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Major technology firms, including Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI, are collaborating with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to provide free artificial intelligence (AI) training for educators, pledging $23m over five years. The initiative will establish a National Academy for AI Instruction in New York City, starting with local educators and expanding nationwide. Randi Weingarten, AFT president, emphasized the importance of teachers navigating AI "wisely, ethically and safely." She added: “The direct connection between a teacher and their kids can never be replaced by new technologies, but if we learn how to harness it, set commonsense guardrails and put teachers in the driver’s seat, teaching and learning can be enhanced." The program aims to support 400,000 educators, offering continuing education credits, workshops, and resources to enhance their understanding of AI's role in education. The initiative follows a White House pledge involving 68 organizations to promote AI literacy in schools. While the funding is significant, experts like Amelia Vance, president of the Public Interest Privacy Center, stress the need for actionable commitments from companies to ensure effective AI training without compromising student data privacy.

 

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Education Week News

K-12 Dive

The recent withholding of nearly $6.8bn in federal education funding has led to significant job losses and program cuts across the nation. In Missouri, the Laclede Literacy Council has laid off 16 of its 17 staff members due to the lack of expected funds. Kevin Huffman, former Tennessee education commissioner, expressed concern, commenting: “It feels very pointless” to plan for academic outcomes when funding can be abruptly withdrawn. The U.S. Department of Education's announcement, delivered via a brief email, has drawn criticism from various state governors and education organizations. The loss of funding will affect over 600 districts, with significant impacts on low-income students and English learners. As districts scramble to create contingency plans, many fear that essential services and programs may be lost if the funding is not released soon.

 

Education Week News

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the graduation rate for high school seniors in San Joaquin County was ranked 48 out of 58 counties in California, with only 85.4% graduating compared to the state average of 86.4%. However, Manteca USD achieved an impressive 93% graduation rate, surpassing all but nine states. Superintendent Clark Burke emphasized the district's commitment to helping students, saying: "Those students will spend the summer hitting the books to meet the standards needed to earn a diploma." MUSD offers tailored support for students facing challenges, including alternative schools and remediation classes, ensuring that every effort is made to help students graduate.

 

Manteca Bulletin

The Napa County Office of Education has appointed Joshua Schultz as the new schools superintendent, marking the first change in nearly 30 years. Schultz, who currently serves as the deputy superintendent, will succeed Barbara Nemko, who is retiring after 28 years in the role. His official start date is set for August 1. As stated in the announcement, "Schultz's leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the county's educational landscape."

 

Napa Valley Register

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 27 that allows parents to excuse their children from LGBTQ-themed storybooks in classrooms has raised concerns among educators. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. stated that denying parents this right “unconstitutionally burdened” their ability to guide their children's religious upbringing. David Stein, president of the Montgomery County Education Association, expressed worries about the logistical challenges teachers will face, saying: “the burden is really going to be a mess.” The Montgomery County district, which initially allowed opt-outs, rescinded the policy due to the growing number of requests. Now, teachers must navigate the complexities of accommodating students who opt out, potentially leading to classroom divisions. Kira Mikkelsen, a teacher in the district, noted that many educators may not have used the LGBTQ-themed books, citing time constraints and a lack of training. National Education Association President Becky Pringle warned that limiting access to such books could hinder students' learning and sense of belonging.

 

Education Week News

Teachers are feeling overworked and underpaid, but recent findings from the RAND Corporation indicate a slight improvement in their situation. The survey, conducted with over 1,400 K-12 teachers, revealed that the percentage of teachers reporting burnout has decreased, with only 16% intending to leave their jobs, down from 22% last year. However, disparities remain, particularly among Black teachers, who report lower pay and higher burnout rates. Ashley Woo, an associate policy researcher at RAND, expressed concerns about these disparities, and also noted: “Not everyone who says that they're likely to leave is actually going to leave.” Despite a slight increase in average teacher salaries, the gap between teacher pay and that of similarly educated adults continues to widen, contributing to ongoing stress and dissatisfaction among educators.

 

Education Week News

In a piece for Education Week Ian Knox, principal of Hamagrael Elementary School in upstate New York, emphasizes the importance of trust in school leadership, describing it as "one of the most essential forms of capital a leader has." He cites research by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss published in the Harvard Business Review, titled “Managing People: Begins with Trust," and outlines three actionable steps for school leaders to build trust: demonstrating empathy by valuing challenges, leading with authenticity by acknowledging limitations, and modeling logic through consistent judgment. By prioritizing these elements, school leaders can create a supportive environment that addresses the social and emotional needs of students, ultimately fostering a thriving school community.

 

Education Week News

Andy Markus, the assistant facilities manager at Draper Park Middle School in Utah's Canyons school district, initiated a mentoring program in 2022 aimed at students who vandalized school property. His efforts have not only led to cleaner facilities but also improved student behavior and academic engagement. Recognized as the 2025 National Education Support Professional of the Year by the National Education Association, Markus emphasizes the importance of a positive school environment. He states: “The physical environment affects everything in these buildings. I think school pride matters.” Through his program, students have taken ownership of their school, leading to a significant cultural shift where they actively participate in maintaining cleanliness and respect for their surroundings.

 

Education Week News

CalTech announced it will terminate its partnership with e-learning company Simplilearn following a class-action lawsuit that accused both parties of misleading students about the cybersecurity boot camp. President Thomas F. Rosenbaum and Provost David A. Tirrell stated that the university would cease its association after current courses conclude in November. The lawsuit, initiated by former student Elva Lopez, claimed that the programme was marketed as being closely linked to CalTech, despite minimal connections. The settlement includes a refund of $2.4m to 263 students and mandates that Simplilearn will not misrepresent its instructors' qualifications.

 

Los Angeles Times

Miriam Ramírez, president of a major parent-teacher association in Lima, reports that over 1,000 schools in the city are being extorted by gangs, with many succumbing to their demands. "The country is going to end up in total ignorance," she warns, as schools struggle to cope with the threats. Gangsters are demanding payments ranging from $14,000 to $28,000, leading some institutions to switch to online classes or close entirely. The situation has worsened due to a rise in crime during the COVID pandemic and political instability, with corrupt police officers allegedly tipping off gangs. Despite the dangers, some business owners, like Carla Pacheco, refuse to pay extortion fees, risking violent retaliation. Schools are now factoring extortion payments into their budgets, with some administrators stating they had no choice but to comply to ensure safety.

 

NPR / National Public Radio