From Awareness to Expertise: Approaches to AI Professional Development for K-12 Teachers

This session will explore a range of approaches for supporting K-12 educators in learning how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) safely and effectively into their teaching. Participants will learn about a variety of professional development (PD) models used across schools in Florida, including online webinars, face-to-face workshops, microcredentials, and other innovative approaches. The session will highlight practical examples and best practices for helping teachers build AI literacy, develop classroom-ready skills, and confidently leverage AI tools while maintaining safety, ethical use, and data privacy. In addition, attendees will gain insight into recommendations from the Florida K-12 AI Task Force designed to guide school districts in creating their own professional development programs tailored to local needs. By the end of the session, participants will have actionable ideas for structuring PD programs, supporting teacher growth in AI, and fostering safe, sustainable, district-wide adoption of AI in K-12 classrooms.