The initiative aims to make AI training more accessible by offering free, flexible resources to 6 million educators across the U.S.
“If we want students to use AI to be responsible, creative, problem solvers, every educator needs the knowledge and confidence to guide them,” Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, said in a public statement. “This partnership is about ensuring all teachers have basic AI readiness that becomes a foundational skill in every classroom.”
Google’s training modules will cover how to use AI tools like Gemini, Google’s flagship chatbot, and NotebookLM, an AI chatbot that limits its knowledge base to materials users upload. Teachers have already started to use these tools to create interactive games, help students reflect on their exam answers and guide writing assignments, according to a November 2025 blog post on Google's website.
Specific use cases in the modules will include how to create timely, personalized lessons based on assessment results, give students virtual study coaches, adapt materials to specific learning needs and create customized course materials, according to Google’s blog post today on the initiative.
In addition to training on use cases for AI, the modules will explore bias, responsible use and instructional alignment. Teachers who complete the program will receive micro-credentials or badges.
According to its news release, ISTE+ASCD will support the development and delivery of the training. The training will align with the organization’s profile of an AI-ready graduate, describing a student who can use AI to learn new skills, synthesize information, solve problems, collaborate with others and communicate complex ideas. It will also follow ISTE+ACSD’s standards for teaching with technology.
AI training for teachers is growing in popularity as schools adjust to the technology's importance. Teachers interested in participating in Google's new program can fill out a form indicating their name, institution and training interests — live, K-12, higher education, et cetera.
“Too many teachers tell us they’re being asked to navigate AI without the training to use it effectively,” Culatta said in a public statement. “If teachers aren’t provided the support they need, students will not have the guidance and mentorship to use AI in ways that support effective learning.”
