AI and Our Schools

AI Is Not a Substitute for Teaching

The introduction of artificial intelligence into our schools is the latest wave in a long history of education gimmicks created by companies that prioritize profits over our students. We don’t need another ed tech tool; we need well-funded public schools with educators who have the support, time and resources necessary to provide meaningful learning experiences for their students.

Education is not simply the delivery of information. At its core, it is a human connection between educators and students built on trust, mentorship, creativity and critical thinking. The work that educators do with their students cannot be replaced by an automated system.

Protecting Our Work and Our Craft 

The introduction of AI raises important questions about the future of teaching and the professional expertise of educators. We are fighting to protect:

• The knowledge, skills and judgment required to teach students.
• The time and resources needed to provide meaningful instruction.
• Professional autonomy and instructional discretion.
• Job security, dignity of work and labor rights.
• The value of educator-student relationships at the center of learning.

Technology should support educators – not diminish their role or redefine education as a product that can be automated.

Safeguarding Student Health, Development, Well-Being and Data

We have a responsibility to protect students’ cognitive development, social-emotional growth, overall well-being and data. Increased reliance on AI systems raises concerns about:

• Reduced opportunities for independent thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
• Greater dependence on automated tools rather than human guidance.
• Impacts on student attention, relationships and healthy development.
• The collection and use of student data by private technology companies.

Students deserve learning environments that prioritize cognitive and social emotional development over efficiency and automation.