Why Schools Need to Embrace AI, Not Fear It
February 12, 2026
As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how rapidly technology is reshaping the world our students are entering. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a concept in science fiction—it’s a tool that’s already impacting careers, communication and even creativity. That’s why schools must move beyond fear and start embracing AI as an essential part of education.
Instead of banning or limiting AI tools, we should be teaching students how to use them responsibly and ethically. Just like calculators or the internet once were, AI is a tool that can enhance learning when used correctly.
From writing assistants to coding help, AI can support differentiated instruction, accommodate diverse learners and encourage exploration. For students who struggle with traditional methods, AI can offer new pathways to understanding.
But it’s not just about helping students — AI can help teachers, too. Tools that automate grading, generate lesson plans or personalize learning can save educators hours of work and free us up to focus on what really matters: connecting with students and deepening instruction.
Of course, there are valid concerns about academic honesty, data privacy and critical thinking. That’s why teaching about AI is just as important as teaching with it. Students need to understand how AI works, its limitations and its ethical implications. This prepares them to be thoughtful users — and even future innovators.
Embracing AI doesn’t mean replacing teachers. It means empowering them, and their students, with the tools and knowledge needed for the future. Schools that adapt now won’t just stay relevant — they’ll lead.
Need further proof? Except for this paragraph, this blog was written by AI in 12 seconds with only a one-sentence prompt to follow. Failure to acknowledge and educate yourself on the powers and pitfalls of AI is the equivalent of using an abacus for math. Educators will become more filters and editors, and less creators of content. This means hundreds of hours of time saved in a school year. Its use allows educators more time to focus on students and relationships rather than formatting and from-scratch lesson planning. In the last century, students were required to go to school to get information. In this century, information is at their fingertips 24/7. How do we teach them to responsibly move forward with it? Students still need brick and mortar schools to help develop skills on how to appropriately interact with AI, how to interact with a tidal wave of technology and how to apply this to their place in society. Teachers will not be replaced. Far from it. We will be repurposed … and that role will carry more weight than ever.
2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Corey Rosser is a social studies teacher at Quest High School in North Branch Area Schools in his 22nd year of teaching.