Samsung’s Teacher Academy Sparks AI Ideas Before School Bells Ring

Education

8/4/2025

As the summer draws to a close and educators nationwide gear up for the upcoming school year, Samsung Electronics America hosted its latest Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teacher Academy on July 22, 2025, in Washington D.C. This day-long professional development event brought together a diverse group of 40 public school teachers from across the United States, comprising both seasoned Solve for Tomorrow alumni and newcomers eager to explore innovative teaching methodologies and foster community among like-minded peers.

The academy, strategically timed for the back-to-school season, immersed participants in a series of workshops and hands-on activities aimed at enhancing their skills in STEM education—specifically problem-based learning (PBL), an educational approach that emphasizes problem identification and solution-finding, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on practical classroom applications and ethical considerations. This focus aligns with findings from our latest The State of STEM Education survey, which revealed that 59% of educators view professional development, updated curriculum resources, collaboration with tech industry professionals, or improved technology as critical needs.

Led by Samsung Education Coaches Dee Lanier and Rachel Swanson, the event kicked off with an engaging keynote on navigating the emergent realities of AI, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration and collaboration. Throughout the morning sessions, teachers delved into critical AI topics such as bias in educational tools, transparency in design, and privacy concerns. “The opening keynote by Dee Lanier was a standout moment,” noted one teacher. “He helped us unpack the evolving landscape of AI in education—including how we ensure equitable access for all students to AI tools. It really grounded the day in purpose.”

The afternoon saw educators applying their newfound knowledge in practical settings, participating in design sprints and problem-solving activities. “The AI session on ethics really made me think differently about how we use these tools in the classroom,” shared one participant. “It wasn’t just informative—it sparked meaningful conversations that I can bring back to my students.”

A key feature of the event was the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teacher Panel, featuring Autumn and George Dowdy from Porter High School, Saul Nunez from Santa Teresa High School, and Amanda Mullins from Pineville Middle School. These panelists, all previous winners of the Solve for Tomorrow competition, shared invaluable guidance on what it takes to succeed in the competition and keep students motivated throughout the process. Their insights spoke to the impact the program has had on them as educators—shaping how they integrate new technology into their classrooms and helping them use it more effectively to support student learning.

As the academy wrapped up with group photos and final reflections, participants left energized—committed to bringing new teaching strategies and tools into their schools. “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teacher Academy is more than just professional development; it’s about connecting with passionate educators and learning creative, real-world ways to bring AI and STEM into the classroom,” reflected a teacher, encapsulating the spirit of the day.

Samsung’s support for educators doesn’t end here. It extends beyond professional development to the 16th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, kicking off this fall. The nationwide public middle and high school competition invites students to think big, applying STEM to take on real issues in their communities. It encourages them to approach challenges like civic-minded leaders and socially conscious thinkers—and step into the roles of creative changemakers, innovators, and problem-solvers. And let’s be honest—winning millions in cutting-edge tech for their schools? That’s the kind of fuel that makes the learning journey even more exciting.

To learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, please visit www.samsung.com/solve and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Applications for the 2025–2026 national STEM competition will open in the Fall.