Trump Team Speaks On Future of Teaching
Education Secretary Linda McMahon says artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, and America’s schools should begin exploring how AI teaching assistants can improve education—provided teachers remain in charge and parents stay closely involved.
Speaking Friday during an interview on Newsmax’s Ed Henry: The Big Take, McMahon said schools should view artificial intelligence as a classroom tool rather than a replacement for educators. As more school districts consider AI technology, she argued that careful testing and strong safeguards are essential before widespread adoption.
According to McMahon, artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s already changing the way students learn. Instead of resisting new technology, she believes educators should find responsible ways to use it while protecting children’s privacy and maintaining high academic standards.
“AI is here to stay,” McMahon said. “We have to be prepared for it instead of resisting it, but it needs proper guardrails.”
New York School Plans to Introduce Humanoid AI Robot
The discussion came after reports that a New York school district plans to introduce a $58,000 humanoid robot this fall to serve as a classroom teaching assistant.
The announcement has sparked debate among parents and educators. Some families worry that artificial intelligence could collect student data, reduce personal interaction with teachers, or eventually replace classroom educators altogether.
McMahon acknowledged those concerns but said she has not seen evidence that these AI teaching assistants are being used to gather personal information about children.
She stressed that any classroom technology should be used strictly to improve education—not to collect data on students or monitor families.
AI Should Support Teachers—Not Replace Them
One of the biggest fears surrounding artificial intelligence in education is that schools could eventually rely on robots instead of qualified teachers.
McMahon rejected that idea.
Instead, she argued that AI teaching assistants could actually free teachers from routine classroom tasks, allowing them to spend more individual time helping students who need extra attention.
Rather than reducing teacher-student interaction, she suggested the technology could strengthen it by giving educators greater flexibility inside the classroom.
“This is not a replacement for teachers,” McMahon said. “This is a teaching tool.”
Early Results Show Promise
McMahon also pointed to Alpha School in Austin, Texas, where school leaders have publicly discussed using artificial intelligence to support classroom instruction with encouraging early results.
While she believes schools should continue exploring AI, McMahon emphasized that every new technology should be evaluated carefully before expanding its use nationwide.
She described today’s AI classroom initiatives as experimental and said schools should carefully study whether the technology actually improves student learning.
Parents Must Have the Final Say
Throughout the interview, McMahon repeatedly emphasized the importance of parental involvement.
She encouraged parents to stay engaged with local schools, observe how artificial intelligence is being used in classrooms, and participate in decisions affecting their children’s education.
According to McMahon, parents remain the strongest advocates for their children and should continue playing a leading role as schools evaluate emerging technologies.
What This Means for America’s Schools
Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly important role in education over the coming years. Supporters believe AI can reduce administrative burdens, personalize instruction, and give teachers more time to work directly with students. Critics remain concerned about privacy, data security, and the possibility that technology could eventually replace human educators.
McMahon’s message strikes a middle ground: embrace innovation, protect students, keep teachers at the center of the classroom, and ensure parents remain actively involved every step of the way.
