Skip to content
Council Discourse

NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.

Created by Uzair Qadir

Inspired by Vikram Oberoi's City Meetings

Q&A

Joseph on teacher training timeline and AI literacy gaps

New York City Council · Jun 24, 2026 · starts 1:45:57 · 2 min 11 sec

Joseph asks for a timeline to ensure every educator receives AI training, noting some students are 'running circles around their teachers' with AI. Dr. Pate acknowledges no timeline is set yet and agrees technology moves faster than training development, describing it as a challenge of chasing capacity building.

Rita C. Joseph

What PD is being provided for them?

Rita C. Joseph

Because I also know.

Rita C. Joseph

that some of these curriculums also come in a hybrid model where you have a technology component to it.

Rita C. Joseph

How is that being used and how are teachers being trained?

Dr. Pate

So we spoke a little bit earlier about the two-tiered approach that we're taking now.

Dr. Pate

We have developed AI guidance at the central level, and our educators are engaged in that training.

Dr. Pate

So to date, more than...

Dr. Pate

More than 8,300 staff members have taken that information and that course.

Dr. Pate

In addition to that, on the other side of it is that we are partnering with our labor partners who are doing some really, really great work.

Dr. Pate

Even myself, I've attended their capacity building training.

Dr. Pate

Tara has attended the capacity building training that the UFT is offering.

Dr. Pate

So that is another way in which educators are being trained very skillfully around that work.

Rita C. Joseph

What's the timeline to make sure that every educator somehow went through at least one session of these classes that they're not navigating?

Rita C. Joseph

Because I know some kids, I could tell you, are running circles around their teacher with the use of AI.

Rita C. Joseph

And they can find other detectors that can make sure that the product that they produce is AI.

Rita C. Joseph

You cannot detect if it was used through AI.

Rita C. Joseph

And I know quite a few.

Dr. Pate

Yes, so I have an 11th grader at home who is currently providing professional development to me connected to...

Dr. Pate

All that AI has to offer and then some.

Dr. Pate

So I do agree with you.

Dr. Pate

around the need to continue to build capacity.

Dr. Pate

We have not set a timeline as of yet that I can offer you.

Rita C. Joseph

But the technology is moving faster than you're working.

Rita C. Joseph

By the time you go to sleep, somebody has created a new one.

Dr. Pate

And you are absolutely correct.

Dr. Pate

And there lies the challenge in it.

Dr. Pate

So I don't disagree.

Dr. Pate

I am agreeing with you that because of the rapid evolution of technology, it sometimes feels like we are chasing the development of professional learning and capacity building opportunities.

Dr. Pate

But we are actively creating and developing that.