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.
AI Explorers Showcase 2025–26 — May 7, 2026
Join us as this year’s AI Explorers present their classroom innovations at our end-of-year showcase. Meet the educators who spent the year experimenting with AI tools, designing lessons, and reflecting on what works for their students.
2025–26 AI Explorers: Andrew Ghiglia (Aptos High), Bobbie Grennier (Bradley Elementary), Christine Spaugh (Bradley Elementary), Dallas Guerrero (Pacific Elementary), Deb Bell (Ocean Alternative K–8), Eliza Struthers (New Brighton Middle), Erika Cobain (Aptos High), Gwendolyn Rendon (Mission Hill Middle), Janie Islas (Mintie White Elementary), Jena Casey (Scotts Valley Middle), Julie Willhite (Scotts Valley Middle), Justin Burrows (Ocean Alternative K–8), Lewis LaHood (Scotts Valley High), Lucas Labrie (Scotts Valley High), Melissa Offutt (Aptos High), Millie Lord (Scotts Valley Middle), Miranda Felton (PVUSD District Office), Nadine Said (Mission Hill Middle), Nerissa Graydon (Aptos High).
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: 2024–25 Recorded Teacher Presentations
Discover how K–12 educators pioneered the use of AI in their classrooms. Watch recorded presentations from our 2024–25 AI Explorers Showcase, highlighting innovative, student-centered approaches to artificial intelligence in education.
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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:
📧 [email protected]