AI Forces School Districts to Reassess Teacher Contracts

Generative artificial intelligence is reshaping the educational landscape, prompting school districts to reconsider teacher contracts and policies. While AI is altering how teachers are hired, evaluated, and how they engage with lesson planning, only a few districts have begun to update their contracts to reflect these changes. The implications of this technology on teaching duties could necessitate specific language addressing AI use, including guidelines on district policies, AI tool usage, and protections for teachers against misuse.

Most public school teachers are unionized, and their contracts typically detail the conditions of their employment. As AI technologies evolve, experts suggest that it will be essential for contracts to explicitly outline expectations regarding AI. According to Robbie Torney, senior AI director at Common Sense Media, many teachers may not yet recognize the potential challenges posed by AI in their roles.

Negotiations in various districts, such as Ithaca, New York, and Orange County, Florida, have stalled due to disputes over fundamental issues related to AI, including concerns about whether AI tools could replace teachers or undermine their professional judgment. The National Council of Teacher Quality (NCTQ) plans to analyze AI-related contract language in the upcoming year, focusing on how AI can be leveraged for recruiting and retaining teachers while enhancing instructional capacity.

Heather Peske, president of NCTQ, emphasizes the need for protective measures against AI misuse that could impact teachers’ reputations and their interactions with students. Current discussions about AI primarily center around its effects on students rather than on teachers themselves. A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that only about 10% of school districts have established policies governing how teachers should utilize AI, with even fewer addressing its application in hiring, training, and evaluation processes.

Several districts have begun to respond to AI-related challenges reactively. In St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, a contract was adopted last year addressing nonconsensual digital manipulation and deepfakes following an incident where a teacher was recorded without consent. The contract now includes provisions for protecting teacher privacy and outlining disciplinary measures for inappropriate use of a teacher’s likeness.

Brant Osborn, president of the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees, noted that while protections have improved, updates to AI policies often occur only after issues arise. One area of concern includes how teachers’ intellectual property rights may be affected by AI technology that scrapes content from the internet.

Both the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) have begun to develop guidelines for teachers regarding AI usage. Randi Weingarten, AFT president, remarked on the need for educators to lead discussions on AI in contracts, warning that failure to address these issues could result in a significant shift in the educational landscape.

Contract negotiations in Ithaca recently broke down when the teachers’ union sought language to prevent the district from using generative AI to replace staff positions. The district’s leadership expressed hesitance to impose restrictions on rapidly evolving technology. Robert Van Keuren, Ithaca’s chief investigative officer, stated that the district is aware of AI’s potential but is cautious about limiting future opportunities.

As schools implement AI tools for instructional purposes, concerns about surveillance and student privacy have also emerged. Adam Aguilera, a middle-grades teacher in Washington and member of a statewide education task force, highlighted the importance of prioritizing AI training for teachers in contract discussions.

In contrast, the Rockdale 84 district in Illinois has adopted a collaborative approach, establishing a committee composed of union and district representatives to advise on AI tool adoption and necessary training. The contract emphasizes that technology should enhance educational outcomes while respecting teachers’ rights.

As AI continues to permeate educational systems, districts will need to navigate the complexities that arise, ensuring contracts evolve to meet the challenges of this new era. The ongoing dialogue between teachers, administrators, and unions will be crucial in shaping the future of education in an AI-driven landscape.