To Be or Not to Be: AI in Education—A Trojan Horse or a Teacher’s Ally?

To Be or Not to Be: AI in Education

A Trojan Horse or a Teacher’s Ally?

In the grand theater of education, where the scent of dry-erase markers mingles with the dreams of young minds, a new player has strutted onto the stage: Artificial Intelligence. And who’s directing this high-stakes drama? None other than Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), who’s rolled out the red carpet for Big Tech titans—Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic—with a $23 million fanfare called the National Academy for AI Instruction. It’s a bold move, promising to train 400,000 teachers to wield AI like a trusty No. 2 pencil. But is this a noble quest to empower educators, or a corporate plot to sneak a Trojan horse through the schoolhouse gates? As the Bard might say, “To be or not to be?”—not a question of existence, but of whether AI will be a teacher’s ally or a tech overlord’s pawn.

 Act I: The Pact with the Silicon Sirens

Picture the scene: a Manhattan academy, gleaming with promise, where teachers will master the art of AI over five years, impacting 7.2 million students with workshops, online courses, and credentials in ethical AI use. Weingarten, ever the stage manager, insists this is about putting teachers “in the driver’s seat,” with AI as a trusty GPS, not a self-driving car usurping their role. The AFT’s vision is a classroom where AI crafts lesson plans, personalizes learning, and frees teachers to focus on the human stuff—empathy, inspiration, that spark when a kid finally 'gets' fractions.

But hold your applause, dear audience. Critics, led by the sharp pens at 'Truthdig', cry foul, branding this partnership “Randi Weingarten’s AI Betrayal.” They see a darker script: Big Tech slipping into schools like a fox in a henhouse, hungry for student data and brand loyalty. The $23 million initiative, they argue, is less about education and more about surveillance capitalism—a public relations stunt to reengineer labor with teachers as unwitting guinea pigs. It’s a tale as old as time: unions were forged to fend off corporate greed, not to invite it to the prom. As the protest slogan warns, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” And right now, it looks like teachers might be the main course.

 Act II: The Protest Slogans—Echoes of Rebellion

Enter the rallying cries of the resistance: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu” and “Nothing about us without us.” These aren’t just catchy lines scrawled on picket signs; they’re a clarion call for agency, born from movements demanding that those affected by change get to shape it. In this drama, they’re a warning to educators: if you don’t help craft AI’s role in the classroom, you’ll be steamrolled by it. Imagine an AI trained not by teachers but by Silicon Valley’s elite—think Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg as your kid’s “nurturing” guide. Less 'Mary Poppins', more 'Matrix' overlord, programming lessons with a side of Tesla ads or Meta’s metaverse.

AI, like a student, is learning right now. Its “teachers” will shape its soul, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. If corporate coders hold the chalk, we risk a future where AI mirrors their biases and bottom lines—a machine-driven oligarchy that turns schools into data farms. But if educators take the lead, AI could be a tool that amplifies human potential, like a quill in Shakespeare’s hand. The question is: will teachers be co-authors of this story, or mere extras in Big Tech’s blockbuster?

 Act III: The Critics’ Case—A Corporate Conspiracy?

The naysayers wield a sharp quill, and their arguments cut deep. 'Truthdig' and others accuse Weingarten of betraying labor’s core mission: protecting workers from corporate overreach. Public education, they lament, is already a battleground, morphing from a cradle of citizenship into a factory for job training, with teachers facing precarious gigs and admins bowing to corporate whims. AI, they warn, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, promising efficiency but delivering surveillance, bias, and a slow erosion of teaching’s human heart.

The evidence is hard to ignore. AI tools have stumbled, churning out racist or false outputs—like behavior plans that unfairly target Black students—and guzzling energy like a fleet of Hummers, with data centers leaving environmental scars. Research, like that from Hamsa Bastani at the Wharton School, suggests AI chatbots can sap students’ confidence and effort, turning learning into a game of “cognitive offloading” where critical thinking takes a nap. And let’s not kid ourselves: Big Tech’s $23 million isn’t charity. It’s a calculated bet to lock in market share, with schools as fertile ground for data harvesting and brand loyalty. As 'The 74' quips, this could be “a gigantic public experiment that no one has asked for.”

