3 Ways St. Vrain Valley Schools is Transforming Teacher PD with AI
In the news
What if professional development could be as dynamic and personalized as the classrooms we envision for our students? That’s exactly what St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont, Colorado, is making a reality.
Highlighted in the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) article, “Transforming Teacher PD With AI,” authors Courtney Groskin, an instructional coach, and Sandy Heiser, assistant principal of Skyline High School, share how their district is breaking the mold of traditional PD. By weaving AI into their PD framework, St. Vrain is offering teachers tailored, interactive learning experiences that inspire continuous growth and innovation.
Here’s how St. Vrain is leveraging AI to transform PD:
- Self-Directed, Gamified Learning. Educators progress through structured modules tailored to their interests and professional goals, earning digital “passport stamps” along the way. This gamified approach keeps learning engaging and relevant.
- Collaborative EdCamp Pop-Ups. Monthly EdCamp-style sessions bring educators together to share AI insights and best practices. These informal gatherings include hands-on experimentation and demos, equipping teachers with practical AI skills they can bring back to their classrooms.
- AI Champions Leading the Charge. Each school designates an Exploration AI champion who works closely with leadership to integrate AI strategies into PD days. These champions also connect through virtual meetings to discuss tools, share feedback, and refine best practices across the district.
In addition to these innovative PD structures, St. Vrain is utilizing the AI Coach platform by Edthena to support teacher self-reflection and instructional improvement. Teachers use the platform to review classroom videos and receive personalized coaching tips from a virtual AI coach, making it easier to refine teaching strategies and create more engaging learning environments.
The district offers the AI Coach platform through a PD course that guides teachers through targeted coaching cycles, supported by instructional coaches. This model provides flexible, ongoing support, ensuring educators have access to the resources they need when they need them.
St. Vrain Valley Schools’ approach to AI-powered PD highlights how technology can create personalized, effective, and engaging learning opportunities—ultimately driving better outcomes for both teachers and students.
To learn more about how St. Vrain Valley Schools is transforming professional development with AI, read the full article from NASSP.
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