Launch of National Academy for AI Instruction with Backing from Microsoft, OpenAI, and More

Launch of National Academy for AI Instruction with Backing from Microsoft, OpenAI, and More

AFT Launches National Academy for AI Instruction with Support from Tech Giants

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), representing approximately 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade educators and education staff across the United States, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the National Academy for AI Instruction. This venture, backed by industry leaders Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, seeks to revolutionize AI education for teachers.

Investment in the Future of Education

With a significant budget of $23 million, the National Academy for AI Instruction aims to provide free AI training and comprehensive curriculum resources to its members. A state-of-the-art facility in Manhattan, New York, will serve as the center for innovative AI teaching strategies that aspire to reshape classroom experiences nationwide.

Bridging the AI Education Gap

“The academy will help address the gap in structured, accessible AI training and provide a national model for AI-integrated curriculum and teaching that puts educators in the driver’s seat, ”remarked the AFT in their press release announcing this initiative.

Expert-Driven Program

The training curriculum has been meticulously crafted by a coalition of AI experts and seasoned educators to ensure relevance and effectiveness. It is designed to encompass a variety of learning formats, including workshops, online courses, and hands-on training sessions. Ongoing support and readily available resources will empower educators to stay abreast of advancements in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Scaling AI Training Across the Nation

Training sessions are poised to commence later this year, with ambitious plans to expand the program nationwide in subsequent years. The primary objective is to reach 400, 000 educators, which corresponds to around 10% of the U. S.teaching workforce, over a five-year period.

Empowering Educators in AI Development

Brad Smith, President and Vice Chair of Microsoft, emphasized the importance of educator involvement in AI development:

“To best serve students, we must ensure teachers have a strong voice in the development and use of AI. This partnership will not only help teachers learn how to better use AI, it will give them the opportunity to tell tech companies how we can create AI that better serves kids.”

A Landmark Collaboration

This collaboration between a prominent teachers’ union and leading AI firms marks a pivotal moment in the quest to integrate AI into educational systems effectively. As these technologies advance, ensuring that educators are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge is essential for preparing future generations.

For more details, you can watch the introductory video

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