Southern Regional Education Board

06/05/2026

Move past the AI hype. See the pedagogy.

Artificial intelligence in education is often discussed in abstract theories or sweeping predictions. But what does it actually look like when intentional technology meets a live classroom?

We sat down with eight outstanding educators from across our region to find out. From high school biology labs to elementary media centers, these teachers aren’t just using tech—they are using it as a thought partner to enhance student agency, design deeper critical thinking tasks and create truly personalized learning experiences.

Swipe through the carousel to meet a few of the educators leading the way, and find out how they are balancing the demands of modern classrooms without losing their creative voice.

👉 Explore the full collection of real-world teacher blueprints, lesson strategies and student projects at sreb.org/stories-teaching-ai

06/05/2026

Upskilling for AI doesn't happen overnight. We recommend a phased approach that grows with educator and student fluency over time:

- Phase 1: Building Awareness – Shifting focus to administrative work, basic planning and understanding large language models.
- Phase 2: Educator Exploration – Navigating data privacy, sharpening prompting skills and understanding how AI uses data.
- Phase 3: Application for Learning – Transitioning to student use, supporting critical thinking and designing project-based units.
- Phase 4: Iterating for Fluency – Continuously adapting school toolboxes and cultivating a culture of responsible technology use.

By starting with curiosity and moving toward student-centered pedagogy, schools can harness AI to enrich teaching in truly meaningful ways.

👉 Swipe through the carousel to see the breakdown of each phase, and visit the link below to download the full report from the SREB Commission on AI in Education!

https://www.sreb.org/post/considerations-designing-ai-professional-learning-educators

06/04/2026

We are busy finalizing the program content and prepping behind the scenes for the Making Schools Work Conference in Nashville, July 14-17! Every year, our goal is to move past the abstract and provide educators with concrete, actionable strategies they can bring straight back to their schools and districts.

As we put the finishing touches on this year's lineup, we want to know what drives your professional learning:

- The Big Topic: What is the number one challenge or opportunity facing your school right now that you hope to explore in Nashville?
- The Collaboration: Are you attending solo to bring back insights to your team, or are you traveling with a district cohort to map out a collective game plan?
- The Networking: What is your favorite way to connect with fellow educators between sessions? (Hallway chats, evening meetups or sharing notes over breakfast?)

Let us know what you are looking to bring back to your community this summer!

https://www.sreb.org/conference

06/03/2026

We are officially weeks away from the Making Schools Work Conference in Nashville, July 14-17! As you start looking at your calendar and thinking about packing, we want to know how you prepare for a week of professional growth.

Help us out in the comments:

1. The Essentials: What is the one non-negotiable item you always pack for a summer conference? (Comfortable walking shoes? A dedicated notebook? A light jacket for chilly session rooms?)
2. The Game Plan: How do you map out your schedule? Do you stick strictly to your specific track, or do you like to surprise yourself with a few wildcard sessions?
3. The Southern Eats: We are still building our culinary bucket list for Music City. If you have a go-to Nashville dining spot, drop the name below!

Whether this is your first time attending or you are a seasoned veteran, let us know how you are getting ready for an inspiring week in July.

Learn more here: https://www.sreb.org/conference

06/02/2026

Is student engagement sitting at an all-time low in your building?

📉Standard academic appeals like school report card grades and standardized test targets fail to reach the bottom half of the class because those students often view daily education as a problem to survive rather than a solution to leverage.

To close this gap, we must structurally reframe what education is designed to do: build a student's competitive advantage. This week on the Making Schools Work podcast, international thought leader Mark Perna joins Daniel Rock and Chris Bailey to map out how schools can systematically blend robust academics with technical competencies and professional life skills.

Inside this episode, you’ll discover:

- The Solution vs. Problem Split: How to bridge the massive engagement gap between high-achieving and disengaged learners.
- The Algebra Reframe: How admitting a brutal truth to your students can completely unlock their intrinsic motivation to learn.
- Trolling for "Want To": Why connecting daily classroom instruction directly to modern, regional career paths creates the catalyst for hard work.

Stop chasing standard compliance and start building self-reliance.

🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.sreb.org/post/gpa-myth-reframing-education-solution-not-problem

06/02/2026

It is almost time for the Making Schools Work Conference in Nashville, July 14-17! Whether you are finalizing your session schedule or just starting to pack, the energy is building for an incredible week of learning, networking and innovation.

We want to hear from you:

- What are you most looking forward to learning or experiencing this year?

- For the Music City veterans, what is the absolute best place to eat in Nashville? (We need those hot chicken and BBQ recommendations!)

- When you attend an education conference, what do you most expect to take away to support your school or district?

Drop your thoughts, recommendations and expectations in the comments below. Let's start the conversation early!

https://www.sreb.org/conference

06/01/2026

What does AI usage look like inside real classrooms?

From instructional media coordinators in Delaware to AI teachers in residence in Florida, educators are finding innovative ways to use AI as a thought partner. Whether it is streamlining administrative work or building secure CloudLabs for students to explore data safely, these success stories show that AI is a catalyst for reimagining the classroom.

https://www.sreb.org/stories-teaching-ai

05/15/2026

TEACH Sumner in Tennessee, powered by SREB's Teaching to Lead teacher preparation program, achieved a 94% teacher retention rate over the last 3 years!

Find out how Teaching to Lead helps new career and technical education teachers become great teachers. sreb.org/cte-teacher-preparation

Sumner County Schools, Tennessee

Congratulations to the newest cohort of newly certified teachers from Teach Sumner in Sumner County, TN!!! This is the 2nd cohort of CTE teachers and the 1st cohort of ELA, Humanities, Math, and Science teachers. Teach Sumner is powered by SREB's Teaching to Lead teacher preparation program. Boastin...

05/13/2026

How can we ensure K-12 educators are prepared to lead in the age of AI? Our latest report from the SREB Commission on AI in Education outlines four essential considerations for designing high-quality professional learning plans. It isn't just about the tools—it is about ethically and effectively integrating technology to meet the unique needs of every student.

Read the full report: https://www.sreb.org/post/considerations-designing-ai-professional-learning-educators

05/13/2026

Stop labeling teachers as resistant. Try thinking of them as teachers experiencing resistance instead.

In the latest episode of our Making Schools Work Podcast, we talk to Becca Silver at The Whole Educator Community and break down:

* Why niceness can be a silent progress blocker.
* The shift from fidelity to integrity.
* How to listen for unmet needs instead of listening to respond.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.sreb.org/post/stop-misdiagnosing-resistance-5-catalyst-mindsets-every-instructional-coach-needs