OpenAI Expands ChatGPT for Teachers Program Across the US
Expanding its AI-powered education program, OpenAI is collaborating with more than 100 K-12 organizations across 30 states to provide free access and training to a total of over 300,000 teachers and staff.
OpenAI announced that it is expanding its "ChatGPT for Teachers" program in the US to 55 new school systems across 20 states, reaching more than 100,000 educators. Along with this expansion, a National Data Privacy Agreement covering 16 states was launched to facilitate the safe use of the AI tool in schools.
AI Support for Educators is Growing
First launched in 2025 with approximately 150,000 teachers and school staff, the 'ChatGPT for Teachers' program aims to allow educators to explore AI in a safe environment. With the new wave of expansion, new partnerships have been established covering one-fifth of the 20 largest public school districts in the US and the country's most diverse school systems.
With these new additions, OpenAI is now working with more than 100 K-12 organizations across 30 states in total, offering free access and training to over 300,000 educators. The program will remain a free tool for verified US K-12 educators until June 2028.
National Data Privacy Agreement Covering 16 States
To facilitate the responsible adoption of AI in schools, a National Data Privacy Agreement covering 16 states was announced under the Student Data Privacy Consortium. This agreement offers a common assessment framework without the need to negotiate individually with each school district.
The agreement in question covers the states of Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. The state of California was secured with a separate agreement during this process.
Data Security and Training Initiatives
ChatGPT for Teachers is designed with education-grade privacy, security, and administrative controls. Shared data is not used to train models by default, and school administrators can create managed workspaces with role-based controls to support FERPA requirements.
In addition to providing access to the tools, OpenAI offers hands-on support to educators through the OpenAI Academy and the National AI Teaching Academy, run in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers. This five-year initiative aims to equip 400,000 K-12 educators with practical AI skills.