Plaza Elementary School students were in for a big surprise on Oct. 16 when they discovered that their dreams had come to life — in artificial intelligence-generated art form.
The fifth-graders’ images, reimagined as their future selves in the careers they aspire to, were unveiled as part of an innovative project that combines technology, creativity and career readiness.
Originally planned as small paper prints for classroom display, the portraits were instead transformed into 24-by-36-inch vinyl posters lining outside the fence of the school. The large-scale installation — a surprise for both teachers and students — was inspired by a districtwide initiative launched last month.
“During our welcome back, we transformed teachers, faculty and staff into superheroes using A.I.,” Baldwin School District Superintendent Anthony Mignella said. “Because the work that teachers and educators do — they really are superheroes. They change lives.”
Soon afterward, fifth-grade teachers at Plaza Elementary decided to bring that same inspiration to their students. Each child shared their dream job — from doctor to cosmetologist, nurse to military officer — and described the skills they believed would help them succeed. Using A.I., the teachers created side-by-side portraits of the students as they are now and as they imagine themselves in the future.
“When the students came back to school, the teachers wanted to inspire and motivate them,” Mignella said. “They talked about what skills they have that will make them successful later in life — and then used A.I. to bring that to life.”
The surprise unveiling last week, coordinated by Principal Mark Gray and his staff, was difficult to pull off, Mignella said.
“Some of the hardest part was keeping the secret from the teachers and the kids,” he said with a smile. “They had no idea this was coming.”
Each student poster is labeled with “Class of 2033,” and will serve as a keepsake they can take with them when they move on to middle school. “It’s always something they can hang in their room or their house to remind them that they have a goal when they graduate,” Mignella said.
Gray said the project represents what education should always strive to do — help students achieve aspirations.
“At all times, dreams have to be at the center of what we’re doing as teachers and educators,” Gray said. “Any time we can put their dreams at the center and build our instruction around that is important. We want them to know we’re dreaming along with them — that’s how important their dreams are to us.”
The project, Gray added, also reflects the goals of Baldwin 2035, the district’s long-term vision for preparing students for the future. “You have students thinking about what they want to be in the future, and as educators we’re always trying to build curriculum and programs around where kids are headed,” he said. “By listening to them and understanding what it is they want to do, we’re able to meet their needs.”
Seeing and hearing how excited the students were during the unveiling was a highlight, Gray recounted. “That’s what an administrator lives for — to hear joy from their kids, whether you see it or you hear it,” he said. “Today we got to see both. It felt a little like unwrapping presents under the tree. They had a great time, and I’m always happy for them to have that experience.”
Fifth grade math teacher Jacqueline Sarfati-McCauley said that seeing her students’ reactions was the most rewarding part of the day.
“This was actually beautiful,” Sarfati-McCauley said. “To see them physically visualize themselves as their future career is probably the most incredible thing, and watching their reaction made it completely worth it.”
Fifth-grader Alex Arreaza said his dream is to become a soccer player. Viewing his future self was a little scary, he admitted, but also motivating. “I just want to make my family proud,” said Alex, who is of Guatemalan decent.
Mignella said the project tied directly into the district’s “Future Ready” mission, which emphasizes skills like creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.
“This is all about future competency,” he said. “The students are looking at their future roles, and they need to know what competencies they’ll need to be successful in that role.”
