Microsoft Corp Partners with NEA to Enhance AI Literacy in Education

On September 10, 2025, Microsoft Corp announced a significant partnership with the National Education Association (NEA), providing an initial grant of $325,000 through its Microsoft Elevate program. This investment aims to bolster educators' understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) as they navigate its complexities and potential in the educational landscape.

The funding will support NEA's ongoing initiatives to empower educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize AI tools in their teaching practices. The collaboration will also afford educators a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of Microsoft's AI tools, ensuring that these technologies are tailored to meet the real-world needs of educators and students.

Becky Pringle, the President of NEA, emphasized the importance of understanding AI beyond mere tools and applications. "This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn," she stated, underscoring the need for students and educators to engage actively with AI rather than being passive users. The NEA's mission is to ensure that educators possess agency in their use of AI, promoting an understanding of the unique human qualities that contribute to effective learning.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, echoed Pringle's sentiments. He articulated that educators are pivotal in shaping the future of AI as a tool for fostering creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. "Technology is only as valuable as the people empowered to use it," Smith remarked, highlighting Microsoft's commitment to investing in AI literacy and leadership through this partnership.

Building on a successful collaboration from the previous year with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the new grant from Microsoft is set to enable NEA to reach an additional 10,000 members. This expansion will include the development of fresh content and micro-credentials, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and fluency of educators and leaders in AI education. The grant also emphasizes policy and leadership development for NEA's state affiliates, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to integrating AI in education.

Pringle articulated NEA's vision for the partnership, stating the importance of preparing educators and leaders to innovate educational practices and policies. The goal is to ensure that AI technologies are applied in human-centered ways that promote equity, mitigate potential harms, and enrich learning experiences. The NEA aims to elevate professional excellence and amplify educator voices to guarantee safe and equitable learning opportunities in the face of rapid technological advancements.

The collaboration comes on the heels of the NEA's 103rd Representative Assembly, where nearly 7,000 educator delegates convened to address the implications of AI in public schools. The assembly approved a policy statement emphasizing that the connection between students and educators should remain central to teaching and learning experiences, influencing significant educational decisions.

Pringle noted that "student success relies on our ability to build healthy and effective relationships with students," asserting that the work with Microsoft aims to enhance, not diminish, these relationships. By equipping educators with the necessary tools and voice, the partnership seeks to deepen learning, foster trust, and keep students at the core of educational endeavors.

The partnership between Microsoft and NEA represents a significant step forward in preparing educators to harness the power of AI in education. With a focus on human-centered applications of technology, both organizations are committed to ensuring that the future of education remains equitable and student-centered amid the rapid evolution of AI tools. As this collaboration unfolds, the educational landscape is poised to benefit greatly from the insights and innovations that arise from this initiative.