This Teachers Day comes at a time when classrooms around the world are steadily embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise teaching and learning. AI systems are not just delivering content; they are adapting in real time to each student’s pace, preferences, and progress. Such powerful capabilities have led many to question the future role of teachers. Will they become obsolete, or will their role transform? The answer lies in understanding how AI serves as a tool to empower, not replace, teachers. It is crucial to appreciate the human qualities of teaching — mentorship, empathy, moral guidance, and inspiration — that AI, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate.

AI’s Growing Influence in Classrooms

AI today offers personalised learning at an unprecedented scale. Intelligent tutoring systems can remember a student’s learning history, adjust lesson difficulty, and provide instant feedback customised to the individual. For example, students struggling with maths can receive practice problems tailored to their exact weaknesses, while high achievers are challenged to explore more complex concepts. According to a 2024 Harvard study, students guided by AI tutors who ask questions step-by-step scored significantly better than those in traditional lecture settings.

Moreover, AI frees teachers from time-consuming tasks such as grading assignments or managing administrative duties. Automated grading systems assess essays and tests quickly, allowing teachers to focus more on interactive, creative, and emotional aspects of education. AI also assists in spotting learning gaps early using data analytics, enabling timely interventions.

However, many educators and experts stress that AI’s true power lies in hybrid intelligence — the collaboration of human teachers and AI. Ms Cleaver from New Zealand’s Ministry of Education notes, “The role of AI in education must be to enhance teaching and learning and provide assistance to knowledgeable and skilled teachers. Human teachers must remain central in forming educative relationships with students.” This hybrid model preserves the human connection essential for effective learning.

The Evolving Role of Teachers

While many experts see AI as a tool to empower teachers rather than replace them, some voices foresee a more radical change. Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, warned that within the next decade, AI could replace many professionals, including teachers and doctors. He said, “The era that we’re just starting is that intelligence is rare… And with AI, over the next decade, that will become free. Great medical advice, great tutoring.” Gates described this shift as “quite profound and somewhat intimidating,” raising important questions about the future role of humans in education.

Yet, even with such advances, the irreplaceable qualities of empathy, mentorship, and inspiration remain uniquely human, making teachers essential partners to AI rather than obsolete. With AI handling personalised content delivery and administrative tasks, teachers are evolving into mentors, guides, and facilitators of critical thinking and creativity. Teachers’ roles increasingly include understanding students’ emotional health, motivating shy or anxious learners, fostering collaboration, and nurturing social skills. These qualities are impossible for AI alone to replicate, highlighting the irreplaceable value of human teachers.

As Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, said, “We’re scared of AI, but we’re also embracing AI. We think AI will be the great equaliser, helping students learn better while freeing teachers to focus on mentorship.” The shift allows educators to spend more one-on-one time addressing individual student needs, developing creative projects, and encouraging curiosity beyond textbooks.

Experts also warn of the risks of depending solely on AI without ethical guidelines. Andreas Schleicher from OECD points out, “AI can amplify good teaching practices, and it can amplify bad teaching practices. It may be ethically neutral, but it will always be in the hands of people that aren’t.” This underscores the responsibility of teachers in guiding AI’s use positively and ethically.

How AI and Teachers Will Co-Create the Future of Education

The future classroom will likely operate on a partnership model between AI and teachers. AI-powered platforms like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo and others allow students to explore topics through intelligent questioning and feedback, sometimes outside school hours. Teachers use insights from AI data to tailor learning experiences further, support struggling pupils and identify gifted students. AI can also promote inclusion by offering language translation, accessibility tools, and culturally sensitive content.

Jannat Maqbool, Executive Director at the AI Researchers Association, remarks, “If AI is used as a supportive tool — rather than a replacement — teachers and students can maintain strong relationships.” She highlights how AI can enhance personalised learning, promote ethical data use, and support cultural inclusion.

Ultimately, while AI is reshaping educational tools, the social, cultural, and emotional roles teachers play remain vital. On this Teachers Day, the partnership between human teachers and intelligent machines represents the best path forward — combining the precision and scale of AI with the irreplaceable warmth and wisdom of educators.

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