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AI Courses for Educators in Education

  • Writer: Charles Albanese
    Charles Albanese
  • 4 days ago
  • 11 min read

ai in education courses

In 2024, U.S. school districts doubled their efforts to train teachers on AI, increasing from 23% to 48%. However, many educators still feel unprepared to implement these tools in their classrooms.. Despite the growing presence of AI in education, only 24% of educators report a strong familiarity with AI technologies.


Recognizing this gap, the U.S. government, many institutions, and organizations have taken initiatives to prioritize professional development for AI in teacher education courses. They are aiming to equip educators with the necessary skills to navigate and teach in an AI-enhanced educational landscape.


AI courses specialized for educators are increasing as key resources, offering practical tools for lesson planning, assessment creation, and personalized student support. These programs are empowering teachers to lead confidently in an evolving educational environment. 


This blog will help you understand why, as an educator, you need to take AI courses and how they can help you with your career! 


What are AI Courses for Educators?


AI courses for educators are specially designed programs that teach you how to use artificial intelligence tools effectively in your teaching. Whether it’s automating administrative tasks, analyzing student data, or creating personalized lesson plans, these courses help you understand and confidently apply AI in a way that supports your role and does not replace it.


Why should you consider taking an AI course?


  • Make your teaching smarter, not harder

Learn how to use AI tools to automate time-consuming tasks like grading, attendance tracking, and content generation. This frees up more time for you to focus on what truly matters, connecting with your students.


  • Personalize student learning with confidence

Discover how AI can help you tailor lessons based on individual student needs, performance, and learning styles. You’ll be equipped to offer more targeted support without burning out trying to “do it all” manually.


  • Stay ahead in a rapidly changing classroom

With AI evolving quickly, these courses help you stay updated with the latest tools and trends, so you can adapt rather than feel overwhelmed or outdated in the classroom.


  • Boost your tech confidence without needing to be a coder

You don’t need a computer science degree. These courses break down AI concepts in plain English and give you step-by-step guidance on using tools that are actually useful in your daily teaching.


  • Become a leader in your school or district

Educators who understand AI are already being seen as innovators and mentors. By completing an AI course, you position yourself to train others, lead digital initiatives, and contribute to shaping the future of education.


Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting out, AI courses give you a practical edge in today’s education system. And if you want to start your teaching journey with an AI-supported platform, then The School House Anywhere (TSHA) would be a perfect option for you! 


With us, you can open your own microschool for students in grades K-6 or start homeschooling. Our curriculum is designed to be user-friendly, featuring a vast library of educational films, printable materials, and 24/7 live support. 


We also offer a special curriculum, which is the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). The curriculum is known for its interconnected and developmentally aligned structure. 


Next, let’s see some AI in education courses for teachers, which you can start doing this year to enhance your AI skills! 


Available AI Courses and Certifications for Educators


As AI becomes an essential tool in modern classrooms, a range of specialized courses and certifications are now available to help educators confidently embrace these technologies.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best programs that can empower your teaching with AI:


1. Introduction to Data Wise

If you're looking for a practical entry point into AI-driven education improvement, this course is a great start. It introduces the Data Wise Project’s eight-step model to enhance learning outcomes through effective data use. Designed with simplicity and collaboration in mind, it helps you create actionable plans from complex student data without feeling overwhelmed.



Course feature:

  • Learn to navigate the Data Wise 8-step improvement process with real school examples

  • Gain skills to use student data for improving teaching and learning strategies

  • Access video lectures, readings, and practice tools from Harvard faculty and educators

  • Understand how to build a culture of collaborative data inquiry in schools

  • Receive a certificate from Harvard University upon successful course completion


Pros:

  • Easy to follow

  • Highly practical

  • Harvard certified

  • Collaborative focus


Cons:

  • Paid course

  • No live sessions, only recorded materials


2. ChatGPT for Educators Professional Certificate

In this certification, you’ll discover how to use ChatGPT and similar AI models to streamline tasks like lesson planning, assessment design, and personalized support. It also delves into AI ethics, bias, and limitations, helping you responsibly integrate AI tools into your daily teaching workflow without feeling overwhelmed or losing your personal teaching touch.



