SAN ANTONIO (AP) – On an extremely hot Saturday, teachers in San Antonio opted for a workshop focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their instructional methods rather than taking a much-needed day off. As they observed the capabilities of AI in grading assignments and transforming lesson plans into digital formats, a high school English teacher voiced a concern shared by many: “Are we going to be replaced with AI?” This question reflects growing apprehension among educators as AI technology continues to evolve.
To address this challenge and ensure that the nation’s 4 million teachers remain relevant, teachers unions are collaborating with some of the largest technology companies in the world, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. This partnership, albeit unconventional, is aimed at equipping teachers with the necessary skills to effectively guide their students in the responsible use of AI. Both entities acknowledge their differing viewpoints but are united in the goal of preparing the future workforce of America.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is receiving significant financial backing from these tech giants to create AI training programs. Microsoft has pledged $12.5 million over five years, while OpenAI is providing $8 million in funding alongside $2 million in technical resources. Additionally, Anthropic is contributing $500,000 to this initiative. AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized the necessity of partnering with these corporations due to their financial resources, stating, “There is no one else who is helping us with this.” She clarified that this effort was initiated by the AFT reaching out to tech companies, rather than the other way around.
In a major development announced in July 2023, AFT plans to establish an AI training hub in New York City that will offer both in-person and virtual workshops for teachers. The goal is to train 400,000 educators over the next five years, as additional hubs are set to be opened. The National Education Association (NEA), the country’s largest teachers union, is also collaborating with Microsoft, securing a $325,000 grant to develop AI training programs, aiming to train at least 10,000 of its 3 million members during the current school year.
Both unions have established clear guidelines to ensure that educators, rather than the tech companies, design and lead the training sessions. These sessions will incorporate AI tools from multiple futures, focusing on safety, privacy, and the ethical use of AI alongside practical skills. The Trump administration has actively encouraged private investment in AI education, and over 100 companies have responded to the federal call to action.
Beyond educator training, technology firms are also exploring opportunities in the educational sphere. Microsoft, for instance, has launched a $4 billion initiative dedicated to AI training research and providing educators and students access to its AI tools. Similarly, Google has committed $1 billion toward AI education, promising free access to its Gemini for Education platform for U.S. high schools.
Recent studies indicate a rapid increase in the adoption of AI in schools, yet professional development and training for teachers have not kept pace. Education experts like Robin Lake from the Center on Reinventing Public Education stress the importance of ensuring that any partnerships with technology firms prioritize the needs of teachers and students. Microsoft CEO Brad Smith has also acknowledged the necessity for educators to maintain a “healthy dose of skepticism” regarding the motivations of tech companies and the implications of integrating AI into education.
During the AI training workshop in San Antonio, approximately 50 teachers from the Northside Independent School District attended to gain insights into leveraging AI tools. Trainer Kathleen Torregrossa prompted educators to recognize the relevance of AI in their teaching practice, emphasizing its role in preparing students for a future intertwined with technology. Attendees engaged with various AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Microsoft CoPilot, to create innovative lesson plans that could enhance student engagement.
Gabriela Aguirre, a first-grade dual language teacher, expressed her excitement about the potential of AI to transform her teaching methods, highlighting the tool’s efficiency and ability to make lessons visually appealing. Meanwhile, Celeste Simone, a middle school teacher, noted that AI tools have become indispensable in her classroom, enabling her to tailor learning materials to her students’ needs effectively. The overall sentiment among participants was one of optimism, with many expressing that the capabilities offered by AI tools were too valuable to ignore.
