explAInED – Episode 008: Micro-Schools, AI Mirrors, and Followership with Kunal Dalal

Episode Summary:

In this episode of explAInED, we’re joined by Kunal Dalal—former teacher, principal, startup founder, and current Microschool Strategist, Agentic Parentologist, and AI strategist with the Orange County Department of Education. Kunal shares how his journey from alternative schools to edtech leadership has shaped a human-centered vision of what AI could mean for learning, parenting, and the future of schools.

Kunal shares a deeply human vision for education’s future—one rooted in community, agency, and reflection.  He urges us not to waste this moment by automating what's already broken - that the real promise of AI is in scaling personalization, re-centering the sacred relationship between learner and teacher (or parent), and inviting students to co-learn and co-lead.

From dream journaling with his child to launching a 600-student AI summit, Kunal shows how generative AI—when used in community—can be a tool for connection, agency, and joy.

Resources & Mentions:

The AI Parent by Kunal Dalal

Student AI Convening – A 600-student event in Orange County, CA focused entirely on student voice and AI

Micro-school strategy – A call to edtech companies to support scalable, student-centered personalization