Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic Launch $23 Million AI Teacher Training Academy
Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic have launched a $23 million initiative to educate K-12 teachers on AI integration in classrooms.
Key Points
- • Initiative aims to train 400,000 K-12 teachers over five years.
- • $23 million funding from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
- • First training location to open in Manhattan, NY, late summer 2025.
- • Program emphasizes ethical AI use and practical classroom applications.
On July 8, 2025, a groundbreaking collaboration was announced between Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to establish the National Academy for AI Instruction. This initiative is a $23 million commitment aimed at training 400,000 K-12 teachers over the next five years, providing them with the necessary skills to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their classrooms.
The funding will see Microsoft leading with $12.5 million, OpenAI contributing $8 million, and Anthropic providing $500,000, in addition to $2 million from OpenAI towards technical resources for the academy's operations. The National Academy for AI Instruction will commence its offerings in New York, where the first training hub is set to open in late summer or early fall 2025.
The program will deliver free workshops, seminars, and online courses that cover the practical applications of AI in the classroom, including lesson planning, grading, and classroom management. Significant emphasis will also be placed on ethical issues surrounding AI, such as bias, data privacy, and student safety. AFT President Randi Weingarten remarked, "To best serve students, we must ensure teachers have a strong voice in the development and use of AI," underscoring the need for educators to be at the forefront of AI training and deployment.
As AI technology continues to evolve, this partnership reflects a crucial moment in education, blending technological advancement with responsible educational practices. The initiative not only aims to prepare teachers for an increasingly digital lesson landscape but also aligns with a broader movement prompted by recent public policies on AI education, reflecting a commitment to advancing AI literacy in schools.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, stated, "When it comes to AI in schools, the question is whether it is being used to disrupt education for the benefit of students and teachers or at their expense." This initiative represents a proactive approach to ensure that AI is leveraged to enhance teaching methodologies rather than undermine them, marking a significant milestone in educational enhancement through technology.
With these ambitious plans, the National Academy for AI Instruction is poised to transform education practices nationwide, driving a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into everyday teaching and learning.