Leading the AI transformation in schools: it starts with a digital mindset

Abstract Rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI) require dynamic adaptation in education to integrate new technologies timely and sustainably. In particular, the rise of generative AI requires leadership to implement it in a meaningful way for teaching and learning. School leaders have a special role to play in driving digital transformation. Based on a sample of German school leaders, this article explores how school leadership approaches and a digital mindset influence the implementation of AI in schools. Our findings provide initial and preliminary evidence that school leaders’ digital mindsets, particularly proactive agility and empathy, understood as perspective taking, influence the implementation of AI in schools. Furthermore, the findings highlight the effectiveness of ambidextrous leadership in driving AI implementation. As a consequence, our study paves the way for future explorations of the evolving landscape of AI in education and highlights the need for adaptive, empathetic, and proactive leadership in the digital age.