6 Risks of Neglecting AI Professional Development

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to transform K-12 teaching and learning and educator productivity, but it can be intimidating to teachers and leaders, which is understandable. Just like any novel technology with significant educational potential, training is absolutely essential if we are to alleviate concerns about this revolutionary technology, as well as integrate it in a safe and intentional manner with our students. The focus should go far beyond discussing the potential benefits of AI; it's equally important to understand the risks of not providing teachers with proper AI training. In this blog post, we'll delve into six risks districts assume when not offering AI training to their teachers and staff.

Inadequate Foundational Understanding

Scenario: A teacher is using AI in their classroom with the best of intentions, but they lack proper guidance on the tools and policies for AI use. Students are now engaging with AI in a way that does not adhere to district goals and regulations. 


Just like the dawn of the internet, AI is feared by many educators due to the current lack of understanding regarding what AI even is and how it will impact them in their roles. Countless students and teachers are already ahead of the curve, using AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard regularly for productivity, instruction, and learning. Offering professional development around the basics of AI can go a long way in alleviating the fear and uncertainty among educators. Additionally, equipping teachers with foundational AI knowledge and skills will support them in adequately educating the modern student whose life will undoubtedly be impacted by the rapid growth of AI in education and the workforce. Districts need to catch up and provide support in a unified and intentional manner that is aligned with district goals and regulations.

K-12 Implications

Scenario: A teacher started using AI to organize her personal life over the summer, and she can’t wait to integrate AI tools into her classroom. While she understands how AI works in a personal context, she excitedly begins infusing the one AI tool she knows well. Students are now using a tool that is engaging, but not age-appropriate or aligned with instructional goals.


The quality of our classroom educators are the single most important factor when it comes to student success. Therefore, teacher input and buy-in is critical when it comes to any new innovation in K-12. Beyond a foundational understanding of AI and how to use it on a basic level, teachers need to understand what this means for their own instruction, student learning, and education as a whole. Artificial intelligence has the capacity to completely change the landscape of our industry, and we need to provide classroom teachers with the why, as well as vetted resources just for K-12 to start them off on the right foot.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

Scenario: Unaware of data privacy protocols, a teacher uses a free third-party educational app that collects student data without proper encryption. The app's lack of security measures results in a data breach, exposing sensitive student information to unauthorized parties.


Not all apps and sites are safe for use in K-12, and some may even collect student data. As AI collects and analyzes this data to provide personalized learning experiences, data privacy and confidentiality concerns arise. Teachers may not fully grasp the importance of safeguarding sensitive student information without adequate AI training. This lack of awareness could lead to unintentional mishandling of data, potentially violating privacy regulations and eroding the trust between educational institutions, students, and their families. Teachers must be aware of data collection, storage, and usage regulations in the educational context. Professional development around data and privacy is essential if K-12 educators plan to leverage AI for teaching and learning.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Scenario: A teacher receives AI-generated insights about student performance. Lacking proper training, they misinterpret the data, leading to ineffective interventions and skewed assessments.


AI affords us with an opportunity to analyze student performance in a way we’ve never experienced. Teachers who lack AI training might struggle to interpret the information generated by AI tools effectively, leading to ineffective interventions and skewed assessments. Of course, we want to avoid misguided decisions based on flawed or incomplete data analysis. Such decisions could impact assessments of student performance, resource allocation, and even curriculum or intervention planning. Teachers need professional development on how to effectively use AI to not only gather student data, but also interpret that data to make informed instructional decisions.

AI integration Strategies

Scenario: A teacher has received a list of approved AI resources and basic training from his district. He now understands AI basics and which tools are district-approved, but he’s clueless as to how to integrate these tools into practical learning experiences. It becomes clear that this teacher lacks intentionality in his AI-supported lessons. The AI tool becomes an impediment to learning, and student achievement begins to suffer.


Philosophical discussion of a new tool is one thing, but we know implementation is a whole other ballgame. Anytime an innovation, new curriculum, or novel tool is introduced in K-12, we must offer concrete, relevant use cases for educators to guide them as they integrate new tools in their practice with actual students. From lesson planning, to stimulating creativity, to group and individual feedback, AI has the ability to ramp up a teacher’s practice and offer new avenues to increase student achievement. For instance, there are specific strategies regarding the use of ChatGPT to promote meaningful questioning in the classroom. Teachers may also be interested to learn more about how they can use AI for productivity, such as email template generation, so they can focus their time on what matters most - their students. PD with examples and concrete strategies can make all the difference so your teachers can go beyond theory to strategic, real-world implementation.

