AI in the Workplace: How SunEd High is Leading Florida in AI Certification

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into the global economy has created a new "Digital Divide." While many districts are still debating the ethics of AI in the classroom, forward-thinking educators are already certifying the next generation of "AI Pilots." At SunEd High of South Broward in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, this revolution is already in full swing.

Today, we are highlighting the incredible work of Ian Buniao and his students, who are proving that with the right curriculum, high schoolers can master the technical and ethical rigors of AI before they even walk across the graduation stage. SunEd High’s journey with CTeLearning is a testament to what happens when innovative leadership meets industry-aligned curriculum. For the past three years, SunEd has deployed our Web Design, Web and Mobile Game Design, and Web Animation tracks. Now, they are the first in the district to deploy and complete our AI in the Workplace curriculum. 

A Three-Year Partnership in Innovation

This success story didn't happen overnight. In 2023, we wrote an article about how Tammy Lara (Principal) and Karimah Grayson (Teacher) discovered and deployed the CTeLearning curriculum to bolster their CTE course offerings. They weren't looking for "filler" courses; they were looking for high-standard, industry-validated pathways that would give their students a competitive edge in the Florida job market.

Today, that partnership has expanded across both SunEd North and SunEd South campuses. By staying consistent with our browser-based, Chromebook-compatible platforms, SunEd has removed the hardware barriers that often hinder digital inclusion. Whether a student is working on a high-end workstation or a standard school-issued device, the performance is identical. This stability has allowed teachers like Ian to focus on what matters most: Student Mastery.

Course Overview: The "AI Pilot" Framework

The AI in the Workplace course has become a cornerstone for educators like Ian. It serves as a flexible, 5-to-15-hour "plug-and-play" solution that fits seamlessly into any existing CTE pathway—from Business and Marketing to Technical Trades and IT.

Rather than teaching students to "fear" AI or use it to "cheat," our curriculum transforms them into "AI Pilots." They learn to leverage generative tools to boost productivity while maintaining human-centric critical thinking.

The curriculum focuses on:

• Prompt Engineering: Learning how to communicate effectively with large language models to get professional-grade results.
• Identifying AI Bias: Understanding the limitations of algorithms and the importance of human oversight.
• Data Privacy and Ethics: Protecting sensitive information in a world where data is the new currency.
• Real-World Professional Scenarios: Applying AI to solve actual business problems, such as conducting SWOT analyses or developing marketing strategies.

Breaking Language Barriers: English, Spanish, and Creole

One of the most impactful aspects of the SunEd High story is their commitment to Digital Equity. Florida classrooms are beautifully diverse, and SunEd has leveraged our multi-language support to ensure every student succeeds. Our AI curriculum can be completed in English, Spanish, and Creole, allowing English Language Learners (ELL) to master technical concepts in their primary language while simultaneously building their professional vocabulary. This ensures that the "AI Revolution" doesn't leave anyone behind.

Proven Results: The 94% Certification Pass Rate

The success of the program is best seen in the hard data. With an impressive 94% certification pass rate, SunEd students are consistently proving their workforce readiness. We achieve this through a structured "Crawl, Walk, Run" pedagogical approach.

1. Crawl: Students learn the history and basics of AI logic.
2. Walk: Students begin interacting with tools under strict ethical guidelines.
3. Run: Students create professional-grade portfolio projects that they can show to prospective employers.

Earning the industry-recognized micro-credential from Web Professionals Global validates that these students possess the verified AI proficiency that 66% of today’s business leaders now demand. This isn't a "participation trophy"; it is a professional gatekeeper that opens doors to high-wage careers.

First in the District: Student Voices

Recently, several of Ian’s students became the first in the district to earn their AI in the Workplace certification. To hear these students speak is to hear the voice of the 2027 workforce. Check out the linked videos and read on to hear about what they had to say. 

Christina C., the very first student in the district to earn the credential, noted the rapid shift in the industry: “Once you get used to the course it is fairly simple. You are even encouraged to ask questions. In just the last year or two you can see the shift to AI happening.”

Zuatneymy C. highlighted the long-term value of the micro-credential: “I think everyone should get their AI certificate. Every job that uses technology will use AI in the future. The back of the certificate shows everything that I am certified in.”

The sentiment was echoed by Nossandynja N., who admitted to initial hesitation: “I was hesitant at first but earning the certification was easy. As time goes by AI is expanding, and it will be used in many workplaces in the future.” Even in technical trades, the impact is felt. Ronald P. shared, “I feel like AI will advance in the future in areas like automotive.”

Ian said, “We are proud of all the students who completed this course and certification. Students today are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The structure of the course is self-explanatory and not complicated at all. Here at SunEd we enjoy offering this certification as it is an important credential that students can show employers. Some students may not want to go the college route, but getting as many certifications as possible is beneficial.”

Why This Matters for Florida School Districts

As we move through the 2026 Spring Buying Season, administrators are under pressure to align with new state mandates regarding AI literacy. SunEd High has provided the blueprint. By choosing a curriculum that is Industry-Validated, Multi-Lingual, and Hardware-Agnostic, they have created a sustainable model that other schools can easily replicate.

Ian and the team at SunEd are proving that high school students are more than capable of directing these new tools with the critical thinking required for the modern job market. They aren't just using AI—they are mastering it.

Next Steps for Your School

Is your district ready to certify its first "AI Pilots"? Whether you are looking to bolster an existing IT lab or introduce a new elective, CTeLearning provides the tools, the certification, and the teacher support to make it happen in weeks, not years.

Get in Touch Today:

• Email: hello@ctelearning.com 
• Phone: (913) 764-4272
• Request Your Free Demo: ctelearning.com/contact-us