San Antonio, October 17, 2025
News Summary
In San Antonio, a workshop for educators focused on enhancing AI literacy in the classroom. Funded by partnerships with major tech companies, the initiative aims to train thousands of teachers in using AI tools effectively while addressing concerns about technology replacing educators. The collaborations include significant financial commitments to establish training hubs and enhance teacher skill sets in AI, showcasing the evolving nature of education in the digital age.
San Antonio – In an effort to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among educators, dozens of teachers recently attended a workshop focused on integrating AI into the classroom. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and prominent tech companies, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, which are providing substantial funding to support training programs for teachers.
The workshop highlighted various AI tools capable of grading assignments instantly and transforming lesson plans into podcasts or digital storybooks, showcasing the potential of technology to enrich educational experiences. However, some educators expressed concerns about the risk of AI replacing teachers, sparking discussions regarding the balance between technological advancements and the educational role of instructors.
The AFT’s collaboration with tech giants is financially robust, with Microsoft pledging $12.5 million over five years, OpenAI contributing $8 million alongside $2 million in technical resources, and Anthropic adding $500,000 for the initiatives. This funding aims to establish a centralized AI training hub in New York City, where the AFT plans to conduct both virtual and in-person workshops aimed at training 400,000 teachers within the next five years.
Similarly, the National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union in the U.S., recently announced a partnership with Microsoft, which includes a $325,000 grant for AI training. The NEA’s objective is to train at least 10,000 members in AI microcredentials for the current school year, further emphasizing the growing emphasis on AI literacy in professional development.
Both unions assert that educators will design and lead the training sessions, ensuring the curriculum encompasses tools from various tech companies. Additionally, the unions will retain intellectual property rights for the training materials developed, focusing on issues of safety, privacy, and essential AI skills.
The push for AI education is also influenced by the Trump administration’s encouragement of private investment in AI as a strategy for global leader dominance in artificial intelligence. More than 100 companies have engaged in promoting AI education in partnership with schools, with Microsoft launching a $4 billion program to provide AI tools to educators and students. Google has also committed $1 billion towards AI education and job training programs.
Although studies show a rapid increase in AI utilization in educational settings, they highlight a concerning lag in training and resources for teachers. Many educators have found that AI tools can significantly enhance lesson planning and engage students more effectively. However, apprehensions regarding the ethical implications of AI use were voiced, particularly concerning critical thinking skills and the potential for over-reliance on technology in learning environments.
The San Antonio workshop provided hands-on experience with AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, and Google’s Gemini, allowing educators to explore their functionalities and applications. Teachers expressed enthusiasm over AI’s potential to save time and boost student engagement but emphasized the importance of maintaining a critical perspective on technology and the motives behind partnerships with tech companies.
What was discussed at the AI workshop in San Antonio?
The workshop showcased AI tools that can grade work instantly and convert lesson plans into podcasts and online storybooks while addressing concerns about AI potentially replacing teachers.
What funding has the AFT received for AI training?
The AFT has secured $12.5 million from Microsoft, $8 million from OpenAI, and $500,000 from Anthropic to support its training initiatives.
What are the goals of the NEA’s AI partnership?
The NEA aims to train at least 10,000 members in AI microcredentials in the current school year, backed by a $325,000 grant from Microsoft.
| Company | Funding Amount | Use of Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | $12.5 million | AI training over five years |
| OpenAI | $8 million + $2 million in resources | AI training initiatives |
| Anthropic | $500,000 | Support for training initiatives |
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Workshop in San Antonio | Completed |
| 515/2023 | AFT AI Training Hub Launch | Upcoming |
| 2023-2028 | Train 400,000 teachers | Ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- Your Central Valley
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence in Education
- KSAT News
- Google Search: AI in Education
- Government Technology
- Google Scholar: AI Education Training
- Security Systems News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: AI Education
- Express News
- Google News: AI and Education
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