15 PreK-12 Educators Selected from over 150 Applicants to Lead Transformative AI Education Initiative
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) today announced the selection of its first-ever Responsible AI Fellowship cohort. The prestigious year-long program, made possible in partnership with Google and GenerationAI, will bring together 15 exceptional PreK-12 educators for the 2025-2026 academic year, beginning this fall.
The CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship is a groundbreaking leadership journey that empowers educators to develop ethical, inclusive, and transformative approaches to artificial intelligence teaching. This inaugural program addresses the critical need for educators who can navigate the complex landscape of AI education while ensuring responsible innovation in classrooms across the nation.
Meet the 2025-2026 CSTA Responsible AI Fellows
- Elexis Allen, K-12 CS Instructor at CodeCrew (Memphis, TN)
- Matt Alonzo, 9-12 Teacher at Parkway North High School (Saint Louis, MO)
- Lisette Antigua, 9-12 Teacher at STEM Innovation Academy (South Orange, NJ)
- Angela Chavez, 3-5 CS Teacher at Computer Science Virtual Academy (Los Angeles, CA)
- Tarquinn Curry, 6-8 Teacher at Long Beach Unified School District (Long Beach, CA)
- Mark John Davis, 6-8 Teacher at Barrington Middle School (Barrington, RI)
- Oommen Chris Jacob, 9-12 CS Teacher at Pathways College Prep (St Albans, NY)
- Daniel Jones, PK-12 CS Teacher at Whispering Pines Educational Center (Miramar, FL)
- Latoya Jones, 9-12 Media Specialist at Sanders Park Elementary (Pompano Beach)
- Kate Lockwood, 9-12 CS Teacher at St. Paul Academy (St. Paul, MN)
- Jie Long, 9-12 CTE Teacher at Paradise Valley High School (Phoenix, AZ)
- Tamar McPherson, 9-12 CS Teacher at Plum Borough School District (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Zahra Razi, 6-8 CS Teacher at Fontana Unified School District (Fontana, CA)
- Tim Swick, 6-8 CS Teacher at Lexington Richland School District (Irmo, SC)
- Denise Thompson, 9-12 CTE and CS Teacher at Orting High School (Lakewood, WA)
The fellows were selected through a rigorous application process from 152 applicants nationwide, based on their demonstrated passion for ensuring all students can engage meaningfully with AI concepts, evidence of leadership abilities, and commitment to responsible AI education. Selection criteria emphasized educators’ understanding of responsible AI development and deployment, ability to work with diverse groups, and clear vision for improving equitable access to AI education.
Throughout the fellowship year, participants will form a dynamic learning community, supporting each other as emerging leaders and driving system-wide change in AI education through collaborative learning and peer mentorship. The program focuses on four key areas:
- Ethical AI Frameworks: Understanding and teaching core principles of responsible AI development and deployment
- Inclusive AI Education: Ensuring AI learning experiences are accessible and relevant to all students
- Transformative Teaching Practices: Implementing pedagogical approaches that help students critically analyze AI’s impact on society
- Leadership and Advocacy: Building capacity to champion responsible AI education at local, state, and national levels
“We’re developing the leaders that matter most when bringing AI into the classroom: teachers,” said Jake Baskin, Executive Director of CSTA. “Teachers know what is most important for their students, and through this program, we’re excited to elevate educators who are focused on making ethical AI accessible to all students. Thank you to Google.org and GenerationAI for their support of this essential work.
For more information about the CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship, visit https://csteachers.org/pd-opportunities/responsible-ai-fellowship/