AI Essentials Micro-credential
AI Micro-credential
AI Essentials for PK12 Education
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how districts recruit, retain, support, and develop their people. Yet many PK-12 leaders still struggle to understand what AI is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly in real HR and organizational workflows.
AI Essentials for PK-12 Education Leaders closes that gap. This 13-hour micro-credential delivers a clear, practical, and ethical roadmap for integrating AI into human capital, HR, recruitment, retention, talent development, and overall school system strategy.
Designed by the Experience Management Institute (EXMI) in partnership with AASPA, this program blends accessible instruction, hands-on practice, case studies, and guided application. Participants learn how to use generative AI confidently and responsibly—while building future-ready skills grounded in HCLE standards and aligned to state and national workforce priorities.
Whether you're a seasoned superintendent, a curious school leader, or an HR innovator, this course will equip you with practical AI knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving education landscape. Prepare to lead an AI-enabled education system with confidence, embrace innovation, and shape the future of PK-12 education leadership with AI!
In this course you will:
- Master AI fundamentals
- Implement generative AI solutions
- Develop effective prompt engineering skills
- Understand and use responsible AI practices
- Explore AI applications in human capital management domains such as talent acquisition, talent management and total rewards
- Solve real-world challenges with AI through case studies and activities
In this course we will not cover:
- Classroom AI tools and techniques for teachers and/or PK-12 student-focused AI literacy
- Advanced technical and statistical methods such as R or Python, data science techniques, machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling or complex analytics frameworks
- Building or fine-tuning custom AI models such as creating large language models (e.g., GPTs), designing neural networks, or exploring Agentic AI concepts
Class Length: 10 Hours of Learning (3hrs virtual led instruction + 7hrs self-paced online learning)
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Instructor-Led Virtual Classes (3 hours): Three interactive 60-minute sessions (schedules dates/times differ per cohort) designed to deepen your understanding, foster collaboration, and apply concepts through engaging activities.
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Asynchronous Online Learning (7 hours): Self-paced modules featuring articles, videos, activities, and quizzes.
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Participants gain 12-month access to course modules, templates, checklists, and examples.
Modules
Module 1: Getting Yourself Ready
Module 2: Master AI Fundamentals
Module 3: Understand and Use Responsible AI
Module 4: Implement GenAI Solutions
Module 5: Develop Effective Prompt Engineering Skills
Module 6: Applying GenAI in HR
2026 Cohorts:
- January 13, 20, 27; 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET (Registration Deadline: January 8, 2026)
- February 4, 11, 25; 11:00am - 12:00pm ET (Registration Deadline: January 29, 2026)
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April 2, 16, 23; 2:00pm - 3:00am ET (Registration Deadline: March 26, 2026)
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May 6, 13, 27; 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET (Registration Deadline: April 30, 2026)
- July 9,23,30; 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET (Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026)
- September 9, 16, 30; 11:00am - 12:00pm ET (Registration Deadline: August 31, 2026)
- November 2, 9, 16; 2:30pm - 3:30pm ET (Registration Deadline: October 31, 2026)
The AI Essentials Micro-Credential directly aligns with national standards and federal guidance including:
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American Association of School Personnel Administrators, Human Capital Leaders in Education National Standards
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Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) core HR Body of Knowledge (HRBoK)
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U.S. Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 07-25, The U.S. Department of Labor’s Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework (U.S. Department of Labor, 2026).
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U.S. Department of Labor’s Competency Model Clearinghouse, specifically the Building Blocks Model, Tier 2 – Academic Competencies: Basic Computer Skills, which was updated in 2025 to reflect employer demand for digital and AI-related skills.
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Credits | Price |
|---|---|---|
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AI Micro-credential Member
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13.00 (pHCLE) | $300.00 |
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AI Micro-credential NonMember
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13.00 (pHCLE) | $450.00 |
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2026 July Cohort (9, 23, 30)
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FREE | |
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2026 September Cohort (9, 16, 30)
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FREE | |
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2026 November Cohort (2, 9, 16)
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FREE |
Prerequisites for this Essentials Micro-credential:
This course welcomes learners of all experience levels—no prior knowledge of AI is required. It offers a safe, supportive space for exploring and discussing AI concepts, regardless of your starting point. While there are no strict prerequisites, the following may enhance your experience:
- Work Experience: While not required, experience in people management and supervision and/or in PK-12 or higher education may help when applying examples and solutions.
- Degree: There are no degree requirements for this course.
- Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with digital tools like Word, Excel, email, and internet navigation.
- Interest in AI and Human Capital Management: A curiosity about how AI can transform HR areas such as recruitment, development, and engagement.
- A Growth Mindset: Openness to learning, embracing challenges, and engaging in innovative problem-solving.
Prepare to lead with confidence, embrace innovation, boost efficiency, and shape the future of PK-12 education leadership with AI!
Earn a Micro-Credential
To earn the credential, participants must:
- Complete all asynchronous modules and embedded knowledge checks.
- Achieve the minimum passing score of 80% on quizzes.
A digital certificate and badge will be awarded upon successful completion.
For More Information:
Ready?
Get 12-month access to the online course and earn your certificate and a digital badge upon completion.
Contact Learn@exmi.org with questions.
Cancellation Policy - Please note there will be no refunds.
*AI Essentials for PK–12 Education aligns directly with national standards and federal guidance including:
- AASPA, Human Capital Leaders in Education National Standards (AASPA, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 03-25, Encouraging the Use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funding to Help Youth and Adults Develop Artificial Intelligence Skills (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025)
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Notice (TEN) No. 07-25, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ready Workforce Framework (U.S. Department of Labor, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Competency Model Clearinghouse, specifically the Building Blocks Model, Tier 2 – Academic Competencies 2024 Update