Weingarten’s past doesn’t help her case. Her flirtations with corporate interests—backing NewsGuard, hosting Big Tech AI summits—paint her as less a union warrior and more a pragmatist dancing with Silicon Valley’s devils. The 'Washington Informer' adds another twist: AI could widen inequities, hitting underserved communities hardest with unequal access and environmental fallout from data centers. It’s a plot twist that makes you wonder if Weingarten’s playing Prospero or Faust.

 Act IV: The Defenders’ Rebuttal—A Seat at the Table

But wait—there’s another act to this play, and it casts Weingarten as a cunning tactician, not a traitor. The AFT’s defenders argue that AI is as inevitable as the internet or the printing press. Ban it from classrooms, and you’re King Canute yelling at the tide. The National Academy for AI Instruction, they say, is a chance to shape AI’s role, ensuring it serves teachers and students, not corporate overlords. By training educators to use AI ethically—crafting lessons, tailoring learning, chatting with parents—the initiative keeps humans center stage.

The AFT insists this isn’t a corporate takeover. The curriculum is co-designed by teachers, not just tech bros, and it’s tool-agnostic, so no one’s hawking ChatGPT or Copilot. Privacy, transparency, and safeguards are front and center, while open-source materials aim to democratize AI, not gatekeep it. Microsoft and OpenAI pitch equitable access as a game-changer for low-income and special-needs students, closing gaps that poverty and underfunding have carved. Teachers like Zach Kennelly see the upside: AI could lighten workloads, personalize lessons, and leave room for the human connection no bot can mimic. In underfunded schools with swelling class sizes, AI isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

 Act V: The Soul of Learning

So, where does this leave our drama? The debate over AI in education isn’t just about Weingarten or the AFT—it’s about the soul of learning itself. Will AI foster critical thinking, creativity, and community, or churn out data-driven drones for a corporate machine? The answer lies in who shapes it. If teachers are sidelined, we risk a future where AI reflects Silicon Valley’s cold calculus—think Zuckerberg as a nanny, tucking kids in with targeted ads. But if educators steer the ship, AI could be a tool that amplifies humanity, like a paintbrush in a master’s hand.

The protest slogans ring true. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu” reminds us that teachers must be architects of AI’s role, not its appetizers. “Nothing about us without us” demands that educators and students shape the tools repeatedly, defining their future. Science fiction’s nightmares—learning helmets, Neuralink classrooms—aren’t here yet, but they loom if we let corporate interests run the show. The AFT’s initiative, for all its flaws, is a step toward keeping those nightmares at bay.

 Finale: A Cautious Curtain Call

In the end, the National Academy for AI Instruction is neither a triumph nor a tragedy—it’s a gamble. Weingarten’s dance with Big Tech teeters between pragmatism and peril. The critics are right: AI’s risks—bias, surveillance, inequity—are real, and Big Tech’s motives are murky at best. But the champions have a point: AI is here, and ignoring it won’t save education—it’ll leave teachers defenseless against the coming storm.

So, to be or not to be? AI 'will' be in education; that’s not the question. The real question is how it will be—human or machine, ally or overlord. For now, Weingarten’s move earns a cautious nod, not a standing ovation. Teachers must seize this moment to mold AI in their image, not Silicon Valley’s, lest we wake in a world where 'The Matrix' is a documentary. As the curtain rises on this new act, let’s hope teachers, not tech titans, take the starring role.

