In a first-of-its-kind move, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has launched the National Academy for A.I. Instruction, a $23 million initiative to train educators in the ethical and practical use of artificial intelligence in schools. Backed by major tech firms Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, the project is being hailed as a landmark partnership between labor and technology.
At a press conference announcing the initiative, AFT President Randi Weingarten underscored the urgency of the moment. “More important given what’s happening in Washington,” she said. “As the federal government is cutting budgets for schools, we are ensuring that teachers and kids have what they need… the skills of today and tomorrow.”
The new academy arrives at a time when AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday classroom life. A recent Gallup study found that six in ten educators already use AI tools, saving an average of six hours per week. But while AI is streamlining lesson planning and communication, many teachers say they’ve had little guidance on how to use it effectively—or ethically.
The academy aims to fill that gap. Set to open this fall at the United Federation of Teachers’ headquarters in New York City, the program will offer hands-on workshops and digital resources. The goal is to train 400,000 educators—about 10 percent of the nation’s teaching workforce—over the next five years.
The funding is being shared among tech giants: Microsoft is contributing $12.5 million, OpenAI is providing $8 million in funding plus $2 million in technical support, and Anthropic is offering $500,000 in initial backing. According to Microsoft President Brad Smith, the partnership is about more than just training. “To best serve students, we must ensure teachers have a strong voice in the development and use of AI,” he said. “This partnership will… give them the opportunity to tell tech companies how we can create AI that better serves kids.”
That point was echoed by United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, who argued that most education technology up to now has been developed “from above, sold to the people who have the money, then pushed onto teachers.” With this program, he said, teachers will finally have a seat at the table.
The academy takes inspiration from workforce training models used by unions like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, combining industry partnership with professional development. The idea was initially proposed by Roy Bahat, a venture capitalist and AFT member.
For many teachers, the impact could be immediate. Marlee Katz, a New York City teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing, said AI has helped her navigate classroom challenges. “Sometimes as a teacher you suffer burnout and you can’t always communicate to the class in the right voice or find the right message,” she said. “The tools don’t take away your voice… they’re like a best friend that can help you communicate.”
The launch also comes amid a broader push to integrate AI into schools. Tech companies like Google have begun rolling out their own classroom AI tools, while the White House has called on the private sector to contribute funding and training for schools.
With the rise of AI showing no signs of slowing, the AFT’s academy seeks to ensure that teachers—not just tech developers—shape how this powerful technology is used in education.
For Catholic educators, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge tools while remaining rooted in mission and faith. Catholic Online School, one of the fastest-growing Catholic educational platforms in the world, hopes to be a leading force in this space—harnessing the power of AI to draw souls closer to God. Plans are underway to develop AI Saints & Prayer Guides to deepen devotion, AI Catechesis & Formation Tools to ensure no one searches in darkness for truth, and an AI-enhanced Catholic Online School that reaches more families, faster. With AI Catholic News & Apologetics, Catholic educators will also be better equipped to cut through confusion, clarify doctrine, and boldly defend the faith in the digital age.
Learn more at www.catholiconline.ai
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