Testimonials
Sydney Grammar School
Leon is an exceptional, engaging presenter of professional learning who curates and tailors sessions on AI directly to the context in which he is presenting. At our recent professional learning day, he presented to three distinct audiences in separate sessions: administration support staff, academic staff from P-12 and offered an optional session for the AI-curious who wanted to know more. Leon weaved together the threads of pastoral AI concerns and our central focus on character education to provoke us to think deeply about how AI poses both challenges and opportunities in this space. Staff were impressed by his expertise, balanced approach and his thoughtful understanding of our community, so much so that staff are still talking about it!
Leeann Douglas – Assistant Headmaster (Academic)
The Scots College – Sydney
We recently had the pleasure of hosting Leon for a session on AI that was both deeply practical and profoundly thoughtful. From the outset, Leon moved beyond the typical ‘tech hype’ and addressed the human element of innovation.
What truly resonated with our team was Leon’s focus on professionalism as a filter for AI. He challenged us to apply our own high standards and expertise to every interaction with the technology—reframing AI not as a tool that ‘does the work for us,’ but as a powerful partner that ‘enhances and helps us.’
This distinction was a brilliant ‘aha!’ moment for our staff. It shifted the mindset from one of apprehension to one of agency, promoting a high level of critical thinking across all departments. Leon’s insights haven’t just stayed in the room; they have served as the perfect launchpad for our ongoing internal discussions and a catalyst for how we are shaping our future strategy. If you are looking for a speaker who can bridge the gap between emerging technology and professional excellence, Leon is exceptional.
Ian Finn – Director of Professional Learning and Pedagogical Coaching
Catholic Regional College North Keilor
I just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful presentation on Introduction to GenAI at CRC North Keilor at the end of Term 3. I really enjoyed the session and it gave me a lot to think about as a teacher, Domain Leader (Digital Technologies) and Head of Digital Learning. We’re also very grateful for the resources you shared, they’ve been a great starting point for our staff discussions.
Mariel Muyco – Domain Leader (Digital Technologies) and Head of Digital Learning Catholic Regional College North Keilor
Kilbreda College Mentone
Leon has presented to our college in both the face-to-face capacity and online. In both cases he was able to engage the staff, challenge our understanding of AI but also lead us to think of our approach in educating our students to develop an understanding of the benefits and concerns related to AI. The key areas of focus were AI and assessment and AI and wellbeing. Staff explored the assessment scale and were encouraged to review their assessments as a process and not merely a summative task. Staff were also made aware of many of the AI platforms that our students have access to, and the concerns related to chatbots and emotional detachment. Staff left the PD with a greater understanding of how to implement a consistent approach to AI.
Clare Kelly – Assistant Principal: Performance and Development
Trinity College – The University of Melbourne
It was a great session clearly and sensibly presented…
Loved it. We need a lot more of this. AI consultants to work with disciplines to re-invent the curriculum and assessment tools….
Loved it. Very informative and impressive.
Great session. More AI sessions would be appreciated. :)…
An interesting and relevant session – Participants in online and face-to-face sessions on AI and assessment
MLC School Sydney
Leon Furze has an extraordinary gift for making artificial intelligence not only understandable but genuinely inspiring. His presentations are clear, insightful, and deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing us today. Leon’s work empowers everyone to embrace AI with confidence and purpose.
Tracey Neale – PA to the Principal
Brentnalls Affiliates – Chartered Accountants and Advisors
Leon Furze delivered one of the most engaging and insightful sessions on AI. Over the course of three hours, he kept us captivated with his deep knowledge, clear explanations, and practical approach to artificial intelligence. His session wasn’t just theoretical; it was packed with real-world applications that we can implement in our firm immediately. Leon’s ability to demystify AI while keeping the entire room engaged made this an outstanding learning experience. Highly recommended for any business looking to future-proof their operations! – Erin White – Practice Manager Cogger Gurry Chartered Accountants
Denison University
Leon Furze’s presentation on “Understanding GenAI in Education: AI and Assessment” was truly impressive. His seamless navigation through the material, coupled with a diverse range of examples and profound knowledge depth, provided an invaluable learning experience for our institution. Following the session, many colleagues reached out to express their gratitude and praise for the insightful presentation, thanking me for organizing such a valuable learning opportunity. – Lew Ludwig, Director, Center for Learning and Teaching, Denison University
Travis Parker – Associate Principal The Knox School – GenAI Critical Friend
Leon played an instrumental role in assisting The Knox School in understanding the place of generative AI in education and formulating our generative AI policy. His ability to explain complex generative AI concepts in a clear and accessible manner made it easy for our students, parents, Heads of Department, and teaching staff to grasp the intricacies of generative AI.
