How can schools prepare educators to harness AI ethically and effectively? A March 2026 report by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), Considerations for Designing AI Professional Learning for Educators, offers a practical roadmap. It moves beyond one‑size‑fits‑all workshops and lays out four core considerations for building high‑quality professional learning that empowers teachers, administrators, and staff to integrate AI into their practice.

1. A Scaffolded, Four‑Stage Framework

AI integration is complex; it cannot be achieved through a single training session. The report recommends a staged approach grounded in adult learning theory:

• Awareness – Educators begin with curiosity‑driven exploration: using generative AI to create lesson ideas, translate materials, or analyze data. The focus is on building productivity skills while ensuring that any AI tools introduced comply with data privacy regulations.

• Exploration – Educators gain foundational knowledge: what AI is (and isn’t), types of AI, and prompt strategies. They examine ethical and privacy implications, learn to craft appropriate prompts, and consider how to revise academic integrity policies. Training covers prompt engineering and using AI to solve simple workplace problems.

• Application – The transition from adult‑only use to student‑facing AI begins. Teachers learn to design learning experiences that incorporate AI as a tool for deeper thinking, personalization, and project‑based learning. Emphasis is placed on guiding students toward responsible, ethical use.

• Integration – As technology evolves, professional learning must be iterative. This stage focuses on scaling effective tools, using feedback loops to refine practices, and fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and responsible innovation.

2. Design Around Adult Learning Best Practices

Effective professional learning changes practice. The report draws on Malcolm Knowles’ principles of adult learning to shape AI training:

• Engagement – Educators actively participate in developing and applying new knowledge, receiving ongoing feedback.

• Experience – Learners bring their own expertise; training should allow for experimentation and learning from mistakes.

• Relevance – Content must clearly connect to educators’ daily work and student impact.

• Focus – Learning should be anchored in solving real‑world problems.

To put these principles into action, the report recommends:

• Active learning strategies (hands‑on practice, discussion, reflection).

• Practice‑ or problem‑based learning that lets educators apply tools to their own challenges.

• Differentiated pathways for beginners, tech‑literate staff, and experienced users.

• Job‑embedded coaching and collaborative learning communities for sustained support.

• Feedback loops that involve school leaders in observing implementation and measuring impact—not just on test scores but on classroom practices like student discourse and depth of knowledge.

3. Set Clear Expectations for Ethical and Responsible Use

Before implementing any AI tool, schools and districts need clear guidelines. The report urges leaders to answer key questions:

• What constitutes acceptable AI use for adults and students?

• How will we ensure students remain engaged in the learning process rather than bypassing it?

• How will we monitor AI use and its effects on learning?

• What procedures will handle misuse?

• How will we protect student data and comply with privacy policies?

• What safeguards are needed when AI is used for grading or high‑stakes decisions?

These guidelines should be revisited regularly as technology and circumstances evolve.

4. Connect AI Professional Learning to Career Readiness

AI literacy is fast becoming an essential life and career skill. Even students who do not pursue tech careers will need to use AI ethically and effectively in the workplace. The report advises schools to:

• Engage with local businesses to understand how they use AI and what skills they value.

• Integrate these workplace skills into educator training—using AI for writing, research, data analysis, and everyday tasks.

• Invite industry professionals to co‑lead training sessions, and offer educators summer internships or site visits to see AI in action. This firsthand experience helps them bring authentic, relevant examples back to the classroom.

Final Thoughts

The SREB report makes clear that preparing educators for AI is not a one‑off event but a sustained, iterative process. By adopting a staged learning model, applying proven adult learning principles, establishing clear ethical guidelines, and linking AI skills to future careers, schools can build a foundation that benefits both educators and students. Thoughtful professional learning today will empower classrooms to use AI not as a shortcut, but as a tool for deeper inquiry, creativity, and success in a rapidly changing world.