This fall, Groton-Dunstable educators have been diving into a new statewide professional development opportunity: the AI Literacy training developed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The training was designed as an introduction to artificial intelligence for Massachusetts educators, helping teachers build AI literacy through practical examples, guided reflection, and discussion of both opportunities and challenges. Educators earned professional development points (PDPs) for completing the course, which can be applied toward license renewal.
To date, over 25 GDRSD educators have completed the training, and staff at Swallow Union also received introductory training on Notebook LM, Google’s AI-powered note-taking and research tool, during a recent staff meeting, expanding their understanding of how emerging AI tools can support teaching and learning. We even held a raffle for staff who completed the AI training, and high school teacher Erika Gounis won a brand-new Apple iPad!
Staff Voices on the Training
Many staff members said the training not only provided foundational knowledge but also sparked essential conversations about the role of AI in teaching and learning.
“What I found the most interesting about the course was how it navigated ethical concerns. An important takeaway for me was that the use of AI is not black and white; I appreciated how it painted a picture and gave examples of how we can encourage students to use it thoughtfully and ethically.”
- Nicole Freitas, Multilingual Learner Teacher, GDRSD
“The training is easy to follow and highly relevant to teaching in today's world. AI will only become more pervasive, and it's vital that teachers understand the potential advantages and disadvantages.”
- Mark Rocheleau, Science/Robotics Teacher, GDRHS
“The AI training helped me feel more confident, not just in using new tools, but in knowing when they really make sense for my students.”
- Hannah Russel, Paraeducator, Florence Roche Elementary
“I enjoyed learning how AI works to gather information. It was also helpful to understand how to refine prompts and evaluate responses to ensure the output aligns with what I’m looking for.”
- Trisha Caulfield, First Grade Teacher, Florence Roche Elementary
About the DESE AI Resource
This training was created for educators at all levels of experience. Whether someone is brand new to AI tools or already experimenting with them, the guide offers:
Practical support and real-world examples
Opportunities for reflection and discussion
Strategies for thinking critically about AI’s place in education
The goal is not to promote or discourage AI use, but to equip educators with the knowledge to make informed choices in their own practice.
Looking Ahead
As AI continues to influence education, GDRSD is proud of the 25+ educators who have already completed this training and are building a foundation of understanding. Their learning will help guide thoughtful discussions about the role of AI in classrooms and ensure that decisions center on students, equity, and responsible use.