Braver Together: Book Club Communities for Educator Professional Learning in AI

As traditional educator development cannot keep pace with generative AI's rapid evolution, educator book clubs offer an unexpectedly simple approach for ongoing professional learning. This spring 2025 study examined a scaffolded book club model in which participants read about GenAI in language teaching, experimented with tools, reflected on their experiences, and met regularly to exchange ideas. Findings revealed that this type of structured community-based approach created accessible and sustainable professional development. This inclusive model welcomed all experience levels and attitudes toward GenAI, from enthusiasm to skepticism. Participants valued discovering shared uncertainties and supporting each other's continuous exploration in a supportive environment. This research offers a replicable model that centers human relationships and experiential learning.