Stanly County Schools is proud to recognize Mrs. Alease Carrick, 3rd grade teacher at Oakboro Choice STEM School, for being selected as a member of the AI by 8 Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) Fellowship.
Mrs. Carrick is one of only eight teachers across North Carolina chosen to design lesson plans that integrate the “big ideas” of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into early literacy instruction. The fellowship’s mission is to teach young learners about AI concepts through literacy standards — all in an unplugged, age-appropriate way.
As an AI by 8 Fellow, Mrs. Carrick collaborated in virtual professional learning communities (PLCs) with educators across the state to share insights, refine instructional strategies, and co-develop engaging AI-integrated literacy lessons for K–2 students. These lessons align with North Carolina’s K–2 English Language Arts standards while introducing students to key AI ideas that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Mrs. Carrick also played an instrumental role in helping this curriculum gain approval and publication—showcasing her leadership, innovation, and dedication to preparing young learners for a technology-driven future.
We are so proud of Mrs. Carrick and the incredible impact she continues to make for her students, our district, and education across the state!