Teachers' union launches $23 million AI training program funded by major tech companies

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), one of the largest US labor unions with 1.8 million members, launched the National Academy for AI Instruction aiming to train 400,000 educators over five years. The program, fully funded by Microsoft ($12.5 million), OpenAI, and Anthropic, offers in-person and virtual training to help teachers understand AI's benefits and risks in classrooms. The initiative responds to lack of official guidance, with over 50% of teens using AI for schoolwork but only about 40% of teachers having access to AI-related professional development. However, collaboration with major tech companies has sparked controversy, with critics fearing the initiative pushes AI into schools.