T姻AIlblazing is a monthly column capturing the latest trends and innovations surrounding artificial intelligence and its impact on K12 based on research and conversations with district leaders.
On one side of the aisle, educators remain confident that artificial intelligence will never replace the human element of teaching. On the other side, AI is called the future of instruction, as it can offer on-demand learning, giving students more time to pursue interests beyond the classroom. Which prediction is correct?
Renowned educator John Hattie’s contends that the human element remains the most powerful influence on learning. At the same time, can encourage critical thinking while offering personalized feedback and writing guidance.
I argue that the correct prediction about AI’s future in K12 education is more complex than we think. Both conditions will co-exist. Students will still depend on teachers who use AI to streamline workloads, provide detailed feedback and ignite engagement through technology.
Educators now rely on AI to support instruction but not everyone in K12 is comfortable with AI entering the classroom.
A 2025 survey from the showed that four in 10 teachers want to use AI, while 28% do not. Those who use AI view the technology more positively because it saves time on lesson planning and other tasks.
Insufficient training and policies may be reasons for AI hesitancy. Roughly 45% of principals say their school or district has developed AI guidance, a recent analysis suggests.
Meanwhile, predictions that AI will soon assume the role of teachers have educators riled up. First lady Melania Trump touted the idea during a recent summit hosted by the White House. Her take: AI humanoids are the next tutors.
Imagine a humanoid educator named Plato,’ she said. Access to the classical studies is now instantaneousliterature, science, art, philosophy, mathematics, and historyhumanitys entire corpus of information is available in the comfort of your home.
On the same day, President Donald Trump appointed leading tech entrepreneurs Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Larry Ellison (Oracle) and Jensen Huang (Nvidia) to an .
Some education leaders fear the federal government will allow billion-dollar tech corporations to dominate public education.
“We must be clear: decisions about technology in education should be led by educators, not billionaires or profit-driven corporations,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle.
We must ensure that any use of AI in schools is guided by educators, protects students, and helpsnot replaceseducators. Our students deserve more than algorithms,” she added.
Still, AI continues to dominate the edtech space. The AI in education market was valued at $5.88 bilion in 2024 and is expected to reach $32.27 billion by 2030, according to .
and other AI tutors that are uniquely geared toward teachers and students illuminate the future of personalized instruction. Khanmigo, for instance, can generate rubrics, homeschooling curriculum and writing instructions.
My previous column breaks down the most impactful AI tools you may be missing out on. Read it here.
District 91心頭istration uses artificial intelligence to support research and drafting, with all content reviewed and verified by the author.
91心頭+: Superintendents and cabinet-level leaders can sign up for a to 91心頭+ to livestream “Leading Through the Noise: Staying Grounded in a Politicized Environment” with Dr. Quintin Shepherd on April 28.
