# OpenAI Trains K-12 Educators on AI
_OpenAI launches AI Skills Jam for K-12 educators, offering practical training to save time and enhance teaching through AI tools._
**Published:** 2026-07-08
**Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openai-trains-k-12-educators-on-ai
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OpenAI is extending its AI education push to K-12 educators with a series of hands-on workshops. The [OpenAI AI Skills Jam K-12](https://openai.com/index/k-12-educators-practical-skills) initiative, partnered with the Walton Family Foundation, targets teachers, administrators, and district leaders.

Educators need AI skillsDriver

teachers seeking practical AI application for their worklaunchesOpenAI AI Skills JamCorehands-on workshops for K-12 educators and leadersFrom the articleThe OpenAI AI Skills Jam K-12 initiative, partnered with the Walton Family Foundation, targets teachers, administrators, and district leaders.Practical AI trainingContextfocus on lesson planning, communication, and admin tasksFrom the article 2 mentionsThe program aims to move educators from AI curiosity to practical application in areas like lesson planning, communication, and administrative tasks.OpenAI Academy accessEffectfree platform for continued learning and skill developmentFrom the articleParticipants will also gain access to the free OpenAI Academy platform for continued learning.OpenAI mentors supportCoreFrom the article 2 mentionsThe workshops will provide direct support from OpenAI mentors, allowing participants to experiment with tools and address concerns in a trusted environment.Save teaching timeEffectteachers using AI weekly save nearly six hoursleads toReinvest in studentsOutcomeFrom the articleThis reclaimed time can be reinvested into student feedback and individualized instruction.
The program aims to move educators from AI curiosity to practical application in areas like lesson planning, communication, and administrative tasks. This follows similar successful events for nonprofits and small businesses.

Research indicates that teachers using AI tools weekly estimate saving nearly six hours per week. This reclaimed time can be reinvested into student feedback and individualized instruction.

The workshops will provide direct support from OpenAI mentors, allowing participants to experiment with tools and address concerns in a trusted environment. Participants will also gain access to the free [OpenAI Academy](/ai-news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openai-academy-trains-spurs-staff-on-ai) platform for continued learning.

Leah Belsky, VP of Education at OpenAI, stated, "Educators are at the center of helping communities understand and adapt to new technology." The goal is to foster practical support and encourage responsible AI adoption in education.

Confirmed locations include Jonesboro, GA; Fairfax, VA; Orlando, FL; Chicago, IL; San Bernardino, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; and Las Vegas, NV.
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Original analysis from [startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai), the #1 AI startup directory.