Training Initiatives Equip Iowa Educators for the Effects of AI

(TNS) — With two data center projects underway in Cedar Rapids, educators from the College Community School District recently explored how artificial intelligence could influence the future workforce — specifically, their students.

A professional development opportunity held on Tuesday and Wednesday was aimed at helping educators from the College Community understand the local economy and the essential role education plays in fostering a robust community and economy.

Superintendent Doug Wheeler emphasized the importance of engaging with workforce leaders, stating that educators are “preparing students for a future that we can’t fully predict.”

“Collaborating is the first step towards ensuring our students lead fulfilling lives, thereby creating stronger communities and a thriving economy,” Wheeler remarked.

This year’s event, conducted in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, delved into current and future workforce trends with a focus on technology and artificial intelligence.

Educators began their day with a greeting from new Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance President and CEO Juliet Abdel, who stepped into her role in July.

“Your contributions play a critical role in shaping our future leaders, entrepreneurs, business professionals, and even service members. That’s the value you bring daily,” Abdel noted.

Following this, educators toured local businesses, gaining firsthand insights into various industries and the skill sets needed after presentations from a Google representative and an AI support team manager from the University of Iowa, along with a panel discussion.

‘THERE’S A LOT OF TALENT IN THIS TOWN’

The two data center initiatives in Cedar Rapids, developed by Google and QTS, are set to host computer servers, data storage, and other equipment essential for managing and delivering information to end-users.

As the demand for artificial intelligence and cloud-hosted data surges, the number of data center projects nationwide is escalating.

“The demand for these facilities is ‘fast and furious,’” Tieg Weathers, data center site facility manager for Google, informed teachers during a presentation on Wednesday. “The world is seeking this.”

Weathers shared insights about his educational journey and his current role. He obtained an undergraduate degree in anthropology from the University of Iowa and initially worked in maintenance and construction to cover tuition costs.

Afterward, he served as a facility mechanic at the University while pursuing further education and eventually applied to Google.

Weathers mentioned that it typically takes seven interviews before a candidate is hired at Google. “They really put you through your paces,” he stated.

Google seeks employees possessing both technical skills and the cognitive abilities to communicate and solve problems effectively.

One key question they pose to potential hires is, “What are you doing to improve yourself?” Weathers shared.

The workforce at data centers is “diverse,” featuring individuals with various skills and experiences, including electricians, mechanics, and pipe fitters. Weathers noted that hiring managers particularly value candidates with military backgrounds due to their “extensive training.”

Google is investing in a data center in Cedar Rapids because “there’s a lot of talent in this town,” Weathers added.

PREPARING STUDENTS TO USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Manda Marshall, an artificial intelligence support team manager at the University of Iowa, addressed educators on how and when to integrate AI into the classroom.

“AI is a tool we want to leverage — not to replace your efforts but to enhance what you’re already doing. We are exploring how to aid researchers, instructors, and administrators in utilizing AI effectively,” Marshall explained.

Teachers are instrumental in imparting digital literacy to students. Now, they are also tasked with teaching AI literacy, she noted.

“We are dedicated to ensuring our students understand how to leverage AI,” she stated. “We also acknowledge the significant responsibility of teaching ethical AI use.”

Marshall expressed concerns about students potentially using AI for shortcuts in their work. “Instead of fixating on cheating and policing, we are focusing on incorporating AI throughout the process here at Iowa.”

For instance, in a writing class, students might write an essay and then compare it with an AI-generated version.

Students at Iowa are also utilizing AI as a “study partner, personal tutor, or reading buddy,” Marshall added.

“Many students report turning to conversational AI not for cheating, but to deepen their understanding of concepts,” she shared.

Marshall encouraged educators to experiment with AI and identify the right tools for their classrooms.

K-12 teachers can utilize AI to provide students with feedback on assignments — while ensuring the AI tool maintains student confidentiality, she advised.

Once the AI delivers its initial feedback, Marshall emphasized the importance of reviewing and personalizing it. “Be that human in the loop,” she advised.

It’s crucial to inform students when to use AI and when not to. Likewise, teachers must disclose their AI usage in the classroom.

“Transparency is key,” she stated.

Five panelists from the College Community district’s Career Academy Advisory Committee discussed how AI is currently being employed or could be used in their businesses.

Danielle Monthei, the community impact manager at Van Meter Inc., remarked that they are “fully committed to leveraging AI.”

The company is exploring ways to “harness technology to solve problems,” support customers, and stay competitive, Monthei explained.

“The most daunting aspect of AI is that once you input something into it, that information becomes accessible to everyone. We are concerned about this, yet we need to swiftly figure it out before others do,” Monthei expressed.

Jillian Walsh, senior manager of business development at Travero, shared that they utilize AI to provide pricing to customers who reach out after hours — during evenings or weekends.

Travero specializes in logistics services, including freight brokerage, rail and barge terminal services, warehouse management, and transloading.

“If we’re unavailable to offer a price, you could lose that bid within moments,” Walsh explained.

© 2025 The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.