As schools and teachers try to understand how to use AI in classrooms, three major tech firms are funding a new training program to help educators learn how to use it. (skynesher/E+/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
In a major step to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms across the U.S., tech giants Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic have teamed up with two powerful teachers’ unions to launch a nationwide AI training initiative. This $23 million project, called the National Academy of AI Instruction, aims to train 400,000 K–12 teachers over the next five years.
The academy will provide AI-focused training both online and at a dedicated center in New York City. It’s a move designed not just to educate teachers about how AI works but to help them understand how to use it wisely, safely, and ethically in schools.
Why This Matters for Classrooms
AI is already reshaping workplaces, and schools aren’t far behind. Teachers are exploring ways to use AI to simplify tasks like lesson planning and grading, so they can spend more quality time with students. But with these benefits come concerns — especially around ethics, fairness, and learning integrity.
For example, if students use AI to complete homework or write essays, does that help or hurt learning? And if teachers use AI tools to design lessons, are they still customizing education for each child? The debate continues.
Some schools have already taken steps to limit AI use. New York City banned ChatGPT from school devices in 2023, fearing misuse. But the ban didn’t last. It was lifted just months later, and the city began testing AI through a new education policy lab.
What the New AI Academy Offers
The academy aims to establish a national standard for integrating AI into everyday teaching, without complicating teachers’ jobs further. The training will include:
- Online courses tailored to school needs
- In-person workshops at the NYC campus
- Hands-on training from both tech experts and experienced educators
The idea is to equip teachers with real tools and practical know-how, not just theory.
Who’s Paying and What They Get in Return
Microsoft will invest $12.5 million over five years. OpenAI is adding $10 million, including $2 million in services like computing power. Anthropic, a newer AI company, is starting with $500,000, with the possibility of more later.
While the goal is to help teachers and students, these companies also gain something: exposure. Getting their AI tools into classrooms builds trust, gathers feedback, and introduces their platforms to millions of students. Tech firms have done this before—Google Chromebooks, for instance, became classroom staples this way.
A New Age of Learning Begins
AFT President Randi Weingarten summed it up perfectly: “AI holds huge promise but also big risks. This academy helps educators lead the way.”
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s global affairs chief, stressed the importance of giving teachers the power to prepare students for the ‘Intelligence Age’. That, he said, is the only way to make sure kids are ready for the future.
