Teachers from Northwest Florida recently participated in a training program for STEM educators as part of the INSPIRE initiative, funded by Triumph Gulf Coast. The training was led by the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at Florida State University (FSU). This professional learning course was designed for K-5 Gulf Coast teachers who were interested in learning about artificial intelligence (AI) and innovations in aerospace to potentially transform education.
The course covered various topics such as generative AI, prompt engineering, natural language processing, machine learning foundations, bias and ethical implications of AI, and the integration of literacy and STEM best practices. The teachers engaged in hands-on activities, visited FSU labs, and heard presentations from industry experts and partners. The goal was to equip teachers with the skills and strategies to use generative AI to create and enhance stories and informational texts with an aerospace theme, preparing students for the rapidly changing technological world.
Carrie Meyers, LSI’s Director of STEM Outreach, expressed her pleasure in working with dedicated teachers who were eager to integrate innovative content areas and research-based best practices into their teaching. The teachers spent five days in Tallahassee, gaining valuable insights and resources to engage students in AI foundations and aerospace innovations.
Jeannie Ford, a teacher from Gulf County, shared her excitement about the training, highlighting the engaging presentations and fun learning experience. The participants will now become part of a network of teachers who will drive change in their schools and communities, playing a crucial role in preparing the next generation for technologically advanced careers.
Audrey Moore, a fifth-grade teacher from Santa Rosa County, emphasized the importance of inspiring students early on to pursue their passions and consider future careers in STEM fields. The training also included visits to research facilities at FSU, such as the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion and the High-Performance Materials Institute, providing teachers with a firsthand look at cutting-edge research in advanced materials.
Kara Bremer from Wewahitchka Elementary School expressed her enthusiasm for integrating technology into the curriculum to align with the industries in the region. The workshop featured activities focused on e-readers, generative AI, and PowerPoint, with guest speakers from prominent companies like Microsoft, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and FSU.
The INSPIRE initiative aims to transform the region’s research and development landscape by establishing advanced aerospace and manufacturing facilities near the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. LSI’s educational outreach program is a key component of INSPIRE, focusing on increasing STEM knowledge and industry certifications in the region.
Jim Reynolds, LSI’s Director of STEM Outreach, highlighted the long-term commitment to supporting schools and communities in the panhandle of Florida. The goal is to create a sustainable system that provides teachers with high-quality resources to enhance instruction and prepare students for critical thinking, problem-solving, and workforce readiness.
In conclusion, the training program for STEM educators in Northwest Florida, led by LSI as part of the INSPIRE initiative, has equipped teachers with valuable skills and resources to engage students in AI and aerospace innovations. By inspiring the next generation of learners and preparing them for future careers, these teachers are playing a vital role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
