As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in instructional, assessment, and accessibility systems, teacher preparation programs must equip preservice educators to use these tools ethically, responsibly, and effectively, especially in special education, where AI increasingly supports access, communication, and individualized learning. This session presents findings from a multi-semester action research study examining how explicit instruction in ethical AI literacy within SPED coursework increased preservice teachers’ confidence, professional judgment, and readiness to protect student privacy, equity, and dignity. Framed by national conversations positioning AI as a tool that supports, rather than replaces, human intelligence, the session aligns with the conference theme by connecting imagination with instructional integrity. Grounded in CEC Standards, High-Leverage Practices, ATS, TESS, Science of Reading, HQIM, and professional ethics, participants will engage in case analysis, tool evaluation, and collaborative reflection to explore how AI can be integrated as a creative, inquiry-based, and human-centered support in teacher preparation.

Presenters

• Jessie King jking@astate.edu, Arkansas State University
• Eric R Gotte egotte@astate.edu, Arkansas State University