Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS) instructional staff gathered at Pulaski County Middle School today, January 6, 2026, for a forward-thinking professional development day focused on the exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event provided educators with a foundational understanding of AI and its practical applications within the classroom to enhance student engagement and streamline instructional planning.
The day featured keynote speaker Dr. John Brummette, a Professor at Radford University and the founding director of the SMART Lab. Dr. Brummette, an expert in responsible AI use, digital literacy, and data storytelling, delivered an encouraging vision for AI as a vital tool for modern educators. His passion for teachers using AI as a tool was contagious, providing a steady, accessible introduction to the technology. He used common platforms to help teachers understand how these systems can support everyday teaching while ensuring educators remain central to content and instructional decisions.
The impact of the training resonated deeply with the staff. "This is by far the best Professional Development our county has ever offered our teachers," said Angie Clevinger, a teacher at Pulaski County High School. "AI is new and sometimes thought to be something to fear, or something that will take the human-ness out of teaching; but this could not be further from the truth. As an educational professional and parent there is a constant tug of war for my time. Each job is important, each requires time, heart, and giving. Often I struggle with where to allot my time. I feel I no longer have to choose between these two important worlds—with AI's help I can meet the needs of my students, AND I can also be the mother to my own children I need to be. I'm not being replaced, I'm still a professional, but AI is the tool I've always needed to put it all together effectively and in a timely manner, while also bringing balance to my life."
Following the keynote, staff participated in various breakout sessions tailored to their specific roles and interests. Highlights included:
From Clarity to Practice: Participants learned to shape digital assistants to handle routine planning and feedback.
Efficiency with Purpose: This session demonstrated how technology can reduce administrative burdens to empower school teams to focus on student relationships.
Supporting Diverse Learners: Educators explored strategies for differentiating instruction and supporting students with specialized learning plans.
Unlocking Creativity: Teachers practiced using new tools as creative partners to generate fresh ideas for lesson design and student engagement.
The event also included specialized training in Magma Math, vocabulary scaffolding, and Discovery Education’s Career Hub, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for all staff members.
District leaders noted that the focus of the day was on building a shared understanding so that future conversations about classroom technology begin from a place of clarity and confidence. Educators left the event with practical strategies to implement in their classrooms immediately.