be at play? These conversations push students to defend their thinking and use AI critically, not passively.

Navigating privacy and policy

Another responsibility we carry as educators is protecting our students. Data privacy is a serious concern. In my school, we use a “walled garden” version of AI so that student data doesn’t get used for training. Even with those safeguards in place, I remind colleagues never to enter identifiable student information into a tool.

Policies will continue to evolve, but for day-to-day activities and planning, teachers need to model caution and responsibility. Students are taking our lead.

Professional growth for a changing profession

The truth of the matter is most of us have not been professionally trained to do this. My teacher preparation program certainly did not include modules on prompt engineering or data ethics. That means professional development in this space is a must.

I’ve grown the most in my AI fluency by working alongside other educators who are experimenting, sharing stories, and comparing notes. AI is moving fast. No one has all the answers. But we can build confidence together by trying, reflecting, and adjusting through shared experience and lessons learned. That’s exactly what we’re doing in the Lead for Learners network. It’s a space where educators from across the country connect, learn and support one another in navigating change.

For educators who feel hesitant, I’d say this: You don’t need to be an expert to start. Pick one tool, test it in one lesson, and talk openly with your students about what you’re learning. They’ll respect your honesty and join you in the process.

Preparing students for what’s next

AI is not going away. Whether we’re ready or not, it’s going to shape how our students live and work. That gives us a responsibility not just to keep pace with technology but to prepare young people for what’s ahead. The latest futures forecast reminds us that imagining possibilities is just as important as responding to immediate shifts.

We need to understand both how AI is already reshaping education delivery and how new waves of change will remain on the horizon as tools grow more sophisticated and widespread.

I want my students to leave my classroom with the ability to question, create, and collaborate using AI. I want them to see it not as a shortcut but as a tool for thinking more deeply and expressing themselves more fully. And I want them to watch me modeling those same habits: curiosity, caution, creativity, and ethical decision-making. Because if we don’t show them what responsible use looks like, who will?

The future of education won’t be defined by whether we allow AI into our classrooms. It will be defined by how we teach with it, how we teach about it, and how we prepare our students to thrive in a world where it’s everywhere.

Ian McDougall, Yuma Union High School District

Ian McDougall is a history teacher and edtech coach at Yuma Union High School District in Arizona. He also facilitates the Lead for Learners Community, an online hub for learner-centered educators nationwide. With extensive experience in K–12 education and technology integration, Ian supports schools in adopting innovative practices through professional development and instructional coaching. He holds a master’s degree in United States history from Adams State University, further strengthening his expertise as both a teacher and coach.

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This press release originally appeared online.

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A new collaborative report from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and engagement platform ThoughtExchange reveals a swift rise in the use of AI in K-12 communication and provides guidance for its effective, ethical use in public schools.

Future-Proofing K-12 Communications: School PR Strategies in the Age of AI draws on insights from 200 school communication professionals across 37 states. The findings illustrate how AI is enhancing day-to-day work and underscore the importance of thoughtful policies, staff training and transparency around its use.

As the technology becomes more embedded in daily practice, the report emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with intention.

“School communicators have always been adaptable and forward-thinking, and it’s no surprise many have been on the leading edge of exploring how AI can support their work,” said Barbara M. Hunter, APR, executive director of NSPRA. “But while AI offers exciting potential, it cannot replace the strategy, relationships and human voice that define effective school PR. As technology evolves, what matters most is using AI in ways that reflect ethics, transparency and a clear understanding of the role human judgment still plays.”

Key findings from the report note that:

• 91 percent of respondents are already using AI tools in their communications work
• 69 percent report that their districts do not have a formal policy on employee AI use
• 61 percent say they do not disclose their use of AI in official communications

The report shows how communicators are using AI to streamline processes, improve accessibility and respond quickly in time-sensitive situations. While many report increased efficiency and clarity, concerns remain around data privacy, misinformation and overreliance on automation.

“At ThoughtExchange, we believe AI is becoming an indispensable ally for school district communications professionals–amplifying their reach, insight and responsiveness,” said George Psiharis, CEO of ThoughtExchange. “However, the authenticity of human connection remains at the heart of trust and understanding. Our research shows that when school districts deeply listen to their communities, they not only elevate engagement, they drive better, more aligned policy outcomes that reflect the true needs of those they serve.”

What district leaders can do now

To support responsible AI use, the report outlines four key recommendations for school systems:

1. Enhance AI education and awareness
2. Accelerate policy timelines to match technology’s pace
3. Expand AI policy scope from its current student focus to include employees
4. Shift from urgency-driven to proactive policy formation

These recommendations are paired with practical tips to help districts bridge the gap between emerging technologies and the people using them to support students, staff and families. The guidance reinforces that AI is most effective when paired with human oversight and communication rooted in trust.

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