Teachers use AI more, but still work the same long hours

Teachers across the board are becoming more comfortable with artificial intelligence (AI) — computer systems that can help automate tasks like grading papers or creating lesson plans. But comfort with the technology isn't translating into shorter workdays.

According to a recent survey, while most teachers now use AI tools in their work, only about one in three — roughly 33% — say they're actually able to work fewer hours because of it. This is a striking disconnect. You'd think that having a computer help with repetitive tasks would free up time, but that's simply not happening for most educators dealing with already intense workloads.

So why isn't AI solving the problem? Several factors are likely at play. Teachers may be using AI to do more work rather than less — creating additional lesson materials, preparing extra resources, or taking on extra projects they wouldn't have attempted before. There's also the reality that AI tools still require human oversight and correction, meaning teachers spend time checking and improving what the computer produces. And crucially, the underlying causes of teacher burnout — large class sizes, administrative duties, and constant curriculum changes — haven't gone away just because AI exists.

The takeaway: AI isn't a silver bullet for teacher fatigue. While it's a useful tool when it works, simply having access to AI won't solve the systemic problems making teaching exhausting in the first place.