The Future is Now: Strategies for Teaching AI at Putnam County ESC

Artificial intelligence is already shaping how students learn, create, and interact with the world, and educators are feeling the urgency to respond. To support teachers in moving from uncertainty to confidence, the Ohio STEM Learning Network, in partnership with Putnam County Educational Service Center, is launching a new professional learning opportunity for secondary educators: The Future Is Now: Strategies for Teaching AI. 

This in-person, interactive professional learning experience is designed for grades 8–12 educators across all subject areas who want practical, classroom-ready strategies for teaching AI literacy, no coding required. Participants should have novice to intermediate understanding of AI and a curiosity about how to integrate AI responsibly, equitably, and in alignment with standards (International Society for Technology in Education, Computer Science Teachers Association, AI4K12).

What educators will learn

Participants will build a shared, accurate understanding of AI and explore how today’s tools—from predictive models to generative AI—impact industry, communities, and classrooms. Using Code.org’s AI Foundations as a core resource, teachers will:

  • Understand how AI works and how it has evolved
  • Distinguish between predictive and generative AI
  • Explore ethical and responsible AI use
  • Connect AI concepts to real-world and local contexts
  • Learn classroom-tested strategies for whole-class, small-group, individual, and unplugged instruction
  • Design and implement at least one AI-integrated lesson or mini-unit
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Program details

Meetings are in-person and held at the Putnam County Educational Service Center:

  • March 23-24, 2026
  • April 28, 2026

The culminating event will be held at the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on June 9, 2026. 

Cost & incentives

Thanks to the Teach CS Grant and the Putnam County Educational Service Center, this program is offered at no cost. In addition, participants will:

  • Have substitute teacher costs covered up to $150.00 per day
  • Earn a complimentary ticket to the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit ($99 value)

Teach CS Grant

OSLN is proud to recognize the Putnam County Educational Service Center for their partnership on the Teach CS Grants.

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Apply to Strategies for teaching ai by March 16