OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teachers as free K–12 workspace across the United States
OpenAI has announced a new version of ChatGPT designed specifically for K–12 teachers and school districts, offering a secure workspace, education-specific tools, and long-term free access through June 2027.
Leah Belsky, who leads OpenAI’s education work, took to LinkedIn to outline the new release. Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, later added further detail, confirming the offer applies to every teacher and district in the United States.
OpenAI frames the offer as support for teacher use of AI
In her post, Belsky wrote: “Today we’re introducing ChatGPT for Teachers, and it's free to K12 teachers & districts in the US.” She added that teachers need space to explore AI independently and noted that the workspace is intended to help them adapt materials, personalize instruction, and collaborate.
OpenAI describes the new environment as private and compliant, with controls intended to protect student data and support school-level requirements.
According to OpenAI’s wider announcement, the workspace allows educators to work with classroom materials securely, personalize outputs based on grade level and curriculum, and collaborate with colleagues in shared projects. Teachers can upload files, use GPT-5.1 Auto, search, connectors, and image generation, and build with tools such as Canva, Google Drive, and Microsoft 365.
School and district leaders can manage staff access through a unified account and use role-based controls and SAML SSO for account security.
Turley wrote: “We’re making ChatGPT free for every teacher and school district in the U.S. for more than a year.” He said the release creates “a dedicated, private workspace to explore AI on their own terms – to experiment, collaborate with colleagues, and bring those ideas directly into the classroom.”
Rollout supported by major districts and state partners
OpenAI says more than 200,000 teachers, several large districts, and the state of Delaware are guiding the early rollout. The company is working with a first cohort of districts representing nearly 150,000 teachers and staff, with feedback expected to shape future updates.
The new product builds on existing partnerships with the American Federation of Teachers and Common Sense Media, as well as earlier collaboration with ministries of education in countries such as Estonia and Greece. OpenAI has also released an AI Literacy Blueprint for school systems and a new teacher training course developed with Common Sense Media.
OpenAI says three in five teachers already use AI tools and that weekly users report saving hours of time. The new workspace is positioned as a way to give educators flexibility while maintaining the privacy protections schools require.
Closing his post on social media, Turley wrote: “It’s another way we can empower the people shaping the next generation, and I can’t wait to see what educators do with it.”
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