AFT Launches $23 Million National Academy for AI Instruction, Funded by Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative funded by leading AI companies Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Set to open in the fall of 2025, the academy aims to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to effectively use and manage AI in their classrooms, ensuring that educators remain central to the educational experience. Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI are making significant contributions: OpenAI will provide $10 million over five years, Microsoft has pledged $12.5 million, and Anthropic is contributing $500,000 in the first year. The AFT emphasizes that the goal is to enhance teaching and learning through AI while protecting the essential role of teachers. AFT President Randi Weingarten highlighted the importance of maintaining the human element in education, stating, "The direct connection between a teacher and their kids can never be replaced by new technologies, but if we learn how to harness it, set commonsense guardrails, and put teachers in the driver's seat, teaching and learning can be enhanced." Weingarten further explained that the academy is designed to help teachers master AI tools and integrate them safely and ethically. Courses will commence this fall at the United Federation of Teachers’ (UFT) facility in Manhattan, New York. Additional hubs are planned to open across the U.S. by 2030, funded by the tech companies. The UFT is an affiliate of the AFT. The training programs will include workshops, online courses, and hands-on sessions, developed by AI experts and educators. The AFT plans to offer free virtual training to all 1.8 million of its members, focusing initially on K-12 educators. The goal is to train 400,000 educators—about 10% of the U.S. teaching workforce—at the in-person facility over the next five years. This initiative comes as AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly prevalent in classrooms, raising concerns about misuse, such as cheating or plagiarism. Some schools have implemented AI detection software to address these issues. Research is also shedding light on the cognitive impact of AI. A recent study from MIT found that over-reliance on AI can reduce brain activity and critical cognitive functions. The AFT’s approach, therefore, centers on empowering teachers to guide the use of AI constructively. Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, underscored the significance of the partnership: “We're at a pivotal moment in education, and how we introduce AI to educators today will shape teaching for generations to come.” Gerry Petrella, Microsoft’s general manager of U.S. public policy, agreed, stating, “We know students are going to benefit the most from this technology when we put teachers at the center of this tool.” The National Academy for AI Instruction is a testament to the growing recognition among tech giants of the need to support educators in navigating the AI landscape. By partnering with these companies, the AFT hopes to ensure that AI enhances rather than undermines the quality of education. Industry insiders have praised the initiative, noting that it addresses the practical and ethical challenges of integrating AI into education. The involvement of major players like Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI indicates a commitment to responsible innovation. These companies, known for their pioneering work in AI, aim to foster a generation of educators who are adept at leveraging AI to improve student outcomes while maintaining the integrity of the learning process. In summary, the AFT’s National Academy for AI Instruction represents a proactive and collaborative approach to preparing teachers for an AI-driven educational future. The academy's emphasis on teacher empowerment and ethical AI use aligns with broader efforts to ensure that technology supplements, rather than supplants, human expertise in the classroom.