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Project Description
SimTeach AI is an interdisciplinary project at Washington State University that uses authentic simulations to advance educators’ AI literacy and support responsible AI integration in teaching and learning. With particular attention to rural and rural-serving communities, the project brings together expertise in education and computer science to connect educator preparation with local needs and an evolving workforce.
The project prepares educators to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, critically evaluate AI-generated information, and exercise professional judgment when using AI in educational settings. Spanning science education, special education, music education, agricultural education, and Career and Technical Education (CTE), SimTeach AI connects AI literacy with disciplinary learning, inclusive teaching, and workforce preparation.
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Project Vision
An AI-enabled future requires educators and learners who can engage thoughtfully with emerging technologies. For rural communities, this preparation should build on local strengths, respond to educational priorities, and connect learning with evolving workforce opportunities.
Building Rural AI Pathways aims to strengthen WSU’s capacity for interdisciplinary research and educational innovation in responsible AI. The project supports a broader vision of preparing educators who can exercise professional judgment, support diverse learners, and connect AI literacy with classroom and community needs.
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AI Literacy and Educator Preparation
The project explores approaches to developing educators’ AI literacy across disciplinary settings. Its focus includes understanding AI, evaluating AI-generated information, considering ethical implications, and making purposeful decisions about AI in teaching and learning.
Agricultural education and CTE provide connections to rural workforce pathways, while science, special education, and music broaden the project’s reach across educational contexts. These areas support a shared commitment to human-centered AI use that respects disciplinary expertise, learner needs, and educator agency.
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Project Goals
Advance educators’ AI literacy
Support educators in developing the knowledge and judgment needed to understand, evaluate, and responsibly use AI.
Support meaningful AI integration across disciplines
Explore educational approaches that connect AI literacy with disciplinary learning, inclusive instruction, and professional practice.
Strengthen rural education and workforce connections
Connect educator preparation with the needs of rural communities and emerging opportunities in agriculture and technical fields.
Build capacity for sustained research and partnerships
Establish a foundation for future interdisciplinary research, educational development, and collaboration with education and workforce partners.
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Team & Collaborators
Project Team
An interdisciplinary WSU team with expertise in teacher education, science education, special education, music education, agricultural education, CTE, and computer science.
WSU Collaborators and Resources
WSU Center for Translational AI Research for Societal Impact, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences’ teacher-preparation programs, the CAIRE Research Lab, and computer science faculty will support scenario development, technical implementation, and initial testing.
Partners
- Rural schools and regional education partners
- Rural workforce and community partners