🍎 AI 101 for Teachers: The Best Free Training Courses to Level Up Your Classroom Game

Let’s Talk About AI (But Make It Teacher-Friendly)

You’ve seen the headlines. You’ve heard the buzz. But if you’re a teacher, you’re probably wondering:

“What does all this AI stuff actually mean for me?”

The truth? AI isn’t here to replace teachers. It’s here to help us do what we do best: connect, create, and care.

From automating lesson planning to sparking creativity, AI can save you hours and add some serious flair to your classroom. And the best part? You don’t need a computer science degree or a dime to start learning.

We’ve rounded up the best free AI courses made just for teachers. Whether you’re techy or tech-tentative, these trainings will give you real, practical ways to use AI today.

🧠 The Best Free AI Courses for Teachers (No Robots Required)

1. Generative AI for Educators

By Google and MIT RAISE
This two-hour course is short, sweet, and super practical. You’ll learn how to use AI tools like Bard or ChatGPT to make your day-to-day easier and your lessons more engaging.

• ✔️ Great for: Beginners

• 🧰 Covers: Lesson planning, feedback, classroom activities

• 🎓 Certificate: Yes
  👉 Take the Course

2. AI Course for Educators

By AI for Education
Created by teachers for teachers, this course is all about using AI tools to save time and boost student creativity. Short videos, real talk, and zero fluff.

• ✔️ Great for: ChatGPT curious educators

• 🧰 Covers: Time-saving hacks, student prompts, AI do’s and don’ts
  👉 Jump In

3. AI in Education Learning Path

By Microsoft Learn
Love Microsoft tools like Word, Teams, or PowerPoint? This one’s for you. Learn how to use Copilot, the AI built into Office tools, to teach smarter and make things easier.

• ✔️ Great for: Microsoft-loving schools

• 🧰 Covers: AI prompts, accessibility, workflow tips
  👉 Start Learning

4. AI Education for Teachers

On Coursera (Created by real educators)
Want to understand what AI actually is and how it fits into the future of education? This one gets deep but stays down-to-earth.

• ✔️ Great for: Curious minds

• 🧰 Covers: Ethics, pedagogy, future trends
  👉 Check It Out

5. Elements of AI

A global favorite translated into 20+ languages
This isn’t education-specific, but it’s a fantastic foundation for any adult learner. If you’ve ever wondered how AI actually works, this is your crash course.

• ✔️ Great for: Big-picture thinkers

• 🧰 Covers: Algorithms, history, real-world uses
  👉 Take the Tour

6. AI for Education Hub

By Khan Academy
This one’s more of an evolving guide than a traditional course, but it’s jam-packed with examples, best practices, and smart questions to ask yourself before you dive in.

• ✔️ Great for: Teachers wanting ongoing resources

• 🧰 Covers: Generative AI, classroom use, student tools
  👉 Explore the Hub

7. OpenAI Teacher Training

In partnership with Common Sense Media
Designed specifically for K–12 teachers, this free course breaks down AI basics and gives you plug-and-play ways to use ChatGPT in the classroom safely and ethically.

• ✔️ Great for: K–12 newbies

• 🧰 Covers: Prompt writing, class management, safety
  👉 View Course

🚀 Final Bell: AI Isn’t the Future. It’s the Right Now.

You don’t have to be a tech guru to use AI. You just have to be open to learning, tinkering, and trying new things. And let’s be real, you already do that every single day as a teacher.

So grab a coffee, pick a course, and start exploring. Your future self and your future students will thank you.

💬 Got a favorite AI tool or course we missed? Pop into The Krewe and let’s chat!