As AI tools become more prevalent in the classroom, teachers are facing new challenges when it comes to preventing cheating. One teacher, who goes by the name “The Robots Are Winning,” reached out to We Are Teachers for advice on how to handle students using AI to generate their work. The teacher expressed frustration with the lack of support from administration and the pressure to police cheating on their own.
In response, We Are Teachers offered several strategies for dealing with AI cheating in the classroom. One suggestion was to have students write a short essay or paragraph by hand in class as a writing sample to compare future assignments to. This way, teachers can detect any suspicious work that may have been generated by AI. Additionally, they recommended asking for AI professional development to learn more about the technology and its benefits and challenges. Adjusting the way teachers check for understanding and having a conversation with students about using AI responsibly were also suggested as ways to address the issue.
If schools do not have a clear policy on AI cheating, We Are Teachers encouraged teachers to take matters into their own hands and create their own policy. It is important for teachers to have support from their schools when it comes to addressing cheating, especially when it involves advanced technology like AI.
In another letter, a teacher shared their concern about working at the same school as their soon-to-be ex-spouse. Despite the amicable nature of their divorce, they were worried about potential awkwardness among colleagues and students. We Are Teachers advised the teacher to communicate openly with their principal and colleagues about the situation to avoid any misunderstandings. Setting boundaries with their ex-spouse on how to talk about the divorce and each other was also recommended. Ultimately, the teacher was encouraged to prioritize their well-being and make a change if the situation becomes too uncomfortable.
Lastly, a first-year teacher, known as “A Rookie Mistake,” sought advice on how to navigate the chaos of their new job. They described a lack of onboarding and support from the school, leading to confusion and frustration. We Are Teachers reassured the teacher that it is common to feel overwhelmed in the first year and offered practical tips for finding support and clarifying expectations.
Overall, We Are Teachers emphasized the importance of communication, setting boundaries, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care in dealing with challenging situations in the classroom. Teachers were encouraged to advocate for themselves and their students while navigating the complexities of the education system.
