Reimagining Professional Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes education, professional development (PD) must go beyond tool training to foster critical, meaningful integration. Initial PD should introduce AI’s uses and challenges, but also address the impact on teaching and learning. This paper explores and reflects upon Phase II of the FAITH project, a transatlantic design-based initiative developing an AI and Education (AI&ED) model for higher education. Effective AI pedagogy is grounded in socially constructed, hands-on experiences where educators design lessons, generate content, and critically assess AI outputs. Such approaches build confidence, competence, and prevent mechanical adoption. Leadership and policy must further support a dual PD strategy: immediate classroom applications alongside preparation for broader societal shifts. Early FAITH findings show introductory courses spark essential dialogue, but PD must remain dynamic, ethical, and intentional. Phase II combines theoretical exploration (e.g., sustainability, ethics) with context-relevant practice. Ultimately, AI&ED should be understood as a lifelong professional learning journey.