On the first day of preplanning, 75 educators from the Butte School District came together for a dynamic professional development event led by trainers from the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE). The focus of the day: harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to kick off the new school year with greater efficiency, creativity, and impact.
The AI Learning Day featured six engaging sessions designed to equip Montana educators with practical strategies, spark innovative thinking, and enhance teaching and learning. The half day workshops included:
- Understanding AI: A foundational session that introduced educators to the basics of artificial intelligence, its capabilities, and its relevance in education.
- Top 10 Ways to Save Time with AI in the Classroom: Participants discovered how AI tools can streamline tasks such as lesson planning, grading, and communication—helping teachers reclaim valuable time.
- Adopting AI into My Planning: This session offered insights into using AI to personalize instruction, differentiate learning experiences, and align lessons with standards more efficiently.
- Creating Student Engagement with AI: Educators explored creative applications of AI to boost student voice, choice, and collaboration, making learning more interactive and meaningful.
- AI-Driven Personalized Learning: A deep dive into how AI can support differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, and adaptive learning pathways tailored to individual student needs.
- AI in Education: A New Era: A forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of AI in schools, ethical considerations, and how educators can lead the way in shaping its future.

The atmosphere was one of excitement and collaboration, as educators shared ideas, asked questions, and experimented with new tools. NCCE facilitators provided expert guidance, ensuring that each session was both informative and immediately applicable.
NCCE is proud to support districts like the Butte School District who are taking proactive steps forward to empowering its educators to lead with confidence and innovation. AI is not about replacing teachers—it’s about amplifying their impact. And in Butte, that journey is off to a strong start.