Upskilling Australia’s educators: Microsoft partners to deliver essential AI training for teachers

Teachers need training in: understanding AI concepts and limitations, practical use of classroom AI tools, prompt engineering to get useful outputs, evaluating AI for accuracy and bias, updating academic integrity practices, and teaching students to use AI responsibly. Most experts recommend starting with practical tool use before moving to technical fundamentals.

Teachers can access AI training through Google for Education, Microsoft Educator Center, ISTE, CoSN, their state department of education, and university extension programs. Many school districts now offer AI professional development days or coaching from instructional technology specialists. Online courses allow self-paced learning outside school hours.

AI training is not yet universally mandated but is increasingly expected. Several US states have added AI professional development to teacher recertification requirements. The EU requires training for teachers using AI assessment tools under the AI Act. School districts that have deployed AI tools typically require at minimum a brief orientation.

Trained teachers use AI tools more effectively, with better prompting leading to higher-quality materials, and greater awareness of limitations preventing uncritical adoption of inaccurate outputs. Professional development studies show that teachers who receive structured AI training are more likely to integrate AI in ways that measurably improve student engagement and learning.