A coalition of prominent technology companies has come together with two major teachers’ unions to prepare a significant number of kindergarten through 12th-grade educators—specifically, 400,000—on how to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching practices over the next five years. This initiative is known as the National Academy of AI Instruction, and it represents a substantial investment in the future of education, boasting a budget of $23 million.
Prominent players in this venture include notable organizations like Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, the American Federation of Teachers, and the United Federation of Teachers based in New York. Announced on a Tuesday, the program aims to develop a comprehensive AI training curriculum that will not only be accessible online but also be delivered via in-person sessions at a campus located in New York City.
The timing of this announcement comes as educators, parents, and schools are wrestling with the implications of AI in educational settings. The rise of AI technology has been rapid and transformative in various professional fields, leading educators to ponder the extent to which students should be equipped to use these tools. Teachers face the dual challenge of wanting to harness AI for automating tedious tasks, thereby allowing them more time to engage with their students, while also grappling with the ethical dilemmas that AI presents. A pivotal question arises: where do we draw the line between enhancing student learning and potentially hindering it when AI tools are introduced?
There is a spectrum of responses among schools regarding the use of AI. Some institutions have adopted restrictions, prohibiting the utilization of AI technologies, while others have been more receptive and open to experimentation. For instance, the New York City Department of Education took a step to ban ChatGPT from school devices and networks in 2023, later realizing the necessity of exploring AI’s potential, ultimately reversing their previous stance by creating an AI policy lab dedicated to examining the technology’s value in education.
The objective of the newly formed academy is to establish a national framework for integrating AI into school curricula while alleviating the excessive administrative burdens that often mire educators. The initiative aspires to assist teachers in navigating the complexities surrounding AI technology, allowing them to utilize it in ways that are beneficial rather than harmful.
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, articulated the need for educators to ensure that AI serves their students and society positively. She emphasized the academy’s role as a learning platform where educators will not only comprehend how AI functions but also discover how to apply it in a wise, safe, and ethical manner.
This comprehensive program will feature a variety of educational opportunities, including workshops, online courses, and hands-on training designed by experts in AI and seasoned educators. Starting this fall, instruction will provide teachers with vital insights into the responsible use and functionality of AI in educational environments. Microsoft is committing a hefty $12.5 million to this training effort, while OpenAI is contributing $10 million—with a portion designated for in-kind resources like computing access. Anthropic is also making a substantial investment, placing $500 million into the project initially.
Moreover, the technology firms involved stand to gain invaluable feedback from teachers, which could help enhance their AI tools and ensure their relevance in classrooms across the nation. Such collaborative efforts have historically benefited tech companies, promoting their products—Google Chromebooks, for example, achieved widespread popularity due, in part, to their favorable reception in educational settings.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, highlighted at the program’s launch that the training will encompass not only the foundational principles of AI systems but also specific instructions on the applications developed by Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. There is also an exciting opportunity for new AI innovations to emerge from collaborations between teachers and tech giants.
During the launch event, Lehane posed a critical question, highlighting the necessity for educators to prepare students for success in what is described as the “intelligence age.” He underscored that this transformation is only feasible when educators are equipped with the proper tools and knowledge. By placing these resources in the hands of teachers, the initiative seeks to ensure that students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the future workforce.