Course features:

  • Learn to use ChatGPT to create engaging, curriculum-aligned lesson plans and activities

  • Explore AI ethics, bias, misinformation, and responsible use in educational environments

  • Gain hands-on experience through realistic teaching scenarios and problem-solving projects

  • Learn strategies for integrating AI without compromising creativity

  • Develop critical thinking about AI’s role in pedagogy and classroom innovation


Pros:

  • Hands-on projects

  • Ethics-focused

  • Georgia Tech backed

  • Strong AI coverage


Cons:

  • Higher cost

  • Some basic tech knowledge is needed


3. How to Use ChatGPT in Education

This short but impactful course teaches you practical strategies for applying ChatGPT in your classroom. You'll learn how to create interactive learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and provide real-time feedback using AI. Ethical and legal considerations are also emphasized to ensure your use of AI remains safe and compliant with educational standards.


  • Offered by: edX

  • Level: Beginner

  • Duration: 1 week (1–2 hours total)

  • Cost: $20 for a certification


Course features: 

Understand the ethical and legal implications of AI use in school environments

Includes hands-on examples for applying ChatGPT in different teaching scenarios

Designed for quick learning, perfect for busy educators with limited time

Covers prompt engineering basics to get better responses from ChatGPT

Offers real classroom examples to help bridge theory and application easily


Pros:

  • Very affordable

  • Quick to complete

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Practical focus


Cons:

  • No university backing

  • Limited depth


4. Introduction to Teaching With Artificial Intelligence

This program gives educators a strong, beginner-friendly foundation in AI concepts and how they can enhance teaching. It focuses on responsible AI use, debunking myths about AI replacing teachers, and equips you with techniques for seamlessly incorporating AI tools into lesson design and classroom management.



Course features:

  • Covers foundational AI concepts tailored specifically for classroom use and teaching practice

  • Teaches ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI integration aligned with school values

  • Provides tools for AI-assisted lesson planning, feedback, and classroom management

  • Includes myth-busting sessions about AI replacing teachers or reducing their value

  • Offers guidance on evaluating and selecting effective AI tools for education


Pros:

  • Ivy League quality

  • Ethics-driven

  • Great for beginners

  • Classroom-focused


Cons:

  • High cost

  • No free trial


5. Google AI Essentials

Created by Google, this course provides an accessible introduction to fundamental AI concepts and their real-world applications, including education. Through hands-on exercises and examples, you’ll see how AI tools can help automate tasks, personalize instruction, and even boost your efficiency as an educator without needing deep technical skills.


  • Offered by: Google

  • Level: Beginner

  • Duration: Approx. 10–15 hours

  • Cost: $49


Course features:

  • Introduces key AI concepts using simple language and real-world educator examples

  • Offers hands-on activities to practice AI tools for time-saving and productivity

  • No prior technical knowledge required; designed for complete beginners

  • Covers how AI can personalize learning and assist with classroom tasks

  • Includes interactive lessons focused on responsible and ethical AI use


Pros:

  • Very affordable

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Practical examples

  • Google certified


Cons:

  • Not specific only to education

  • No certificate from a university


6. AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization

This specialization is perfect for educators who want a broad, non-technical overview of AI. It covers AI basics, ethics, and societal impacts, and includes practical ideas for using AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences. It’s a gentle entry into AI with a focus on real-world, classroom-relevant examples rather than coding.


  • Offered by: IBM via Coursera

  • Level: Beginner

  • Duration: 2–3 months (3–4 hours per week)

  • Cost: Free to audit; $49/month for certification


Course features:

  • Offers a broad understanding of AI concepts with no programming required

  • Focuses on AI ethics, societal impact, and responsible usage in education

  • Includes real-world examples of how AI can support teaching and learning

  • Provides flexibility with self-paced learning and optional certification

  • Developed by IBM experts with practical insights and easy-to-follow lessons


Pros:

  • No coding needed

  • Free to audit

  • Ethics included

  • IBM-backed


Cons:

  • Monthly cost for the certificate

  • Steep learning curve


7. Teaching With AI

Designed specifically for faculty and higher education staff, this program focuses on integrating AI tools into teaching practices while carefully considering the ethical implications. You'll learn how to apply AI for course design, student engagement, and content creation while maintaining educational integrity. The course emphasizes critical thinking about the opportunities and risks of AI, making it an essential program for those ready to reshape academic instruction responsibly.



