University of Florida heads Florida K-12 AI Education Task Force
The University of Florida is leading a novel effort to shape how artificial intelligence is integrated into Florida classrooms. Through the state’s new K-12 AI Education Task Force — organized and chaired by UF — educators from across the state are developing the nation’s first coordinated guidance for teaching and learning with AI.
The effort is part of UF’s vision to position Florida as a national model for AI literacy, education and innovation — work made possible by a $5 million gift from the Griffin Catalyst, a civic engagement initiative of philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin, that established the university’s CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education.
As AI tools have flooded classrooms nationwide, teachers and administrators have struggled to separate hype from opportunity. District leaders turned to UF for guidance, spurring the creation of a task force that now unites 250 members: educators, technologists and policymakers across 39 districts, five charter schools, eight industry partners, 14 education associations and five higher education institutions.
“AI integration is happening rapidly across school districts, and there is little guidance to support these efforts,” said Maya Israel, director of the CS Everyone Center. “Our approach of being community-driven for Florida by Florida, I believe, is unique.”
This story was featured first in the Spring 2026 edition of the Florida Gator Magazine.