Emma Braaten
Director of Digital Learning
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation
Emma Braaten leverages her 24 years of experience in education to inform research and application in the K-12 setting. She works collaboratively with stakeholders to support the effective implementation of instructional practices, content standards, and technology to make learning more accessible for all learners - both adults and students.Her work currently focuses on addressing educational disparities to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances; advancing education through innovative approaches and practices, including the integration of emerging technologies and tools; and influencing broader educational policies and practices that can have systems-level impact. Braaten works closely with educators, administrators, researchers, and policymakers to collectively define a clear and comprehensive vision for AI integration in K-12 education, ensuring alignment with the state's educational goals and emphasizing the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven future. Braaten’s strengths range from visioning, strategic planning, and goal-setting to operationalizing and making research actionable in districts, schools and classrooms. Most recently, she has worked to make AI accessible and employable in classrooms through research; educator professional development and programming; and state-level guidance.