Higley Unified School District employees will be receiving free professional development from Northern Arizona University as part of their award for winning NAU’s AZ Institute for Education and the Economy’s 3-in-3 Challenge for responsible and effective AI use.  

To win the challenge, the district had to establish guidance, training and systems to effectively use AI tools in the classroom and for teachers and staff.  

The district’s AI policy was adopted earlier this year by the governing board.  

Instructional technology coaches Janey Ramirez and Valerie Thomas were essential in establishing guidelines and training for AI use across the district. Additional professional development opportunities provided through NAU will help further the district’s use of the latest technology to provide innovative learning opportunities for students.  

“We are excited to be recognized for AI in the district,” Ramirez said in a release. “These tools are here to stay, and our students will be using them in their future careers across all fields. The more we can support ethical, thoughtful, intentional use of AI tools, the better we can prepare our learners for limitless opportunities.”  

A national consultant and subject matter expert from Aspire Change EDU will provide the special professional development presentation later this year. 

More information on the district’s use of technology and its commitment to innovative learning is available by visiting husd.org.