AI readiness initiative gains expert trainers from the Consortium for School Networking

A national initiative is scaling artificial intelligence adoption in K-12 education through a strategic train-the-trainer approach. The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the Association of Educational Service Agencies have selected 12 education technology experts across eight states to develop professional development materials and lead training sessions for school districts nationwide, with particular focus on small and rural communities. This initiative addresses the growing need for structured AI implementation in schools by leveraging educational service agencies as regional hubs for AI education expertise.

The big picture: Twelve education experts have been selected to develop a nationwide AI training program aimed at helping K-12 schools implement generative artificial intelligence.

• These lead trainers from educational service agencies across eight states will create materials to teach district teams how to assess and advance their AI readiness.
• The initiative, called “Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education,” focuses particularly on supporting small and rural school districts.

Key details: The trainers will teach districts to use the K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, which helps schools evaluate their AI preparedness across seven critical areas.

• The tool assesses AI readiness in leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal considerations, and AI literacy.
• The trainers will also mentor regional trainers to help scale this work across the country, creating a multiplier effect.

What they’re saying: “Navigating this complex topic requires thoughtful attention to both risks and opportunities. Our lead trainers are uniquely equipped to support districts in developing thoughtful, mission-aligned strategies for Gen AI,” said CoSN CEO Keith Krueger.

Industry collaboration: The initiative is supported by multiple education technology organizations to ensure comprehensive implementation.

• The State Educational Technology Directors Association and the School Superintendents Association are also supporting the program.
• Professional development opportunities from these trainers and agencies will be available to school districts in the coming months.

Why this matters: Schools face significant challenges in responsibly implementing AI technologies while balancing educational benefits with potential risks.

• The train-the-trainer approach creates a sustainable model for scaling AI expertise across diverse educational settings.
• This structured approach helps ensure AI adoption in schools reflects each district’s specific goals and values rather than following a one-size-fits-all implementation.