In an effort to make geometry more exciting for her 6th-grade honors students, Dallas math teacher Ana Sepúlveda decided to tap into their love of soccer. She believed the sport could serve as the perfect bridge to introduce complex mathematical ideas. When she turned to ChatGPT for support, the tool responded instantly with a detailed five-page lesson plan centered around a creative theme: “Geometry is everywhere in soccer — on the field, in the ball, and even in the design of stadiums!”
The AI-powered lesson included explanations of how shapes and angles play roles on a soccer field, questions to encourage student discussion, and a hands-on project for designing a soccer stadium or field using rulers and protractors. Sepúlveda, who teaches at a bilingual school, also uses ChatGPT to translate materials into Spanish to better engage families.
“AI has made a big difference for me,” she shared. “It’s helping me plan lessons more efficiently, communicate with parents, and keep students more engaged.”
AI Tools Are Reshaping the Classroom
Across the U.S., more educators are turning to artificial intelligence tools to ease the workload of daily teaching tasks — from creating worksheets and grading to crafting lesson plans. By automating routine work, these tools are giving teachers more time to focus on actual instruction and student connection.
A recent survey from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that 60% of public school K-12 teachers used AI tools during the past academic year. High school teachers and those new to the profession were the most frequent users. The April survey included responses from over 2,000 teachers nationwide.
Among weekly AI users, most estimated the tools saved them about six hours per week — time that can reduce burnout and improve work-life balance, said Gallup’s research consultant Andrea Malek Ash.
States Are Creating Guidelines for Responsible AI Use
As AI becomes more common in classrooms, some states are stepping in to ensure its use doesn’t compromise educational quality. Around two dozen states have introduced official guidance for AI use in schools, though implementation varies significantly between districts.
Maya Israel, an expert in educational technology at the University of Florida, emphasized the importance of maintaining teacher judgment when using AI. For example, while chatbots are helpful for grading multiple choice or straightforward answers, they often lack the nuance needed for complex written responses. Israel believes that students should be able to raise concerns if they feel an AI-generated grade is unfair and that teachers must retain final grading authority.
Teachers Report Time-Saving and Quality Improvements
A large majority of educators who use AI tools — about 8 in 10 — report time savings when it comes to tasks like creating quizzes, assignments, or handling administrative duties. Additionally, 6 in 10 say the tools have improved the quality of their work, especially in customizing student materials or giving feedback.
For Mary McCarthy, a social studies teacher near Houston, AI has not only enhanced her teaching but also improved her weekends. “It’s transformed how I manage my workload,” she said. Training from her district helped her model effective AI use for her students.
She explained, “If I just tell students that AI is bad and it’s going to make them lazy, that doesn’t help. My role is to guide them in how to use it wisely and responsibly.”
Thoughtful Use Is Key, Say Educators
Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, attitudes toward AI in education have shifted dramatically. While many schools initially restricted access, growing numbers have found ways to use it productively in classrooms. That said, concerns remain about students becoming overly dependent on AI. Roughly half of surveyed teachers worry it could harm students’ ability to think independently, solve problems, or persevere through challenges.
However, familiarity with AI can help teachers recognize when students may be relying too heavily on it. English teacher Darren Barkett in Colorado noted that signs of AI-written work often include overly polished grammar and unusually complex wording. He himself uses AI for creating lesson plans and grading both tests and essays.
Integrating AI Thoughtfully in Creative Subjects
In suburban Chicago, middle school art teacher Lindsay Johnson has taken a cautious approach to AI use. She ensures any technology introduced in class has passed her school’s data privacy standards and is safe for younger users.
During a recent final project, Johnson had her 8th graders create portraits of people who have influenced them. Once their drawings were mostly finished, she offered generative AI via Canva to help design background elements — a choice left up to the students. “Some were excited to explore it,” she said. “Others said, ‘I already have a vision and want to stick with it.’”
Her goal as an art teacher is to introduce students to different creative tools and help them understand how and when to use them.
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