New partnership trains Michigan teachers for AI innovation

Key points:

A new partnership between Michigan Virtual and the AI Education Project (aiEDU) will position Michigan for successful innovation opportunities within the AI in education space.

This collaboration will accelerate AI literacy and AI readiness across Michigan’s K-12 schools by expanding support for educators and leveraging the state’s existing network of instructional and educational technology coaches.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world–and our classrooms. Michigan has a unique opportunity to lead,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Michigan Virtual. “By partnering with aiEDU, we’re not only empowering educators to understand and teach AI, but also building sustainable leadership capacity to scale this knowledge across Michigan.”

This strategic collaboration begins with a Train-the-Trainer initiative–a year-long program running from June 2025 through June 2026, designed to cultivate a core group of 50 Michigan educators as AI education leaders in their regions and districts. These trainers will be equipped to deliver foundational AI literacy training to colleagues, ultimately scaling impact and fostering equitable access to AI education for students statewide.

Participants in the Train-the-Trainer initiative will engage in virtual professional learning sessions, organized into two supportive cohorts. Educators will earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) while developing hands-on skills and pedagogical strategies to introduce students to the principles and implications of artificial intelligence.

“Educators are the change agents our students need; they’re absolutely critical to building a world where every student can live, work, and thrive in a world where AI is everywhere,” said Alex Kotran, CEO of aiEDU. “This partnership with Michigan Virtual taps into a strong professional ecosystem to ensure every Michigan learner has the opportunity to understand and shape the future of AI.”

“This partnership represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration our education system needs,” said Tiffany Taylor, board member for both Michigan Virtual and aiEDU. “I’ve seen firsthand how each organization champions innovation and equity in learning. Together, they are equipping educators with the tools and confidence to prepare students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence–ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive in an AI-powered world.”

In addition to robust training, Michigan Virtual and aiEDU will provide open-access curricular resources to help teachers across all subject areas integrate AI literacy into their instruction. These materials are designed to be easily accessible, available to all types of learners, and aligned with Michigan Virtual’s AI Framework for Schools as well as national guidance on AI education.

This initiative builds on both organizations’ shared mission to ensure every student, regardless of background or zip code, is prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

To learn more about the Train-the-Trainer program or to access free AI resources, visit: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai/ or aiEDU’s resource hub.

This press release originally appeared online.

eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.

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