FSU InSPIRE Workforce Development Program Wins Ralph Stair Prize
The Florida State University Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education’s (InSPIRE) workforce development team received formal recognition for excellence in innovative education with the Ralph Stair Prize. A crucial part of InSPIRE’s mission is to develop and strengthen the regional workforce of Northwest Florida. Carrie Meyers and Jim Reynolds co-lead the winning workforce development team together with experts from the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at FSU. LSI also developed the unique CPALMS platform to support K-12 education in Florida that is now used by millions of students.
“We couldn’t be happier for Carrie, Jim and the entire team at LSI, who are renowned for developing ground-breaking educational systems and provide practical solutions that advance educational outcomes in the classroom,” said FSU InSPIRE Executive Director, Farrukh Alvi. “Working closely with industry partners, they are fulfilling our mission to train the next generation of highly skilled workers and technologically driven, industry-focused innovators and entrepreneurs who can respond to and solve real-life challenges.”
The winning courses are part of FSU InSPIRE’s Artificial Intelligence Engineering tract. The inaugural “Engaging Elementary Students Using AI-Powered Storytelling” was sponsored by Microsoft and included 35-hours of in-person training that culminated in an industry certification and badge. Upon completion, educators are equipped with tools to effectively use generative AI and Microsoft Office to create K-12 engineering design lessons. The second course, "Leveraging AI Prompt Engineering for Engineering Design Pedagogy,” expanded AI applications in the classroom over 20 hours of virtual instruction, adding the certified ability to leverage prompt-engineering strategies to develop resources for open-ended, problem-based lessons.
“We’re very excited that our workforce development courses have received such recognition,” said Director of STEM Outreach and Co-Director of Education and Workforce Development, Carrie Meyers. “It’s immensely gratifying to empower educators with the ability to create comprehensive lesson plans with AI so students can solve current, real-world scenarios. By integrating AI and prompt engineering into their teaching, they can better prepare their students for careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and technical trades. We also explore the ethical implications and environmental impacts of AI so students can understand the full scope of possibilities and best use of modern technologies.”
Artificial Intelligence courses deliver leading-edge tools and techniques to teachers in Florida’s panhandle
“FSU InSPIRE and our entire workforce development team are all about strengthening alliances with industry leaders, educators, and community partners to establish a model of educational excellence,” added Co-Director of Education and Workforce Development, Jim Reynolds. “We are dedicated to preparing the talented workforce of the future and contributing to the prosperity and resilience of our local communities.”
The Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education is awarded to those who are developing and delivering stellar teaching practices that could potentially impact and improve education across the nation and the world. Practices include textbooks, websites, distance learning approaches, student materials, use of technology to enhance learning, etc. The FSU InSPIRE team received a $2,500 award presented by FSU Provost Jim Clark.