Protecting Your Kids From AI Teachers

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we all saw the possible future where online learning becomes the norm, and we learned that due to the deeply relational nature of teaching and learning students learn best through face-to-face, in person interactions with their teachers. 

As we set out to negotiate our first "post-pandemic" contract, the ITA is seeking to codify the notion that human kids need human teachers by adopting contract language that allows teachers to use technology tools to ENHANCE student learning, but limits the district from using technology, especially emerging generative AI technology, to REPLACE humans in the classroom.

We thought this would be an easy win, but the District has so far said they agree, but been unwilling to put it into writing. Reasons for the delay include this notion of regulating AI in our classrooms being simultaneously "too late" and "too early", more appropriate for a Board Policy, and for the legislature to decide. One Executive even went as far to question whether AI bots would one day provide "more value" that human teachers.

The ITA remains strong in our belief that human kids deserve human teachers, and will be returning to the table to continue working to codify this issue.    

All ITA members, caregivers, students, and community supporters are HIGHLY encouraged to speak out and call for resolution of this issue as soon as possible. There are three possible solutions to this issue: ICSD could negotiate AI protections as part of binding contract language, the Board of Education could pass a policy ensuring AI protections, or New York State Governor Cathy Hochul could sign bill S7599 into law ensuring that AI protections are codified statewide. 

The ITA is encouraging people to use every one of these levers to make these important protections a reality!  

Here are THREE concrete ways that you can make your voice heard:

1. Contact the ICSD Executive Team via the Let's Talk portal and demand that they negotiate AI protections at the ITA negotiations bargaining table.

2. Contact the members of the Board of Education Policy Committee, Sean Eversley Bradwell, Emily Workman, and Madeline Cardona, via the Let's Talk portal OR address them in a public comment period at a meeting of the policy committee.

   • Ask them to enact a policy in keeping with the proposed state legislative bill

3. Join us in our letter writing campaign to Governor Hochul demanding that she sign this legislation and enact AI protections as law. 

View detailed directions and letter writing templates, here.