AI Skills Training Programme

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the way we work and learn, a new initiative is helping educators understand how AI can be used as a practical tool to support teaching, administration and student engagement.

OpenAI Academy, in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation, has launched an AI Skills Jam for K–12 Educators, bringing together teachers, school leaders and administrators for hands-on workshops designed to move AI from a concept into everyday classroom practice.

The programme has been created in response to the growing demand for practical AI guidance within schools. While educators are increasingly interested in using emerging technologies, many face challenges around time, training and access to reliable support.

The initiative will bring together more than 1,600 educators and education leaders across a series of in-person workshops, providing opportunities to explore how AI can assist with tasks including lesson planning, communication, administrative work and personalised learning.

 Research from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup suggests that teachers who regularly use AI tools estimate saving almost six hours per week on average. Many educators say that the additional time can be redirected towards areas where human expertise matters most, including providing more detailed student feedback, creating tailored learning experiences and improving communication with families.

The AI Skills Jam aims to help teachers use these tools confidently and responsibly, with sessions focused on real classroom challenges rather than simply introducing new technology.

Participants will work alongside AI specialists to experiment with practical applications, ask questions and explore ways AI can complement, not replace, the role of educators.

The programme also highlights the growing importance of AI literacy among both teachers and students. As schools prepare young people for a rapidly changing workplace, understanding how to use emerging technologies effectively and ethically is becoming an increasingly important skill.

Through continued access to OpenAI Academy’s free online resources, educators will be able to build on the skills developed during the workshops and continue exploring best practices for responsible AI adoption.

 From streamlining administrative tasks to supporting personalised learning, AI is expected to play an increasingly significant role across schools and universities.

However, experts continue to emphasise that successful adoption depends on teacher confidence, thoughtful implementation and ensuring technology enhances the educational experience rather than replacing the relationships at the heart of learning.

As schools worldwide navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, initiatives such as the AI Skills Jam reflect a growing shift towards helping educators become active participants in shaping the future of digital learning.