New collaboration expands access to classroom-centered AI professional development for K-12 teachers statewide

ASHLAND, Ohio, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ashland University and Ed3 have announced a strategic partnership to deliver AI literacy and professional development courses designed specifically for K-12 educators across Ohio. The collaboration places pedagogy at its center, equipping teachers with practical, classroom-ready skills to navigate and integrate AI tools in ways that enhance student learning.

Through the partnership, Ashland University will offer a suite of graduate-credit and continuing education courses co-developed with Ed3, a national leader in AI education for teachers. Courses provide teachers with a structured, values-aligned foundation for navigating AI safely and responsibly – designed to align with Ohio’s AI in Education Coalition Strategy and model policy guidelines. Rather than simply introducing tools, the curriculum helps educators move from policy to practice, building the confidence and judgment needed to improve the quality of instruction in AI-integrated classrooms.

The program leverages Ashland University’s deep network of district and education service center (ESC) relationships across Ohio, combined with Ed3’s internationally recognized pedagogy-first AI professional learning for educators. Together, the organizations aim to reach thousands of educators across Ohio and expand Ashland’s online enrollment to serve districts that have not yet had access to quality AI professional learning.

“We are excited to partner with Ed3 to deliver professional learning to Ohio educators that will help them understand how to integrate AI and emerging technologies into their pedagogy. This is much needed – because most of the time, the approach to AI literacy has been very tool-based, focused on things like helping students edit their writing. The shift to a pedagogy-first mindset is what’s most critical right now.”

~ Dr. James Powell, Executive Director of Professional Learning Services, Ashland University

“Teachers need AI professional development that starts with their students and their classrooms – not with the technology. This partnership with Ashland University means we can provide Ohio Educators the tools and confidence to lead with purpose in an AI-integrated world.”

~ Vriti Saraf, Founder & CEO, Ed3

Courses are available for graduate credit and continuing education units (CEUs), with stackable pathways that allow educators to build credentials over time. The program launches statewide in June 2026.

For more information or to enroll, visit https://www.ashland.edu/professional-learning-services/ed3 or contact pds@ashland.edu.

About Ashland University

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university in Ashland, Ohio, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Known for its strong educator preparation programs and regional partnerships, Ashland University serves thousands of students across Ohio and beyond.

About Ed3

Ed3 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prepares educators for the age of AI through professional learning, research and development, and a global community of practice. Its pedagogy-first approach to AI professional development for educators ensures that the thoughtful adoption of technology enriches (not erodes) learning outcomes. Through university and professional learning partners, Ed3 has supported 20,000+ educator enrollments in its pedagogy-first AI courses across 48 states in the United States. Ed3 is also the lead facilitator of The Portrait of a Teacher in the Age of AI, a national R&D initiative exploring how the teacher role must evolve in a world transformed by AI.

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SOURCE Ed3 Global