Story: Lisa Sollie
As schools navigate the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, participants in the University of West Alabama鈥檚 Black Belt Teacher Corps Teach for Alabama program (BBTC) are learning innovative ways to use AI as a classroom support tool that enhances instruction rather than replaces teaching.
Designed to demystify artificial intelligence through a self-paced, gamified experience, the AI certification program guides educators through bite-sized modules that build practical classroom skills.
Susan Hester, BBTC director, said the AI Essentials training has allowed the program to provide virtual instruction not only to undergraduate scholars, but also to graduates during their first three years in the classroom.
鈥淭hose first three years are when teachers are most likely to leave the profession,鈥� Hester said. 鈥淲hat began with just 10 students in the first cohort has since expanded to approximately 105 scholars across the state. We strive to provide meaningful professional development virtually.鈥�
The training meets teachers where they are while helping future educators understand learn to use AI ethically to improve student engagement and retention. 鈥淓veryone is learning about AI, practicing with it, and walking away with a certification that takes approximately eight hours to complete,鈥� she added.
Jenny McQueen, a BTTC graduate beginning her third year of post-graduate support, and a teacher at Silverhill Elementary in Baldwin County, said the training changed how she thinks about differentiation.
鈥淚t really opened my eyes to all the differentiation possibilities in my classroom. As an educator, I learned from this training how to access resources quickly and tailor them for each of my students in a more efficient manner.鈥�
AI Essentials co-founders Michael Nowak and Jonathan Goodwin, initially developed AI training programs for K-12 and higher education students before expanding for educators. Nowak credits former College of Education dean Dr. Jan Miller and associate dean Dr. Reenay Rogers with helping shape the program鈥檚 educator-focused approach.
鈥淒r. Rogers was amazing,鈥� Nowak said. 鈥淪he consulted with us every step of the way. We even co-presented this training at CAEPCon last September and we鈥檝e been asked to go back this year and do it again. UWA is doing a really great job being a frontrunner on training like this.鈥�
鈥淚t was a privilege to collaborate with Mike and Jonathan to develop a program that empowers pre-service teachers to use AI ethically, creatively, and effectively,鈥� Rogers said. 鈥淚t gives pre-service teachers the knowledge and confidence to embrace AI as a powerful tool for teaching and learning.鈥�
After registering current students and graduates from the previous one to three years, Hester expanded the training to teachers who had participated in the program since its inception in 2016.
Colton Smith, who recently completed his third year of teaching at Morgan County Schools, said the training offered practical strategies he could immediately apply in his classroom.
鈥淚t was simple, quick, and easy to use鈥攐ne of the best educational professional developments I鈥檝e had as an educator,鈥� Smith said.
Jaquada Brooks, a senior starting her internship this fall, said the course was a meaningful experience for her, and she liked being able to complete it on her own time which made it easier to focus and take something from it. 鈥淲hat stood out most was how it showed me practical ways to bring AI into the classroom, not just talk about it,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淚t helped me think differently about lesson planning and develop ideas that reach students at different levels. I also feel more confident using AI as a support tool instead of relying on it.鈥�
Danielle Worhl, a member of the third BBTC cohort, said one of the most valuable aspects she gained from the training was its ability to streamline intervention planning.
鈥淎I can help generate intervention strategies based on individual standards and grade level in just minutes,鈥� Worhl said. 鈥淭hat allows me to review concepts with the students who need additional support while other students continue working independently, helping me meet the needs of the entire class.鈥�
Hester said the training is helping educators feel more confident in meeting students鈥� individual needs while reducing the time required to create supplemental materials and interventions.
鈥淎I won鈥檛 replace teachers鈥攊t provides a launchpad,鈥� Hester said. 鈥淲hen used responsibly, it helps educators spend more time doing what matters most鈥攚orking directly with students and providing meaning and individualized instruction that meets the needs of every learner.鈥�
About the program: Established in 2016 to address teacher shortages in Alabama鈥檚 Black Belt region, rural communities, and other high-needs public school districts, UWA鈥檚 Black Belt Teacher Corps Teach for Alabama supports teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention through scholarships offered by UWA鈥檚 Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education. The program also provides leadership development, service training and mentoring for scholars as they enter the teaching profession. Participants may receive up to $10,000 in scholarship funding, awarded at $2,500 per full semester. Click the link for more information or to apply.