This, in turn, fostered a more informed and engaged community within our school. Leon not only educated us about the potential of generative AI but also guided us through the development of a comprehensive generative AI policy.
Participants – Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation conference
Excellent insight into an area I only had a surface level understanding. Really engaging presentation, relevant to our work and valuable information. I will certainly be visiting his website for more information.
A great topic and presenter, please keep giving us speakers that keep our division abreast and up to date with the latest themes, issues, trends going on in the education sector that could impact the work that we do.
This was a great session and has sparked a lot of thought and conversation with the team. a very timely session to inform how we talk to schools as AI becomes more prevalent in use across society.
Participants – Independent Schools Victoria Full Day Sessions
Practical session provided excellent take aways. Leon’s knowledge is great and he knows and appreciates his audience.
Great combination of delivered content and opportunity to discuss and contextualise to your own school setting.
All of it was brilliant. Love the ethical discussion and the demonstrations of each tool.
Small group size so discussions were really centred around specific school contexts and scenarios. Leon is very personable and knowledgeable and listened to our needs when addressing ideas and delivering content. A fantastic session!
Participants at Kardinia International College Parent Info Session
Q: What worked well in the parent session?
To become familiar with all the types of AI software out there so that when I hear them again I will not be left wondering. Was also good to understand the myriad ways that AI is already permeating our everyday life and that not all of it is bad. Suggestions of ways that it can be helpful was really good to know.
It was a great introduction to GAI. I appreciated the explanation of the platforms and a snapshot of what information is used/collected etc across these sites. Also useful was the ‘real world’ applications and possibilities for beneficial uses of the technology.
It was an excellent and balanced overview of opportunities and risks.
Professional Learning Events Planning and Facilitation with Association of Independent Schools New South Wales
Praise for online courses and webinars
“You’re incredibly prolific, and I just want to thank you for these timely and helpful resources. And your writing is so clear and accessible that I am made to feel I can explore this topic without panicking. I feel incredibly fortunate to have these.I’ve taken your course and spread the wide word among my colleagues about how valuable it is.”
– Carol Spaulding-Kruse, Professor of English, Drake University
| “This is one of the best PD sessions I have attended. I will recommend it to my colleagues.” | “An excellent PD session – this is one of the most useable and engaging workshops I have ever attended.” | “Leon’s course is a must for anyone looking to review how teaching is taught across the curriculum.” |
| “The presentation is very informative, with several practical suggestions.” | “Excellent! Fantastic practical strategies for the classroom as well as a clear explanation of the theory behind them.” | “Great, logical progression and use of visual aids. Engaging presenter, all content was useful.” |
| “The course was really relevant and super helpful in providing practical strategies.” | “Everything – content was well explained and the usage and power of ChatGPT was made accessible and usable for all.” | “Loved the way you provided the script and the videos of what it looked like.” |
| “I loved the examples of prompts. I picked up plenty of tips & tricks.” | “You have covered all of the topics important to teachers in their early stages of learning about ChatGPT.” | “Loved the structure – what we can do to create genuine writing experiences for students.” |
| “This was a great introduction to the 6 reading strategies that the school will be embracing.” | “Leon has been an invaluable asset in supporting our team.” | “A great resource for English teachers.” |
| “We have successfully used [the Reading Strategies] across a variety of subjects.” | “Leon is an incredible educator.” | “Practical Reading Strategies just arrived on my doorstep and I’m binge reading! Loving it!” |
| “I particularly like the way Leon shows teachers how to help students make connections between texts and their own experiences.” | “The line by line visualisation task is an absolute winner.” | “The pace was great and explored all areas in sufficient detail.” |
| “Everything – content was well explained and the usage and power of ChatGPT was made accessible and usable for all.” | “Loved the way you provided the script and the videos of what it looked like.” | “I loved the examples of prompts. I picked up plenty of tips & tricks.” |
Praise for Practical Reading Strategies
Liam Bassett -Westbourne Grammar School
“A great resource for English teachers and any teacher looking to facilitate the development of reading strategies… I love that there’s a clear intention for the strategies and your passion for literacy and teaching shines through”
Adam Gordon –
St. John’s Regional College
“We have successfully used [the Reading Strategies] across a variety of subjects as part of a whole-school literacy program”
Nat Gleeson –
St. Francis Xavier
“Leon is an incredible educator… If you’re new to teaching I can’t recommend this book enough.”
Fiona Simmonds –
Port Melbourne Secondary College
“Practical Reading Strategies just arrived on my doorstep and I’m binge reading! Loving it!”
Grace Frith –
Early Career Teacher NSW
“I particularly like the way Leon shows teachers how to help students make connections between texts and their own experiences, their knowledge of the world, and other texts.”
Ben White –
Monivae College Hamilton
“The line by line visualisation task is an absolute winner…Really drove home HOW the author created the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.”
