Coppin State University Equips Urban Educators to Lead in AI-Ready Classrooms
BALTIMORE— Coppin State University hosted a two-day professional development institute designed to equip K–12 educators with the knowledge, practical tools, and pedagogical strategies needed to effectively and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into classroom instruction.
The institute, “Future-Ready Classrooms: AI Integration in Urban K–12 Education,” provided educators with hands-on learning experiences designed to demystify AI and move beyond theory to practical classroom application. Through interactive sessions, demonstrations, collaborative activities, music, and games, participants explored ways AI can enhance student engagement, critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy while promoting ethical and equitable use of emerging technologies.
The institute emphasized strategies that educators could immediately take back to their classrooms, including AI integration aligned with academic standards, lesson planning, and digital tools such as GEM and Notebook. Participants also developed ready-to-use instructional resources and established connections with fellow educators to support continued learning and implementation beyond the institute.
Participants’ feedback underscored the success of the experience. All 21 participants who completed the post-institute survey rated their overall satisfaction with the institute at the highest level. In addition, 20 participants reported being “very confident” in their ability to effectively integrate AI into classroom instruction following the institute, while one participant reported being “somewhat confident.”
Participants particularly valued the institute’s hands-on approach and engaging learning environment. Several identified the presenters and interactive sessions as highlights, while others praised the enthusiasm and energy of the hosts.
The overwhelmingly positive response reflects Coppin State University’s commitment to providing innovative professional learning opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of educators and the students they serve. The institute also demonstrates the University’s focus on ensuring that educators in urban school settings have meaningful opportunities to explore emerging technologies through an educational, ethical, and equity-centered lens.
“This institute was about much more than learning how to use AI tools,” said Karen Santos Rogers, Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Education and the Director of the Professional Practice Institute. “It was about empowering educators to thoughtfully consider how AI can support teaching and learning while ensuring that students are prepared to navigate an increasingly digital world. Seeing educators collaborate, experiment, and leave feeling more confident in their ability to integrate AI was incredibly rewarding. The response from our participants confirmed how valuable it is to create professional learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and grounded in the realities of urban education.”
The institute was made possible through a partnership between Coppin State University and the Maryland Center for Computing Education, with support from the University System of Maryland and Baltimore City Public Schools. The initiative reflects Coppin State’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with K–12 schools and supporting educators throughout the Baltimore region and beyond.
As AI continues to reshape education and the workforce, Coppin State University remains committed to preparing educators to approach these technologies with confidence, creativity, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to equity.
