A Conversation with Geoff Derry, Director of Information Technology of the American School of Warsaw

As we look ahead to the Technology Readiness Council (TRC) European Summit 2025, Darren Neethling from the TRC, had a conversation with Geoff Derry, Director of Information Technology at the American School of Warsaw (ASW) to explore how technology, AI, and thoughtful leadership are reshaping the learning experience. From infrastructure to pedagogy, Geoff shared practical insights any school can adopt today. 

Here is what Geoff had to say:

From IT Support to Learning Leaders

TRC: How has your team evolved, and what impact have you seen on teaching and learning?

“We’ve transitioned from tech coaches to learning coaches,” Geoff explained. “It’s no longer about fixing devices. It’s about improving learning.”

By removing “technology” from job titles, ASW repositioned their team as partners in pedagogy, not just tech support. “It’s helped shift the mindset from using technology for its own sake to using it for deeper learning.”

Data Privacy in Action

TRC: What’s one data privacy practice other schools could implement tomorrow?

To prevent accidental data loss, ASW added on-site Google Cloud backups for key staff and departing teachers. “It paid off,” said Geoff. “When we lost some critical documents past the 30-day recovery window, we were able to restore them thanks to our proactive backups.”

AI in the Classroom: A Rule of Thumb

TRC: What works, what doesn’t, and what’s your rule of thumb for AI adoption?

“If it doesn’t improve learning, we don’t use it.”

Geoff emphasized AI’s value in productivity and creativity, particularly through tools like Flint, a student-facing AI. But he also stressed the importance of critical engagement. Students at ASW are guided by four essential questions before using AI:

• What am I supposed to learn?
• Will AI help me do this?
• How can I check what AI says is true and accurate?
• How will I know if AI actually helped me?

          “These questions slow students down…they think before hitting ‘generate,’” said Geoff.

Boosting Security & Resilience

TRC: What’s one recent improvement that made a big difference?

“The second internet line,” Geoff answered without hesitation. “Before, if the main line went down, the school stopped. Now, we don’t even notice.”

The auto-switching backup line has improved reliability and reduced stress. “I get the alert, but everyone else keeps working — that’s how it should be.”

AI-Powered, Human-Centered Learning

TRC: What does this look like in your PD and infrastructure strategy?

At ASW, the philosophy is “human in the loop.” AI is a tool, not a teacher. Geoff regularly demonstrates AI’s limitations and encourages staff to question its output. “If we’re not better learners because of AI, we need to rethink how we’re using it.”