In the early 2010s, Working Educators made immigrant rights training a reality for Philadelphia teachers — ensuring educators understood how to support undocumented students and families. Today, we're applying the same advocacy model to a new challenge: AI literacy.
Legacy Context
This page honors the original advocacy that brought immigrant rights training to Philadelphia schools. The principle remains: teachers deserve professional development on the issues affecting their students. AI is the defining issue of this moment.
The Training Gap
Most teachers have received no formal training on AI. They're expected to enforce AI policies, detect AI-generated work, and guide students on ethical use — all without institutional support or preparation.
of teachers have received formal AI training
say they need more AI guidance
This isn't teachers' fault. Most teacher preparation programs don't cover AI. Most districts haven't developed AI-specific PD. Teachers are learning on their own, from social media, from trial and error.
What AI Literacy Training Should Include
Based on our work with educators nationwide, effective AI training covers:
How AI Actually Works
Basic understanding of large language models, their capabilities, and their limitations. Teachers need to understand what AI can and cannot do before they can teach students about it.
Detection Tool Literacy
How AI detection tools work, their accuracy rates, their biases, and when to trust or question their results. This prevents over-reliance on flawed technology.
Assignment Redesign
Practical strategies for designing assignments that resist AI shortcuts while building authentic skills. Process-based assessment, in-class writing, oral defense models.
Productive AI Use
How teachers can use AI ethically to enhance their practice — lesson planning, differentiation, feedback scaffolding — without crossing professional lines.
Policy Navigation
Understanding district and state policies, communicating expectations to students and families, handling suspected violations fairly.
What We're Advocating For
Our Policy Recommendations
- 1. State-level AI PD requirements: Include AI literacy in teacher certification and recertification requirements.
- 2. Funded district training: Allocate specific funding for AI-focused professional development, not just general tech training.
- 3. Teacher-led development: Involve classroom teachers in designing AI training, not just administrators and tech specialists.
- 4. Ongoing support: AI is evolving rapidly. One-time training isn't enough — teachers need continuous learning opportunities.
Progress So Far
Some states and districts are leading:
- California: Released AI guidance for schools with PD recommendations
- New York City DOE: Launched AI training modules for teachers
- Virginia: Added AI literacy to state technology standards
- Several large districts: Partnered with universities for AI-focused PD
But most teachers are still waiting. That's why advocacy matters.
How You Can Help
- Ask your union about AI training opportunities
- Advocate for AI PD at school board meetings
- Share resources with colleagues who are struggling
- Contact your state representatives about teacher training funding