AI as Your Co-Teacher: Building Confidence, Connection & Literacy Growth in Beaumont ISD
ith decades of experience and deep literacy leadership, they share how their district is leveraging AI to support early reading success—without sacrificing teacher autonomy or student joy.
In this episode of Champion Every Voice, we welcome Valerie Maclin, Early Childhood Coordinator, and Gwendolyn Sharp, Reading and Language Arts Supervisor for grades 2–5, from Beaumont ISD in Texas. With decades of experience and deep literacy leadership, they share how their district is leveraging AI to support early reading success—without sacrificing teacher autonomy or student joy.
Tune in to hear how Beaumont ISD:
Uses Amira to personalize literacy instruction and support multilingual learners
Integrates AI as a co-teacher—not a replacement—to give time back to educators
Builds parent partnerships through family literacy nights and data-driven conversations
Fosters student confidence and motivation through culturally relevant engagement
Encourages veteran and new teachers alike to embrace tools that work with, not against, instructional goals
Valerie and Gwen offer practical advice for district leaders, classroom teachers, and literacy champions navigating the future of AI in education. From Spot the sidekick to the power of joyful reading gains, this is a conversation full of wisdom, warmth, and real-world impact.
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