The American Federation of Teachers has partnered with tech giants Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative aimed at training educators on how to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their classrooms. This program seeks to equip teachers with the skills to use AI tools wisely, safely, and ethically, addressing concerns about potential risks and benefits.
The academy, set to open in New York City, will offer hands-on workshops for teachers starting this fall, focusing on tasks like generating lesson plans and quizzes. The training will emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring educators can harness AI's potential while minimizing its drawbacks.
Microsoft will contribute $12.5 million to the initiative, while OpenAI will provide $8 million in funding and $2 million in technical resources. Anthropic will add $500,000 for the first year of the effort. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between tech developers and educators, fostering a dialogue that prioritizes safe and effective AI integration in schools.
The initiative comes as part of a broader effort by US tech companies to reshape education with generative AI chatbots. These tools can produce human-like essays, research summaries, and class quizzes, potentially revolutionizing the way teachers approach their work. However, some researchers have warned that generative AI tools are still relatively new in schools, and there's limited evidence of their concrete educational benefits.
By investing in teacher training and AI education, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic hope to democratize access to AI and promote its responsible use in classrooms. As Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, notes, "The question was whether we would be chasing it or whether we would be trying to harness it." This initiative aims to ensure educators are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education.
