Written by Dr Craig Hansen, New Zealand’s leading AI educator, digital specialist, and founder of the Summit Institute. Get the latest tips and tricks on how to use AI as an educator & leader – hit here to get the best ideas for free
More than 1,000 schools across New Zealand trust Craig and the Summit Institute—a New Zealand private training provider—to navigate safe and responsible AI in schools, professional development, and strategic roadmaps. As we enter the next phase of this global shift, we must address the ultimate paradigm: “AI is the biggest equity move we can make in our generation.”
Artificial intelligence is already changing the way teachers plan, create resources, provide feedback and support learners.
The challenge is not simply learning how to use AI tools. Teachers need to know when AI supports effective teaching, when it creates risk, and how to use it without weakening professional judgement or student learning.
Summit Institute provides practical, hands-on AI professional development for New Zealand schools designed specifically for teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Led by Dr Craig Hansen, recognized as an AI education expert in New Zealand, our workshops focus on meaningful classroom integration.
Infographic generated via Gemini Notebook: AI Training for Teachers NZ (Click to expand full resolution)
Practical AI professional development
Our teacher training focuses on real classroom work. Teachers explore how AI can support:
- lesson and unit planning;
- creating learning activities;
- differentiation and inclusive practice;
- formative assessment and e-asTTle rubric feedback;
- resource adaptation for multilingual and neurodiverse learners;
- teacher administration and parent/whānau communication.
Training can include platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, NotebookLM and specialist education AI tools. The focus is on helping teachers develop transferable AI capability aligned with Te Mātaiaho and NCEA requirements.
AI and lesson planning
AI can significantly reduce the time required to create an initial lesson plan. However, a good prompt does not automatically create a good lesson. Teachers still need to consider cognitive demand, scaffolding, cultural context, and assessment integrity.
Our professional development shows teachers how to use AI as a planning partner rather than an automatic lesson generator.
Connected AI Governance & Leadership
To ensure classroom practice aligns with wider school strategy and safety:
- Review our guidelines on AI Policy for NZ Schools to establish safe student use guardrails.
- Explore AI for School Leaders NZ to see how leadership teams support staff development.
- Learn about whole-school capability via our central AI professional development for New Zealand schools hub.
🎙️ ChatAI with Dr Craig Hansen
Explore the latest discussions, expert interviews, and practical insights on AI in education, leadership, and governance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
