The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has partnered with OpenAI and Microsoft to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative aimed at providing free training in AI to over 400,000 K-12 educators across the country. The program is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate AI safely and ethically in their classrooms.
The academy will offer a range of training options, including workshops, online courses, and hands-on sessions, based at the UFT's downtown Manhattan headquarters. AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized the need for this program, highlighting the difficulties teachers face in integrating technology into their classrooms.
By providing specialized training, educators can better prepare students for a future where technology is increasingly prevalent. The initiative reflects growing recognition that teachers require support to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices.