FSU InSPIRE Launches Professional Development Courses for K-12 Teachers in June 2026
Florida State University’s InSPIRE, the Institute for Strategic Planning, Innovation, Research, and Education, has released the dates and locations of eight week-long opportunities for educators to discover the foundations of AI and explore how it can help transform educational practices. InSPIRE is dedicated to supporting the eight counties along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast through educational initiatives, professional learning, and workforce enhancement in alignment with Triumph Gulf Coast, who oversees the majority of funds recovered from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Teachers in Gulf Coast Counties from Escambia to Wakulla Can Attend Week-Long, In-Person Classes Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
Two courses are available starting the first week of June. The introductory course, AI101: Engaging K-12 Students Using AI-Powered Instruction gives teachers a modern, hands-on professional learning experience focused on AI foundations, prompt engineering, durable skills, and classroom-ready STEM resource design. Through collaboration with FSU faculty and industry experts, participants learn to co-design standards-aligned curriculum with AI, strengthen critical thinking, and connect instruction to future workforce needs. Educators can also earn Microsoft PowerPoint and AI Foundations certifications, along with a $700 stipend upon successful completion.
The advanced course for those who have completed AI101, AI102: Leveraging AI Prompt Engineering for Engineering Design Pedagogy helps teachers build the skills to co-design open-ended engineering lessons with AI while strengthening instructional design with Microsoft Word. As the second course in the InSPIRE AI Pathway, this research-based professional learning experience prepares teachers to apply prompt engineering, model eliciting activities, and responsible AI practices to create high-quality, workforce-connected STEM instruction. Participants can earn an industry credential in Microsoft Office Word, a 35-hour FSU and Microsoft certificate in AI Prompt Engineering, and a $700 stipend upon successful completion.
Both courses are conducted by InSPIRE’s Education and Workforce Development team with help from regional InSPIREd teachers who have completed the course and are available to assist and help facilitate the experience. Each course is designed to serve K-12 teachers with activities adapted for all student levels, so educators can apply the skills and techniques learned no matter what grades they currently teach. Regional industry experts will also speak on career opportunities and the skills students will need to thrive in the future. Field trips to local businesses help teachers gain insights into regional capabilities and connect their lessons with employer needs in Northwest Florida. This evolving approach to professional learning is giving educators the support and inspiration they need to reimagine their classrooms, ensuring students gain the skills and experiences that meet today’s workforce demands.
“We are aiming to help build a next level knowledge base that supports the needs of an evolving region,” said Carrie Meyers, Director of Education and Workforce Talent. “We have welcomed K-12 teachers of all subject areas, many of whom have limited experience in AI, yet through their commitment to the learning process, were able to drive meaningful changes for their students. Our goals include demystifying AI, developing long-lasting relationships with teachers, and helping to establish a regional network of educators who can grow and learn together to support student success in a rapidly evolving world, equipping every learner for the future of work.”
AI101: Engaging K-12 Students using AI-Powered Instruction will be held June 1-5 in Eastpoint, Franklin County, June 15-19 in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, June 22-26 in Pensacola, Escambia County, July 6-10 in Panama City Beach, Bay County and July 13-17 in Niceville, Okaloosa County.
AI102: Leveraging AI Prompt Engineering for Engineering Design Pedagogy will be held June 22-26 in Pensacola, Escambia County, July 6-10 in Panama City Beach, Bay County, and July 13-17 in Niceville, Okaloosa County.
Interested educators can apply here.