Course features:

  • Focuses on practical AI integration in course design, teaching, and academic workflows

  • Includes modules on ethical considerations and maintaining academic integrity with AI tools

  • Designed specifically for faculty and higher ed instructors across all disciplines

  • Offers interactive activities to apply AI in student engagement and content creation

  • Encourages critical thinking about both the benefits and risks of AI in education


Pros:

  • Higher ed focused

  • Ethics-centered

  • Practical approach

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • No formal certification

  • Lack of support


8. AI in Higher Education Professional Certificate

This course is aimed at educators and administrators looking to deepen their understanding of AI’s evolving role in higher education. It provides a value-based approach to incorporating AI into learning, curriculum development, and assessment redesign. Beyond just learning AI tools, you’ll explore AI literacy, ethical frameworks, and strategic implementation methods. It’s especially valuable if you want to lead thoughtful AI integration initiatives at your institution.



Course features:

  • Focuses on AI integration in curriculum design, assessment, and higher education strategy

  • Explores AI literacy and ethical use through a value-driven educational lens

  • Ideal for faculty and administrators leading institutional AI adoption or policy planning

  • Includes case studies and frameworks to guide real-world implementation of AI tools

  • Offers flexible learning with self-paced structure and optional certification


Pros:

  • Policy-focused

  • Free to audit

  • Strategic content

  • Designed for leadership


Cons: 

  • Free version lacks depth

  • Steep learning curve


By enrolling in these thoughtfully designed AI programs, you will be able to enhance your AI skills from your home and future-proof your teaching methods! 


To learn more about AI in education, you can read ‘Will AI Change Teaching Jobs in the Future?’


Next, we will explore the key features of the available AI Courses for educators, so that when you choose one for yourself, you choose the right one! 


Key Features of AI Courses for Educators 


Before choosing an AI course, it's important to know what makes a course truly effective and worth your time. Here's what you should always look for:


  • Clearly Defined Learning Objectives

A strong AI course will lay out exactly what you’ll learn, right from the beginning. Whether it’s understanding AI fundamentals, applying tools in the classroom, or exploring ethical AI use, the objectives should be specific and measurable so you know exactly what skills you’ll walk away with.


  • Curriculum Tailored for Educators, Not Developers

The best AI courses are designed specifically for teachers, not coders or engineers. Look for courses that explain AI concepts in education-focused language, with examples and tools that directly connect to classroom needs, lesson planning, student engagement, and assessment strategies.


  • Hands-On AI Tool Demonstrations and Tutorials

Quality AI courses don’t just talk about theory; they show you real tools in action. A good program will include live demonstrations, practical tutorials, and activities where you get to practice using AI software or platforms relevant to education settings.


  • Coverage of Ethics, Bias, and Responsible AI Use

Since you'll be working with student data and AI-driven decisions, it’s critical that the course covers ethical considerations. The best AI courses spend dedicated time teaching you about bias in AI, data privacy, and how to use AI responsibly in schools.


  • Self-Paced and Flexible Access Options

Recognizing how busy educators are, effective courses offer flexible learning. Look for self-paced programs or those that allow deadline extensions. Bonus if you get lifetime access to the course material, so you can revisit it whenever you need a refresher.


  • Real-World Case Studies and Classroom Scenarios

A high-quality course includes examples of how other educators are already using AI successfully. These real-world case studies and sample scenarios help you visualize the practical use of AI tools in different types of classrooms and age groups.


  • Interactive Elements like Quizzes, Assignments, or Projects

Good courses don't just deliver information; they make sure you engage with it. Check if the course includes quizzes, short assignments, simulations, or projects that help you apply what you’ve learned in meaningful, hands-on ways.


