Episode 7- Adapting with Care: AI in Special Education with Virginia Tagliatela

Future-proof Education: AI and Beyond

👤 Guest: Virginia "Jenny" Tagliatela, Principal of Village School, North Haven, CT

📝 Episode Summary: In this episode, Bob Hutchins sits down with Virginia “Jenny” Tagliatela, the dedicated principal of Village School—an extraordinary program serving students with profound cognitive, medical, and behavioral support needs. Together, they explore how AI is being thoughtfully introduced into special education—not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a responsive, human-centered tool that adapts to each child’s unique way of learning and communicating.

From eye gaze communication software to real-time feedback for teachers and students, Jenny shares practical examples, hard-earned lessons, and a vision of AI that respects human dignity and prioritizes emotional connection. She also discusses how professional development and family engagement are evolving in response to this shift—and what it takes to create ethical, inclusive tech integration in a high-support learning environment.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• What AI readiness really means in special education

• Why personalization is non-negotiable in inclusive learning environments

• How generative tools are helping modify curriculum accessibly

• The role of AI in emotional regulation and sensory awareness

• Ethical concerns, staff training, and overcoming resistance

• Collaboration across medical, behavioral, and academic domains

• Preparing students for independence beyond school using AI

🧠 Key Quote: "AI should enhance what educators do—not replace it. In special education, it has to be adaptive, not just efficient." – Virginia Tagliatela