AI and the Future of Schooling - Information Evening for Parents and Carers

Event Information

How do we shape a future for education in which humans are not the only entities in schools?

Matt Esterman will explore the current landscape of AI, the opportunities and the risks, the ways in which we can act responsibly even when AI companies don’t, and - most importantly - how we remain a force for good in the lives of our students. We will explore what students really think and do with AI, what staff and school leaders are doing, and even the impact of AI on our parents.

This new world is vast, and we do have a chance to bend the future towards better. But only if we act together, and act now.

Presenter Information

Matt Esterman has over 20 years working in schools and beyond as a leading voice in the thoughtful adoption of technology. He is a trained History teacher with two masters degrees, who has made a significant contribution to educational thinking in Australia and overseas.

He has written articles, book chapters, presented at local, state, national and international conferences on history, technology, and, of course, AI in education.

Matt has been recognised with several awards, most recently a Commonwealth Bank national Teaching Fellow award, and a NSW Teacher’s Guild fellowship. Matt has founded The Next Word, a consultancy that seeks to leverage AI and other technologies to help shape a better future.

He works with schools, universities and other organisations to increase awareness and capability in using AI. He has co-authored two books with Dr Nick Jackson, “The Next Word: AI & Teachers” (2024) and also “The Next Word: AI & Learners” (2025) co-written with award-winning high school student Amy Wallace.

Matt has been appointed an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Education at Western Sydney University, and is a member of the HP Futures: AI & Leadership Council. In 2026, he is working with several schools and systems on thoughtful governance, strategy and implementation of AI within thriving school communities. In partnership with ClassCover, he is also co-founder of Educator Intelligence, a platform that will help educators across the world build and maintain their knowledge and skills in AI.