27/01/2026
No, no, no. 🤦♀️
AI is NOT the answer. In fact, it's quite the opposite. While AI is a great tool for *some* things, it's not a replacement for instruction by a qualified professional.
Why?
👩🏫 AI does not genuinely care. Teachers read subtle body language and adjust their emotional approach to encourage students who are struggling or overwhelmed.
👩🏫 Children learn character from observing adults. AI cannot model resilience, humility, integrity or how to handle failure.
👩🏫 AI algorithms predict "average" answers. Teachers challenge students to think outside the box, debate and question norms.
👩🏫 Education involves learning to work with others. AI cannot mediate conflicts, teach negotiation or foster teamwork skills.
👩🏫 Relationships with children are essential. We work harder for people we respect. The desire to make a teacher proud or not let a mentor down provides motivation that a chatbot cannot replicate.
👩🏫 Teachers are the frontline for spotting signs of abuse, neglect or mental health crises that algorithms will miss.
👩🏫 AI lacks "world knowledge." Teachers understand local culture, current events, and the specific vibe of the classroom on any given day.
👩🏫 AI cannot physically correct a grip on a pen, a posture in sports or a technique in a science lab.
👩🏫 AI gives instant answers. Teachers know when to withhold answers to force productive struggle, which helps build deep understanding.
👩🏫 AI prioritises sounding convincing over being correct. While a teacher might occasionally be wrong, they don't 'hallucinate' entire historical events with total confidence.
While the government’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged pupils is commendable, relying on AI tutoring tools creates more problems than solves them.
Safe AI tutoring tools co-created with teachers to be available to schools by the end of 2027, helping to close the attainment gap.