Debunking the Biggest Myths About Using AI in Education: A Teacher’s Perspective

Five years ago, I never imagined artificial intelligence (AI) would become a staple in my teaching toolkit. But as soon as I tried AI, I was excited by the possibilities for how it could facilitate lesson planning for students with diverse learning styles and needs.  

Of course, I was also skeptical and had some concerns. I worried it might provide teachers with inappropriate guidance, reduce students’ critical thinking skills, or just add another layer of complexity to an already demanding job. 

Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say: AI will never replace the teachers because students need strong connection to thrive academically. However, it’s helped me become a more effective and efficient educator who can be more responsive to individual student needs.  

I still hear a lot of hesitation from fellow teachers, often rooted in common myths and misunderstandings. So, in this post, I want to tackle some of the most pervasive myths I’ve encountered about AI in the classroom — and share how the ethical use of AI in the classroom can be more empowering than intimidating.

Myths about Using AI in Education

Myth #1: “AI is going to replace teachers.” 

Let’s start with this big one: “AI is going to replace teachers.” 

This myth is everywhere — in media headlines, in staff room conversations, and perhaps whispered among students.  

We need to remember that AI is a tool, not a teacher. It doesn’t replace the human relationships, intuition, and real-time decision-making that great teaching requires. No algorithm can replicate the warmth of a teacher who knows when a student needs encouragement or a different approach. 

In my classroom, AI helps support my work, not compete with it. Whether it’s generating differentiated questions for a reading group or creating a warmup activity, AI saves me time so I can spend more of it with my students — connecting in a way that only a human educator can.

Myth #2: “Using AI is cheating — for both teachers and students.” 

When ChatGPT and similar tools started popping up, many teachers in online forums posted: “Great. Another way for students to cut corners.” 

But my focus was on learning how AI could be assistive technology for my students with disabilities. I asked other teachers if it might be unethical to not teach students with disabilities to use an AI tool that could help them succeed. My students and I discuss the ethical use of AI, and we will be co-creating an AI policy for our school. I also caution them about how the AI output is frequently unreliable, and they practice using it and comparing the AI results with other sources. Instead of reducing their critical thinking skills, I build in opportunities for students to hone them.   

And on the teacher’s side? AI doesn’t “cheat” the planning process — it enhances it. I still vet every resource it suggests and customize every output to meet my students’ needs. But I’m no longer starting every activity or lesson plan from scratch. That’s not cheating. That’s being efficient. 

Myth #3: “AI is too complicated or technical for everyday teaching.” 

The idea that you have to be a tech whiz to use AI in the classroom couldn’t be more wrong. 

Many AI tools are designed with educators in mind — they’re intuitive, user-friendly, and often free or low-cost. For example, I use tools that generate reading comprehension questions, adapt texts to different reading levels, and even simulate classroom scenarios for classroom management training. 

It doesn’t take hours of PD or a computer science degree to get started. If you can use a search engine, you can use AI. And the more you experiment, the more confident you’ll become.

Myth #4: “AI encourages cookie-cutter teaching.” 

This one really puzzled me because in my experience, it’s been the opposite. 

Yes, AI can quickly generate ideas or materials. But that doesn’t mean everything looks the same. I use AI to help personalize learning for my students: tailoring reading passages by Lexile level, adjusting math problems based on progress, or creating different exit ticket questions for varied levels of understanding. 

AI isn’t about creating one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about helping teachers reach every student more effectively.

Myth #5: “There’s no safe or responsible way to use AI in the classroom.” 

I get it — concerns about data privacy, bias, and misinformation are real. And they matter. 

But just like with any educational tool, it’s about how you use AI. I take time to choose tools that prioritize student privacy, and I always supervise how students interact with AI platforms. I also discuss digital literacy with my students — teaching them to think critically about the responses AI gives and how to fact-check information. 

Many schools and districts are now developing responsible use policies for AI, and teachers should be part of those conversations. We can lead the way in modeling ethical, informed use of these tools.

Myth #6: “AI is just a passing trend.” 

This one might be the most dangerous myth of all because it leads to inaction. 

The reality is, AI isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s becoming more integrated into the tools we already use, from learning management systems to grading platforms. The earlier we start exploring it, the more prepared we’ll be to guide our students not just in how to use it, but also in how to think critically and ethically in an AI-powered world. 

Pretending AI is a fad doesn’t protect students — it leaves them behind. 

Start Small, Think Big 

If you’re still hesitant about using AI in your classroom, that’s okay. But don’t let fear or misinformation keep you from trying something that could help you achieve the work-life balance you seek, while also serving your tailoring your lessons to your students’ needs.  

Here’s how I suggest getting started: 

• Pick one task you often do (lesson planning, writing instructions, creating rubrics), and try using AI to support it. 
• Reflect on what works and what doesn’t. Adjust your prompts or tools accordingly. 
• Talk to colleagues who are using AI. Learn from their successes (and mistakes). 
• Teach your students how to use AI responsibly. They’re already using it — we need to be part of that conversation. 

The goal isn’t to become an AI expert overnight. The goal is to embrace the tools that help us do what we do best: teach, connect, and inspire. 

Because at the end of the day, the power of AI in the classroom doesn’t come from the technology itself. It comes from teachers like us who use it with purpose and heart.

Interested in learning more about how to use AI in your classroom?  

Grab your free guide with 100+ AI prompts to save you time. Then check out our Resource Center for more free resources to help educators like you feel confident and prepared for the future of teaching. 

And if you’re looking for more ways to grow your career in education, check our Moreland’s 100% online programs that can help you get certified in as little as 9 months or earn a master’s in 12.