Harnessing AI for Educators
Explore how AI can support teaching, learning, and educators’ everyday work. Try practical tools, discuss ethical questions, and learn alongside a community of AI-curious educators.
A community for your practice
Educators at every experience level—from those just beginning to explore AI to those already experimenting with classroom tools.
Bring questions, share what is working in your classroom, and learn from fellow educators.
What you can explore
Practical Applications
Learn how to use AI tools to create lesson plans, personalize student learning, and assess understanding more effectively.
Hands-On Exploration
Experiment with AI-powered platforms and resources to discover what works best for your classroom.
Ethical Considerations
Engage in thoughtful discussions about the responsible use of AI, including privacy, equity, and its impact on education.
Collaborative Solving
Work with a community of educators to address challenges and brainstorm creative solutions.
Meet your facilitators
Allan Powe
Allan Powe (he/him) is a native New Yorker who teaches Biology at Regis High School in NYC, bringing thirty years of scientific research experience and a passion for getting students excited about science. He previously taught Regents Chemistry and Biology for 3 years at Hyde Leadership Charter School and has worked with STEMteachersNYC to organize workshops and working groups on everything from biotechnology to AI in education. He’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists from underrepresented communities.
Brendan Harney
Brendan Harney is a science educator and department chair at the Bronx Lab School with 10 years of experience implementing project based curriculum across all science disciplines. He is always looking for ways to implement technology and new tools in his classroom, and that has brought him into the STEMTeachersNYC AI Working group, CIOB 25/26 AI Fellows, and PlayLab 2025 Design Institute. Outside of the classroom, he can be found literally outside either running or camping (with or without his students).
Tchnavia Merrick also co-facilitates the group. Her bio will be added when available.
2026/27 details updated October 7, 2026. Read past recaps and resources below; older posts may refer to previous years.
Group stories & resources
March 2025 AI for Educators Working Group Recap: LLM Insights, AI Imagery & Ethical Reflections.
The March 2025 meeting of the Harnessing AI for Educators Working Group featured an engaging member presentation on the capabilities and limitations
Empowering Educators: Harnessing Magic School AI and Beyond
The February 2025 meeting of the Harnessing AI for Educators Working Group centered on exploring Magic School AI, discussing AI applications in teaching, and planning future workshops and collaborations.
Harnessing AI for Educators: Enhancing Science Experiments and College Prep with ChatGPT
The January 2025 meeting of the Harnessing AI for Educators working group featured a presentation by Dave Rakestraw, who explored two primary topics: using the phyphox smartphone app and ChatGPT for physics experiments, and leveraging ChatGPT for interview preparation and…
Harnessing AI for Education: Exploring PlayLab.AI and Ethical Integration – December 2024 Highlights
December 2024 Led by one of our working group members, the December 12 meeting of the Harnessing AI for Educators working group explored the potential of PlayLab.AI as a platform for creating custom AI tools tailored to education. PlayLab.AI as…
Leveraging AI Tools for Innovative Teaching and Learning Applications
The November 14 meeting of the Harnessing AI for Educators working group focused on exploring the practical applications of AI tools like ChatGPT for teaching and learning. Participants delved into the use of chatbots for generating practice problems, creating lesson…