One constant in education is change, and we are living in a time of great transition with the increasing impact of artificial intelligence in our lives and work.

As educators, we prepare students for a future we can’t envision and jobs that haven’t been invented. The field of AI promises exciting new possibilities for teaching and learning, along with challenges that must be addressed.

Concerns about privacy and misuse. Biased or incorrect information. Machines replacing people.

Generative AI is imperfect, evolving – and already changing the world which our children will inherit. We must learn to use this technology to enhance our students’ education.

That is the focus of this issue’s cover story, drawing in part from deep expertise of presenters at MEA’s Higher Education Conference to help all educators understand the transformative nature of AI and begin thinking about classroom applications.

From personalized instruction to individualized feedback, tools of AI can enhance our work. We hope this issue inspires you to explore and discover what this new technology has to offer and to encourage your district to adopt thoughtful guidelines and policies for its use.

Technology has a long history of opening doors to learning for students, with tools like Mason County’s immersive room illustrating just one way that additional school funding is helping Michigan students. Learn more at mea.org/arp.

And, thanks to steps taken by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her legislative allies, more positive change is coming with the Feb. 13 implementation of recently passed laws restoring collective bargaining rights for educators and rolling back the unfair pension tax.

Change isn’t easy, but at MEA we’re committed to supporting our members to provide a great education for every student. Thank you for your membership!

In Solidarity Always,

Chandra Madafferi, MEA President
Brett Smith, Vice President
Aaron Eling, Secretary-Treasurer