Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping society, yet most K–12 teachers have had little preparation to teach how AI works or how it connects to foundational computer science. The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is launching a multistate initiative this summer to prepare thousands of K–12 educators to teach foundational computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
The AI and Computer Science Professional Development Weeks (AI PD Weeks) initiative will bring teachers together for weeklong hands-on learning, collaboration, and practical strategies for teaching AI in K–12 classrooms. The initiative kicks off between June and August in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, and South Carolina. CSTA plans to add four additional states in the second year of the initiative.
Designed for educators across grade and experience levels, the sessions focus on helping teachers understand how AI works, connect it to core computer science concepts, and design lessons in which students actively create, test, and evaluate AI systems. After the summer PD, teachers stay connected through local and state networks for continued support.
If you offer professional learning that prepares educators to teach AI as part of foundational computer science, you can submit your program for CSTA PD Accreditation to be considered for inclusion in AI PD Weeks. Accredited programs are reviewed against research-informed indicators of high-quality CS professional learning and may be featured as part of a growing national network supporting CS and AI teaching and learning.