Duty to our Students

Scenario: Teachers at a high school are fearful and ill-prepared to leverage AI for teaching and learning. As a result, students graduate with no knowledge of how to use these tools productively in order to maximize learning and creating. They enter their post-secondary schooling and work experiences at a disadvantage, as many of their peers have already been using AI for years.


This was mentioned briefly earlier, but we think this one deserves a highlight of its own. There is so much evidence pointing to the monumental impact that AI will have on our field. The growth of AI in such a short time indicates that this rapidly changing technology will only grow in significance in K-12 and our workforce. It is our duty to prepare our students for their future educational endeavors and the unpredictable future of our workforce. We are, of course, preparing the modern student for careers that don’t even exist yet, and we must equip them with an understanding of AI and how to use these tools safely and effectively. For instance, students need to understand why we need to check AI’s work, and why we should never share sensitive data through an AI tool. Without proper instruction for students, they are likely to use these tools in an unproductive or unsafe manner. Our students can’t possibly learn such essential information if our educators aren’t comfortable or prepared themselves, and that is our role as educational leaders.


Interested in learning how to provide AI professional learning to your educators?


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From Observation to Action: How Data-Driven Feedback Fuels Teacher Professional Development

December 23, 2025
Teachers' ability to adapt to new teaching methods, technology, and student needs requires continuous growth and development. This is where teacher coaching and observations become essential—not just as stand-alone practices but as integrated components of a comprehensive professional development strategy. Today’s students are growing up in a digital world quite different from the one that their teachers knew when they were students. For the absolute beginner, the learning curve to using new EdTech can be steep. School leaders are finding that to meet the challenge, they need to update the content and delivery of their district’s professional development (PD) programs. Here is a roundup of educational technology trends that we are seeing today and how these technologies are changing how teachers need to pursue PD. Customizable Rubrics for Tailored Observations One-size-fits-all approaches to teacher observations simply don't work. Every school and district is unique, and so are their instructional needs. By integrating customizable rubrics into the observation process, administrators can easily build and tailor observation tools to meet their specific objectives. Customized rubrics provide a clear framework for consistent, meaningful observations, whether focusing on student engagement, classroom management, or technology integration. With flexibility, administrators can ensure that observations are aligned with the school's instructional goals while teachers receive relevant and actionable feedback. Customizable rubrics also make it easier to acknowledge where a teacher has exceeded expectations, offering a platform for celebrating strengths while pinpointing growth areas. Detailed Feedback: A Pathway to Improvement As the Adult Learning Theory emphasizes, feedback for adult learners should be timely, relevant, respectful of their experience, and provide actionable guidance to foster self-directed improvement and motivation. Teachers need more than a score or general comments to improve—they need detailed feedback and actionable steps. This feedback should not only highlight areas where they excel but also offer actionable suggestions for improvement. The coaching process becomes more effective when observation tools are designed with this level of detail. Teachers can reflect on specific aspects of their practice, understand how to adjust, and work with coaches to implement changes. Detailed feedback is also essential in promoting teacher agency. Teachers are empowered to take ownership of their professional growth when they receive concrete, constructive insights. This kind of feedback loop fosters a culture of continuous improvement, benefiting both educators and students alike. Data Aggregation: Driving Informed Decisions One of the most powerful advantages of integrating teacher coaching and observations with professional development is the ability to aggregate data. By collecting and analyzing observation data over time, schools can gain a holistic view of teacher performance. This information can then inform professional development opportunities, resource allocation, and teacher evaluations when appropriate. For example, data-driven insights can identify common areas where teachers across the school or district may need additional support. This enables administrators to create and facilitate targeted professional development that directly addresses these needs, leading to more effective PD sessions that directly impact classroom instruction. Furthermore, aggregated data ensures a more objective observation process, reducing bias and ensuring that decisions are based on clear evidence. MobileMind, the modern professional learning hub, includes comprehensive coaching and observation tools that align with the entire PD lifecycle . By leveraging customizable rubrics, detailed feedback, and data aggregation, we provide schools and districts with the tools they need to support their teachers effectively and objectively. Through this integrated approach, MobileMind helps administrators and educators work together to create a dynamic learning environment where teachers thrive.

