2026 January How to Teach AI Book Study

Join us for January's 2026 MSTA "Beyond the Book" Club Book Study, featuring How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into any Content Area by Rachelle Dene Poth.

Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of this month's text before the beginning of the book study to order; click here.

Artificial intelligence is showing up everywhere. From the tools our students use to the way we design lessons. This book helps us make sense of it all. How to Teach AI breaks down what AI really is, why it matters in education, and how we can confidently bring it into any classroom, no matter our grade level or subject area. 

Throughout the book, Rachelle Poth shares practical strategies, ready-to-use activities, and thoughtful reflections about the opportunities and challenges AI brings. We'll talk about everything from basics of AI and machine learning to the big questions around ethics, bias, and privacy...all through a teacher's lens.

In this study, we'll take a hands-on, teacher-friendly approach. Each week, we'll:

• Read and discuss chapters
• Try out or adapt one of the book's classroom ideas
• Share how we see AI showing up in our work with students
• Reflect on how we can help our students understand and use AI responsibly.

You don't need to be a tech expert; just curious and open to learning. This study is all about growing together, asking questions, and finding practical ways to make AI part of our teaching in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

Why This Book?: AI isn't just a trend....it's shaping the world our students are stepping into. How to Teach AI gives educators the confidence and clarity to guide that conversation in our classrooms. Whether you're brand new to the topic or already experimenting with AI tools, this book offers ideas you can put into practice right away.

This book is facilitated by MSTA Member Service Coordinator, Maddy Johnson. Maddy is a lifelong learner with a teaching, coaching, curriculum development, and educational technology background. As a Member Service Coordinator at MSTA, she supports teachers in her area. Her career began teaching 1st grade and 4th grade ELA while coaching high school and middle school sports. She has completed the LETRS training and has studied the science of reading during her time teaching ELA. With a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, Maddy is now pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Technology. She integrates technology into education to benefit students and educators, offering practical strategies for professional development. Outside of work, Maddy enjoys reading, writing, spending time with family, pets, friends, and watching scary movies. 
📘 MSTA's Online Learning Platform

MSTA uses Teachable to host its online professional learning activities, including discussions, group work, and course materials.

What You’ll Find in the Course:

• Discussion Boards: Share insights and reflect with peers.
• Guiding Questions & Tasks: Apply key ideas from readings.
• Asynchronous Format: Participate anytime, anywhere.

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🧭 Getting Started with Teachable

First-Time Participant?

Check your email for a message from Teachable (sent to the address you used when registering). Follow the link to confirm your email and set your password. Your course will appear under "My Products."

Returning Participant?

Log in using your email and password from a previous course to access your dashboard.

 

​💬 Course Expectations

• Attend Zoom networking sessions to connect and collaborate.
• Complete assignments that link course concepts to your classroom practice.
• Access to course resources continues after the course ends.

 

🎓 PD Certification

At the end of the book study, participants who complete all course requirements and attend the Zoom meetings will receive 8 hours of PD. Certificates are found in your Teachable account. 

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