Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping society, yet most K–12 teachers have had little preparation to teach how AI works or how it connects to foundational computer science. AI and Computer Science Professional Development Weeks address this gap by preparing teachers to move beyond simply using AI tools toward helping students understand, question, and create with AI.
AI PD Weeks combine intensive summer professional development with ongoing support throughout the school year, providing approximately 35–50 hours of professional learning. Each state-based program brings together large cohorts of educators who select from vetted, high-quality workshops aligned with AI and computer science standards and tailored to different grade levels, teaching contexts, and levels of experience.
Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and classroom planning, teachers deepen their understanding of AI and core computer science concepts while developing practical strategies for helping students create, test, and evaluate AI systems. Participating teachers also receive stipends and remain connected through local and state professional learning communities for continued support throughout the school year.
2026 Impact
In summer 2026, AI PD Weeks reached more than 1,100 educators across six states. Participants reported highly positive learning experiences and meaningful growth in their confidence and preparation to teach AI and computer science.
| Scale | Quality | Preparedness | Growth |
| 1,142 educators surveyed | 95% rated their PD experience 8 out of 10 or higher | 92% reported feeling prepared to teach about AI | 50% increase in AI pedagogical confidence |
See AI PD Weeks in Action
Get a look inside AI PD Weeks and hear from educators about their experiences learning, collaborating, and preparing to bring AI and computer science into their classrooms.
Summer 2026 AI PD Weeks
Indiana
Indiana University in Bloomington, IN
June 15–19, 2026
South Carolina
The Citadel in Charleston, SC
June 22–26, 2026
New Jersey
The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ + Virtual
August 3–6, 2026
illinois
Capital Area Career Center in Springfield, IL
June 15–18, 2026
Iowa
Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA
July 21–23, 2026
Minnesota
The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN
August 4–6, 2026
Partner with Us
Bring an AI PD Week to Your State
CSTA is seeking partners in four additional states to host AI + CS PD Weeks in 2027. Through NSF funding, selected state teams will provide intensive, standards-aligned summer professional development, ongoing school-year support, and stipends for participating teachers. CSTA chapters, state partners, universities, and other organizations are encouraged to apply. Proposals are due October 30, 2026.
Bring Your Professional Learning to AI PD Weeks
If you offer professional learning that prepares educators to teach AI as part of foundational computer science, submit your program for CSTA PD Accreditation to be considered for inclusion in AI PD Weeks. Accredited programs are reviewed against research-informed indicators of high-quality CS professional learning and may be selected to support educators through AI PD Weeks across participating states.
For more information or questions, contact Dr. Amanda Bell, AI and CS PD Weeks Project Manager.
Partners
This project is supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2607763 and by the U.S. Department of Education through the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program, Award No. S411C200115. Additional support was provided by the partners listed above. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.