How to Secure Teacher Buy-In When Launching a New Professional Development Program

December 23, 2025
Launching a new professional development program can be pivotal for school districts, impacting everything from teacher engagement to student outcomes. However, even the most innovative PD initiative will only be as successful as its buy-in from teachers. To truly inspire a culture of growth, the PD program needs to feel relevant, manageable, and rewarding to those who will benefit from it most: educators. Below are strategies for securing teacher buy-in. 1. Understand the Core Needs of Adult Learners Teachers, like all adult learners, want to know that their time and effort are being put to good use. Traditional, lecture-based PD sessions often fall short because they don’t align with the practical, self-directed nature of adult learning theory . Adults bring a wealth of prior experience, and they are most engaged when learning is relevant, practical, and can be applied directly to their work. Actionable Tips: Connect Learning to Real-World Applications: Make it clear how the PD content will help solve immediate classroom challenges. For example, if educators struggle with tech integration, provide targeted micro-courses focused on tools they can access. Offer Choice and Customization: Allow teachers to personalize their PD experience by choosing the courses or learning paths that align with their needs or interests. Giving teachers a sense of voice and choice over their learning path fosters a stronger commitment. 2. Embrace Micro-Learning to Respect Time Constraints Time is a precious commodity for teachers. Launching a program that feels like a time drain can quickly lead to resistance. Instead, consider breaking down the PD curriculum into micro-courses—short, focused lessons that fit easily into a teacher’s busy schedule. Micro-learning respects teachers’ time and helps them digest information in manageable portions, leading to better retention. Actionable Tips: Set Manageable Learning Goals: Micro-courses allow for incremental, achievable goals, which can increase teachers’ motivation and sense of accomplishment. Encourage Consistent, Bite-Sized Learning: A structure that promotes frequent, small doses of learning rather than occasional intensive sessions helps to reinforce knowledge without overwhelming educators. 3. Incorporate Gamification to Boost Engagement and Motivation Gamification— integrating game-like elements into the learning experience—can be a powerful tool to engage teachers. Progress trackers, badges, and other rewards provide a tangible sense of achievement and encourage healthy competition. Incorporating gamified elements into PD can inspire friendly challenges and celebrate teachers’ learning milestones. Actionable Tips: Reward Progress and Milestones: Implement a digital badge system to recognize teachers as they progress through their courses. A leaderboard can also motivate by celebrating those who have reached significant milestones. Promote Collaborative Challenges: Gamified challenges or group activities can create a collaborative culture around PD, allowing teachers to encourage each other’s growth and discuss what they’re learning. 4. Highlight the Immediate Benefits and Celebrate Early Wins When teachers can see the value of the new PD program right away, they’re more likely to invest in it. Highlighting quick wins, like how a single session helped a teacher engage their students or streamline lesson planning, can create a positive ripple effect across the district. Actionable Tips: Share Success Stories: Encourage early adopters to share their experiences and successes. Whether it’s a teacher using a newly learned strategy or one achieving a certification, share these wins to inspire others. Recognize and Reward Early Participants: Acknowledge the first group of participants by spotlighting them in meetings or district-wide newsletters. This reinforces a positive perception of the program and encourages others to join. 5. Leverage Peer Influence for a Stronger Commitment Teachers are often most influenced by their peers, so tapping into this social dynamic can be invaluable for PD initiatives. Consider building a “PD Champions” network within your district—educators passionate about professional growth and willing to help their peers navigate the program. When teachers see respected colleagues invested in PD, they’re more likely to follow suit. Actionable Tips: Create a Peer Coaching System: A support system of peer coaches or mentors can make PD feel more accessible and less intimidating for those hesitant to try something new. Hold Collaborative Workshops: Group settings allow teachers to learn together and share insights, creating a collaborative culture around the PD program. 6. Emphasize Flexibility to Reduce Resistance One of the biggest hurdles in PD adoption is the feeling that it adds another obligation to an already packed schedule. By making the program flexible and accessible, you’ll reduce resistance and create a more welcoming environment for learning. Actionable Tips: Allow for Self-Paced Learning: Give teachers the freedom to complete their courses at their own pace, respect their time, and make learning more accessible. Offer Multiple Access Points: Your program should be accessible across devices, with the option to complete sessions during lunch, after school, or even from home, meet teachers where they are, and reduce participation barriers. 7. Gather and Act on Feedback No one knows what teachers need from PD better than teachers themselves. Regular feedback helps you tailor the program and makes teachers feel valued and invested in its success. A successful PD program evolves based on the input of its participants, ensuring relevance and engagement. Actionable Tips: Conduct Quick Pulse Surveys: After a learning path, invite feedback. A short survey or a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down can provide insights without adding extra work. Host Listening Sessions: Give teachers a voice in the PD program’s evolution by inviting them to share what’s working, what’s not, and what they want to see next. By designing a program that aligns with adult learning principles, respects time constraints, and incorporates gamified and flexible learning options, you’ll create an exciting experience in which teachers are excited to participate. When teachers see the value in PD, they’re more likely to integrate their new skills into their classrooms, benefiting students across the district.