The AmplifyGAIN Center
Generative AI for Transformative Learning
Our Mission
The AmplifyGAIN Center focuses on the use of Generative AI to enhance mathematics and science teaching and learning in K-12 schools. Through rigorous research and practical application, we’re discovering how GenAI tools can transform classroom instruction and student outcomes.
We conduct exploratory studies and longitudinal, nationwide surveys of teachers to discover effective use scenarios and refine theories of change about how GenAI tools can support educators. This research directly informs the development and implementation of Colleague AI—an AI-enhanced assistant designed to empower teachers with the tools they need to create engaging, high-quality lesson materials for every student, conduct formative classroom assessments, and automatically score and generate diagnostic reports to personalize student feedback.
Conferences & Talks
AMTE 2026 Annual Conference
Presenters: Drew Nucci and Sarah Nielsen
Transforming Math Teaching with GenAI: Possibilities for Ambitious Instruction
Location: Portland, OR
Time: February 5-7, 2026
Conference Website
Purdue AI in P–12 Education Conference
Presenter: Min Sun
From lesson design to feedback: Teacher tools in Colleague AI
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Time: November 10, 2025
Conference Website
Reports
AI as a Teaching Partner: Early Lessons from Classroom Codesign with Secondary Teachers
This report presents findings from a 7-week co-design pilot with 21 Washington State teachers and 600+ students showing that AI tools function most effectively as a “third agent” in classrooms when teachers provide clear scaffolding and framing, with narrative feedback valued over numeric scores and Student Growth Insights enabling real-time instructional adjustments.
Executive Summary Full Report
Emerging Patterns of GenAI Use in K–12 Science and Mathematics Education
This report presents findings from a nationally representative survey of US public school math and science teachers examining their generative AI adoption, classroom use, perceptions of student learning impacts, and institutional support needs as educators navigate rapidly evolving AI integration pressures.
Full Report
Projects
GenAI Use in Teacher Preparation Programs
The AmplifyGAIN center partners with Educator Preparation Programs to develop best practices, resources, and strategies for responsibly integrating generative AI into teacher training curricula.
Time: January 1 – June 30, 2026
Learn More
AI Competency for Educators
The University of Washington and Colleague AI recognize teachers who demonstrate proficiency in using AI tools effectively, responsibly, and ethically to enhance classroom instruction and support student learning.
Learn More
People
Key Personnel
Min Sun
Principle Investigator
Ben Shapiro
Co-Principal Investigator
Chun Wang
Co-Principal Investigator
Ann Edwards
Co-Principal Investigator
Drew Nucci
Co-Principal Investigator
Shawon Sarkar
Co-Principal Investigator
Joshua Rosenberg
Co-Principal Investigator
Advisory Board
Dr. Kelly Aramaki
Superintendent, Bellevue School District
Christine Cheng
K-12 Math Instructional Coach, Muckleshoot Tribal School
Tim Chalberg
Secondary Math Instructional Facilitator, Tacoma Public Schools
Chris Crane
Limited Partner [LP] and Investment Board Member, VentureUs
Steve Kessel
Former Senior Vice President, Amazon
Karen Cator
Worldwide Education Strategy, Apple Inc.
Telca Karen Porras
Principal Consultant, TKPorras Consulting
Dr. Thomas Ball
Partner Researcher, Microsoft Research
Dr. Sarah Stone
Executive Director, UW eScience
Dr. Ben Shapiro
Assistant Professor in Learning Technologies, Georgia State University