Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI (ATAA) is a year-long professional learning community for K–16 educators focused on building AI literacy, deepening understanding of AI’s implications for teaching and learning, and sharing effective, ethical, and pedagogically meaningful practices for teaching in the age of AI.
Eligibility
- K–12 teachers
- School administrators
- Instructional coaches and curriculum specialists
- Higher education educators interested in AI literacy and pedagogy
What You Will Gain
- Understand how AI systems work well enough to explain them to students, parents, and colleagues – in plain language, without a technical background
- Recognize when AI outputs are unreliable, biased, or inappropriate – and know why, not just that, something has gone wrong
- Design lessons and assignments that use AI as a thinking tool, not a shortcut, across any subject area
- Build a simple AI workflow that saves you real time on a task you do every week
- Earn a CEU-certified credential and a shareable digital micro-badge
- Join a community of AI-informed educators and present your work at a June 2027 showcase
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | 2026-27 Cohort Applications Open |
| June 22–23, 2026 | In-Person Launch Event, as part of the 2026 VA Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute |
| Sept 2026 – May 2027 | Online Community Training Sessions (2 hours) Every Other Month |
| June 2027 | Final Showcase & Cohort Completion |
Frequent Asked Questions
1. Is this program free?
Yes.
2. Do I need a technical background?
No, but curiosity will help.
3. Is it open to teachers of all levels?
Although use cases presented in training may apply more toward Grade 7 and above, all levels are welcome.
4. What is the format of engagement? How much time will the ATAA program require?
The ATAA program operates as a yearly cohort. Participants in the 2026–2027 School Year cohort will participate in a launch event, community training sessions held every other month, and a final showcase running from June 2026 through June 2027. While the launch event and final showcase will be held in person, all community training sessions will be conducted online. These community training sessions will be 1–2 hours in length, and recordings will be made available to all registrants.
For time allocation, plan for approximately one ~ two full days for the June 22-23 launch event (based on your availability), one virtual session every other month during the school year, some independent classroom implementation at your own pace, and one full day for the June 2027 final showcase. You don’t have to participate in every event/session, however, participants who complete a total of 15 learning hours over the 12-month period may earn a digital badge upon completion.
5. What is the ATAA launch event? How to register for the launch event?
The ATAA launch event features an opening speech introducing the program and two workshops on AI Fundamentals for Teachers and Best Practices of AI in Teaching. The launch event will be held as part of the VA Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute on June 22 – 23, 2026 at the George Mason University Manassas Science and Tech Campus, Katherine G. Johnson Hall, 10890 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110.
To attend the launch event, please register for the VA Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute. All workshops offered at the June 22-23 Learning Institute, including ATAA and non-ATAA sessions, will offer Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits to participants who complete them.
6. If I can’t join the launch event on June 22-23, can I still participate in the ATAA program?
Yes. The ATAA program operates as a yearly cohort. Participants of the 2026-2027 cohort can register for the program below.The registration will ask for your basic information, including your name and contact information, teaching role and settings, and a few pre-program survey questions.
Click Here to Apply to the ATAA Program
Program Contacts: Peng Warweg [email protected]
Workshop Contacts: Padhu Seshaiyer [email protected] Manpriya Dua [email protected]