AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI
NEA (National Education Association)
Last updated September 15, 2026
AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI is a free, self-paced independent-study course from the National Education Association exploring the role educators play in shaping how AI is used in schools — from classroom choices to institutional policy. It runs about 5 hours through a single online module, and finishes with NEA's Teacher Quality Certificate and 5 continuing-education hours.
What you'll learn
- Why active educator participation in AI decision-making and policy matters
- Designing instructional strategies that use AI to foster collaboration and engagement
- Advocating for AI implementation and policy decisions within schools and beyond
- Using AI tools to build inclusive, collaborative learning environments
- Applying ethical AI practices that keep human agency and equity central
Frequently asked questions about AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI
Who is AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI for?
Educators who want to understand their role in shaping ethical, equitable AI policy and practice in their own institutions, not just in using AI tools.
Is AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI free?
Yes — AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI is free to take. Requires creating a free NEA Professional Excellence Portal account.
Does AIED: Human-Centered Approaches to AI offer a certificate?
Yes. Free "Teacher Quality Certificate" and 5.0 continuing-education/PDU hours on completion.
Why we suggest this course
Most AI-for-teachers material treats educators as end users of a tool a vendor built. This course instead frames teachers as the people who should be shaping AI policy and practice in their own schools — a genuinely different angle from tool-tutorial content, and one that fits a union's perspective more than a technology company's.