Randi Weingarten’s AI Betrayal - Truthdig https://www.truthdig.com/articles/randi-weingartens-ai-betrayal/ 

Teachers at the helm: New national AI academy prioritizes educators in classroom tech | American Federation of Teachers https://www.aft.org/news/teachers-helm-new-national-ai-academy-prioritizes-educators-classroom-tech 

Will New AI Academy Help Teachers or Just Improve Tech’s Bottom Line? AFT says its AI training initiative will modernize teaching, while critics say it’s ‘a gigantic public experiment that no one has asked for.’ https://www.the74million.org/article/will-new-ai-academy-help-teachers-or-just-improve-techs-bottom-line/ 

Teachers union partners with tech giants to train AI skills https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/07/09/teachers-union-partners-with-tech-giants-to-train-ai-skills 

AI Educator Brain | Share My Lesson https://sharemylesson.com/partner/ai-educator-brain 

Big Education Ape: AI IN THE CLASSROOM: AFT DANCING WITH THE DEVIL OR WALTZING WITH PROGRESS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/ai-in-classroom-aft-dancing-with-devil.html 

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-10-25

Big Education Ape: THE GREAT ED NEWS ROUNDUP AUGUST 2-9, 2025 FROM THE 4 HORSEBOTS OF THE AI-POCALYPSE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-great-ed-news-roundup-august-2-9.html 

The article discusses major education news from August 2-9, 2025, highlighting policy changes, technological advancements, funding issues, and student well-being. Key topics include Trump’s executive orders on college admissions and fitness tests, tuition hikes in England and Wales, AI’s growing role in education, teen loneliness, school voucher debates, teacher stress, and global education challenges.

### Key Points

- Trump’s executive order mandates colleges to submit admissions data to ensure meritocracy, sparking debates on diversity and institutional autonomy. 

- The Presidential Fitness Test returns, prompting nostalgia and skepticism about its relevance in modern education. 

- Tuition fees in England and Wales rise to £9,535, fueling affordability concerns and debates about the value of higher education. 

- Google commits $1 billion to AI training at universities, while teachers express unease about AI’s impact on classrooms and student behavior. 

- A report highlights teen loneliness as a growing issue linked to mental health struggles and school challenges. 

- School voucher debates intensify, with surprising bipartisan support and outrage over withheld K-12 funding. 

- Chronic absenteeism remains a crisis, and teacher stress continues to escalate due to workloads and understaffing. 

- Special education faces a dire shortage of teachers and funding cuts, threatening support for students with disabilities. 

- Microsoft Copilot highlights global education challenges, including cyber fraud in India, the Sahel region’s education crisis, and threats to Afghan women’s education rights. 

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 8-9-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and.html 

### Key Points

- Weekly roundup of education news, highlighting privatization efforts and AI's role in education. 

- Scrutiny of public school privatization by billionaires and organizations like DFER. 

- Jeffrey Epstein-related controversies continue to draw public attention. 

- Examination of political theories like the Unitary Executive Theory and their implications. 

- Advocacy for public education and resistance against privatization efforts. 

Big Education Ape: Who Knew Jeffrey Epstein? Apparently, Nobody and Everybody—But Only for a Hot Minute https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/who-knew-jeffrey-epstein-apparently.html

Big Education Ape's article delves into Jeffrey Epstein's complex social connections, revealing a web of high-profile individuals who interacted with him while distancing themselves after his crimes surfaced. It highlights unsealed court documents from 2024 that list over 150 names, including political figures, celebrities, and business leaders. Despite speculation about a "client list," the DOJ refuted claims of blackmail or extensive conspiracies, emphasizing victim privacy. The article explores Epstein's dual life—one as an elite socialite and another as a predator—and examines the reluctance of his acquaintances to acknowledge their ties, driven by shame and fear of scandal.

### Key Points

- Jeffrey Epstein's social circle included politicians, celebrities, and business leaders, yet many deny deep connections after his crimes were exposed. 

- Unsealed court documents from 2024 revealed over 150 names linked to Epstein, including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, Leslie Wexner, and others. 

- The DOJ dismissed theories of a "client list" or blackmail operation, citing victim privacy and lack of evidence. 

