Lansing USD 469 is proud to continue its partnership with the University of Kansas’ Center for Reimagining Education (CRE), entering the second year of an innovative project that’s redefining what learning can look like in the age of artificial intelligence. After a successful first year that earned statewide recognition and a $10,000 grant to expand the initiative, Lansing Middle School’s sixth-grade science team—Principal Brooks Jenkins and teachers Alisha Holyfield, Amanda Thomas, and Josh Yoakam—kicked off Year Two with renewed energy and new goals for growth. The team recently met with Maggie Mosier, KU’s “AI guru,” and Megan Turpin, KU’s instructional coach, to reflect on their successes and begin mapping out next steps. Their meeting focused on how to deepen the integration of AI tools into classroom instruction while maintaining the heart of what makes learning meaningful: curiosity, creativity, and student ownership. “We learned so much in the first year about how students respond when they’re given real choice and powerful tools,” said Amanda Thomas. “Now we want to build on that momentum and help even more students see themselves as thinkers, creators, and problem solvers.” During the session, the group discussed expanding their project-based approach into additional class periods and grade levels, developing model lessons other teachers can adapt, and creating practical resources for staff on using AI safely and effectively. Maggie Mosier guided the team in exploring the evolving role of AI in education, while Megan Turpin provided hands-on coaching and support to help teachers design classroom experiences that balance innovation with intentional teaching. Principal Brooks Jenkins shared that the team’s goal for this year is sustainability: “We want to move from experimenting with AI to embedding it as a natural, purposeful part of instruction. The more our teachers grow, the more our students benefit.” As the partnership enters its second year, Lansing continues to stand out as a leader in reimagining education—not just with technology, but with a clear focus on empowering students and teachers alike.

Lansing Middle School Team Launches Year Two with KU’s Center for Reimagining Education

Lansing USD469

November 4, 2025

Lansing USD 469 is proud to continue its partnership with the University of Kansas’ Center for Reimagining Education (CRE), entering the second year of an innovative project that’s redefining what learning can look like in the age of artificial intelligence.

After a successful first year that earned statewide recognition and a $10,000 grant to expand the initiative, Lansing Middle School’s sixth-grade science team including Principal Brooks Jenkins and teachers Alisha Holyfield, Amanda Reed, and Josh Yoakam, kicked off Year Two with new goals for growth.

The team recently met with Maggie Mosier, KU’s “AI guru,” and Megan Turpin, KU’s instructional coach, to reflect on their successes and begin mapping out next steps. Their meeting focused on how to deepen the integration of AI tools into classroom instruction while maintaining the heart of what makes learning meaningful: curiosity, creativity, and student ownership.

During the session, the group discussed expanding their project-based approach into additional class periods and grade levels, developing model lessons other teachers can adapt, and creating practical resources for staff on using AI safely and effectively.

Maggie Mosier guided the team in exploring the evolving role of AI in education, while Megan Turpin provided hands-on coaching and support to help teachers design classroom experiences that balance innovation with intentional teaching.

As the partnership enters its second year, Lansing continues to stand out as a leader in reimagining education, not just with technology, but with a clear focus on empowering students and teachers alike.