Learn AI together,
side by side
Build AI skills and mindsets with other educators through peer-powered learning and badging.
What we do
sideby is a free learning community where K–12 educators connect in one-on-one, guided conversations to explore how AI fits into their everyday work. Whether you’re teaching, leading, or coaching, you’ll find a space to grow your practice side by side with others asking the same questions.
For Teachers: Connect with other classroom educators to explore how AI can make planning, instruction, and feedback easier — and more student-centered.
For School & District Leaders: Join a trusted space to explore what AI means for your day-to-day work — from scheduling and communication to strategy, pilot design, and policy — alongside peers navigating the same challenges.
For Coaches & PD Leads: Talk with peers about how AI can support your own work and the educators you support, without needing to have all the answers.
How it works
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Match
We match you with peers for guided one to one conversations based on your role, goals, and what you’re exploring with AI so every conversation feels relevant, supportive, and worth your time.
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Talk
Conversations are guided by thoughtful prompts that help you learn with and from another educator in just 15 minutes. They're focused, relevant, and rooted in real practice to empower maximum learning in minimum time.
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Learn
Every sideby conversation is part of a bigger learning journey. Move through curated pathways, set personal goals, and track your growth while connecting with peers and earning competency-based badges grounded in real educator practice.
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Grow
Use your conversation takeaways to reflect, try new strategies, and keep growing. Key insights are automatically generated and organized after each convo, giving you a clear path forward and the support of a community learning alongside you.
Our story
We met as educators building a school from scratch — sitting side by side at a picnic table, imagining what learning could look like.
Erica led and supported nationally recognized schools grounded in student-centered learning. Mike brought early energy for edtech and went on to teach AI globally through NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute and co-found Upduo, later acquired by Arcade.
In 2025, we launched sideby to bring AI-powered, peer-led learning to the people shaping the future of education: educators.
Built by educators, for educators
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Monique Cabellon, Regional Math Coordinator, Puget Sound Education Service District
"Connection and reflection time for teachers is so important, but teachers’ time is scarce. Meeting opportunities need to be high-quality or else they’re doing damage control. Good intentions and good people often aren’t enough either. sideby lets leaders be intentional by gathering members of their incredible teams to grow school systems and sustainable networks that lead to action, empowerment, and growth.”
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Dale Berry, Special Education Teacher, One City Schools
“I get to talk about what’s really happening in classrooms and how we’re all trying to figure this out in schools. These short conversations on sideby move me forward in how I’m applying AI in my work. I’m sharing, I’m learning, and connecting with educators who are willing to get into the mess as we work out what actually helps students.”
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Peter Liljedahl, PhD, Professors of Mathematics Education, Simon Fraser University Creator of Building Thinking Classrooms
"My favorite form of professional development consists of two teachers on the same journey, having opportunities to talk with each other about their teaching.”
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Scott Friedman, Associate Director, Association of Washington School Principals
As an education leader, I've felt and seen firsthand how isolating education has become. Strange to say that in such a connected society, but with the demands of the job, the pace of change, and the fragmentation of our professional networks, we have lost our professional connections. I'm so glad I found sideby. It has reduced my isolation and connected me with other educational leaders, but it's more than a connection. Collaborating, sharing insights, and discussing what truly matters is motivating. It has become my lifeline to a community of leaders that think deeply and want to take action.”
Trusted by
QUICK ANSWERS
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sideby is a free peer learning community where educators have quick, guided conversations about using AI in their classrooms and schools. It’s for teachers and leaders, and it serves as a transformational approach to professional development.
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We strategically match you one to one with another educator in your cohort for 15-minute conversations guided by helpful prompts focused on real use in schools.
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No prep needed! Just bring your questions and experience; sideby provides the prompts to support your professional learning.
