Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how educators access information, analyze learning, and engage in professional learning, yet its adoption among K–12 educators remains limited compared to the students they serve. This article examines the potential of AI-enhanced professional learning for literacy educators and argues that professional learning providers must move beyond teaching about AI to intentionally using AI within the design, facilitation, and follow-up of professional learning experiences. Drawing on research related to effective professional development, adult learning theory, and emerging studies on generative AI, the authors explore how AI-enabled tools can support active, collaborative, and sustained professional learning while preserving its human-centered core.
Author Bio
Michelle Wagner serves as the Director of Educational Services for Wayne RESA. With over fifteen years of classroom and coaching experience, Michelle brings that expertise to her executive role and has spent the last decade advancing instructional practices at the ISD level. She joined Wayne RESA as an Instructional Technology Consultant, then became a Literacy Consultant before taking on her current role. A highly credentialed leader, Michelle holds a Master of Science in Middle Level Education and a Master of Science in Reading Curriculum & Instruction. She is a passionate advocate and facilitator of Instructional Rounds, Literacy Coaching, strategic curriculum development, and the responsible, intentional integration of technology in education. Beyond her local impact, Michelle influences systemic change at the state level, serving on the leadership team for the state’s Early Literacy Taskforce. Her ultimate goal remains empowering educators to respond effectively to student needs and ensure high levels of success for all learners.
Dr. Laura Gabrion is a Literacy Consultant at Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. She is interested in disciplinary literacy pedagogy, research and application of writing self-efficacy, and integrating technology to enhance instruction. She can be reached at [email protected].
Judy Bowling currently serves as an Instructional Technology and Library Consultant at Wayne RESA and has experience as a classroom teacher, technology specialist, library media specialist, and Media & Technology Coordinator. With a Master’s degree in Educational Technology and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, she is passionate about helping educators thoughtfully integrate technology, AI, and Maker-Centered Learning to create meaningful learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. She is particularly interested in empowering educators to use these approaches purposefully to encourage students to think deeply, create, innovate, and take an active role in their learning.
Beth Gonzalez serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services at Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (Wayne RESA), where she provides leadership across curriculum, instruction, and assessment; continuous improvement; special education; early childhood; career and technical education; and safe and healthy schools. With extensive experience in educational leadership at the district, regional, and state levels, she previously held leadership roles with Detroit Public Schools Community District, Duval County Public Schools, and the Florida Department of Education. Her work centers on building coherent systems of continuous improvement that connect evidence- based instructional practices, leadership development, and organizational capacity to achieve sustainable improvements in student outcomes. She is a member of Cohort II of both the Yale Fellowship for Public Education Leadership and the Google GSV Education Innovation Fellowship. Beth believes that literacy is a fundamental right and is passionate about creating the conditions in which educators can thrive and every child has access to the high-quality instruction and educational opportunities they deserve.
Recommended Citation
Wagner, Michelle; Gabrion, Laura; Bowling, Judy; and Gonzalez, Beth
(2026)
"The Case for AI-Enhanced Professional Learning for Literacy Educators,"
Michigan Reading Journal: Vol. 59:
Iss.
1, Article 12.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol59/iss1/12
