The University of Pennsylvania is rolling out an exciting new program to help Philadelphia’s school teachers and administrators get up to speed with artificial intelligence. This initiative, named Pioneering AI in School Systems, is a professional development program crafted by Penn’s Graduate School of Education. The best part? It’s completely free and happening right at the district’s North Broad Street headquarters.
Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. has pointed out a critical issue: “The digital divide is real in Philadelphia.” This program is a step toward bridging that gap by giving educators the tools they need to prepare students for college and their future careers. A 2023 survey by RAND Corporation highlighted that while 18% of teachers are already using AI in classrooms, urban districts are still catching up on training. Thanks to funding from the Marrazzo Family Foundation, this project aims to blend arts and technology into education. Jeffrey Marrazzo sees AI as a versatile tool with countless applications.
Michael Golden, Penn’s vice dean for innovative programs, is enthusiastic about AI’s potential to transform education. He stresses the importance of equipping educators to help students build essential skills and values. The program’s curriculum will be customized for both administrators and teachers, focusing on strategic and hands-on training.
Betty Chandy, a lead instructor, shares that AI can free teachers from routine tasks, allowing more time for meaningful student interactions. She believes AI can enhance classroom solutions and empower students to develop their ideas using generative AI tools.
The Marrazzo Family Foundation, led by Jeffrey and Ellie Marrazzo, is passionate about integrating technology with the arts. Jeffrey’s background in founding and developing Spark Therapeutics informs their mission to support programs that foster creativity and enrich educational opportunities and outcomes.
