I’ll never forget the start of the school year: I was determined to make collaboration a priority. My grade-level teammates and I agreed we’d meet weekly to talk about kids, brainstorm, and generally keep each other inspired. It sounded perfect—on paper. But as the weeks rolled on, reality set in.

Our “weekly” meetings became biweekly, then monthly, and eventually, they quietly faded away. It wasn’t for lack of interest or effort—life just got in the way. And there I was, back in my classroom, trying to generate ideas on my own.

That’s when I turned to a new teaching partner: AI.

Let me be upfront: AI is not a perfect substitute for human collaboration. It doesn’t offer me new perspectives developed over years of classroom experience, and it definitely doesn’t laugh at my teacher jokes. But, AI brings to the table some benefits that human partners can’t, or won’t.

Always Available 

AI doesn’t take sick days, get bogged down with paperwork, or have other meetings to attend. Whether it’s early morning before school or late at night after grading, AI is ready. This consistency has transformed how I brainstorm and create. When inspiration strikes or when I’m facing a teaching dilemma, my AI partner is there, always willing to dive in.

Flexibility

Have you ever struggled to scaffold a concept for students who need extra support? What about trying to make a dense resource more accessible? AI can tackle anything. It can break down overly complex materials into manageable pieces, suggest alternative ways to present information, and help create tools that meet students where they are. It has also helped me design assessments and rubrics that are both rigorous and clear, ensuring all students have the chance to succeed.

Positivity

As much as I value collaboration with my peers, it’s not always easy. Human colleagues come with human flaws: biases that influence their ideas, exhaustion from juggling personal and professional demands, or a sense of jadedness that creeps in over time. Some focus solely on getting students “ready for the real world” at the expense of creativity or compassion. Others see meetings as an opportunity to vent rather than to innovate. Working with people in this state can be draining, even when their intentions are good. This is where AI offers a refreshing contrast—it’s always ready to focus on solutions and move the work forward.

No Judgment

One of my favorite parts of working with AI is the lack of interpersonal tension. There are no creative disagreements, no worry about offending someone by suggesting a different approach, and no hesitations about sharing half-baked ideas. 

AI as a Reflection of My Work Ethic

Perhaps the most surprising thing about my AI collaborator is how much it reflects my own dedication. AI is tireless and focused, a mirror of the work ethic I strive to bring to my teaching. When I sit down with AI, I feel like I’m working alongside a partner who’s as committed to my students’ success as I am.

A New Kind of Partnership

AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a collaborator that’s helped me push my teaching practice further. Together, we’ve created lessons that engage students more deeply, assessments that are clearer and more effective, and resources that meet students where they are. 

If you are curious about AI but hesitant to embrace it, don’t think of it as replacing human connection. Think of it as adding another layer to your teaching toolkit—one that’s always ready to work as hard as you do.

Ed X!