Partnership for Educators Advancing AI Knowledge (PEAK)

Lead Your District's AI Future with Confidence

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world—and education is no exception. The question isn't whether to use AI, but how to shape its role responsibly and equitably.

MassCUE, Throughline Learning, EdTechTeacher, and UMass Lowell's AI Teach Co-Design Lab invite Massachusetts districts to join the Partnership for Educators Advancing AI Knowledge (PEA²K) Cohort 2 for the 2026-27 school year —a collaborative experience to help schools integrate AI intentionally and in alignment with district goals and state standards.

About the Cohort

Building on the success of our inaugural cohort, which launched with 14 Massachusetts districts in January 2026, the PEA²K Cohort 2 continues this vital work for the 2026–2027 school year.

Read about the Cohort 1 Launch Summit to see how district teams across Massachusetts came together to begin shaping the future of AI in education with intention and care.

AI offers powerful opportunities to enhance teaching, learning, and equity—but only with intentional planning. It's here to stay, and schools need strategies to use it effectively, ethically, and in ways that reflect their unique contexts and communities.

With DESE's AI guidance in place, districts now need structured support to translate that vision into meaningful action. The PEA²K Cohort provides a space for educators and leaders to collaborate, co-design, and build thoughtful implementation plans. Without this kind of planning, we risk widening equity gaps and missing the chance to harness AI's transformative potential for all learners.

What You’ll Take Away

The PEA²K Cohort is designed to move beyond theory into action. Each participating district will leave with a shared vision, concrete tools, and a clear roadmap for responsible AI integration.

  • Readiness Framework: Evaluate your current AI integration to elevate strengths, gaps, and goals
  • Strategic Roadmap: Develop a concrete, actionable plan for the upcoming school year
  • Expert Coaching: Tackle your specific district barriers with dedicated problem-solving sessions
  • Toolkits: Access to vetted templates and resources aligned with DESE AI Guidance
  • Peer Network: Join a powerful community of practice
  • MassCUE Fall Conference 1 Day ticket for team members

Download the Flyer

Peak Cohort year 2 flyer

How It Works

  • Team: Up to 8 leaders and teachers per district
  • Meetings: In-person PEA²K Launch Day + 5 virtual, 2-hour sessions
  • Coaching: 3 dedicated 1-hour coaching sessions per district team
  • Timeline: Eight months —October 2026 through May 2027

Ready to Get Started?

Join us for a free 30-minute information meeting to learn more and ask questions:

April 30 | May 27 — 11:00–11:30 AM

The Partnership for Educators Advancing AI Knowledge (PEAK) Cohort is a collaboration with MassCUE, Throughline Learning, EdTechTeacher, and UMass Lowell’s AI Teach Co-Design Lab.

MassCUE Logo -- Educate, Connect, Inspire
UMass Lowell AI Teach Lab
EdTechTeacher Skill Build logo
Throughline Learning

What Participants Are Saying

"PEA²K has provided the opportunity to light a torch in the shadows of the dawn of AI. Through conversations with educators and leaders from around Massachusetts, we've started to grasp the vast array of ways AI could be best managed and implemented in schools. There is nothing more valuable than time, and PEA²K has provided us with the time to wrestle with the questions that need conversations." — Jeremy Shea, History Teacher, Barnstable High School

"Our PEA²K participation has provided the space and structure to empower our team to identify a focused goal and construct actionable steps to lift AI learning and literacy for our staff and students. Collective capacity-building and community sharing benefit every cohort, and Nashoba is a proud participant and contributor to the model." — Jed Stefanowicz, Director of Digital Learning & Innovation, Nashoba Regional School District

"Participating in the PEA²K cohort has been incredibly valuable for Norton Public Schools. The facilitation and individualized coaching have been high quality and responsive to our district's needs, providing structured time for our team to thoughtfully consider how AI fits into teaching and learning. This experience has meaningfully supported and accelerated the work of our district AI Task Force." — Karen Winsper, Director of Instructional Technology, Norton Public Schools

"For Lowell Public Schools, the PEA²K Cohort has been instrumental in navigating the shift toward AI in education. Collaborating with MassCUE, UMass Lowell's AI Teach Co-Design Lab, and other partners has given our district team the structured support needed to develop AI policy and guidance, move beyond theory, and build a concrete roadmap for intentional AI integration." — Greg Limperis, Director of Technology, Lowell Public Schools

Cohort 1 Districts

Attleboro Public Schools

Lawrence Public Schools

Newton Public Schools

Barnstable Public Schools

Lowell Public Schools

Norton Public Schools

Watertown Public Schools

Dedham Public Schools

Mendon-Upton Regional School District

Pittsfield Public Schools

Westford Public Schools

Westford Public Schools

Fairhaven Public Schools

Nashoba Regional School District

Springfield Public Schools

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