Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for tech labs or sci-fi movies—it’s here, and it’s already reshaping classrooms around the world. From personalized learning platforms to automated feedback tools, A.I. is changing how we teach, how students learn, and how schools operate. As this revolution unfolds, educators face an urgent imperative: evolve with the technology or risk being left behind.
At its core, A.I. in education aims to enhance learning experiences by making them more tailored, efficient, and accessible. Platforms like Khanmigo (from Khan Academy) and tools such as ChatGPT are being used to support differentiated instruction, generate real-time feedback, and provide multilingual scaffolding for English language learners (ELLs). These technologies aren’t replacing teachers—they’re amplifying what teachers can do, freeing up time for more relationship-centered instruction and deeper learning engagements.
For example, educators are now using A.I. to analyze student writing for grammar, coherence, and even argument strength. Instead of spending hours grading essays, teachers can focus on conferencing with students to build writing skills collaboratively. Similarly, A.I.-powered apps can assess a student’s phonemic awareness and adaptively assign phonics tasks suited to their individual progress—something that would be logistically challenging without technology.
But as with any transformation, the integration of A.I. brings both promise and pressure. Teachers must develop new competencies to use these tools effectively and ethically. Understanding how A.I. works, knowing when to trust its suggestions, and being aware of its limitations are now essential skills. As education continues to evolve, digital literacy for educators can no longer be optional. This doesn’t mean every teacher needs to become a programmer. What it does mean is that teachers need to be active learners, staying informed about the digital tools entering their classrooms. Professional development models must shift as well, offering hands-on training that goes beyond the basics and supports teachers in using A.I. tools to advance instructional goals.
Moreover, integrating A.I. thoughtfully requires educators to maintain a strong sense of pedagogical purpose. Technology should never drive instruction—student needs should. A well-implemented A.I. tool can offer insights into learning gaps, but it’s still the teacher who interprets that data and adapts instruction accordingly. In other words, A.I. might offer the “what,” but teachers still determine the “how” and “why.”
It’s also critical to recognize the equity issues that come with tech-based instruction. Not all schools have equal access to A.I.-enhanced tools or the infrastructure to support them. Teachers must advocate for equitable resource allocation and be mindful of how these tools are used to support—not widen—existing learning gaps, especially for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. We’re at a pivotal moment in education. Much like the shift to digital classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of A.I. is a wake-up call for the profession. The future isn’t waiting for us to catch up. We have to be proactive, adaptive, and thoughtful in how we respond.
If you’re ready to hear a candid conversation between two ELD teachers discussing the evolution of teaching and the integration of A.I. in the classroom, check out the latest episode of my show, I Want to Teach English, where I interview fellow ELD teacher Tess Timmons from Compton, California. In this video, we discuss real-world examples of A.I. being used in classrooms, highlight tools you can try today, and talk about what this shift means for teachers who want to stay ahead of the curve.
As always, the goal is to support educators in building classrooms where every student can thrive—regardless of language, background, or ability. A.I. is part of that future, and so are we.
Reference:
Luckin, R., Holmes, W., Griffiths, M., & Forcier, L. B. (2016). Intelligence Unleashed: An Argument for AI in Education. Pearson Education.
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