- Epstein's dual life—hobnobbing with elites while committing heinous crimes—added to the difficulty of untangling truth from speculation. 

- Ghislaine Maxwell and other close associates played pivotal roles in Epstein's operations, but many high-profile figures claim fleeting connections. 

Just remember this https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/8/9/2337589/-Just-remember-this?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken 

### Key Points

- The article discusses Dean Cain's alignment with ICE and MAGA politics, contrasting his portrayal of Superman with his current political stance, which some view as hypocritical given Superman's values. 

- Readers criticize Cain for supporting ideologies contrary to his family history of internment and the values associated with Superman. 

- The commentary reflects broader discontent with political figures and celebrities aligning with right-wing ideologies, comparing Trump to Lex Luthor. 

- Discussion extends to the impact of showbiz on actors' careers and their subsequent involvement in political movements. 

- Additional trending topics include critiques of Trump’s policies, redistricting strategies, and updates on MAGA-related controversies. 

The Best Resources For Organizing “Connection” or “Community Building” Circles - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/ 

### Key Points

- The blog offers education news and resources, focusing on topics like AI, community building, and leadership studies. 

- Infographics and videos are used to spark classroom discussions on cultural responsiveness and name pronunciation. 

- Weekly updates on free and useful AI tools for classrooms are shared, along with tips for ELL teachers and research studies applicable to education. 

- Books and resources provide research-based instructional strategies for various subjects and student motivation techniques. 

- Additional work includes blogs, radio shows, and posts on platforms like Education Week Teacher and the New York Times. 

Fixing Schools Again and Again https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/09/fixing-schools-again-and-again-2/ via @CubanLarry 

Fixing Schools Again and Again

### Key Points

- U.S. school reform over the past century has repeatedly shifted from one major policy fix to another without reflecting on past outcomes. 

- Reformers have targeted students, schools, and teachers with various solutions, such as early childhood education, curriculum standards, accountability measures, and classroom technologies. 

- Policymakers often prioritize ideological and political agendas over evidence-based reforms, as public schools are politically vulnerable institutions. 

- Public schools have historically been tasked with addressing broader societal issues like segregation, defense, and economic inequality, leading to frequent shifts in reform strategies. 

- Since the mid-1980s, global economic competitiveness has driven school reform, focusing on standardized tests, curriculum standards, and parental choice. 

- Pushback against standardized testing and federal overreach has led to calls for returning power to states and local districts, with elements of Progressive-era reforms resurfacing. 

- Reformers are advised to learn from past efforts and consider the historical context of school reforms to avoid repeating mistakes. 

Men Who Like Books Start Out as Boys Who Read https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/08/09/men-who-like-books-start-out-as-boys-who-read/ via @nancyflanagan 

Men Who Like Books Start Out as Boys Who Read explores the decline in male readership, highlighting its cultural implications. The article discusses the disparity between genders in fiction sales, the importance of fostering a love for reading, and the limitations of technical reading instruction. It emphasizes the need for authentic reasons to read, connecting literacy to personal growth, imagination, and informed citizenship.

### Key Points

- Men are reading less, with women dominating fiction sales, raising concerns about cultural regression. 

- The author finds men who read attractive and considers fostering male literacy a national education goal. 

- Personal anecdotes highlight the joy and lifelong benefits of reading for pleasure. 

- Current reading instruction focuses heavily on technical skills, often neglecting the motivation to read. 

- Effective literacy education requires personalized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. 

- Literacy is tied to informed citizenship and success, transcending mere academic skills. 

- A comparison of presidents emphasizes the cultural value of reading as a leadership trait. 

- Shared memories of reading underscore its role in building relationships and legacy. 

glen brown: Wildfire smoke is like smoking half a pack a day. Here's how to protect yourself https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/wildfire-smoke-is-like-smoking-half.html 

This article discusses the health risks and protective measures related to wildfire smoke, emphasizing its increasing prevalence due to climate change. It also provides insights into vulnerable populations and the toxic composition of wildfire pollution.

