New partnership with tech giants could shape AI in schools

OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, are joining forces with the American Federation of Teachers to train 400,000 K12 teachers to champion AI instruction in their classrooms.

According to an announcement from OpenAI, the National Academy for AI Instruction is a five-year initiative to equip teachers to use AI and “lead the way in shaping how AI is used and taught in classrooms across the country.”

OpenAI is contributing $10 million over five years—$8 million in direct funding, and $2 million in in-kind resources, including engineering support, computing access and technical guidance to help teachers build and use AI tools in their classrooms.

The academy is also backed by leading tech companies, Microsoft and Anthropic. According to CNN, the companies also benefit from this partnership by receiving immediate feedback from teachers and potentially getting their AI tools in schools across the country.

These investments will help establish a flagship facility in New York City and support the launch of additional hubs around the U.S. by 2030. The academy will also fund and provide professional development opportunities that focus on equity, accessibility and measurable impact in K12 education.

“Educators make the difference, and they should lead this next shift with AI,” said Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI. “We’re here to support them.”

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What the research says about AI use

The partnership comes at a time when 60% of teachers reported using at least one AI tool during the 2024-25 school year, according to a new Gallup poll. In fact, the research reveals that weekly AI users are saving nearly six hours per week, allowing them to invest more time in personalized instruction, deeper feedback and better parent communication.

Additional research from Starbridge AI suggests that 60% of schools have discussed AI during board meetings in the last two years, and at least 68% have purchased at least one AI-related tool.

However, some school districts are leading the charge, the research adds. Starbridge AI identified five school districts leading in AI adoption, which include:

1. Peninsula 401, Washington: The district operates two public AI websites (psd401.net/ai and psd401.ai), earning national recognition, including the 2025 Innovative Technology Integration Award. The district also participates in AI showcases with Google and Stanford.
2. Irvine Unified, California: The district has adopted a wide range of AI tools for instruction and educator support. It also provides AI-related courses and professional learning while learning into broader edtech procurement and innovation efforts.
3. Grossmont Union High School, California: AI-integration has become a district-wide priority, with a public guidance framework, approved tools and a formal committee shaping its future AI strategy. The district has launched a dedicated AI site, formed an AI guidance committee, and announced plans for full-scale guidance by the 2025-26 school year.
4. Springfield Township, Pennsylvania: The district has built a strong foundation for responsible AI use through formal guidelines, leadership engagement and district-wide planning. It formed an AI committee in late 2023 and published formal guidelines on responsible AI use.
5. Modesto City Schools, California: The district has developed a thoughtful, district-wide approach to AI, which is supported by ethical guidelines, tool implementation and a formal committee. MCS has approved and implemented tools like PowerBuddy AI, MagicSchool, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.