April Miles
April Miles is a Professional Learning Specialist, educator, and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of educational technology, instructional design, and artificial intelligence in education. Based in the Austin, Texas metropolitan area, she brings over a decade of experience spanning K–12 education, higher education, and organizational training. Her career reflects a strong commitment to helping educators translate emerging technologies into meaningful, ethical, and effective classroom practices that enhance teaching and improve student outcomes.
In her current role at Texas State University, April teaches undergraduate and graduate students while also designing and facilitating online and in-person learning experiences. Her work includes developing curriculum for principal certification programs, supporting doctoral students and faculty through structured academic systems, and creating engaging learning environments using platforms such as Canvas. She is particularly known for her ability to break down complex systems into practical, actionable strategies that empower educators to confidently implement new tools and approaches in their work.
A central focus of April’s research and practice is advancing “prompt literacy,” an approach that encourages deeper, more critical engagement with AI beyond basic usage. She regularly presents on AI integration in education, guiding educators to foster ethical awareness, reflective thinking, and responsible use of technology among students. Drawing from a diverse professional background that includes leadership, training, and entrepreneurship, April is passionate about designing professional learning that is both impactful and accessible, and she continues to contribute to shaping the evolving landscape of AI in education.
• AI Prompting
• Principal Certification
• Teacher, Classroom
• Medicare specialist certification
• Real Estate Brokers License
• Texas State University - MEd
• Summa cum laude
• Texas State University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and the guidance of exceptional mentors. I’ve learned the value of seeking advice from those who have walked the path before me, whether in education, entrepreneurship, or my professional career. Mentorship not only accelerates learning but also empowers others, and I make it a priority to support and lift those around me, especially women, so we can collectively reach higher levels of success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is the importance of mentorship—finding people who have walked the path you aspire to follow and learning from their experiences. Mentors provide guidance, perspective, and support, making it easier to navigate challenges and accelerate growth while also inspiring you to lift others as you advance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I were advising young women entering AI and education, I would say dive in wholeheartedly and commit to learning everything you can. AI evolves every day, and while it can feel overwhelming at first, the knowledge you gain builds a strong foundation that allows you to keep growing. This field is fascinating and rapidly expanding, and we need more women not just in coding or engineering, but in teaching and translating AI so others can use it effectively and ethically. By combining technical understanding with the ability to educate and inspire, women can make a real impact in shaping the future of AI.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in education right now is the lack of funding, which leads to cuts in programs and staffing and often prevents schools from hiring fully certified teachers. This issue has been amplified post-COVID, as students return to classrooms struggling with focus, discipline, and engagement, making teaching increasingly demanding and contributing to burnout. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities, particularly with AI and other emerging technologies. These tools can help personalize learning, support teachers, and provide students with education tailored to their individual needs, opening the door for innovation and growth in ways that were not possible before.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life include equity in education—especially for special education students, low-income families, and English-language learners—mentorship and collaboration among women, ethical practice in AI, and a strong dedication to foundational learning. I strive to center these principles in everything I do, ensuring that my work supports fairness, empowers others, and contributes to meaningful, responsible progress.
Locations
Texas State University
Leander, TX 78641