USD School of Education Pledges to Prepare Future Educators for Digital Learning Environments
“Preparing future educators today requires more than basic technology skills—it requires the ability to critically and ethically engage with tools like artificial intelligence,” said Amy Schweinle, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education. “As these technologies rapidly reshape teaching, learning, and the profession, the USD School of Education is committed to keeping pace and leading the preparation of educators who use AI and other technologies thoughtfully, effectively and in ways that advance meaningful, equitable learning.”
By signing the pledge, USD joins 65 institutions committed to 1) preparing teachers to thrive in digital learning environments, 2) prepare teachers to use technology to pursue ongoing professional learning, 3) preparing teachers to apply frameworks to accelerate transformative digital learning, 4) equipping all faculty to continuously improve expertise in technology for learning and 5) collaborating with school leaders to identify shared digital teaching competencies.
“I’m thrilled that USD is committed to embedding tech skills into their program so all USD School of Education teacher candidates will be prepared to hit the ground running,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “Knowing how to use technology to support student learning is an essential skill for any teacher to thrive in a post-COVID world.”
This pledge reinforces the USD School of Education’s ongoing efforts to develop educators who are prepared for the twenty-first-century classroom. The school embedded a technology endorsement into its teacher education curriculum in 2026, ensuring all graduates are equipped with strategies for incorporating technology into learning in responsible and effective ways.
About ISTE+ASCD
The Alliance for Innovation in Teacher Education is a partnership between the International Society for Technology in Education + Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ISTE+ASCD) and other leading national higher education organizations.
In 2023, ISTE and ASCD merged to create an organization dedicated to empowering educators through technology, research-based professional learning, and innovative instructional strategies. In combining ASCD's strong foundation in professional learning and instructional growth with ISTE’s leadership in educational technology, ISTE+ASCD offers comprehensive resources, events, and support to help educators create joyful learning experiences for their students.
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