On the Formation of a National Academy for AI Instruction

WHEREAS, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every sector of our society, including education, with profound implications for how students learn, how educators teach and how schools operate; and

WHEREAS, AI has the potential to help personalize instruction, reduce administrative burden and make learning more engaging, but without proper guardrails it can perpetuate bias, invade privacy, and undermine educational equity, job security and the professional judgment of educators; and

WHEREAS, educators must be at the forefront of shaping how AI is used in our schools, colleges and universities to ensure that technology enhances—rather than undermines—student learning, educational equity and professional autonomy; and

WHEREAS, the AFT and its members have taken a national lead in demanding that artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies be used responsibly, ethically, and safely in our schools, work that includes convening educators to draft and then publish the Commonsense Guardrails for Using Advanced Technology in Schools to protect student privacy, ensure equity, and keep educators at the center of decision-making; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has taken a leading role nationally and internationally in promoting the responsible, educator-directed use of AI in classrooms, schools and higher education institutions; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to create a national institute that trains, empowers and supports educators in using AI as a tool for improving student outcomes; reducing unnecessary bureaucratic tasks; strengthening the teaching profession; and guarding against threats such as surveillance, bias and disinformation; and

WHEREAS, a National Academy for AI Instruction will serve as a hub for educator-led innovation, professional development, research and policy guidance on the use of AI in education, including K-12 and higher education institutions; and

WHEREAS, the academy will be supported by multiple stakeholders, including philanthropic organizations, technology companies, and other public and private partners that are committed to ensuring AI is developed and used in ways that benefit students, educators and communities—and that are willing to recognize and address the potential harms and ethical challenges of AI deployment in education; and

WHEREAS, the AFT will remain the lead educational voice in the academy, safeguarding the interests of students and educators and ensuring that the academy’s work reflects the experiences, values and professional insights of educators across the country; and

WHEREAS, the National Academy for AI Instruction will be headquartered in New York City, with the United Federation of Teachers serving as its foundational partner, based on UFT’s leadership, scale and commitment to innovation:

RESOLVED, that the executive council of the AFT endorses the formation of the National Academy for AI Instruction as an AFT-led initiative supported by a coalition of public, private and philanthropic partners; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT is committed to using and adopting its Commonsense Guardrails for Using Advanced Technology in Schools across all aspects of its work, and will actively pursue the inclusion of these guardrails in affiliate contracts, local and state legislation, and any other policy avenues necessary to protect student privacy, ensure educator voice, and promote ethical, responsible use of AI and advanced technologies in schools;

RESOLVED, that the AFT will ensure educators remain at the center of the academy’s mission and governance, including through robust representation on advisory and decision-making bodies; and

RESOLVED, that participation in the academy will be open to all AFT affiliates and members, with the UFT recognized as the academy’s major founding educational partner given its size, scope and demonstrated commitment to educator-led AI innovation; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will work to secure sustainable funding and broad-based support for the academy and will promote its work as a national model for how educators and their unions can lead the ethical, inclusive and effective integration of AI into public education and higher education systems.

Adopted July 22, 2025