Dr. Deborah M. Sims | Educational Speaker & Consultant

Deborah M. Sims, PhD

Educational Speaker & Consultant

Dr. Deborah M. Sims is a Professor (Teaching) of Writing at the University of Southern California and a Fellow with the USC Center for Generative AI and Society. She holds a secondary teaching credential and brings both university-level expertise and a deep understanding of the K-12 classroom context.

With extensive experience designing faculty training programs and leading professional development initiatives, Dr. Sims brings both scholarly rigor and practical strategies to schools and districts. As a consultant, she specializes in helping educators navigate the integration of AI tools while deepening student learning across the curriculum.

Her forthcoming book, First Class: Teaching, Writing, and Critical Thinking (Broadview Press), explores best practices in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. Her work has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, and she has delivered keynote and featured presentations at educational conferences and at institutions including FIDM and Duke University.

A Comprehensive Approach

Integrated Strategies for Meaningful Change

Through data-driven presentations and strategic planning sessions, Dr. Sims helps school communities reflect deeply on their curriculum and teaching practices while providing the most important resources and research-based frameworks to guide thinking. The result is a thoughtful, sustainable approach to AI integration that strengthens, rather than replaces, the essential work of educators.

Adaptive Policy Design

Practicing discernment and open communication through clearly defined expectations for ethical use of AI.

Curriculum Adaptation

Strategic planning and vision boarding for updating course materials, learning objectives, and instructional practices in response to AI.

Student Accountability

Moving beyond detection software to build systems and cultures that support academic integrity and personal responsibility while growing students' AI literacy.

Academic Rigor

Maintaining high expectations and meaningful learning outcomes even as AI tools become ubiquitous in student workflows.

Teacher Support

Equipping teachers with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to respond to AI thoughtfully in their instructional practice.

The Four Cs

Expanding Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity — skills that remain essential in an AI-augmented world.

Tailored to Your School or District

Every presentation is customized to address your specific context, challenges, and goals. While the themes above represent the comprehensive scope of Dr. Sims's work, you can request particular areas of emphasis based on your teachers' needs and your district's priorities.

Speaking & Professional Development Services

Flexible Options to Meet Your Needs

Keynote Address

30–60 minutes

Inspiring, research-driven presentation tailored to your school or district's specific needs and priorities.

Workshops

Half-Day or Full-Day

Keynote session plus interactive training for faculty with collaborative activities, practical strategies, and implementation tools.

Virtual Presentation

60–90 minutes

Keynote or workshop delivered online—ideal for district-wide PD or multi-school convenings.

Policy Development

Phased Timeline

Develop clear, enforceable AI policies that protect integrity, reflect district values, and support responsible innovation.

Custom Packages

Multiple Options

Choose from professional development packages: Framework Launch, Strategic Implementation, or Comprehensive Transformation. Pathways tailored to your goals.

Sustained Partnership

Flexible

Curriculum design, ongoing consultation, or specialized support tailored to your unique needs.

What Educators Are Saying

Impact in Schools and Universities

"Professor Sims is insightful, collaborative, and deeply skilled at engaging teachers in reflective learning. An inspiring leader and lovely to work with."

— James Clements, Professor, University of Southern California

"I am so appreciative of the time we spent with Dr. Sims. Her presentation was exactly what our high school needed!"

— Makenna Briceno, Administrator and Counselor, Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach

"Dr. Sims offered practical and creative strategies. Our teachers left energized and equipped with concrete tools."

— Blythe Tyrone, Duke University Learning Innovation