FAU Leads $5.7M Initiative to Boost Literacy, Prepare Educators for AI
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is partnering with Florida Atlantic as it leads a three-year, $5.7 million effort to raise literacy and numeracy outcomes in high-need schools and prepare teachers and principals to effectively use artificial intelligence (AI).
“Great teachers and strong school leaders drive student success,” said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “LEAP-AI puts the right partners on the same page: stronger literacy instruction, clearer career pathways into the classroom, and a practical way for schools to use new technology. Florida is investing in educators, so students get better opportunities.”
The Literacy Education for Augmented Praxis by Artificial Intelligence, or LEAP-AI, initiative unites FAU with FDOE, Broward County Public Schools, and Miami Dade College. The goal is straightforward: more effective educators, a stronger teacher pipeline, and higher student achievement.
“At Broward County Public Schools, investing in our educators is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “This partnership will give our teachers and school leaders innovative tools and opportunities to grow while keeping the focus where it belongs — improving student achievement and preparing our students for the future.”
“LEAP-AI brings K-12 and higher education together to strengthen the educator pipeline and prepare teachers to use AI effectively and responsibly,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “At Miami Dade College, we believe technology is most powerful when it strengthens human talent, expands opportunity and helps every student succeed.”
The work concentrates on 18 high-need Broward schools. In 2026, 64% of Broward third graders scored at or above grade level on the FAST English Language Arts assessment, compared with 60% statewide. LEAP-AI builds on that progress while targeting gaps in reading, English for Speakers of Other Languages, mathematics, and instructional leadership.
The project runs three tracks:
- A two-year leadership pathway for assistant principals, with coaching, literacy-focused leadership training, AI literacy, and support toward Florida Level 2 Principal Certification.
- Classroom support for teachers through AI and literacy micro-credentials, coaching, communities of practice, and statewide math-literacy convenings.
- A Registered Educator Apprenticeship so paraprofessionals and aspiring teachers can earn credentials while they work, aimed at addressing teacher shortages in reading, ESOL, and mathematics.
“Florida Atlantic prepares students for a rapidly changing world, and LEAP-AI extends that mission by providing our region’s educators with the emerging tools and training needed to ensure Broward’s K-12 students achieve lasting success,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “We are proud to shape what comes next for Florida while strengthening its talent pipelines and expanding opportunity for both students and educators.”
“Teachers cannot improve what they are not equipped to teach,” said Daniel Reyes-Guerra, Ph.D., FAU professor of educational leadership and LEAP-AI principal investigator. “We are strengthening evidence-based literacy now and training the next generation of educators to use AI responsibly. That is how you raise results today and build the workforce Florida will need tomorrow.”
At least 100 educators are expected to complete AI and literacy micro-credentials. Eighteen assistant principals will complete the leadership pathway, and 18 apprentices will enter the registered apprenticeship program to work toward certification. FAU will also produce a replication toolkit other districts and preparation programs can use.
The grant comes from the federal Supporting Effective Educator Development program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the U.S. Department of Labor.
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