This brief from the Center on Reinventing Public Education at Arizona State University provides a close look at how California educators are experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms and schools. Through a Silicon Schools Fund–supported cohort, more than 80 educators across 18 schools piloted over 30 AI tools to address challenges such as learning gaps, behavioral issues, and teacher workload. Findings show that educators quickly learned to use AI and generated creative solutions, but success depended on how well tools aligned with instructional visions and school models. Teachers emphasized preserving human relationships, using AI primarily to expand capacity and reduce administrative burdens, not to replace connection. While many found existing tools limited, some built custom solutions that supported student learning, social and emotional growth, and teacher well-being. The report highlights both the promise and the challenges of early AI adoption, offering lessons for educators, school leaders, and developers.