Martha McAlister

Martha McAlister is an education and product leader specializing in the application of artificial intelligence to teaching and learning, recognized for her work on Google’s Gemini education initiatives. In her role with Google’s education organization, McAlister focuses on how large language models and multimodal AI support educators, streamline administrative tasks, and expand access to personalized learning experiences across K-12, higher education, and workforce training. Drawing on a background that bridges learning design and product strategy, she translates advanced AI capabilities into practical tools for responsible adoption in classrooms and institutions.

At Google, McAlister has contributed to shaping Gemini’s education-focused roadmap, including features and safeguards designed for student privacy, academic integrity, and age-appropriate use. She collaborates with school systems, universities, and education nonprofits to pilot new AI-powered workflows, gather feedback from teachers and students, and refine best practices for implementation. Her work emphasizes equity and inclusion, supporting approaches that ensure AI augments rather than replaces the human relationships central to effective education.

An experienced public speaker, McAlister appears at education technology conferences, AI in education summits, and virtual forums for district and campus leaders. In her talks and panel discussions, she addresses both the promise and limitations of generative AI, offering guidance on topics such as designing AI-aligned curricula, supporting teacher professional development, and creating governance frameworks for responsible use. McAlister is known for making complex technical concepts accessible to non-technical audiences, grounding presentations in classroom scenarios and practical takeaways.

Throughout her career, McAlister has addressed the challenges of integrating rapidly evolving AI tools into established educational systems. She discusses issues such as algorithmic bias, the digital divide, and change fatigue among educators, and highlights the importance of transparency, iterative experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration. This combination of technical literacy, product experience, and practical perspective positions McAlister as a resource for organizations navigating AI-enhanced education with nuance and responsibility.