- The National Academy for AI Instruction will launch in fall 2025, driven by a $23 million initiative with Microsoft (MSFT, Financial) as the lead partner.
- Aimed at reaching 400,000 educators and impacting over 7.2 million students, the program will offer free AI training and curriculum to AFT's 1.8 million members.
- This groundbreaking partnership is the first of its kind between a national union and tech giants, establishing a sustainable education infrastructure for AI.
Microsoft (MSFT), in collaboration with OpenAI, Anthropic, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the United Federation of Teachers, is set to unveil the National Academy for AI Instruction. The $23 million initiative aims to provide free AI training and curriculum to 1.8 million AFT members, primarily focusing on K-12 educators.
Slated to open in fall 2025, the Manhattan-based academy marks a pioneering endeavor in establishing a national model for AI-integrated curriculum and teaching. The academy is expected to impact 400,000 educators—about 10% of the U.S. teaching workforce—over a five-year period, reaching an estimated 7.2 million students.
This initiative represents a strategic partnership between tech leaders and educational bodies to equip educators with tools and knowledge on AI integration. Microsoft, as the lead partner, underscores its commitment to enhancing educational outcomes while addressing ethical AI adoption concerns. The partnership aims to create a sustainable infrastructure for AI in education, positioning Microsoft to play a leading role in the educational technology landscape.
Incorporating workshops, online courses, and hands-on training, the academy will help educators navigate AI safely and ethically. The initiative aims to provide continuous support and resources, fostering AI literacy and empowering teachers to integrate AI effectively in classrooms.
