April 2026
NYU Shanghai has concluded the third instantiation of an annual tailored professional development program designed in partnership with a nationally renowned social services foundation and education provider from pre-kindergarten through high school.
Created for a cohort of 18 teachers working across different grade levels and subjects at various schools and other educational offices affiliated with the foundation, the program was structured to build a common understanding across critical domains—including artificial intelligence, the science of learning, pedagogical innovation, psychological well-being, and global awareness. These competencies are becoming increasingly essential for teachers to master and implement in schools across the world amid rapid technological shifts.
Spanning four weekends from March 21 to April 18, the program took place on the NYU Shanghai Qiantan campus, led by a diverse faculty and academic leadership team of more than 10 instructors drawn from departments such as Psychology, Interactive Media & Business, Computer Science, Academic Affairs, English for Academic Purposes, Student Life, Library, and Health & Wellness. Through a highly engaging format that wove together expert lectures, interactive workshops, and peer-to-peer dialogues, participants were given structured opportunities to translate theoretical concepts into practical classroom strategies.
Teachers in the program averaged more than 12 years of classroom experience and brought widespread perspectives that enriched discussions. Among many other thematic explorations, the curriculum dove into such topics as the historical trajectory of AI, foundational principles of effective teaching, strategies for fostering genuine human connections in the classroom, social and emotional learning (SEL), and the psychological resilience required of modern educators.
NYU Shanghai faculty guided participants through specific case studies and hands-on scenarios—whether applying differentiated instruction techniques, designing community-engaged experiential learning projects, or experimenting with cutting-edge software tools. Teachers were motivated to reflect on how AI will reshape educational practices, while also keeping core humanistic values at the core of their work.
Now in the third year of this collaboration with the same foundation partner, more than 50 participants have completed the NYU Shanghai program every Spring since 2024. While this year’s program was tailored for in-service teachers, previous cohorts were tailored for school principals and education leaders in management roles.
About NYU Shanghai Custom Programs
NYU Shanghai works with domestic and overseas companies, non-profits, and other organizations across sectors to design customized educational programs that combine academic teaching with applied relevance. Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise and a global perspective, NYU Shanghai’s faculty and non-degree education teams develop group learning experiences that are grounded in careful co-design with partner organizations.
For more information about customized education and partnership opportunities at NYU Shanghai, visit the Office of Non-Degree Programs (ONDP) website or contact the ONDP at shanghai.nondegree@nyu.edu.