Teachers need help with AI. A union is offering training – with $23m in funding from big tech
Summary
A teachers' union, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has started a new program to train educators on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The program is funded by $23 million from big tech companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic and aims to help teachers understand AI’s advantages and risks.Key Facts
- About 400,000 teachers are expected to receive AI training over five years through the AFT’s National Academy for AI Instruction.
- Many teachers feel unprepared to handle AI tools in classrooms without official guidance from their schools.
- Major funding for the program comes entirely from Microsoft ($12.5 million), OpenAI, and Anthropic.
- The training covers how to use AI, how to stop students from cheating with AI, and how AI might impact education jobs.
- Some experts worry that taking money from big tech gives those companies too much influence over education.
- Surveys show many students use AI for homework, and cheating with AI is common, while many teachers lack training on AI.
- AFT President Randi Weingarten says teaching about AI is necessary so educators can make informed choices.
- Microsoft sees the partnership as a way to learn what teachers need to safely use AI tools.
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