### Key Points

- Wildfire smoke exposure is likened to smoking cigarettes and poses significant health risks, especially during high AQI levels. 

- Vulnerable groups include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and first responders, with potential long-term impacts such as dementia and preterm birth. 

- Climate change has intensified wildfires and their frequency, erasing prior air quality improvements. 

- Toxic materials from burned homes and synthetic fibers exacerbate the health dangers of wildfire smoke. 

- Protective measures include staying indoors, using air filters, limiting physical activity, and wearing N95 masks outdoors. 

How Andrew Cuomo helps the poor by staying away from them. He accuses Mamdani of living too modestly. https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/how-andrew-cuomo-helps-the-poor-by 

### Key Points

- Andrew Cuomo criticized Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for occupying a rent-controlled apartment, accusing him of being wealthy and depriving the homeless of shelter. 

- Cuomo lives in a luxurious $7,800-a-month Midtown rental, distancing himself from affordable housing while claiming to help the poor. 

- Mamdani built his campaign on grassroots donations, whereas Cuomo relies on billionaire backers like Michael Bloomberg and Alice Walton. 

- Despite Mamdani’s modest lifestyle and history as a housing counselor, Cuomo attacked him for being rich, ignoring his own scandals and wealth. 

- Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 due to sexual harassment allegations but is now running for NYC Mayor in 2025, leveraging his billionaire connections. 

- The article critiques Cuomo’s approach to poverty, highlighting his reliance on luxury, billionaire support, and attacks on working-class advocates like Mamdani. 

Memories of Live Aid https://www.changethelausd.com/memories_of_live_aid

### Key Points

- Live Aid was a global concert organized by Bob Geldof in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, featuring simultaneous performances in Philadelphia and London. 

- The event showcased iconic performances, including Queen’s legendary set, U2’s impactful chant, and reunions of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, with music alternating between the two locations. 

- Live Aid raised approximately $245 million and highlighted the power of music as a force for social change, inspiring future charity events like Farm Aid. 

- The article reflects on the cultural significance of Live Aid, contrasting its compassionate spirit with modern isolationism and the corporatization of the music industry. 

Schools Matter: New Study Finds Racist AI Bots Used to Assist Teachers http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/new-study-finds-racist-ai-bots-used-to.html 

### Key Points

- A study by Common Sense Media reveals racial bias in AI teacher assistants, showing punitive measures for Black-coded names and supportive approaches for White-coded names. 

- AI tools like MagicSchool, Khanmingo, Curipod, and Google Gemini for Education, designed for classroom support, pose risks of bias, especially for special education students. 

- The rush to implement AI in education without proper bias training for teachers is criticized, highlighting the vulnerabilities of underprepared educators and students. 

Behaviorism as Cognitive Science | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/08/10/behaviorism-as-cognitive-science/ 

Elected school boards are fundamental to American democracy, but the article critiques the promotion of behaviorist-based Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) in education. It argues that CLT, which emphasizes explicit instruction and content mastery over discovery learning, undermines broader cognitive science principles and critical thinking. The author highlights the influence of billionaires and privatization efforts on education reforms, particularly in the UK under Michael Gove, and questions the validity of standardized testing data used to support behaviorist approaches. Researchers and educators express skepticism about untested cognitive science theories, pointing out evidence that challenges CLT’s claims about critical thinking and pedagogy.

### Key Points

- Cognitive Load Theory emphasizes explicit instruction, claiming critical thinking requires extensive content knowledge and is not teachable as a transferable skill. 

- Critics argue CLT is philosophically flawed and undermines broader cognitive science research, favoring behaviorist principles. 

- Billionaires and privatization efforts influence education reforms, with examples from the UK under Michael Gove, whose policies faced significant backlash. 

- Standardized testing data cited to support behaviorist approaches is weak and inconclusive, especially when comparing US and UK scores. 

- Researchers challenge CLT’s assertions, presenting evidence that critical thinking can be taught and transferred beyond content mastery. 

