AI Consulting for Education

Navigating
Artificial Intelligence
in the Classroom

Thomas J. Finan, PhD FSA  ·  Saint Louis University

"The question is not whether AI will change education. It already has. The question is whether your institution will lead that change — or be led by it."

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Thomas J. Finan

Thomas J. Finan, PhD FSA

Why This Practice

Scholarly Rigor.
Practical Guidance.

Most consultants on AI in education come from either the technology sector or from general educational administration. Very few combine deep institutional experience managing AI policy with hands-on technical expertise building AI-integrated platforms — and fewer still bring the humanistic perspective that makes all the difference when faculty are anxious, students are confused, and administrators need to act.

Dr. Finan has navigated these questions from the inside, as Chair of an institutional AI Task Force at a major research university. He brings that hard-won experience directly to your institution.

  • Chair, College of Arts & Sciences AI Task Force, Saint Louis University
  • Director, Walter J. Ong Center for Digital Humanities, SLU
  • Associate Professor of Medieval History & Archaeology, SLU
  • Fellow, Society of Antiquaries (FSA)
  • Developer, AI-integrated research platforms in Irish archaeology and Old Irish language learning
  • Author, white paper series on AI, knowledge production, and humanistic education
Full Academic Profile →

The Challenge

Why Institutions
Need This Now

01

Policy Vacuums

Most schools lack coherent AI policies. Faculty are making ad hoc decisions daily, creating inconsistency, liability, and missed opportunity.

02

Faculty Anxiety

Teachers know AI is changing what they do — but few have received meaningful training. Fear and confusion are poor substitutes for confident, values-aligned guidance.

03

Student Reality

Students are already using AI — in ways institutions often don't understand. Schools need frameworks that are honest about this reality, not ones that pretend it away.

Engagements

Consulting Services

Every engagement is tailored to your institution's culture, mission, and readiness. Select the format that fits your needs — or reach out to design something custom.

Keynote Address
A compelling 45–60 minute presentation on AI in higher education — its promise, its risks, and a practical humanistic framework for institutional action. Ideal for faculty development days, conference openings, or all-college assemblies.
Half-Day Faculty Workshop
Interactive session covering AI policy essentials, academic integrity in the age of AI, pedagogical strategies, and building institutional consensus. Participants leave with a starter policy framework and practical classroom tools.
Full-Day Workshop + Policy Document
Comprehensive full-day engagement covering policy, pedagogy, and practice. Includes a customized institutional AI policy draft, faculty resource packet, and follow-up consultation call.
Ongoing Consulting Retainer
Monthly advisory relationship including regular check-in calls, document review, policy iteration, and on-call guidance as new challenges arise throughout the year.
Custom Curriculum Development
Development of AI literacy curricula, course modules, or department-specific training programs tailored to your student population and institutional mission.
Keynote Address
A dynamic 45–60 minute presentation for faculty, staff, or school community on AI in education — what it is, how students are already using it, and how schools can respond thoughtfully. Ideal for faculty professional development days or parent/community evenings.
Half-Day Faculty Workshop
Practical workshop covering AI policy for K–12 settings, academic integrity guidance, classroom strategies, and age-appropriate AI literacy. Participants leave with ready-to-use tools and a policy starter framework.
Full-Day Workshop + Policy Document
Full-day engagement for the whole faculty or leadership team. Covers policy, classroom practice, parent communication, and student-facing guidance. Includes a customized school AI policy draft and follow-up consultation call.
Student AI Literacy Assembly or Seminar
Engaging, age-appropriate presentation directly for students on understanding AI, using it responsibly, and thinking critically about its role in their lives and futures. Tailored for middle school, high school, or mixed audiences.
Ongoing Consulting Retainer
Monthly advisory support including check-in calls, document review, and guidance as new questions arise throughout the school year.
Custom Curriculum Development
Development of AI literacy units, elective course modules, or advisory programs tailored to your school's grade levels, mission, and community values.

Download the full services overview as a PDF to share with your colleagues or administration.

Higher Education PDF Secondary Schools PDF

Get in Touch

Let's Talk About
Your Institution

Whether you're just beginning to think about AI policy or you're ready to move decisively, I'd welcome a conversation. Reach out directly — no intake forms, no sales process. Just a direct conversation with the person who will actually do the work.

Website
tjfinan.org
Institution
Walter J. Ong Center for Digital Humanities
Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
"Most institutions are being asked to make high-stakes decisions about AI with very little support. That's where I come in."
— Thomas J. Finan