This session focuses on curriculum development, faculty training, and stakeholder engagement to redesign teacher preparation programs through AI-enhanced competency-based education. Aiming to produce skilled educators adaptable to diverse classroom settings, this initiative positions programs at the forefront of educational innovation, enhancing the assessment of student learning and preparing future teachers.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to teacher preparation. This session will focus on a comprehensive redesign of Teacher Educator Preparation Programs, emphasizing a competency-based education (CBE) model integrated with advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simulations. This topic is highly relevant as it addresses the pressing demands for personalized learning experiences and efficient administrative practices, ultimately aiming to produce highly skilled educators who can adapt to diverse classroom settings. With a commitment to ethical practices, this initiative positions our programs at the forefront of educational innovation. AI has the potential to transform education by enhancing student engagement and learning opportunities for real-world applications. Participants can learn how AI-driven tools, such as intelligent tutoring systems and automated grading, provide tailored support and efficient resource management. Understanding ethical considerations—like privacy, bias, and equity—ensures responsible implementation. Ultimately, educators will gain insights into leveraging AI tools effectively, fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment. The responsible use of AI in education hinges on several guiding principles that prioritize the well-being of both students and educators. First and foremost, it is crucial to maintain human connections; AI should enhance, not replace, the essential relationships that form the backbone of effective teaching and learning. Before implementing AI technologies, they must be rigorously validated to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with educational goals. This evidence-based approach helps prevent the adoption of tools that may not meet the needs of learners or educators. Equally important is the commitment to ethical development and data protection. Strong safeguards must be in place to protect student data and to prevent biases in AI algorithms. Accessibility is another key principle; AI tools should be available to all educators and students, ensuring that no demographic is marginalized in this technological shift. Finally, ongoing education about AI is vital. Building AI literacy among both educators and students promotes informed usage and a deeper understanding of the technology’s capabilities and ethical implications. As we integrate AI into the educational landscape, we unlock transformative potential—offering personalized learning experiences and improving administrative efficiency. However, this journey requires thoughtful consideration of ethical implications and equitable access. By establishing responsible guidelines, we can harness AI's capabilities to foster a more engaging and inclusive educational environment, inviting all stakeholders to collaborate on shaping a future that benefits everyone involved. Participants will engage in a dynamic, hands-on workshop that includes several interactive components: 1. Branching Scenario Simulation: Attendees will start by using a Muzzy Lane branching scenario that simulates classroom management and differentiation strategies. This immersive experience will provide insights into effective teaching practices in realistic classroom environments. 2. Group Discussion: Following the simulation, a group discussion will explore the benefits of immediate feedback provided by AI tools. Participants will reflect on their experiences and discuss how real-time data can enhance teaching and learning outcomes. 3. Collaborative Rubric Creation: In groups, participants will use ChatGPT to create a rubric for assessing competency in classroom management. After drafting the rubric, they will review it collaboratively, identifying necessary modifications to personalize their assessments. This hands-on project will encourage critical thinking about the integration of AI in educational assessment. 4. Reflection and Sharing: The session will conclude with a discussion on the development benefits of using AI in education, allowing participants to share their professional insights and strategies. By the end of this session, participants will be empowered to implement AI-enhanced strategies in their own educational contexts, ultimately contributing to a more effective and inclusive approach to teacher preparation. - Enhanced Learning and Engagement: Insights into how AI tools can create personalized learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance overall student engagement. - Competency-Based Education Framework: A clear understanding of how CBE models can be effectively integrated with AI technologies to assess and improve teacher competencies. - Practical Applications of AI: Hands-on experience with AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to foster collaborative and interactive learning environments. - Ethical Considerations: Awareness of the ethical implications of AI in education, including data privacy, equity, and the importance of maintaining the human connection in teaching. - The HeART of Teaching: Focusing on the foundation of genuine relationships, humanity, and fostering an environment where learners feel valued, understood and inspired to grow.

