Arizona State University was recently awarded a Noyce Track 3 grant that focuses on supporting high school STEM teachers throughout Arizona by providing professional development opportunities. The professional development program spans five years, focusing on practical artificial intelligence applications, machine learning and community outreach. Teachers will explore fundamental AI concepts through relatable examples including virtual assistants and personalized recommendations, gaining hands-on experience with tools such as image recognition and chatbots. Emphasizing engineering habits of mind such as design thinking and collaboration, this phase aims to develop problem-solving skills for AI integration. Regarding machine learning, teachers will learn about data recognition and classification models using platforms such as Google's Teachable Machine, illustrating real-world applications and demystifying AI. There is also a focus on community outreach, encouraging educators to develop tailored engagement activities — AI awareness events, family learning nights, outreach initiatives and more — to increase AI literacy and inspire future AI professionals within their communities.
Salary supplement
If selected as a Master Teacher Fellow, participants will receive a salary supplement of $10,000 per year for five years. To earn the salary supplement, the participant must complete all project activities. Failure to complete five years of professional development will require the Master Teacher Fellow to return all funds.
Master Teacher Fellow expectations
Master Teacher Fellows are expected to attend approximately three to four weeks of professional development, primarily over the summer at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Master Teacher Fellows are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, food, parking, and any other related expenses to attend professional development. Master Teacher Fellows are also expected to attend professional development through Zoom once a month during the academic year. Furthermore, Master Teacher Fellows must allow project personnel to visit their classrooms at least twice a year throughout the project. This may not be an all-inclusive list.