Pardons, Power, and the Maxwell Mystery: What Trump Doesn’t Want You to Ask – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/09/pardons-power-and-the-maxwell-mystery-what-trump-doesnt-want-you-to-ask/ 

Pardons, Power, and the Maxwell Mystery: What Trump Doesn’t Want You to Ask

### Key Points

- Donald Trump has used presidential powers, including pardons, for personal preservation, raising moral, legal, and political concerns. 

- His remarks about Ghislaine Maxwell in 2020, coupled with her alleged role in grooming minors, were unsettling and tested the boundaries of public accountability. 

- The constitutional framework for presidential pardons is meant to preserve justice, not shield allies or serve self-interest. Abuse of this power could meet thresholds for bribery or obstruction. 

- Historical examples, such as Nixon’s pardon discussions during Watergate and Ford’s pardon of Nixon, highlight the importance of intent in acts of clemency. 

- Maxwell’s transfer to a lower-security prison has fueled suspicions of preferential treatment and potential agreements to protect powerful individuals. 

- Discrepancies in Epstein’s prison footage and shifting narratives about Trump’s connection to Epstein have eroded public trust in the justice system. 

- Allegations about Trump’s ties to Epstein and the lack of transparency regarding the so-called Epstein client list continue to deepen public skepticism. 

- The political right has weaponized pedophilia allegations against opponents while ignoring credible cases involving their own allies, demonstrating hypocrisy. 

- Consistent application of justice principles is essential to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold the rule of law. 

- Abuse of the pardon power undermines democracy and erodes public trust, necessitating scrutiny by Congress, courts, and the press. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-9-25

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01487282338.html

The article is a collection of various topics related to education, politics, societal issues, and current events. It includes discussions on media integrity, immigration policies, liberal arts education, controversies surrounding charter schools, standardized testing, and other pressing matters impacting public education and broader societal dynamics.

### Key Points  

- CBS agreed to a $16 million settlement with Trump and installed a "bias monitor" reporting directly to him to resolve a lawsuit and secure FCC approval for a merger.   

- Immigrant children in Oklahoma schools live in fear due to ICE raids and strict immigration policies, causing absenteeism and anxiety.   

- Liberal arts education at the University of Tulsa’s Honors College was popular among students but was closed due to financial and vocational education priorities.   

- Jeffrey Epstein’s social circle included high-profile figures, yet many deny deep connections after his crimes were exposed.   

- A meeting at JD Vance’s residence aimed to rewrite *The Epstein Files Season 3* narrative amid its poor reception, focusing on deflecting controversies.   

- Standardized testing disproportionately impacts marginalized students, perpetuating systemic racism and benefiting the testing industry.   

- Oklahoma’s education leader proposed a politically biased test for incoming teachers, favoring MAGA-aligned perspectives.   

- Pro-social lies are explored as small untruths told to maintain social harmony, emphasizing kindness over blunt honesty.   

- Unity’s modifications to the SHIP program for retirees make it overly complex and discouraging for users.   

- Ireland defied Trump’s threats by supporting Palestine and boycotting trade with illegal Israeli settlements.   

- Charter schools are often located in industrial zones or environmentally hazardous areas, raising safety and environmental concerns.   

- Researchers at Harvard discovered lithium deficiency may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting potential for early diagnosis and treatment.   

- Trump’s policies, including budget cuts and executive orders, negatively impact public education, migrant families, and international relations.   

- Advocates call for alternatives to standardized tests, such as performance-based assessments and collaborative projects.   

- AI ethics and societal risks are discussed, highlighting concerns about misinformation and self-preservation tactics.   

- Climate change impacts, such as wildfire smoke, are emphasized as urgent issues.   

- Libraries play a crucial role in combating misinformation and preserving intellectual freedom amid AI distortions.   

- Charter schools divert resources from public schools, creating parallel systems that serve fewer students at the expense of the majority.