AFT Partners with Technology Leaders to Establish National Academy for AI Education
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has made a significant stride in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within education by announcing the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction. This pioneering initiative is in partnership with renowned tech companies, including Microsoft Corp., OpenAI, and Anthropic, alongside the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
Valued at $23 million, the academy aims to provide free AI training and curriculum to AFT's membership base, which consists of approximately 1.8 million professionals, primarily targeting K-12 educators. Centered in a state-of-the-art facility located in Manhattan, the academy seeks to revolutionize the way AI is taught and used in classrooms nationwide.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, teachers are encountering the pressing need to adapt to tools and methods associated with AI. The introduction of the National Academy for AI Instruction aims to fill the current gap in structured and accessible AI training, enabling educators to actively participate in the development of AI curricula tailored to their students' needs. "At its core, the academy symbolizes a shift towards ensuring that teachers are central to the narrative of AI in education," stated Randi Weingarten, AFT President.
The initial announcement occurred at the AFT's largest local affiliate, UFT, amidst a gathering of hundreds of educators engaged in a three-day training event. The highlighted sessions included six hours dedicated to AI-related content, aimed at equipping teachers with hands-on strategies to merge modern technology with traditional educational methods.
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, emphasized the importance of teachers having a decisive role in AI's application in education. "For the benefit of students, we must empower teachers in AI development and usage," he said, articulating the collaborative aspirations of this partnership which seeks to ensure that technology serves educators and enhances learning experiences.
"AI presents us with both substantial opportunities and formidable challenges. Our responsibility is to harness its potential for the benefit of students and society as a whole," asserted Weingarten. A significant aspect of the academy will be to ensure that educators are well-prepared to utilize AI responsibly, identifying both its advantages and ethical implications.
This initiative began gaining traction from discussions initiated in late 2023, when Microsoft and AFT hosted symposiums aimed at integrating AI education into existing frameworks. Now, with the announcement of the academy, the vision of establishing a sustainable education framework for AI is gaining momentum.
Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, echoed these sentiments as he highlighted the academy's role in ensuring AI is leveraged to assist teachers rather than impede their capabilities. He stressed, "The goal is to employ AI to enhance the learning environment for both teachers and students. This academy will provide the necessary infrastructure to bolster educators in their roles."
Jack Clark, Head of Policy at Anthropic, conveyed the imperative nature of equipping today's educators to effectively introduce AI into their classrooms. "The methods we choose for AI integration will have lasting impacts on future generations," he noted. The partnership is primed to serve as a benchmark in creating educational models that effectively foster AI literacy and understanding among educators.
The upcoming curriculum will cover various training formats, including workshops, online courses, and practical sessions, ensuring that educators are not only aware of how AI functions but also how to implement it judiciously in their teachings. Furthermore, the program is structured to scale nationally, with ambitions to instruct over 400,000 educators and impact around 7.2 million students within five years.
Moreover, with the integration of practical AI tools into teaching, educators like Marlee Katz—who teaches hearing-impaired students—have expressed optimism about the enhancements these technologies can offer. "AI can support our communication efforts and help us better connect with our students. It’s like having a reliable partner in the classroom," she said.
Looking forward, the academy aims to establish innovative collaborations and create a national model for integrating AI into pedagogical practices. Through ongoing support, resources, and feedback mechanisms, the academy will continuously adapt to the evolving landscape of AI technology, ensuring educators are equipped to navigate future developments efficiently.
The impetus for this initiative stemmed from a vision proposed by AFT member Roy Bahat, who has been a pivotal figure in advocating for educators’ ownership over AI tools. The partnership paves the way for an educational revolution, democratizing access to AI skills and empowering educators to prepare students for success in an increasingly AI-driven world.
In looking at the broader implications, the National Academy for AI Instruction stands as a herald of progress in education. It exemplifies a collaboration fundamentally aimed at uplifting educators and students in a world where technology is becoming ever more significant in the learning process. For those wanting to learn more, the official site AIinstruction.org provides further insights on the program's offerings and developments going forward.
