School Principals Explore AI Implementation in Texas Schools

A delegation of principals from eight secondary schools in the Zlín Region traveled to Central Texas to gain first-hand experience with how artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into teaching, learning, and school administration within one of the most innovative education systems in the United States. The visit also provided an opportunity to explore future cooperation between educational institutions in the Zlín Region and Texas. The study visit was one of the practical outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Zlín Region Innovation Agency (ZRIA) and Bastrop County, Texas, and was organized by Salil Mohan from FDI Business Diplomacy in cooperation with ZRIA.

“This is another practical step in the growing partnership between the Zlín Region and Texas. It builds on our existing cooperation while creating conditions for a long-term partnership in the areas of education, innovation, workforce development, and technology,” said Petr Kubíček, Director of Strategic Development at ZRIA.

The program included meetings with representatives of school districts, career and technical education centers, community colleges, and academic institutions. Discussions focused on the use of AI in teaching as well as on policies, methodologies, and practical approaches to implementing AI in education. The main objective was to better understand how schools are preparing students for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Texas educators shared their experience with introducing AI literacy into the curriculum, developing guidelines for the responsible use of AI, training teachers, and integrating AI tools into curriculum design and the learning process. The visit was also highly appreciated by the Texas hosts.

“Hosting the Czech principals delegation was an incredibly enriching experience for both our students and staff. One of the most meaningful moments of the visit was watching our students confidently share what they are learning, demonstrate their technical skills, and explain how career-focused education is shaping their futures. Those conversations with our Czech colleagues reinforced that students everywhere benefit when learning is connected to real-world opportunities,” said Maggie Howard, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Elgin High School in Bastrop County. Interestingly, her family originates from the Zlín Region, and her grandmother still maintains several Czech traditions.

At Round Rock Independent School District (Round Rock ISD), members of the delegation learned how school districts are developing frameworks that enable both students and teachers to use AI technologies while emphasizing critical thinking, ethics, digital safety, and academic integrity. Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with responsible implementation so that AI serves as a tool to enhance teaching and learning rather than replace essential educational skills.

“I was impressed by the schools’ excellent facilities, modern approach to teaching, and strong openness to new methods and innovation. It was particularly inspiring to observe the practical use of AI in education, not only as a tool for students but also as valuable support for teachers. The visit provided meaningful inspiration for the further development of education and the implementation of AI at our school,” said Mojmír Šemnický, Principal of the Business Academy Kroměříž.