Tatiana Ciccarelli joins Thinkering as both an Impact Board member for Thinkering Collective and guest columnist for Thinkering Media, bringing a powerful blend of classroom experience, district leadership, and forward-thinking innovation in educational technology. With a career spanning roles from New York City public schools teacher to district instructional lead and now National Solutions Director at Edmentum, Tatiana’s work reflects a deep commitment to keeping students and educators at the center of learning transformation.
In her inaugural commentary, Tatiana explores the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. She acknowledges both the excitement and the apprehension surrounding AI, describing the current moment as one where schools are “at the crest of the wave,” navigating innovation while trying not to lose sight of human-centered learning. Rather than framing AI as a threat, she emphasizes the importance of establishing thoughtful guardrails that allow technology to serve as an extension of instruction, not a replacement for teachers or student agency.
Check out our conversation with Tatiana at FETC 2026 here:
Drawing on her experience as a math educator, Tatiana compares AI to the introduction of calculators, a tool that, when used intentionally, removes barriers and promotes equity without diminishing critical thinking. She advocates for embedding AI responsibly, ensuring it supports students, strengthens instructional practices, and fosters a new form of literacy educators must now develop.
Tatiana’s voice aligns closely with Thinkering’s mission: humanizing education while embracing innovation. As an Impact Board member, she will help shape strategic direction, and as a guest columnist, she will continue to challenge educators to thoughtfully balance emerging technologies with meaningful, relationship-driven learning experiences.
