FutureWork for K-12 Schools

FutureWork for K–12 Schools helps educators, administrators, and district leaders explore how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can strengthen teaching, learning, and workforce alignment. Through NJIT’s Learning and Development Initiative (LDI), schools can connect professional learning to real-world readiness—embedding AI literacy, human-centered design, and responsible innovation into curriculum and leadership strategy. Each session provides insight, dialogue, and actionable tools for preparing students and teachers for the future of work.

The journey begins with a free 60–90 minute presentation or discussion introducing the LDI Ecosystem and exploring how FutureWork aligns with district innovation priorities. After this session, pricing is customized based on several key factors:

• a) Which elements of the LDI Ecosystem the school or district wishes to engage (Workforce Readiness Model, L&D Paradigm, AI Taxonomy, or Multidimensional Framework).
• b) The number of educators or staff enrolled in microcredentials (usually 20 hours or less).
• c) The number of learners participating in short courses (usually 5-10 weeks).
• d) The specifics of any custom training request, including hours, learning objectives, and participant scope.

To schedule your free introductory session or request a proposal, please contact Dr. Michael Edmondson, Associate Provost for Continued Learning, NJIT.

The Workforce Readiness Model provides schools with a structured approach to strengthening faculty, parent, and student capacity for the age of AI. It helps K–12 districts train teachers and staff in core digital and professional competencies—communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and AI literacy—that mirror employer needs in a rapidly evolving economy. Schools can use this model to guide teacher professional development, align learning outcomes with emerging workforce trends, and build bridges between K–12 education and regional talent pipelines. Parents can also engage through awareness sessions, gaining tools to support at-home learning and digital citizenship.

(See the Workforce Readiness Model)

The Learning and Development (L&D) Paradigm—Activate, Cultivate, Innovate, Educate—encourages schools to treat learning as an ongoing system of growth. By activating curiosity in teachers, cultivating reflective practice, and innovating through collaboration, districts can transform faculty development from compliance to creativity. Schools use this framework to train staff more effectively, engage parents in lifelong learning mindsets, and update curricula to support inquiry-driven, project-based learning. As districts adopt this paradigm, they position themselves as agile, adaptive learning organizations ready to meet the changing demands of students and the workforce.

(See the L&D Paradigm)

The AI Taxonomy equips schools with a scaffolded pathway for integrating AI concepts and tools into instruction. Teachers can use it to design age-appropriate lessons, build student comfort with responsible AI use, and create opportunities for parents to understand emerging technologies shaping their children’s futures. Districts may use the taxonomy to update technology plans, professional learning frameworks, and academic standards. Over time, this structured approach ensures that both educators and learners develop informed, ethical, and practical relationships with technology.

(See the AI Taxonomy)

The Multidimensional Framework helps schools design AI and technology integration that supports human-centered values—equity, safety, inclusion, and creativity. Administrators can use it to guide policy updates, parent engagement strategies, and ethical technology adoption. By viewing innovation through social, cultural, and technological dimensions, K–12 leaders ensure that learning remains inclusive and mission-aligned. This framework also helps faculty navigate the balance between innovation and well-being, protecting attention, creativity, and purpose within the classroom environment.

(See the Multidimensional Framework)

The Generative AI Practitioner Microcredential provides educators with practical skills to responsibly integrate AI into daily teaching. Teachers learn to use AI tools for personalized learning, curriculum enhancement, and creative exploration—skills that cascade to student engagement and parent awareness. Districts can adopt this microcredential to build staff confidence, standardize AI literacy across classrooms, and create a shared language around digital innovation that benefits the entire school community.

(See the Generative AI Practitioner Microcredential)

Through Custom Training, NJIT’s LDI works directly with districts to co-design professional learning experiences that meet unique community goals. These sessions can include faculty workshops, parent engagement events, or multi-day strategy sessions for curriculum redesign. Schools can request targeted support on topics such as digital ethics, instructional design, AI project-based learning, or district transformation planning. Each engagement is customized to the district’s scale, learning objectives, and student readiness needs—helping schools remain competitive and future-focused.

(See Custom Training)