15 PreK-12 Educators Selected from over 120 Applicants to Lead Transformative AI Education Initiative
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) today announced the selection of its second Responsible AI Fellowship cohort. The prestigious six-month program, made possible in partnership with Google and GenerationAI, will bring together 15 exceptional PreK-12 educators for 2026, beginning this summer.
The CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship is a leadership journey that empowers educators to develop ethical, inclusive, and transformative approaches to artificial intelligence teaching. This 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 2026 CSTA Responsible AI Fellows
- Leah Aiwohi, serving grades 9-12 at Kaua’i High School (Lihue, HI)
- Bradley Joseph Ditto, serving grades PK-12 at Allegany County Public Schools (Cumberland, MD)
- Eitan Fire, serving grades 8-12 at Jefferson Academy (Broomfield, CO)
- Cecelia Gillam, serving grades 9-12 at Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans, LA)
- Alphana Hobbs II, serving grades 9-12 at Pacific Ridge School (Carlsbad, CA)
- Pattie Hockensmith, serving grades PK-5 at Canfield Local Schools (Canfield, OH)
- Trakeisha Howard, serving grades PK-12 at CodeCrew (Memphis, TN)
- Gus Lott, serving grades 6-12 at Malinus Pebble Hill School (Syracuse, NY)
- Amanda McBride, serving grades 6-12 at Lincoln County High School (Fayetteville, TN)
- Amber Melander, serving grades PK-5 at Patrick Elementary School (Buford, GA)
- Gieshala Mims, serving grades 6-8 at Senatobia Municipal School District (Senatobia, MS)
- Sonia Mitchell, serving grades 3-12 at Academy of Computer Science & Engineering High School (Enfield, CT)
- Jennifer O’Sullivan, serving grades PK-5 at A.D. Henderson University School (Boca Raton, FL)
- Eugene Pope, serving grades 9-12 at Hyde Park Academy (Chicago, IL)
- Jedediyah Wiliams, serving grades 9-12 at Belmont High School (Belmont, MA)
The fellows were selected through a rigorous application process from 124 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/