CoSN Names Lead Trainers for National AI Readiness Initiative

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the Association of Educational Service Agencies selected a dozen education experts last week to lead a nationwide “train-the-trainer” approach to scale the use of artificial intelligence across America’s K-12 schools.

A recent news release said the lead trainers, who work for educational service agencies across eight states, were selected for their expertise in AI, emerging technologies and professional learning. School districts can expect to see these trainers and agencies host professional development opportunities in the coming months.

“These sessions will help district teams identify strengths, address gaps and develop sustainable strategies for generative AI adoption that reflect their goals and values,” the news release said.

WHO ARE THE LEAD TRAINERS?

• Jennifer Bloomingdale, training specialist for Northeastern Regional Information Center/Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Albany, N.Y.
  
• David Clark, curriculum and technology specialist, Butler County Educational Service Center, Hamilton, Ohio
  
• Beth Clarke, senior director of strategic innovation for learning, Cooperative Education Service Agency 2, Whitewater, Wis.
  
• Rebecca Dwenger, instructional technology consultant, Technology Assistance Group, Hamilton County Educational Service Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
  
• Luke Forshaw, director of professional development services, Cooperative Educational Services, Trumbull, Conn.
  
• Rachel Holbrook, director of data services, Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, Ashland, Ky.
  
• Sherri Kulpa, chief academic officer, EducationPlus, St. Louis, Mo.
  
• Julianne Ross-Kleinmann, supervisor of instructional services, Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services, New Paltz, N.Y.
  
• Pamela Santerre, education consultant, LEARN Regional Educational Service Center, Old Lyme, Conn.
  
• Dria Setter, learning and innovation strategist and i4PL coordinator, i4PL, Cooperative Educational Service Agency 1, Pewaukee, Wis.
  
• Brian Stamford, program director, accountability and innovative practices, Teaching and Learning Division, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Homestead, Pa.
  
• Misty Treviño, AI consultant, Region 10 Education Service Center, Richardson, Texas

AI READINESS

The news release said these trainers will develop materials to teach district teams how to use the K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, created last year by CoSN and the Council of the Great City Schools to help districts assess and advance their AI readiness in seven areas: leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal considerations and AI literacy.

The trainers will present these materials to school districts, with a focus on those located in small and rural communities, and they will also teach a group of regional trainers to take similar sessions into school districts nationwide, according to CoSN CEO Keith Krueger.

“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,” Krueger said in a public statement. “They will also mentor regional trainers who will help scale this work across the country.”

The initiative, called “Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education,” is also supported by the State Educational Technology Directors Association and the School Superintendents Association, per the release.