Call for Applications for Lead Trainer Role
About the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education Project
The Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) and The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), in partnership with SETDA and AASA, are launching an exciting initiative to help K-12 education leaders navigate the complex landscape of generative AI (Gen AI). The goal of the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education Project is to support school districts–especially small and under-resourced ones–in assessing their readiness to implement Gen AI technologies and developing a roadmap for implementation that aligns with instructional and operational objectives.
Lead Trainer Role
We are seeking 10-20 distinguished Lead Trainers to spearhead this initiative. As a Lead Trainer, you will train and mentor a cohort of Regional Trainers, who will subsequently be responsible for delivering training to school districts nationwide. Your leadership will be instrumental in this effort to guide education leaders toward responsible and effective generative AI integration.
Individual and Organizational Benefits of Participating as a Lead Trainer
Becoming a Lead Trainer offers unique professional and organizational advantages. Lead Trainers will gain expertise in facilitating a rigorous process of assessing readiness and creating actionable roadmaps for integrating generative AI into K-12 education and operations, an area of growing importance. Following certification, Lead Trainers will have a limited license to deliver the training to local school districts through the ESA or SEA with which they are employed or affiliated, with their organization retaining a substantial portion of the revenue generated from these trainings. As generative AI continues to evolve rapidly, school districts will face increasing challenges and questions about how to navigate this dynamic landscape. ESAs and SEAs equipped to provide quality training and strategic guidance will be well-positioned to meet these growing demands, offering a high return on investment through both revenue generation and the value of supporting their districts' success.
Responsibilities of the Lead Trainer Role
- Participate in a 1.5 day training from March 19-20, 2025, to be held in Milwaukee, WI. The training will cover foundational concepts of generative AI, including ethical considerations, data privacy, and Gen AI’s impact on teaching and learning. Participants will be introduced to the CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, with demonstrations on conducting readiness assessments and interpreting results to align with district goals. The program will also include an overview of the train-the-trainer syllabus, facilitation guides, online course resources, and best practices for effective training delivery, alongside a walkthrough of the comprehensive training resource library.
- Facilitate a minimum of one regional train-the-trainer sessions, to be scheduled between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Each event requires a 3-day commitment (1 day for onsite prep followed by 1.5 days of training). You will be responsible for training between 10-20 participants.
- Facilitate pre-work activities prior to the train-the-trainer session(s).
- Provide ongoing support to training participants for six months following the train-the-trainer session(s). This support may include virtual office hours, periodic coaching calls, email-based mentoring, and access to a dedicated discussion forum. Further details on the structure and frequency of support will be outlined during the program's orientation.
- Gather feedback from training participants and provide feedback to CoSN and AESA. Evaluation materials will be provided.
Estimated Commitment: Lead Trainers should expect to commit approximately 225 hours between March and December 2025, with the most intensive period occurring during the first four months (March-June 2025).
Responsibilities of Your Organization
- Agree to release you to participate as a Lead Trainer from March through December 2025, including:
- Attendance at the 1.5-day Lead Trainer training in Milwaukee, WI (March 19-20, 2025)
- Delivery of at least one regional training session between April-June 2025
- Time for preparation, pre-work facilitation, and post-training support
- Support your role in providing six months of post-training support to Regional Trainers
Upon successful completion of the Lead Trainer training, your organization also has the option of offering the training to school districts in your area, led by you or a Regional Trainer. We ask that organizations:
- Handle marketing for the training (a packet of communications materials will be provided).
- Handle logistics and registration for district training sessions.
- Collect and process training fees from participating districts.
- Provide required program data and feedback to CoSN and AESA.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Current employee of / currently affiliated with an education service agency or state education agency.
- Proven experience in delivering professional development to K-12 leaders.
- Familiarity with facilitation techniques tailored to adult learners.
- Ability to engage and motivate adult learners through interactive and relevant training sessions.
- Previous work with and an understanding of Educational Service Agencies (ESAs) or K-12 school districts.
- An understanding of district-level challenges and strategies for technology implementation.
- Proficiency in emerging technologies relevant to education.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Knowledge of AI policies, infrastructure requirements, and instructional practices.
- Familiarity with AI-related organizational use cases for operational efficiency.
- Experience in organizational planning and training at the school district level.
- Familiarity and fluency with the CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool.
CoSN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team of trainers for this initiative and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. CoSN believes that diversity enriches its efforts and ensures broader, more equitable outcomes for school districts nationwide. Individuals with the qualifications and passion for this role are encouraged to apply.
Resources for Applicants
This FAQ contains the most up-to-date information about the Lead Trainer role and other project details. Please be sure to review this document, as details about the role continue to be defined in response to applicant questions and feedback.
Recording of Lead Trainer Information Session (Password: AITrainer25!)
Application Process
To apply:
Complete the online application form.
You will be asked to submit your resume, two recommendation letters, and a brief training presentation video (details in the application).
Applications are due no later than 6:00 pm ET on February 7, 2025.
Application decisions will be communicated by Friday, February 21, 2025.
Information Sessions
All prospective applicants are invited to attend a free virtual information session during which representatives from CoSN and AESA will present an overview of the project, key responsibilities of the Lead Trainer role and an opportunity to ask questions about the application process. There will be two sessions covering the same information: