This year we began an initiative to support the responsible and effective integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning. Prior to the start of the school year, the administrative team collaborated to establish a district vision for how AI tools could enhance instruction, support student learning, and increase educator efficiency.

To launch this work, the district invited Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, to serve as the district’s convocation speaker. His keynote introduced educators to emerging AI tools and instructional possibilities, helping to establish a foundation for the district’s work in this area. Mr. Mervis has also been contracted to provide ongoing professional development for teachers in grades 6-12, including sessions held on February 17 and March 13 that focused on practical classroom applications and instructional design using AI.

Professional learning was frontloaded for district leaders through training provided to the Administrative Council, where participants explored key features and applications of tools such as MagicSchool AI and NotebookLM. These sessions included modeling of instructional tasks and lesson designs that incorporate AI in ways that promote student engagement and rigorous learning.

To further support staff and student use of AI, the district’s Educational Technology Department secured a license for MagicSchool AI, providing a secure, vetted platform for AI exploration in a closed and protected environment. Throughout the year, the Educational Technology Department has offered multiple professional development sessions for educators across grades K-12, focusing on responsible AI use, teacher productivity tools, and strategies for incorporating approved AI resources into curriculum aligned lessons. Training sessions have included the use of MagicSchool AI and Gemini to support lesson planning, content development, differentiation, and assessment design.

Following these professional development opportunities, the district administered surveys to teachers in grades PreK-12 to better understand how AI tools are currently being used and to identify educators who would benefit from additional planning assistance or in class coaching for AI integration.

Building on earlier exploration of AI guidelines, the District Technology Committee (DTC), which includes representation from multiple stakeholder groups across the district, has been developing a framework to guide responsible AI use. This work includes the creation of Student AI Use Scales that outline appropriate levels of student AI integration. The committee has also drafted guiding principles for both student and educator use of AI, ensuring alignment with district drivers and the broader instructional vision.

To support implementation, the DTC is developing additional resources for staff, students, and families, including practical examples of AI use aligned with the Student AI Use Scales, classroom talking points for teachers, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource for families. These materials will be shared on the district website and are intended to support full implementation of the AI framework during the 2026-2027 school year.

Across schools, educators have actively engaged in building their understanding of AI tools and applications. At the Coventry Grammar School, professional learning has focused primarily on educator use of AI to improve efficiency, lesson planning, and communication, with ongoing support provided through professional development sessions and staff communications highlighting practical uses of AI tools. At the G.H. Robertson School, teachers have explored how tools such as MagicSchool AI can support lesson development, differentiation, and the creation of instructional materials at varying reading levels. The district’s K-12 technology coach has also worked directly with grade level teams to support the integration of AI tools within English Language Arts, science, and social studies instruction.

At the Capt. Nathan Hale School, staff used professional development time to explore the strategic use of AI tools, including MagicSchool AI, Gemini, and NotebookLM, to enhance instructional planning and student engagement. Additional workshops with Mr. Mervis will continue through the spring to deepen teachers’ understanding of AI supported pedagogy.

At Coventry High School, teachers have participated in multiple professional learning opportunities focused on AI integration during faculty meetings and professional development sessions. Building on the momentum created by the convocation presentation, teachers engaged in an October workshop focused on the effective use of MagicSchool AI and continued their learning through additional sessions with Mr. Mervis in March that included opportunities for hands on practice and lesson development.

Together, these coordinated efforts represent an important first step in developing staff capacity, establishing clear guidelines, and creating the conditions for thoughtful and responsible AI integration across the district.