Commenting on Teaching, AI and the human core of education: The future worth defending, a paper published to coincide with Education International’s AI and Technology conference, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"We welcome this insightful report from Education International, which highlights a critical truth: while AI is transformative, it is not automatically beneficial for education. Teachers remain the 'irreplaceable core' of the system, and their professional judgement and agency must be protected.
"The report warns that AI risks reducing education to data-driven processes and the transmission of knowledge, rather than fostering the human relationships that underpin critical and independent thinking, as well as making meaning. Strengthening educators’ capacity to exercise this professional judgement is therefore more important than ever.
"It is clear that AI can only improve learning and support teachers in their role if they are fully engaged in shaping its development. Without this expertise, new technologies risk undermining effectiveness and trust.
"The report sounds a strong note of caution for the government's AI tutors programme. These tools cannot replace the human and relational core of teaching. Any system that prioritises task completion and easily measured outputs over genuine understanding fails young people and society.
"Government must act now to ensure AI enhances education – by empowering and valuing educators, not attempting to diminish their role, expertise or judgement. Retaining experienced teachers and subject specialists, passionate about their subject, is vital."