Alabaster City Schools recently held a series of AI Focused Learning Days designed to equip teachers with practical, classroom-ready strategies for using artificial intelligence to support instruction. Led by ACS Instructional Technology Coach Meagan Harbison, the professional development sessions introduced educators to tools that streamline planning, assist with data analysis, and enhance student engagement. The training emphasized responsible use of AI while giving teachers hands-on opportunities to explore how these tools can improve teaching and learning across the district.
ACS teachers quickly saw the value of the new tools. Meadow View Elementary teacher Michelle Coxwell shared that she used what she learned the very next day by creating a SchoolAI Space for her long-term Genius Hour project. She explained that students were able to brainstorm and ask questions through the platform, while she gained helpful insights to guide their work. Thompson Intermediate School Reading Coach April Atkins highlighted that tools like Gemini and NotebookLM can help “streamline planning” and produce “student-friendly resources,” noting that anything that frees teachers’ time strengthens reading instruction.
Thompson Intermediate School teacher Michelle Griswold said learning how AI can enhance lessons and reduce workload will be “a game-changer,” and she appreciated having the opportunity to explore new instructional tools.
With educators already applying what they learned, the AI Focused Learning Days mark a meaningful step forward as Alabaster City Schools continues to innovate and provide teachers with resources that support high-quality instruction for all students.