CoSN and AESA Program Supports Districts With Mission-aligned Strategies for Generative AI Implementation
Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2025) — CoSN, in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), with additional support from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is proud to announce the selection of 12 education professionals as Lead Trainers for the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative. These leaders will play a pivotal role in guiding school systems across the country in assessing their readiness for generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and developing strategic, responsible implementation plans aligned with operational and educational goals.
The new cohort of Lead Trainers includes:
| Jennifer Bloomingdale Training Specialist NERIC/Capital Region BOCES Albany, NY |
Sherri Kulpa Chief Academic Officer EducationPlus St. Louis, MO |
| David Clark Curriculum and Technology Specialist Butler County Educational Service Center Hamilton, OH |
Julianne B. Ross-Kleinmann, Ed.D. |
| Beth Clarke Senior Director, Strategic Innovation for Learning CESA 2 Whitewater, WI |
Pamela M. Santerre |
| Rebecca Dwenger Instructional Technology Consultant, Technology Assistance Group Hamilton County ESC Cincinnati, OH |
Dria Setter |
| Luke Forshaw, Ed.D. Director of Professional Development Services Cooperative Educational Services Trumbull, CT |
Brian M. Stamford, Ed.D. |
| Rachel Holbrook, Ed.D. Director of Data Services Kentucky Educational Development Corporation Ashland, KY |
Misty Treviño |
Selected for their deep expertise in AI, emerging technologies and professional learning, these individuals will deliver tailored, high-impact training sessions to school districts, with a special focus on empowering small and rural communities to lead in educational innovation. They will also support the development and refinement of training materials and mentor a cohort of Regional Trainers who will extend the initiative’s reach nationwide.
“We are thrilled with the exceptional quality, expertise and dedication of our Lead Trainers,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “Navigating this complex topic requires thoughtful attention to both risks and opportunities. Our Lead Trainers are uniquely equipped to support districts in developing thoughtful, mission-aligned strategies for Gen AI. They will also mentor Regional Trainers who will help scale this work across the country.”
The initiative is anchored by the CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, which helps districts evaluate their preparedness for Gen AI across seven critical domains: leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal/risk and academic AI literacy.
Districts can expect to see professional development opportunities in the coming months hosted by Lead Trainers and their affiliated Educational Service Agencies. These sessions will help district teams identify strengths, address gaps and develop sustainable strategies for generative AI adoption that reflect their goals and values.
To learn more about CoSN’s AI resources, including the Gen AI Maturity Tool, visit www.cosn.org/AI.
About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org
About the Initiative
The Generative AI Maturity Tool, developed by CoSN and the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), is a comprehensive framework that helps K-12 school districts assess their readiness for implementing generative AI. It guides districts through seven key domains—leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal/risk, and academic AI literacy—empowering them to make informed, mission-aligned decisions about AI integration.
Grounded in the CoSN/CGCS Generative AI Maturity Tool, the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative supports school districts in assessing their readiness for generative AI across functional areas and developing strategic implementation roadmaps. Led by CoSN in partnership with AESA, with support from SETDA and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the project builds local capacity through a national training network that helps district teams translate readiness insights into actionable plans. Learn more at https://www.cosn.org/ai.
About Our Partners
AESA: The Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) is a professional organization serving educational service agencies (ESAs) in 40 states. With over 470 agencies nationwide, AESA is in the position to reach well over 80% of the public school districts, over 83% of the private schools, over 80% certified teachers, and more than 80% non-certified school employees, and well over 80% public and private school students in the United States. https://www.aesa.us/
SETDA: Founded in 2001, SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. www.setda.org/
AASA: AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. www.aasa.org/
MEDIA CONTACT:
For CoSN: Grace Helsing, ghelsing@fratelli.com
