NotebookLM
for Professional Learning on the Go!
Dr. Theresa Stager
Principal, Dexter High School
#DreadStrong
TRACK: TECHNOLOGY & TRANSFORMATION
SESSION OVERVIEW
What is NotebookLM?
Google's AI-powered research & synthesis tool
Curate Sources
Upload PDFs, articles, research papers & more
Audio Overviews
Turn notes into podcast-style audio you can listen to anywhere
Practical Strategies
Build a personalized on-the-go learning routine
THE PRINCIPAL'S DILEMMA
Sound familiar?
NotebookLM was built for this.
WHAT IS NOTEBOOKLM?
Google's AI Research Assistant
Free to use — available at notebooklm.google.com
Grounded in YOUR sources — not the entire web
Reads & synthesizes PDFs, articles, Google Docs, YouTube videos, websites
Answers questions about your uploaded content with citations
Creates Audio Overviews — AI-generated podcast conversations about your sources
Think of it as a
personal research
assistant who has
read everything
you gave it.
"It only knows what
you teach it."
SETTING UP YOUR NOTEBOOK
1
Go to notebooklm.google.com
Sign in with your Google account — it's free
2
Create a New Notebook
Name it by topic: 'Instructional Leadership', 'MTSS Research', 'Staff Culture'
3
Add Your Sources
Upload PDFs, paste links, add Google Docs — up to 50 sources per notebook
4
Start Exploring
Ask questions, request summaries, or generate an Audio Overview
WHAT CAN YOU UPLOAD?
Research & Reading
Digital Content
Your Own Work
AUDIO OVERVIEWS:
The Game Changer for Busy Leaders
PRO TIP: Generate an Audio Overview before every leadership team meeting to brief yourself in the car.
REAL USE CASES FOR PRINCIPALS
Instructional Leadership
Upload your evaluation framework + research on coaching conversations. Ask: 'What are the highest-leverage questions I can ask a new teacher?'
Board Presentations
Upload board policy, data reports, and state standards. Ask NotebookLM to summarize key points and anticipate questions.
Staff Culture & PD
Upload your school improvement plan + research on PLCs. Generate an Audio Overview for leadership team to listen to before the meeting.
Personal Growth
Create a 'Leadership Learning' notebook. Add articles from NASSP, ASCD, and EdWeek each month. Ask it 'What are the trends I should know about?'
SEE IT IN ACTION: REAL NOTEBOOKS
Dr. Stager’s real NotebookLM library — organized by topic, date, and audience. Newsletters, PD articles, graduation info, and legal updates all in one place.
A GROWING LIBRARY OF LEARNING
School law updates, community newsletters, dissertation research, and PD articles — each notebook serves a distinct leadership purpose.
BEYOND YOUR DESK
NotebookLM for Students, Teachers & Families
NotebookLM doesn’t replace teaching, relationships, or communication — it enhances them.
It helps us spend less time repeating information and more time engaging in meaningful conversation.
MORE USE CASES: STUDENTS, FAMILIES & TEACHERS
For Students
Clearer Explanations
Upload PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide and select Video Overview. Use the pencil icon to prompt AI to:
Pro tip: Always watch or listen before sharing to ensure accuracy.
For Families
Newsletters They Actually Read
Upload your weekly newsletter and generate an audio overview. Parents can listen to highlights while:
It doesn’t replace the written newsletter — it increases engagement with it. Even parents who read everything appreciate the convenience.
For Teachers
Empowering Classrooms
An AP English teacher uploaded a unit overview and used NotebookLM to generate a video introduction — creating a shared starting point for all students. NotebookLM also generates:
LET'S TRY IT TOGETHER
10-Minute Activity
1
Open notebooklm.google.com on your device
2
Sign in with your Google account
3
Create a new notebook — name it 'EdCon26 Learning'
4
Add 1-3 sources (use the QR code handout or paste a URL)
5
Ask it: 'What are the 3 most important ideas in these sources?'
6
Click 'Generate Audio Overview' — download & listen!
Need help? Raise your hand — neighbors are your best resource!
BUILDING YOUR ROUTINE
MONDAY
Add 1-2 new articles or sources to your notebook
MID-WEEK
Generate an Audio Overview for your commute
FRIDAY
Ask: 'What should I try next week based on these ideas?'
The key isn't perfection — it's consistency. Even 10 minutes a week compounds over a school year.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Start small — one notebook, 3-5 sources, one good question
Be specific: 'Give me 5 discussion questions for my admin team' beats 'summarize this'
Create one notebook per major initiative or challenge this year
Share notebooks with your AP or instructional coach for collaborative learning
Download Audio Overviews to your phone for offline listening
Ask it to write a first draft: 'Draft a paragraph for my parent newsletter about this research'
WHAT TO KNOW: PRIVACY & LIMITS
✓ What's Safe to Upload
⚠ Be Cautious With
Always review your district's AI acceptable use policy before uploading organizational data. When in doubt, anonymize or leave it out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS + Q&A
1
NotebookLM is free, private to your sources, and built for research
2
Audio Overviews turn your reading pile into commute learning
3
Start with ONE notebook on your biggest challenge this year
4
10 minutes a week is enough to build a meaningful learning habit
5
Protect student data — keep FERPA in mind
Questions? Let's talk! | @TheresaStager | stagert@dexterschools.org
CHAMPION LEARNING.
DEVELOP. EDUCATE. INSPIRE.
Thank You!
Now go build your first notebook.
notebooklm.google.com
Dr. Theresa Stager | Dexter Community Schools | #DreadStrong
734-352-9147 | @TheresaStager | stagert@dexterschools.org