AI Won’t Fix School, But It Will Change How We Teach
What if AI doesn’t improve school by replacing teachers, but by forcing us to rethink what teaching actually is? In this episode of AI Experience, you hear from Jeff Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and now a leader at Day of AI. He has overseen nearly a million students, managed large education systems, and now works directly with teachers on AI literacy. You’ll explore how AI could reshape daily classroom practices: personalization at scale, time saved on administrative tasks, and a shift from content delivery to mentoring and facilitation. But you’ll also confront the risks—over-reliance on machines, erosion of critical thinking, AI companions, data privacy, and the growing gap between what students use and what parents understand. This conversation helps you think clearly about one central question: how to prepare students for a future shaped by AI without outsourcing what makes learning — and thinking — human.
Jeffrey C. Riley is the former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. Before that position, Mr. Riley was appointed Superintendent/Receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools, where, for over 6 years, he led a team that brought significant improvements by shifting resources and autonomy to the school level, expanding the school day, increasing enrichment opportunities, and ensuring all schools had great leaders and teachers.
Jeff Riley
Former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
