Tools & Platforms
Rice University launches AI in education role to drive teaching innovation

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, Rice University is hiring an Assistant Director for AI and Education to guide faculty on how best to integrate the technology into teaching and learning. The newly created position reflects the university’s broader strategic focus on “responsible AI,” a priority set out in its 2024 institutional plan.
AI integration at the center of new Rice University role
The new position was shared on LinkedIn by Jennifer Shade Wilson, Director of the Program in Writing and Communication at Rice University. The post highlights the university’s focus on supporting AI use in pedagogy, noting the role will help staff explore how AI intersects with teaching strategy, experimentation, and institutional values.
According to Wilson’s LinkedIn post, “One of the tenets of Rice’s strategic plan adopted in Fall 2024 is ‘responsible AI,’ and this position will help support that work on the teaching side of the university.”
The job listing states the Assistant Director will report to the Associate Provost for Digital Learning and Strategy and will work across departments to identify promising use cases, lead faculty innovation pilot programs, and oversee communications related to AI-in-education initiatives.
“Reporting to the Associate Provost for Digital Learning and Strategy, this role will co-design and manage faculty-focused innovation pilot programs, lead communications related to Rice’s AI-in-education initiatives, and build a culture of experimentation around AI-powered pedagogy,” the job post reads.
The role also includes collaboration with internal partners, such as the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Transformational Technology and Innovation unit. The goal is to align pilot projects with Rice’s long-term academic goals and its commitment to experimentation in teaching.
Expectations and candidate profile
The university is seeking a candidate with strong familiarity in instructional design, generative AI tools, and strategic faculty engagement. The ideal applicant should be comfortable working across academic and technical teams, facilitating partnerships, and leading innovation efforts.
“The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and empathetic collaborator who thrives at the intersection of educational innovation, emerging technology, and faculty engagement,” the job post notes.
Applicants must have at least four years of professional experience in fields such as academic innovation or instructional design. A hybrid working arrangement is offered, with an annual salary range of $96,000–$106,000.
Rice Digital Learning, the team overseeing the position, is responsible for expanding access to Rice’s academic programs through flexible digital education. It partners with faculty to create online and hybrid learning opportunities.
The appointment is one of many recent developments in U.S. higher education aimed at supporting faculty with the growing demands of AI literacy and application.
Tools & Platforms
Oak Lawn Community High School to implement AI gun detection tech – NBC Chicago

A high school in suburban Chicago was awarded a grant to implement AI-powered gun detection technology.
Oak Lawn Community High School District 229 was one of 50 recipients selected nationwide for the Omnilert Secure Schools Grant Program, the school said in a recent announcement.
The district was awarded a three-year license for Omnilert Gun Detect, an “advanced AI-powered gun detection technology” — at no cost.
The AI system identifies firearms “in real-time through existing security camera infrastructure,” the announcement said.
Once a potential threat is identified, the AI system activates a rapid response process by alerting school officials and law enforcement, ultimately ensuring that threats can be addressed “as quickly and effectively as possible,” the announcement said.
The implementation of the AI system aligns with District 229’s security strategy, that includes a combination of physical safety measures, emergency preparedness and mental health resources, the announcement said.
The school said staff training and safety drills will be done to ensure the technology is used effectively and responsibly.
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