OpenAI and the American Federation of Teachers have teamed up to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction—a practical, five‑year programme designed to equip 400,000 teachers across the United States with hands‑on AI skills. This initiative is all about making AI accessible, especially in schools serving underrepresented communities, so that educators can integrate technology in a way that truly supports their classrooms.
OpenAI is contributing $10 million—a mix of $8 million in direct funding plus an extra $2 million for technical support—to kick off the project. With notable backing from partners such as Microsoft, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, New York City will host the first training centre, with plans to spread these centres nationwide by 2030.
Teachers will benefit from a range of workshops, online courses, and practical sessions that not only boost their confidence but also give them exclusive access to OpenAI tools. If you’ve ever struggled with integrating new tech into your work, this initiative is a reassuring step towards making those challenges a bit easier to tackle.
