AI & Educator Readiness: What the Global Research Shows and Why It Matters

Oct. 21, 2026
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Generative AI is showing up in more K–12 classrooms, but key questions remain: How prepared are teachers? What does effective AI-enabled teaching look like? And under what conditions do these tools actually improve teaching and learning?

Join us for our next free webinar where we connect research, policy, and practice to explore what shapes teachers' engagement, confidence, and capacity to integrate AI meaningfully into classroom practice.

The discussion draws on studies from the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) conducted with USC Rossier School of Education and MIT on how AI is being integrated into K–12 education across 12 countries. Panelists will share USC's research on teacher readiness, WISE × MIT's evaluation of AI professional development courses, and findings from the WISE EdTech Testbed where teachers pilot and evaluate AI tools in real classrooms. 

In this session, we will:

  • Share key findings from two WISE-led studies on AI in K–12 education

  • Discuss lessons from the evaluation of five AI professional development courses

  • Explore what supports help educators responsibly integrate AI into their classroom practice

  • Examine emerging evidence on how teachers evaluate and apply AI tools

Can’t make the time? A recording + resources will be emailed to all registrants.

  • Amanda Bickerstaff

    Amanda is the Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school science teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.

    Amber Acosta

    Amber Acosta is the Program Lead for EdTech Testbeds at WISE. In this role she guides schools in Qatar through the exploration and evaluation of innovative educational technologies, working closely with teachers, school leaders, government partners, and researchers to ensure implementations are practical, evidence-driven, and centered on the needs of educators and students.

    Amber has over 15 years of teaching and technology leadership experience spanning the USA, Egypt, Bahrain, India, and Qatar. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Business from Fordham University and a Master's degree in Education from Sacred Heart University, she brings a strong foundation in both EdTech program management and classroom-level implementation. Amber was also an EDSAFE Women in AI Fellow and focuses on how AI-enabled tools and AI literacy can be integrated purposefully into teaching and learning.

    Maimoona Junjunia

    Maimoona is a Research and Policy Associate at WISE, where she leads and supports studies on education policy, system resilience, and equity in learning outcomes, working closely with practitioners, policymakers and ministries to translate evidence into action. She served as the WISE Summit Editorial Team for WISE 12 (2025), shaping content for one of the world's leading education convenings.

    Her path into education policy grew from a background in partnerships and growth at impact-driven organisations, including curating The Conduit Club London's Impact Program, focused on social justice, education equity, and climate action. She holds a BSc in Business Management from King's College London.

    Sandra Fayad

    “Think Different” is more than a quote to me—it defines my approach to design, education, and innovation. With over ten years of experience in graphic design and six years in education, I combine creative industry expertise with technology-driven, inquiry-based teaching.

    I hold a Master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from SUNY Buffalo State University and currently teach MYP Design Technology at Qatar Academy Doha. My teaching integrates the IB Design Cycle with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, digital fabrication, coding, and creative digital tools, empowering students to become independent thinkers, designers, and problem-solvers.

    I am a Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2, with additional qualifications in AI-Enhanced Technology and meaningful pedagogy. My graduate research focuses on AI-powered formative feedback in MYP Design, with particular interest in generative AI, prompt design, AI literacy, responsible and ethical AI use, and human-centered applications of AI in education.

    With previous experience teaching IGCSE Art & Design, Media, and ICT, I am passionate about creating future-ready learning experiences where creativity, technology, and purposeful AI integration enhance—not replace—the human connection at the heart of education.

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