NEA Teams Up with Microsoft to Enhance AI Literacy in Education

The National Education Association (NEA), the largest provider of educational micro-credentials in the United States, has recently announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft, marked by an initial grant of $325,000 from Microsoft Elevate. This collaboration aims to empower educators to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, providing resources and training to adapt to new teaching methodologies and technologies.

NEA President Becky Pringle emphasized the significance of understanding AI beyond just the tools and applications. She stated, "This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn, and the ways we interact. Our students and educators cannot be passive users; they must have agency with this technology and an appreciation for the uniquely human assets we bring to learning."

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, echoed these sentiments, outlining that educators play a critical role in shaping how AI can be an instrumental tool for fostering creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. The partnership is projected to promote AI literacy, ensuring both teachers and students remain at the forefront of AI integration within the education system.

Last year, NEA collaborated with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to launch an AI learning series that successfully reached thousands of educators. Building on this foundation, the new Microsoft grant will enable NEA to engage an additional 10,000 members through updated content and micro-credential programs, thereby strengthening the fluency and expertise of educators in this rapidly developing field.

A central focus of this initiative is the development of policies and leadership skills for NEA's state affiliates. Pringle remarked, "By preparing educators with the knowledge to lead and innovate educational practices, we strive to ensure AI technologies are used in ways that promote equity and enhance teaching and learning experiences."

The commitment to elevating professional excellence is reinforced by NEA's pledge to amplify educator voices and guarantee equitable learning opportunities for every student amidst the fast-paced changes brought about by technology.

In July, around 7,000 educator delegates gathered at NEA's 103rd Representative Assembly in Philadelphia, where they adopted a policy statement addressing the implications of AI in public schools. This policy underscores the importance of maintaining a strong student-educator relationship, asserting that these connections should remain central to the educational experience.

Pringle highlighted that decades of research indicate that student success is closely tied to building effective relationships with educators. She concluded, "The work we will do together with Microsoft is aimed at enhancing—rather than diminishing—these relationships by providing educators with the tools and voice they need to leverage AI for deepening learning and trust among students."

For further resources and insights, visit the NEA's AI hub page, where educators can find guidance on the evolving role of AI in classrooms and access professional learning opportunities.

About the National Education Association

The National Education Association is a prominent labor union representing nearly three million educators across various levels, from elementary to higher education. For more information, visit www.nea.org.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is at the forefront of AI technology, committed to empowering individuals and organizations worldwide. The company's initiatives are driven by a mission to responsibly expand access to AI and innovate solutions that cater to the changing needs of its customers.