Shaping the Future of Teaching with AI: Introducing the National Academy for AI Instruction
The AFT announces the new National Academy for AI Instruction to provide free, union-led AI training and resources for educators nationwide.
At the AFT, we know that when it comes to integrating new tools into the classroom, educators don’t just need innovation, they need intention, support and community. That’s why we’re proud to announce the National Academy for AI Instruction, a new national initiative—in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and the United Federation of Teachers—designed to help educators explore the potential of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in pedagogy, equity and professional autonomy.
With resources to be hosted on Share My Lesson, the academy builds on the trusted foundation educators already rely on and expands it with thoughtful, union-led training and resources focused on AI in education.
Why the Academy and Why Now?
AI is already shaping how we teach, learn and lead. From planning differentiated lessons to drafting feedback and supporting students with special needs, AI can serve as a valuable instructional assistant. But we also know educators are facing a flood of information, tools and questions with very little guidance.
The National Academy for AI Instruction was created to meet this moment. It’s not just about learning how to use new tech, it’s about understanding how to use it wisely, ethically and creatively in service of students.
What You Can Expect
The academy will include:
- A curated series of educator-focused webinars, including sessions from our AI Educator Brain series like “Lesson Planning with AI: Teaching Sidekick or Sci-Fi Overlord?” and “AI-Powered Visuals for Engaging Students.”
- Special AI-themed content from our Virtual Conference, including a teacher-led keynote and targeted sessions on AI and special education, AI in elections and AI literacy for parents.
- A robust online community—the AI & Education community on SML—where educators can ask questions, swap resources and explore the latest AI updates in a safe, supportive environment.
- Interactive tools, downloadable guides, and future courses to build AI fluency across grade levels and subject areas.
Whether you're just beginning to explore what AI can offer or you're already experimenting in your classroom, the academy will meet you where you are with resources you can trust and use.
How to Get Involved
To learn more about the academy and get information on upcoming events, please visit AIinstruction.org.
We believe educators belong at the center of shaping how AI is used in schools, not just reacting to it but helping lead the way. The National Academy for AI Instruction is here to ensure that the future of education is led by you.
Read more about the new AFT Academy and Share My Lesson's AI Educator Brain in Sari Beth Rosenberg's article here.
Join the AI in Education Community
Join the team from the AI Educator Brain, which includes AFT’s Share My Lesson director Kelly Booz; New York City Public Schools teacher Sari Beth Rosenberg and EdBrAIn, our AI teammate (yes, it named and designed itself!). In this community, we will dissect the pros and cons of AI tools in education. Our mission: to determine how AI can support teaching and learning, and when it might be best to stick with tried-and-true methods.
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Natalie Dean is the assistant director, affiliate engagement, for Share My Lesson at the AFT. She manages the site's outreach strategy and national contests, while promoting its value to AFT members to more than 3,000 local AFT affiliates.
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