  • Expert-Led Instruction by Educators or AI Professionals

Pay attention to who’s teaching the course. Effective programs are led by experienced educators, AI researchers, or tech professionals who understand both the technology and how it applies in real classrooms. Their insights make a big difference in how practical the learning will feel.


  • Certification or Professional Development Credits

A solid AI course will offer a recognized certificate upon completion, and in some cases, professional development (PD) credits that count toward your licensure or career advancement requirements. Always check if the certification is from a reputable institution.


  • Ongoing Updates and Access to New Resources

AI is a fast-evolving field. The best courses commit to updating their content regularly and giving you access to new case studies, tools, or modules so that you stay ahead even after you finish the course.


When selecting an AI course, consider these features as your checklist. Read ‘AI Assessment Strategies in Education’ to learn how AI can assist you in making assessments easily and save extra time for you! 


Now, let’s discuss how to use AI responsibly and ethically as a teacher! 


Responsible Use and Ethical Considerations


As an educator stepping into the world of AI, it’s important to remember: just because you can use a tool doesn’t always mean you should, at least not without careful thought. Here are some ethical considerations you should follow for responsible AI use:


  • Use AI to Enhance Your Teaching, Not Replace Critical Planning

AI can be a wonderful assistant for generating lesson ideas, drafting assessments, or organizing content, but the heart of teaching still needs your expertise and intuition. Always treat AI outputs as a starting point that you thoughtfully adapt, not as a substitute for your professional judgment.


  • Be Cautious About Introducing AI Directly to Students

While it might be tempting to show students quick shortcuts through AI tools, be mindful that overexposure can harm their critical thinking, creativity, and independent problem-solving skills. Prioritize using AI to save your time as a teacher and let students follow traditional methods for their better development.


  • Protect Student Data and Privacy at All Times

Many AI platforms collect user data, and when it comes to minors, privacy must be your top concern. Always review privacy policies, ensure tools comply with regulations like FERPA, and avoid uploading any identifiable student information into AI systems without proper authorization.


  • Model Ethical AI Use Through Your Own Behavior

Students watch and learn from what you do, often more than what you say. Suppose you’re responsibly using AI. For example, cross-checking AI outputs, recognizing bias, and critically analyzing AI-generated material. Like this, you set a powerful example for digital citizenship in the AI era.


  • Stay Alert for Biases and Inaccuracies

AI is not neutral. Its outputs can reflect biases, stereotypes, or even provide incorrect information. Always critically evaluate what AI tools generate before using them in class materials or assessments. Trust your educator instincts to spot when something doesn't feel right.


  • Commit to Ongoing Learning About AI Ethics

Ethical AI use isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s an ongoing learning process. As AI technologies evolve, so will the ethical challenges they present. Stay curious, participate in professional development opportunities, and keep updating your understanding of responsible AI practices.


Using AI thoughtfully can help you become an even stronger educator. Your mindful choices with AI today will shape how your students interact with technology for the rest of their lives.


Conclusion


AI courses for educators open up a world of exciting possibilities. They are helping you teach smarter, personalize learning deeper, and manage your time better. With the right training, you can make AI work for you, not the other way around.


As AI continues to reshape education, the landscape will continue to evolve, and so will the expectations of teachers. By staying curious, updating your skills, and using AI responsibly, you’re not just keeping up, you’re leading the way. Your willingness to learn today is what will inspire and prepare your students for tomorrow.


Ready to start your journey as a microschool teacher with AI-assisted services?


The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a curriculum program for K-6 graders designed for homeschooling, micro-schools, and entrepreneurs. It is designed to be user-friendly, featuring a vast library of educational films, printable materials, and 24/7 live support for you. Our curriculum is designed for ease of use, ensuring that educators and parents can seamlessly integrate the materials into their teaching practices.


We also offer a robust curriculum, known as the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) program! It emphasizes an interconnected and developmentally aligned educational structure. Register with TSHA today and give your students the best learning development! 


 
 
 

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