Supporting Educators for a Future-Ready Workforce
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, it’s also reshaping professional learning for educators. Professional development (PD) is where a lot of AI’s real promise can be realized, from reducing paperwork to providing personalized support. While colleges of education are beginning to explore how to prepare future teachers for AI-enhanced classrooms, school districts are already taking the lead. And now, federal policy is catching up.
Have you introduced AI learnings in your district? Take our instant poll below to share.
A National Requirement for AI-Ready Teachers On April 23, 2025, a new Executive Order called for bold investment in AI education. Among its priorities:
The White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education, which is to include leaders from science, labor, agriculture, and technology as well as the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), will now coordinate federal efforts. This includes prioritizing:
AI-based professional learning across all subjects
Training educators to teach AI and computer science fundamentals
Supporting use of AI to streamline administrative work and improve classroom outcomes
This shift reaffirms what K-12 leaders already know: educator development is central to AI-readiness.
What Educators are Saying: Data from the 2025 K-12 Lens
Your peers are already thinking about AI in PD. Here’s what our latest survey found:
We asked almost 800 school district administrators to share their positions on integrating AI into:
K-12 education, broadly
Technology tools for students
Technology tools for teachers
Technology tools for administrators
Here are the results and a handful of responses:
Why Professional Development Is the Right Starting Point
PD creates a natural opportunity to build AI literacy in a way that’s collaborative, low-stakes, and relevant. It’s where educators can:
Explore AI tools without pressure
Reflect on ethics and best practices
Build confidence before applying new strategies in the classroom
Align their learning with district and national goals
What AI-Powered PD Can Look Like
AI isn’t just a tool to teach about – it’s a tool to teach with. When administrators empower teachers to use AI for professional development, it enables flexible, self-directed learning that meets educators where they are – in any role, on any schedule, and at any level of experience.
Here’s how AI is transforming professional growth into a blended, personalized experience:
Anytime, Anywhere Learning
AI supports asynchronous PD by surfacing micro-courses, resources, and simulations based on individual goals or district priorities. During planning time or after dismissal, teachers can learn at their own pace. Personalized Learning Paths
Rather than one-size-fits-all sessions, AI can recommend content based on a teacher’s interests, goals, prior evaluations, or classroom data. PD becomes more targeted, efficient, and relevant.
On-Demand Exploration
Teachers can explore new topics – like trauma-informed practices, accessibility, or multilingual support – with AI-curated learning hubs that adapt as their interests evolve.
Private Practice Spaces
AI-powered simulations and feedback tools create a safe space to try new instructional strategies, reflect and refine skills without the pressure of observation.
A Strategy for Districts New to AI: Getting Started If your district is just starting to think about AI in professional development, you’re not behind – you’re right on time. Here’s a simple, phased approach to begin building AI capacity among your staff:
Start with Awareness
Host a PD kickoff session introducing what AI is (and isn’t), with real examples of how it can support, not replace, educators.
Use educator voices and current examples, not just tools or tech demos.
Create Exploration Opportunities
Offer opt-in workshops or “sandbox” spaces where teachers can experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude in low-risk ways – such as drafting a weekly newsletter or generating lesson ideas.
Identify and Empower AI Champions
Invite interested staff to form a working group to explore use cases, share resources, and model best practices.
These internal leaders can help shape norms and guide adoption districtwide.
Make Use of Current PD Tools to Provide AI Learning Options If your district already uses a professional learning management system, use it to host curated AI content, such as short videos, readings, or interactive modules. Start with foundational topics like:
What AI is and how it works
How to use AI responsibly and ethically in education
Practical ways educators can try AI in lesson planning, communication, or student support
This makes AI learning accessible and familiar, without the need to launch a brand-new system.
By strategically integrating AI-driven tools and platforms, K-12 can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that their educators are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern education.
