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RAISE AI Collaborative

A joint pilot from Leading Educators, aiEDU, Collegiate Edu-Nation, and Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy (powered by Northern Arizona University)

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Rural educators have always used technology creatively to serve their students' needs, from pioneering distance learning solutions to innovative uses of limited resources.

We're partnering with rural school teams to explore how they can use AI to enhance emergent, student-centered practices and achieve more.

AI is here.

It's not optional to learn how new technology may shift teaching learning, and rural educators deserve quality support.

Educators are necessary co-creators.

Too many big shifts occur without teachers at the table, even though they know their work and their students best.

Innovation thrives in context.

Thus, it's valuable to create spaces where educators can engage thoughtfully in experimentation, co-design, and rapid learning.

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The Opportunity

Designed specifically for rural educators in Texas and Arizona, the RAISE AI Collaborative (Rural AI Schools of Excellence) is a system-focused initiative helping districts align AI integration with their instructional vision and policy, empowering educators to implement AI-enabled instruction that is coherent, goal-aligned, and supported by systems rather than isolated efforts.

As artificial intelligence introduces new possibilities for teaching and learning, we want to ensure that educators are at the center of shaping emergent technology and its use within a coherent instructional strategy.

The Approach

This fall, selected school teams will receive structured support, including:
  • Tools and coaching to assess AI readiness and strategically align AI use to instructional vision.
  • Structured time and support to test AI-enabled strategies that reinforce your vision for teaching and learning
  • Cross-district peer learning to share practices, exchange insights and build shared field knowledge
  • Opportunities to surface policy and infrastructure conditions that can either accelerate or hinder effective, ethical AI integration
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Selection Criteria & Primary Activities

We looked for teams that are curious about AI, grounded in a strong instructional vision, and ready to explore new practices that could transform teaching and learning in their context.

    •    Application deadline: August 22, 2025
    •    Virtual PLCs: September–October
    •    In-person convening in Arizona: November 6–7

Learn About the District Teams

Meet the Partners

Together, we bring complementary strengths and experience in professional learning, instructional improvement, design thinking, AI, and teacher preparation.