The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 Professional Development

Supporting Educators for a Future-Ready Workforce 

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, it’s also reshaping professional learning for educators. From reducing paperwork to enabling personalized support, AI offers real promise – and professional development (PD) is where much of that promise can come to life. 

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 Mandate for AI-Ready Educators 

On April 23, 2025, a new Executive Order called for bold investment in AI education. Among its priorities: 

“Professional development programs focused on AI education will empower educators to confidently guide students through this complex and evolving field.” 

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: 

“AI is a great tool that we can use to help all groups. The more we learn, the better our students and community are prepared for the possible uses and for the future of technology as well as the drawbacks of it and how to navigate through those.”

“AI poses the opportunity for broad opportunities for education, such as personalized learning, enhanced data analysis, streamlined administrative tasks, more engagement, and professional development.”

“At the administrative level, AI can assist with things like data analytics, research and communications, teachers likely could use AI for lesson development and critical review of lesson plans, students are already using AI for research and assignments. Concerns with the use of AI include its tendency to provide anodyne responses, the risk for inaccurate or false information, privacy and the lack of understanding about these limitations and concerns among users.”

Most educators are not resistant, they’re realistic. They want space, support, and practical guidance.

“At this time I haven’t thought about AI in my classroom. Right now I don’t have time to learn something new. Other teachers in the building are using it to some extent.” 

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. Teachers can learn at their own pace – whether it’s after dismissal or during a planning period.

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.

“I’m not that familiar with AI, which is why I’m excited to learn. With the right training and time to explore, I know I can figure it out.” 

Getting Started: A Plan for Districts New to AI

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.

Leverage Existing PD Tools to Offer 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.
 
Looking for resources? Check out Classroom-Ready Resources About AI For Teaching (CRAFT), an initiative from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and the Institute for Human-Centered AI. There are many free resources for teachers to empower their students with AI literacy.