GenAI Maker Space for TX: Building AI Literacy in Teacher PD

The integration of generative AI (GenAI) in teacher professional development presents a relevant opportunity to enhance educators' digital resilience. GenAIMS (Generative AI Maker Space) in Texas is a collaborative initiative led by World Education’s EdTech Center in partnership with Texas A&M University’s Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL). Through professional development and resource creation GenAIMS empowers adult educators in Texas to effectively integrate GenAI tools into their instruction. In turn, those educators will equip adults enrolled in adult literacy, English learning, high school equivalency, and workforce development classes across the state.

This initiative builds on established professional development models, including the EdTech Maker Space (ETMS) and CampGPT, to support educators in leveraging GenAI for instructional design, digital skill development, and ethical AI use. The program features a co-design process, structured training series, hands-on instructional material development, and a public showcase at the Distance Learning & Technology Integration (DLTI) Symposium, where educators share their AI-integrated teaching strategies.

In addition to training, GenAIMS will produce a guide and workbook that can be reused and adapted, ensuring long-term impact and accessibility for adult education programs and beyond. Research conducted through this initiative will generate data-driven insights into AI adoption in adult education, culminating in a final report and a national showcase to disseminate findings.

This work is generously supported by Texas A&M University.