AI Explorers: Teaching and Learning with Artificial Intelligence
AI Explorers is an initiative of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) dedicated to supporting educators in navigating the possibilities and responsibilities of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
Through pilot projects, professional learning communities, and hands-on experimentation, AI Explorers empowers teachers to lead innovation while centering student equity and voice.
By equipping educators with cutting-edge tools, strategies, and collaborative networks, the program fosters confident, critical, and creative uses of AI across the curriculum.
About the Program
AI Explorers is committed to building educator capacity around AI literacy, ethical use, and classroom innovation. Participants engage in yearlong learning experiences focused on exploring practical, student-centered applications of artificial intelligence technologies.
The program brings together educators across districts and grade levels to collaborate, pilot AI tools, reflect on challenges and wins, and lead conversations about the future of education.
Key Program Elements
- Professional Learning Sessions
Workshops on AI fundamentals, classroom integration, and ethics. - Pilot Opportunities
Access to AI education tools, resources, and ongoing support for testing in real-world settings. - Collaborative Community of Practice
Ongoing peer learning sessions to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and share innovations. - Classroom Innovation Projects
Educator-designed projects that apply AI meaningfully to enhance student learning. - Public Showcase
A culminating event where educators present their work and impact to the broader community.
AI Explorers Showcase
Come see firsthand how educators are pioneering the use of AI in K–12 classrooms!
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Time: 4:00–6:00 PM
- Location: Santa Cruz COE (400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA) and Online via Zoom
- RSVP: sccoe.link/RSVPexploreAI
- More Information: sccoe.link/AIexplorers
Following the showcase, join us for an informal Meet & Greet at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing!
Resources & Updates
One of the most exciting outcomes of the AI Explorers program is the collection of educator-developed lessons and project ideas designed to help others integrate AI thoughtfully and creatively into their classrooms.
These ready-to-use resources, created and piloted by teachers across Santa Cruz County, are now available for educators who are looking for practical ways to bring AI concepts into a wide range of grade levels and subject areas.
Resources available on this page include:
- Classroom-Ready AI Lessons developed by AI Explorers
- Project Ideas and Best Practices based on real-world classroom experiences
- Reflections and Recommendations from participating educators
In addition, we invite you to explore the Santa Cruz COE’s curated AI resources, which provide broader guidance, research, tools, and templates to support schools and districts at every stage of their AI journey.
Get Involved
Are you an educator eager to bring AI innovation to your school?
Are you a community partner ready to support future-ready learning?
We’d love to collaborate with you.
Contact Us:
📧 edtechtrailblazers@santacruzcoe.org