Brett Burton, Ed.D.

Paper Presentation Title

MagicSchool: An Exploration of the Use of Generative AI by Southwest Ohio Teachers

Biography

Dr. Brett Burton is an Associate Professor of Education and Program Director of Educational Administration at Xavier University, where he has served since 2019. He has led significant program innovation, including the development of fully asynchronous graduate courses, the launch of multiple superintendent and treasurer licensure cohorts, and the establishment of school district partnerships that strengthen leadership pipelines. Under his leadership, Xavier’s Online Graduate Education Program rose substantially in national rankings, reflecting his commitment to program quality and student success. Dr. Burton’s research agenda focuses on school safety, leadership, and equity, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributions to the field of educational leadership. Prior to higher education, he served as a principal and assistant principal, where he improved student achievement, expanded access to advanced coursework, and implemented comprehensive MTSS and PBIS frameworks. He is an active leader in the profession, serving as President of the Ohio Council of Professors of Educational Administration. Across all roles, Dr. Burton is recognized for his commitment to mentoring aspiring leaders, advancing equitable practices, and bridging research with practical application in schools. His scholarship specifically examines behavioral threat assessment, crisis preparedness, and the intersection of school safety with leadership decision-making in K–12 settings. He also explores the use of generative AI in education and issues related to anti-racist leadership, particularly the experiences of leaders of color in predominantly White institutional contexts.