Why Are Educators Essential?

There are different interpretations of this question. Emphasizing "need" suggests we're exploring the importance of teachers, while focusing on "why" invites us to consider the very existence of educators. In the United States, there are around 4 million teachers, all of whom should be wary of the potential obsolescence of their profession within the next decade. The underlying issue? Traditional curricula are outdated and do not require human instructors for delivery.

Understanding Current Curricula

To align our perspectives, let's establish some foundational facts:

• The American Public School System was established in the late 1800s.
• Initially, curricula focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic.
• By the mid-20th century, core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies emerged, and little has changed since.

Now, let’s consider the challenge of engaging 21st-century students with a curriculum that is more than a century old.

The State of Student Performance

While educators and advocacy groups lament the quality of education, particularly for low-income students, measurable outcomes reveal a decline in student performance across the board. Recent data shows that American students are scoring worse on standardized tests in 2023 compared to 1986. Yet, few people ask why this is the case. Instead, debates over solutions have persisted for the last 70 years, with no consensus reached.

The Diminishing Role of Teachers

AI bots are poised to make traditional teaching roles redundant because the current method of instruction has become ineffective. What is a teacher's role today? They often merely present content that students could independently access online. The reality is that standardized tests primarily assess a student's ability to memorize information— not their intelligence.

The Viability of AI in Education

With two decades of experience in the K12 education system, including roles as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, I’ve observed that while I hold educators in high esteem, the teaching profession is becoming less relevant. This decline is not a reflection of the teachers themselves but rather a consequence of a system that undervalues their skills. Consequently, AI bots present a more cost-effective and manageable alternative for delivering education.

In the classroom, AI can replace human teachers without the complications that come with managing people. This includes:

• No need for substitute teachers
• Elimination of bathroom breaks
• Absence of excuses
• No lesson plans or supervision required
• No evaluation processes or school politics

You see where I'm going with this? If I were an administrator weighing the option of hiring numerous teachers versus utilizing AI bots— with similar or improved student outcomes— I would seriously consider the latter.

Reimagining Education

To prevent this potential future, we must rethink the existing curriculum. The current system, which clings to outdated methods, is failing. For instance, consider a standard assignment asking students to analyze "Romeo and Juliet." A more engaging approach might involve cross-curricular themes, such as sales techniques, leadership, or problem-solving.

Imagine a lesson where students discuss how Romeo persuades Juliet, framed within the context of sales. This method not only engages students but also opens up interdisciplinary connections that AI cannot replicate.

The Limitations of AI

It’s crucial to recognize that AI lacks true cognitive abilities. While its capabilities are impressive, AI merely compiles and rehashes existing information rather than generating original thought. Recent studies have shown that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, often produce inaccuracies and fabricate information. In contrast, human educators can discern fact from fiction, providing invaluable guidance.

Taking Action

If you want to safeguard the teaching profession, I urge you to explore my book, "Disrupting Education: The Path to 21st Century Schools." It outlines the essential skills students must develop before graduation, effectively replacing outdated standards in middle and high school.

As a bonus, my book includes a chapter on the fundamentals of 21st-century leadership skills, emphasizing that leadership is built on six core competencies. A clear vision is the first step, and my vision is straightforward: I aim to reform the K12 education system.

If you are frustrated with the current state of education and the lack of respect for teachers, join me in this mission. It's time to take action before we reach a point of no return.