Educational technology expert Dr. Julianne B. Ross-Kleinmann, supervisor of Instructional Services at Educator Edge at Ulster BOCES, has been selected as one of 12 educational professionals nationwide to be a lead trainer for the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative. Dr. Kleinmann was selected for the leadership role by The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), with additional support from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. 

As a lead trainer, Dr. Kleinmann will play a pivotal role in guiding school systems across the country in assessing their readiness for generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and developing strategic, responsible implementation plans aligned with operational and educational goals. Selected for her deep expertise in AI, emerging technologies, and professional learning, Dr. Kleinmann and her 11 colleagues will deliver tailored, high-impact training sessions to school districts, with a special focus on empowering small and rural communities to lead in educational innovation. She will also support the development and refinement of training materials and mentor a cohort of Regional Trainers, which includes Ulster BOCES Model Schools Content Specialist Mollie Cahill, who has been selected to be part of the regional trainer process, once she completes the training Cahill will help to extend the initiative’s reach nationwide.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Kleinmann’s selection for this national leadership role. Her expertise, vision, and commitment to meaningful, forward-thinking professional learning make her an ideal fit to help guide this critical work. I have the utmost confidence in her ability to support districts across the country in navigating the promise and complexity of generative AI,” said Ulster BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jonah Schenker.  “At Ulster BOCES, we are deeply committed to leading the way in this space—not just by embracing innovation, but by shaping it to reflect the values of equity, excellence, and access for all learners.” 

The initiative is anchored by the CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, which helps districts evaluate their preparedness for Gen AI across seven critical domains: leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal/risk, and academic AI literacy.

Districts can expect to see professional development opportunities in the coming months hosted by Lead Trainers and their affiliated Educational Service Agencies. These sessions will help district teams identify strengths, address gaps, and develop sustainable strategies for generative AI adoption that reflect their goals and values.

To learn more about CoSN’s AI resources, including the Gen AI Maturity Tool, visit www.cosn.org/AI.

BACKGROUNDER INFORMATION ABOUT CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org

About the Initiative
The Generative AI Maturity Tool, developed by CoSN and the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), is a comprehensive framework that helps K-12 school districts assess their readiness for implementing generative AI. It guides districts through seven key domains—leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal/risk, and academic AI literacy—empowering them to make informed, mission-aligned decisions about AI integration.

Grounded in the CoSN/CGCS Generative AI Maturity Tool, the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative supports school districts in assessing their readiness for generative AI across functional areas and developing strategic implementation roadmaps. Led by CoSN in partnership with AESA, with support from SETDA and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the project builds local capacity through a national training network that helps district teams translate readiness insights into actionable plans. Learn more at https://www.cosn.org/ai.