Welcome to the ACE Alumni Spotlight, where we highlight alumni members and share what they are up to.
Dr. Nneka McGee is an innovative educational leader with extensive recognition for effective and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) integration in education settings. She graduated from American College of Education (ACE) with an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2024 and primarily serves as the founder and strategic advisor for Muon Global. We were thrilled to hear more about her latest accomplishment as a published author.
ACE: Congratulations on your recent publication through the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)! Tell us how “AI for Young Learners” came to be and how you hope it impacts AI use in early childhood education.
Dr. Nneka McGee (NM): Since 2023, I have presented a session called “AI for Littles” at numerous conferences. I was inspired to develop the presentation because many AI-powered tools are not appropriate for young learners. Since they should still learn about AI, I created a series of hands-on activities and questioning techniques designed to spark curiosity.
An editor reached out to me about turning my session into a book, and after careful consideration, we decided that a Jump Start Guide with six information-packed pages would be a better entry point for educators and families looking to introduce AI to kids in safe, age-appropriate ways.
ACE: You also recently published an article with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) about AI-enabled accessibility tools that support literacy for students with diverse learning needs. How do you see the tools positively impacting special education?
NM: I believe in access and opportunity. Too often, we see special education equated with lower expectations. Access to AI tools offers an opportunity to level the playing field. Many people are familiar with instructional supports such as text-to-speech, but there are important examples beyond direct classroom use that also deserve attention.
Some tools can support earlier identification, helping students receive the services and interventions they need for academic success sooner. Others help families better understand and navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and these tools have been a gamechanger.
Ultimately, we want to remove barriers and support our kids, and when used properly, AI-powered tools and programs can play an essential role.
ACE: When you published your dissertation at ACE on K-12 teachers’ perceptions of AI, these technologies were still emerging. How did your research inspire your innovation and leadership in AI today?
NM: When I started my doctoral program at ACE, I would never have thought my research would lead me to where I am today. Initially, I was interested in AI and looking for different ways to support learning. Before the release of ChatGPT, I had already launched one AI-related initiative and was on the cusp of launching another.
I have a passion for AI and emerging technologies in education, and my research and work are a reflection of my dedication to ensuring students have opportunities to explore these innovations. I am humbled and honored that people have recognized my work and have asked me to speak and present at events nationwide.
ACE: You were promoted twice while completing your ACE degree, ultimately becoming a school district chief academic officer and now a founder and strategic advisor in educational technology, specifically AI. How did your degree set the foundation for your career growth?
NM: I credit ACE with providing a pathway toward pursuing my passion and advancing my career. Earning a doctoral degree is no small feat, and it shows you have discipline and the ability to plan and persevere. I think those qualities were part of the reasons for my career growth.
When I completed my dissertation, educators and organizations were looking for people with experience who could help guide them through AI implementation. I was humbled and happy to be in a position to support the efforts of institutions from K-12 to higher education. It would not have been possible without ACE.
ACE: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in educational technology and leadership as the education landscape continues to shift toward AI?
NM: First, I would advise someone to work on the “why.” What are your reasons for wanting to serve in educational technology or leadership?
I would also encourage people to learn about AI from what I would call “anchor sources” such as:
- United States Department of Labor
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
- ISTE
- Digital Promise
For additional research, I recommend the AI Hub for Education from Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s SCALE initiative. Aspiring leaders may want to join a cohort through ED SAFE Alliance or other organizations.
Purpose, credible learning and professional community together form the foundation for thoughtful and effective leadership in this space.
Being an American College of Education alumni has its perks. When you return as an alum for another program, you can save 5% off your tuition with the Alumni Continuing Education Grant.