Valued at $23 million, the academy aims to provide free AI training and curriculum to AFT's membership base, which consists of approximately 1.8 million professionals, primarily targeting K-12 educators. Centered in a state-of-the-art facility located in Manhattan, the academy seeks to revolutionize the way AI is taught and used in classrooms nationwide.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, teachers are encountering the pressing need to adapt to tools and methods associated with AI. The introduction of the National Academy for AI Instruction aims to fill the current gap in structured and accessible AI training, enabling educators to actively participate in the development of AI curricula tailored to their students' needs. "At its core, the academy symbolizes a shift towards ensuring that teachers are central to the narrative of AI in education," stated Randi Weingarten, AFT President.
The initial announcement occurred at the AFT's largest local affiliate, UFT, amidst a gathering of hundreds of educators engaged in a three-day training event. The highlighted sessions included six hours dedicated to AI-related content, aimed at equipping teachers with hands-on strategies to merge modern technology with traditional educational methods.
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, emphasized the importance of teachers having a decisive role in AI's application in education. "For the benefit of students, we must empower teachers in AI development and usage," he said, articulating the collaborative aspirations of this partnership which seeks to ensure that technology serves educators and enhances learning experiences.
"AI presents us with both substantial opportunities and formidable challenges. Our responsibility is to harness its potential for the benefit of students and society as a whole," asserted Weingarten. A significant aspect of the academy will be to ensure that educators are well-prepared to utilize AI responsibly, identifying both its advantages and ethical implications.
This initiative began gaining traction from discussions initiated in late 2023, when Microsoft and AFT hosted symposiums aimed at integrating AI education into existing frameworks. Now, with the announcement of the academy, the vision of establishing a sustainable education framework for AI is gaining momentum.
Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, echoed these sentiments as he highlighted the academy's role in ensuring AI is leveraged to assist teachers rather than impede their capabilities. He stressed, "The goal is to employ AI to enhance the learning environment for both teachers and students. This academy will provide the necessary infrastructure to bolster educators in their roles."
Jack Clark, Head of Policy at Anthropic, conveyed the imperative nature of equipping today's educators to effectively introduce AI into their classrooms. "The methods we choose for AI integration will have lasting impacts on future generations," he noted. The partnership is primed to serve as a benchmark in creating educational models that effectively foster AI literacy and understanding among educators.
The upcoming curriculum will cover various training formats, including workshops, online courses, and practical sessions, ensuring that educators are not only aware of how AI functions but also how to implement it judiciously in their teachings. Furthermore, the program is structured to scale nationally, with ambitions to instruct over 400,000 educators and impact around 7.2 million students within five years.
Moreover, with the integration of practical AI tools into teaching, educators like Marlee Katz—who teaches hearing-impaired students—have expressed optimism about the enhancements these technologies can offer. "AI can support our communication efforts and help us better connect with our students. It’s like having a reliable partner in the classroom," she said.
Looking forward, the academy aims to establish innovative collaborations and create a national model for integrating AI into pedagogical practices. Through ongoing support, resources, and feedback mechanisms, the academy will continuously adapt to the evolving landscape of AI technology, ensuring educators are equipped to navigate future developments efficiently.
The impetus for this initiative stemmed from a vision proposed by AFT member Roy Bahat, who has been a pivotal figure in advocating for educators’ ownership over AI tools. The partnership paves the way for an educational revolution, democratizing access to AI skills and empowering educators to prepare students for success in an increasingly AI-driven world.
In looking at the broader implications, the National Academy for AI Instruction stands as a herald of progress in education. It exemplifies a collaboration fundamentally aimed at uplifting educators and students in a world where technology is becoming ever more significant in the learning process. For those wanting to learn more, the official site AIinstruction.org provides further insights on the program's offerings and developments going forward.
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