AI Professional Development for Teachers – What You Need to Know for Next School Year

AI in Education: Why It’s No Longer Optional

AI is already reshaping how we live, work, and learn, and that includes your classroom. Whether you’re ready to dive in or still have questions, one thing is certain: your students are using AI. Other educators are, too. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Artificial intelligence is not just another edtech buzzword—it’s becoming a key player in everything from lesson planning to individualized learning support. As AI tools become more available, it’s essential for educators to understand how they work, how students might use (or misuse) them, and how to incorporate them responsibly. Professional development (PD) around AI is the best place to start.

How to Choose the Right PD for You

Just like no two classrooms are the same, no two PD journeys need to be. As you consider how to develop your understanding of AI, start by identifying what you want to get out of the experience.

• Are you a school or district leader looking to build a responsible AI strategy? Seek PD that includes ethics, policy, and implementation planning.
  Are you a classroom teacher trying to integrate AI tools to save time or boost engagement? Look for sessions that focus on workflow, lesson ideas, or student use cases.
• Are you supporting students directly in instruction, intervention, or enrichment? Consider how AI can be used to personalize content while keeping alignment with your standards and instructional goals.
  

Regardless of your role, choosing AI PD with flexible formats and real-classroom examples will make the biggest difference.

Three Big Buckets of AI PD in K–12 Education

Using AI With Students

Many teachers are exploring AI tools that can support learning – think of summarizers, generators, translators, and feedback assistants. PD in this area shows how to use tools effectively, but also emphasizes instructional integrity. AI should enhance, not replace, teacher-driven instruction.

Understanding AI as a Topic

Today’s students will enter a workforce shaped by AI. That means they need to understand what it is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly. PD that equips educators to teach basic AI literacy, ethics, and applications is critical—especially in middle and high school.

Navigating Privacy, Equity, and Legal Considerations

AI raises important questions about student data, algorithmic bias, and equitable access. While this isn’t the focus of most PD sessions, it’s an area worth exploring. District leaders, in particular, should stay current on legal and ethical implications to shape responsible use policies.

Top Places to Find Quality AI PD

There’s a growing number of high-quality, accessible AI PD options out there. Here are some vetted places to begin:

• ISTE’s AI Exploration Courses: Offers PD and curriculum guides tailored for K–12 use.
• Google’s AI for Educators: Great for self-paced foundational learning.
• AI Education Project: Focuses on equity and foundational AI knowledge.
• AI for Education: Offers PD that’s built with classroom practicality in mind.
• MagicSchool.ai: Ideal for learning how to use AI tools for teacher tasks like lesson planning and feedback.
  

Each of these options varies in depth, format, and focus, so it’s worth browsing to find the best fit.

How AI Is Shaping the Future of the Classroom

Whether you’re in a tech-forward district or just starting out, the role of AI in K–12 education is only going to grow. From grading and progress tracking to generating scaffolded assignments, teachers are finding smart ways to save time and support students. Some schools are piloting AI-powered tutoring or language supports. Others are using generative tools to foster creativity and inquiry.

At Progress Learning, we recognize this shift. While we haven’t launched AI tools in our platform, we’re adapting to a more tech-integrated classroom environment—and we’re committed to providing educators with standards-aligned, data-informed tools that pair seamlessly with these emerging technologies.

Tech Literacy Is the New Literacy

AI doesn’t replace great teaching. But understanding how it works—and how students will use it—is quickly becoming part of being a great teacher. You don’t need to be an expert to get started. Begin with professional development that meets you where you are, and grow from there. The earlier we get comfortable with these tools, the better we can guide our students—not just in how to use AI, but in how to think critically about it.

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