Spotlight

Podcasts, publications, keynotes, and media appearances — Vera's work on AI in education and the workplace, across national stages.

Conversations & Interviews

Podcast
May 3, 2026

Modern Classrooms Project — Episode 277: AI Guidelines

Vera joins host Toni Rose to talk about the importance of developing guidelines for using and teaching AI responsibly as it continues to change and develop rapidly.

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Podcast
April 2026

Integrate This! EdTech Podcast — S01 E45: How North Carolina Built Statewide AI Guidelines for Schools

Hosts David Berner and Jeremy Mikla sit down with Vera to explore her journey from middle school teacher to lead architect of NC's statewide AI guidelines — one of the first four states in the nation to publish them. Covers multi-stakeholder policy, teacher training, AI literacy, and what's coming next.

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Podcast
October–December 2025

ClassLink Perspectives — Episode 31: Considerations of AI Tool Adoption

With Patrick Devanney of ClassLink and Pete Just. A deep dive into what districts need to consider before adopting AI tools at scale.

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Podcast
June 2025

Kinwise Conversations — Episode 3: Redefining Education with AI

Vera shares how AI guidelines, project-based learning, and durable-skill portfolios can make classrooms more human — especially in rural and underserved schools. A roadmap for teachers who want safe, student-centered AI adoption.

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Podcast
December 2024

The EdTech Lens by Alex McMillan

A conversation on responsible AI adoption in educational settings, featuring practical advice for district leaders and technology coordinators.

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Podcast
June 2024

Education Disrupted with Stefan Bauschard — Vera Cubero on NC's AI Guidance

An in-depth exploration of how North Carolina approached its statewide AI guidelines process, and what other states can learn from the experience.

Podcast
May 2024

The AI Education Conversation — Episode 59 with Daniel Lopez

"AI Has Arrived: Unveiling North Carolina's Statewide Education Strategy" — May 16, 2024. A detailed walkthrough of NC's AI implementation framework.

Podcast
April 2024

Schurtz and Ties — Episode 70: Finally, a Useful Discussion About AI Integration

"Finally. A useful discussion about AI integration, with Vera Cubero." — April 29, 2024. Practical frameworks for how districts can move from awareness to action.

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Podcast
April 2024

Deep Learning Dialogues — S1E12: Paving the Way

"How AI Guidelines Support Educators — a Conversation with Vera Cubero." April 25, 2024. Part of the WCDSB Innovate podcast series.

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Podcast
2025

explAInED — S.02 Ep.04 (28)

Discussing the necessity of instructional redesign and shifting focus from basic AI literacy to durable human skills like critical thinking and judgment. Recorded during Vera's tenure at NC DPI.

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Written Work & Frameworks

Framework

Responsible Use EVERY Time Framework

Co-created with AI for Education — a practical, classroom-ready framework for responsible AI use that is now used by school districts nationwide.

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Publication
September 2024

State Education Standard — NASBE

"Opportunities and Challenges: Insights from North Carolina's AI Guidelines." Volume 24, No. 3 of the journal of the National Association of State Boards of Education.

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Publication
October/November 2024

Literacy Today — ILA

"Navigating the Future: North Carolina's AI Literacy Initiative." Published in the International Literacy Association's flagship journal.

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Publication
Fall 2025

CASBO School Business — Fall 2025 Issue

"AI Leader Weighs in on Balancing Innovation with Responsible Use." Published in the California Association of School Business Officers journal.

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Media
October 12, 2025

Spectrum News — "Students Explore AI Tools"

Featured in Spectrum News NC coverage of AI tools in education, exploring how students are engaging with AI in the classroom.

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Virtual Events & Expert Panels

National Conference Appearances

  • 🏛️
    National State Legislators' Conference — February 2026 Featured speaker on AI in education — addressing state legislators from across the country on responsible AI policy and implementation in public schools.
  • 🏛️
    Holshouser Legislative Retreat — 2024 & 2025 Featured speaker two consecutive years at North Carolina's premier legislative retreat, briefing lawmakers on AI's impact on education and the workforce.
  • 🗣️
    ISTE / ASCD — San Antonio, TX · June 2025 Presented at the nation's premier education technology conference on AI implementation strategy and responsible use frameworks for K-12.
  • 🎤
    ASCD Leadership Conference — Nashville, TN · October 2024 Expert Panelist on Main Stage. Addressed superintendents and district leaders on building AI-ready school cultures.
  • 🌐
    ISTE Conference — Denver, CO · June 2024 Expert Panel for Code.org / Teach AI Panel. Explored how educators can teach with and about AI responsibly.
  • 🏛️
    National AI Literacy Day — Washington, D.C. · April 2024 Speaker Forum on national AI literacy initiatives and the role of state education agencies in building AI-ready populations.
  • ✈️
    AIR Show — San Diego, CA · April 2024 Co-presentation with Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO of AI for Education. Explored national trends in responsible AI adoption in schools.

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Available for keynotes, workshops, expert panels, and strategy sessions — virtual or in-person.

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