InSPIRE Professional Learning Courses
Gulf Coast teachers are you
- Seeking a fresh approach this summer to enrich your teaching journey?
- Wondering about the foundational elements of AI and its potential to transform education?
- Looking to be at the forefront of making long-term lasting change for your students, families and community?
Step into InSPIRE, a Florida State University initiative, crafted to provide ongoing support to the eight counties along Florida’s Gulf Coast through educational initiatives, professional learning, and workforce enhancement.
Summer 2025 Courses
AIELEM101 – Engaging Elementary Students Using AI-Powered Storytelling
Industry Partner: Microsoft
Certifications: FSU & Microsoft AI Educator certification; Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint
Description: This course is designed for K-5 teachers who are interested in exploring the foundations of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform education. Participants will investigate the fundamentals of AI and large language models, gaining proficiency in leveraging generative AI to implement in the classroom and craft educational resources. Participants will learn how to use AI-driven prompt engineering to develop engaging stories and informational texts with an aerospace theme for their students. They will also learn literacy best practices for creating and using AI-powered e-readers and participate in hands-on STEM activities related to aerospace innovations and natural language processing and machine learning features embedded in generative AI.
Course Dates & Locations:
- June 2-6, 2025 – Okaloosa County Schools
- June 16-20, 2025 – Escambia County Schools
- June 23-27, 2025 – Gulf County Schools
AISEC101 – Engaging Secondary Students Using AI-Powered Instruction
Industry Partner: Microsoft
Certifications: FSU & Microsoft AI Educator certification; Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint
Description: This course is designed for teachers of Grades 6-12 who are interested in integrating content areas with aerospace and advanced manufacturing themes using artificial intelligence (AI). Participants will explore the fundamentals of AI and large language models, gaining skills to leverage generative AI for classroom implementation and educational resource creation. They will learn how to use AI-driven prompt engineering to develop engaging instructional materials, incorporating durable skills that students can practice as they prepare for the future of work. Participants will also engage in hands-on integrated STEM activities related to aerospace innovations and advanced manufacturing, integrating across content areas to make learning meaningful for students in an applied setting.
Course Dates & Locations:
- June 9-13, 2025 – Bay County Schools
- June 23-27, 2025 – Escambia County Schools
ROBO101 – Introduction to Robotics in the Classroom
Industry Partner: Mantis Edu and Sciberus, Inc
Certification: FSU, Mantis Edu and Sciberus, Inc Robotics Foundations Certification
Description: This introductory course equips educators with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to integrate robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering concepts into their classrooms. Participants will explore the 10 durable skills through engaging, inquiry-based activities that incorporate discoveries about the six simple machines, pneumatics and hydraulics, gears, and basic block coding. Teachers will design and build projects such as a Rube Goldberg machine, a robotic arm, a compound gear train, and a Mantis robot. AI tools will be embedded to enhance learning, streamline lesson planning, and support classroom integration.
Course Dates & Locations:
- June 9-13, 2025 – Santa Rosa County Schools
- June 16-20, 2025 – Gulf County Schools
Teacher Benefits
- Attain industry certifications (exam fee courtesy of FSU)
- Standards-aligned curriculum for immediate use with students (on CPALMS)
- Incorporate innovative classroom ideas to boost student engagement
- Strengthen subject matter knowledge and instructional skills
- Receive a 35-hour professional learning certificate
- Earn a stipend upon successful completion and certification
Apply Soon
Space at each training is limited so please submit your application as soon as possible. Selected participants will be notified by email. Submitting an application takes a few minutes. Click on the "start" button below.
