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HOBOKEN, N.J., Mar. 10, 2026 — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, today announced Foundations of AI for PK-12 Educators, a self-paced online course now available to help pre-K through grade 12 teachers use AI confidently and responsibly in the classroom.
As generative AI (GenAI) enters education, many teachers are already experimenting with new AI tools but lack the training and guardrails to use them effectively and responsibly. Pearson’s new program addresses that gap with practical, classroom-focused guidance to support deeper learning, build AI literacy, and uphold academic integrity—for current educators and those preparing to enter the profession.
The launch builds on Pearson’s research, “Assessment Evolved: Redefining Formative Assessment in a Generative AI Era,” which encourages educators to move beyond simply detecting AI misuse and thoughtfully “invite AI in” as a tool for teaching (and learning). The report found that more than half of school educators are exploring GenAI for lesson planning (54%) and designing learning activities (57%); while a majority view AI’s role in education positively (58%), many remain concerned about misuse and academic integrity.
Pearson specifically designed Foundations of AI for PK-12 Educators in response to feedback that many teacher trainings in this space are either overly technical or insufficiently relevant to real classroom conditions. With the new course, educators receive guided, hands-on practice with widely available AI tools—including ChatGPT and Gemini—on how to apply AI to everyday teaching tasks such as lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and formative assessment. Upon completion, participants earn a verifiable Credly digital badge from Pearson recognizing their AI upskilling.
“To make AI a useful asset in the classroom, we have to focus on the person leading it—the teacher,” said Dr. E. Wyatt Gordon, Senior Vice President and Head of Evaluation Systems at Pearson. “This is about building their confidence with practical skills to use AI responsibly and effectively. When teachers are able to utilize and apply AI, they can save time, enrich lessons, and dedicate more energy to the most impactful teaching strategies that prepare students for the future.”
Early course participants underscore the value of that approach. “I initially felt anxious about AI—worried it might encourage cheating or replace parts of my job,” said Jane Miller, a high school English teacher who piloted the course. “This program changed my perspective. It walks you step-by-step through real classroom scenarios and emphasizes when not to use AI, keeping student learning at the center. I now feel much more confident guiding my students to use AI as a helpful partner while upholding honesty and academic integrity.”
Foundations of AI for PK-12 Educators is a 6.5-hour course designed for primary and secondary teachers seeking an accessible introduction to generative AI and large language models (LLMs). The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, effective prompt design, ethics and safety (including bias, privacy, and misuse), and hands-on classroom use cases. The course is tool-agnostic and encourages practices aligned with district policies and privacy standards such as FERPA and COPPA; no student personally identifiable information is required to participate.
In September 2025, Pearson joined the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education. Pearson has committed to providing up to 250,000 free vouchers to U.S. high school teachers for Pearson’s Generative AI Foundations certification—where we will help teachers obtain this certification with learning and practice test solutions. This new course further supports these efforts.
Related News
- Pearson Unveils Generative AI Foundations Certification
- Assessment Evolved: Redefining Formative Assessment in a Generative AI Era | Pearson plc
References to third‑party tools, platforms, organizations, or initiatives are provided for illustrative or informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement, partnership, or formal association unless expressly stated. Nothing in this release or the referenced course constitutes legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. Educators and institutions are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and district policies.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our approximately 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.