Principals play a pivotal role in fostering high-quality professional development (PD) and creating a culture of continuous learning for their teachers. As instructional leaders, it is imperative for principals to create the conditions—and provide the support necessary—for effective PD so that meaningful improvements in student learning can take place.
At St. Vrain Valley Schools, a district of 33,000 students in Longmont, CO, principals have leveraged technology—notably the use of artificial intelligence (AI)—to further support this important work.
Traditionally, PD in the district had been delivered through a one-size-fits-all approach, often relying on workshops and seminars that failed to address the diverse needs of individual teachers. St. Vrain recognized the limitations of this model and created its Exploration AI program.
This year-long professional development initiative is a testament to our district’s commitment to preparing students for a future infused with technology. It aims to boost educators’ understanding and use of AI and, in turn, reshape their approach to education.
The program includes three key components:
1. Self-Directed, Gamified Learning. We are now in the second year of Exploration AI, which offers structured modules allowing participants to personalize their learning according to their interests and professional goals. Each module presents a unique opportunity to expand AI knowledge and skills, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in teaching practices. As participants complete each module, they earn passport stamps (shown below) created in Keynote, a visual portfolio of their learning journey. These stamps represent the milestones reached along the way and showcase participants’ growing expertise.
2. EdCamp Pop-Ups. A central component of the Exploration AI program is the monthly EdCamp Pop-Ups. These sessions foster collaborative discussions and shared learning, offering educators a valuable space to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices related to AI in education. Each session includes demonstrations and hands-on experimentation, giving participants practical experience that empowers them to effectively implement AI concepts in their classrooms. To enhance the experience in our second year, principals participated in a design challenge during their retreat to create feeder pop-up events. These feeder events take place monthly throughout the school year.
3. School Champions. Recognizing the importance of grassroots leadership, each school in St. Vrain selects an Exploration AI champion. These champions collaborate closely with their school’s leadership team to seamlessly integrate AI strategies into the monthly professional development days. This dynamic partnership ensures AI becomes a fundamental part of the school’s educational approach. During a monthly virtual meeting, champions also delve into best practices for using AI, discuss new tools, and provide feedback. As a result, these educators have become a nimble group of trailblazers.
St. Vrain is also using AI to enhance teacher effectiveness and self-reflection. With the AI Coach platform by Edthena, our teachers reflect on videos of their classroom teaching and receive personalized observation tips, coaching, and resources from a virtual, computerized coach. This process enables teachers to refine their instructional strategies and foster a more engaging learning environment for students.
Currently, St. Vrain is offering teachers the opportunity to use AI Coach through a comprehensive PD course, which is designed to engage teachers in a targeted coaching cycle using a gradual release model. The course is supported by an instructional coach who guides educators through the AI-driven process.
The use of this AI technology pairs well with the in-person support teachers already receive. Additionally, it provides teachers with true flexibility as they can now receive continuous coaching when it is most convenient for them.
By providing AI-driven learning opportunities and empowering educators to harness the potential of AI, schools can foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and personalized learning—both of which are foundational for increased teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
For more on AI and school leadership, check out the February issue of Principal Leadership.
