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Professional Summary
A Career Built at Every Level of Education
I've spent 30 years in public education working at the classroom, school, district, and state levels — giving me a rare vantage point on how change actually happens in complex organizations. My most recent role at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction put me at the center of one of the most significant shifts in education in decades: the arrival of generative AI.
As the state's lead AI implementer, I didn't just write policy — I built coalitions, trained educators, navigated stakeholder resistance, and designed frameworks that balanced innovation with responsibility. The result was a set of guidelines recognized nationally as a model for other states.
Now, as an independent consultant, I bring that same systems-thinking, people-first approach to small businesses and educational institutions ready to navigate the AI era with clarity and purpose.
Experience
Professional History
2026 – Present
Founder & Principal Consultant
Cubero Consulting · Pisgah Forest, NC
Independent AI implementation consultant helping small businesses and educational institutions navigate the AI era with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
- Delivering keynotes, workshops, and strategy sessions for K-12, higher education, and business clients
- Supporting organizations in developing AI policies, guidelines, and implementation roadmaps
- Providing leadership coaching for executives and district leaders on workforce AI integration
2022 – 2026
AI Implementation Lead / Digital Learning Specialist
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) · Raleigh, NC
Led North Carolina's statewide AI strategy for PK-13 public education. Served as the primary architect of NC's Generative AI Recommendations and Considerations, released January 2024 — now a national model cited by education leaders across the country.
- Authored NC's PK-13 AI Guidelines — recognized by Sal Khan (Khan Academy), Pat Yongpradit (Code.org), and Amanda Bickerstaff (AI for Education) as among the nation's best
- Co-created the "Responsible Use EVERY Time" framework in collaboration with AI for Education
- Represented NC at national conferences including ISTE, ASCD, National AI Literacy Day, and EdWeek
- Designed and delivered statewide professional development for educators on AI literacy and responsible use
- Collaborated with Code.org, Khan Academy, and AI for Education on national initiatives
Earlier Career
District & School-Level Leadership
North Carolina Public Schools
Approximately 25 years serving in public education at the school and district level in various instructional leadership, curriculum, and technology integration roles across North Carolina.
- Led curriculum development, instructional coaching, and professional development initiatives
- Managed technology integration programs at the district level
- Developed deep expertise in adult learning, change management, and educational leadership
Notable Achievements
Impact & Recognition
🏆 NC AI Guidelines — Nationally Recognized
Primary author of North Carolina's PK-13 Generative AI Recommendations (January 2024), recognized by Sal Khan, Pat Yongpradit, and Amanda Bickerstaff as among the best in the country.
🤝 Co-created "Responsible Use EVERY Time" Framework
Developed in collaboration with AI for Education — now used by school districts nationwide as a foundational responsible AI use framework.
🎤 5+ National Keynotes & Expert Panels
Featured as expert panelist and keynote speaker at ISTE (Denver & San Antonio), ASCD (Nashville), National AI Literacy Day (Washington DC), and the AIR Show (San Diego).
🏛️ NC Governor's AI Leadership Council
Appointed to serve on North Carolina's Governor's AI Leadership Council — advising state leadership on responsible AI policy, workforce readiness, and implementation strategy.
📖 10+ Publications & Podcast Appearances
Featured in EdWeek, NASBE State Education Standard, Literacy Today, CASBO, explAInED, Deep Learning Dialogues, ClassLink Perspectives, Education Disrupted, and more.
Education & Credentials
Academic Background
Education / Leadership
North Carolina University System
Degrees and credentials supporting a 30-year career in public education leadership, curriculum design, and instructional technology. (Details available upon request.)
For a complete credential list, please reach out via the contact form.
Selected Publications & Frameworks
Published Work
NC Generative AI Recommendations and Considerations for PK-13 Public Schools
North Carolina DPI · January 2024 · go.ncdpi.gov/AI_Guidelines
Responsible Use EVERY Time Framework
AI for Education (collaboration) · aiforeducation.io
"Opportunities and Challenges: Insights from North Carolina's AI Guidelines"
State Education Standard, NASBE · September 2024, Vol. 24, No. 3 · Read Article →
"Navigating the Future: North Carolina's AI Literacy Initiative"
Literacy Today · October/November 2024 · Read Article →
"AI Leader Weighs in on Balancing Innovation with Responsible Use"
CASBO School Business · Fall 2025 · Read Article →
"These Students Aren't Waiting for the Future — They're Building It"
Education Disrupted Substack (Stefan Bauschard) · 2026 · Read Post →