From Compliance to Confidence: Getting Teachers to Actually Use AI

Many educators are not resistant to AI. They are overwhelmed by it. While schools continue investing in AI tools and training, many teachers remain unsure where to start or how AI fits into their daily work. This Spark Talk shares a simple shift that helped move teachers from compliance-driven participation to genuine confidence and curiosity. Instead of leading with tools, features, and mandates, we focused on solving real problems teachers face every day: differentiating instruction, creating resources, communicating with families, and finding time. Participants will see how a practical, low-pressure professional learning approach empowered teachers to begin using AI as learners and connectors, increasing collaboration, reducing anxiety, and creating meaningful classroom applications. Through real examples, lessons learned, and actionable strategies, attendees will leave with a framework they can immediately use to support AI adoption in their own schools and districts.