Microsoft, OpenAI, and the US teachers’ union are launching the National Academy for AI Instruction in New York City this fall, aiming to train K-12 teachers to effectively incorporate AI tools into classrooms.

Over the next five years, the program plans to support AI fluency among more than 400,000 educators through workshops, online courses, and hands-on training, with a focus on high-needs districts.

This initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate AI into education while addressing concerns about its impact on teaching quality and student learning.

Despite enthusiasm, AI in education faces challenges such as students using tools like ChatGPT for cheating and risks from AI chatbots providing harmful or inaccurate content.

There is ongoing debate and some resistance from teachers and unions wary of over-reliance on AI, with discussions about banning or regulating AI use in schools.

Reactions among educators are mixed; some see AI as a way to reduce administrative workload, while others worry about its effects on creativity and academic integrity.

The initiative was announced by prominent leaders including Michael Mulgrew, Randi Weingarten, and Sam Altman, with the launch set for this autumn and a sponsorship of the upcoming AFT AI Symposium in July 2025.

The project also aims to serve as a model for future public-private collaborations in education and workforce development, with plans to expand training hubs across the U.S. by 2030.

Conceived by venture capitalist and educator Roy Bahat, the academy will emphasize research, innovation, and feedback cycles to refine AI tools based on classroom experiences.

Initial courses will be held at the United Federation of Teachers' facility in Manhattan, with plans for nationwide expansion, providing free training focused on ethical AI use and accessibility.

The American Federation of Teachers, representing about 1.8 million workers, is leading this effort, with the larger NEA also involved, emphasizing teacher participation in AI deployment.

The AI market is rapidly growing, expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032, underscoring the increasing importance of AI literacy and integration in education.