Sarah Skudin, EdD

Senior Manager, Evaluation at Western Governors University

Dr. Sarah Skudin is a dedicated leader with a passion for serving underserved populations in an online environment. Before entering the field of Education, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology where she spent her free time tutoring inner-city K12 students. Dr. Skudin continued to serve in the field of education by tutoring and teaching military children overseas in the Department of Defense Education Activity. While living in Germany, Dr. Skudin continued her education journey by earning her Master’s in Teaching Mathematics (5-12) from Western Governors University. Dr. Skudin’s passion for competency-based learning and dedication to making Higher Education accessible to all brought her back to Western Governor’s University as Faculty after working in Middle and High Schools as a Mathematics and inclusion teacher for three years. In 2010, Dr. Skudin began her career path at Western Governor’s University in the Evaluation department assessing student coursework in Mathematics. This position led her into leadership within Evaluation working to ensure students were being supported and faculty had a safe work environment to grow and assist with the development of courses. Dr. Skudin’s continued drive for personal growth led her to complete her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2020. She is currently a Senior Manager of Evaluation faculty working to ensure faculty in an online environment feel supported, are given professional development opportunities, develop relationships in an online environment with peers, and prioritize student learning.

Courtney Munday, PhD

Senior Manager, Evaluation Operations at Western Governors University

Dr. Courtney Munday has worked as a 6-12th grade English Language Arts teacher in urban and suburban schools. As a classroom teacher, she co-taught with SPED teachers and worked as a literacy remediation specialist. She earned her B.A. in English with a writing emphasis from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), her M.Ed. in English Education from The University of Oklahoma, and her Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum from The University of Oklahoma. After leaving the classroom, she continues volunteering in PK-12 schools as a literacy coach for elementary and high school students. Dr. Munday has extensive administrative experience in undergraduate teacher education preparation programs, serving eight years as a Department of Education Chair between two universities. As a School of Education Department Chair, she specialized in state and national accreditation. She worked closely with accreditation agencies, PK-12 educators and administrators, education unions, and political representatives to promote teacher education preparation programs within higher education. Dr. Munday joined Western Governors University (WGU) in 2018 as a part-time evaluator in the School of Education and immediately fell in love with its mission to “change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity for all learners.” During her tenure at WGU, Dr. Munday has moved into senior leadership and has enhanced her skill set in topics of virtual learning environments, competency-based education (CBE), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), growth mindset, and DEI. She enjoys working with cross-functional stakeholders to discover innovative ways to maintain academic integrity while meeting students’ needs.

Michelle Pohlen, MS, MBA

Senior Manager at Western Governors University

Michelle Pohlen's educational background underpins her extensive career in education. She earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. Additionally, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, where she also received a Special Education Teaching License and a minor in Physical Education and Coaching. This robust foundation in both educational theory and practical application has equipped Michelle with the skills necessary to drive positive change in educational settings. With over a decade of experience as an Elementary Special Education teacher, Michelle developed a deep expertise in behavior reform through extensive training involving Love and Logic and the Boys Town model. Her innovative approach led to the creation of a district magnet program designed for K-5 students transitioning back from out-of-district placements, providing crucial wrap-around services that contributed to the program's remarkable success. This led to her role as a regional behavior specialist, which focused on providing professional development and consulting services, empowering educators to enhance their practices in classroom and behavior management. Michelle is currently serving as Senior Manager of Evaluation Faculty at Western Governors University (WGU) in Salt Lake City, UT, Michelle and her peers were recognized with the Best in Track award at the Online Learning Consortium Conference in April 2024, She has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through collaborative efforts in competency-based instruction. A passionate advocate for continuous improvement, Michelle has presented on various topics, including the power of professional learning communities and thriving in remote environments. Michelle enjoys mentoring, strategic planning, and innovation. Her passions for competency-based education, serving underrepresented student populations, and upholding assessment integrity drive her work for continuous improvement.