Prime Highlights
- OpenAI introduced ChatGPT for Teachers, a secure, classroom-focused AI workspace offering free access for all U.S. K–12 educators through June 2027.
- The platform allows teachers to personalize lessons, upload classroom materials, and use tools like GPT-5.1 Auto, connectors, and integrated search.
Key Facts
- Over 200,000 teachers and major districts, including a first cohort of nearly 150,000 educators, are participating in the early rollout.
- The workspace includes school-level privacy safeguards, role-based controls, SAML SSO, and integrations with Canva, Google Drive, and Microsoft 365.
Background
OpenAI has launched a new version of ChatGPT designed specifically for K–12 teachers and school districts across the United States, offering long-term free access and a secure workspace built for classroom use. The company announced that ChatGPT for Teachers will remain free through June 2027, giving educators a private environment to explore AI and adapt it to their daily work.
The announcement was shared by Leah Belsky, who leads OpenAI’s education initiatives, and later expanded on by Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT. Turley confirmed that the offer applies to every teacher and district in the country, calling it a way to help educators experiment and collaborate “on their own terms.”
The new workspace includes strong privacy and compliance features intended to protect student data. Educators can personalize content for different grades, upload classroom files, generate images, use GPT-5.1 Auto, and work with connectors and search tools. The platform also integrates with widely used apps such as Canva, Google Drive, and Microsoft 365.
School and district administrators will be able to manage staff access through a unified account system that supports role-based controls and SAML SSO for additional security. OpenAI says the workspace is built to meet school-level requirements while giving teachers freedom to adapt materials and collaborate with colleagues.
More than 200,000 teachers, several major districts, and the state of Delaware are participating in the early rollout. A first cohort representing nearly 150,000 teachers and staff will guide ongoing improvements based on classroom feedback.
The initiative builds on OpenAI’s partnerships with the American Federation of Teachers, Common Sense Media, and international education ministries. The company has also released an AI Literacy Blueprint and a new teacher training course.
OpenAI notes that most teachers already use AI tools weekly and report saving hours of time. The new platform aims to expand those benefits while preserving the privacy protections schools require.
