Cheating and AI: A Challenge for Students and Teachers

But for many educators, the reality isn’t living up to the promise. Teachers are seeing students use AI to write essays or complete assignments without permission, and it’s raising serious concerns. Early studies suggest this kind of “cheating” hasn’t led to a dramatic rise in plagiarism, but it’s not the renaissance educators had hoped for either. Making things worse, teachers are often left on their own to figure out how to address these issues. Clear answers aren’t coming from school or district leadership. Instead, many educators turn to social media for guidance, but the advice is rarely helpful.

Teachers recognize that this is about more than academic dishonesty. It’s about the fundamental purpose of education—helping students develop skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and self-expression. Those are skills AI cannot replace. 

A Teacher’s Ethical Dilemma

At the same time, many teachers are using AI in their own work—whether it’s to create lesson plans, grade assignments, or manage the overwhelming load of paperwork. This raises an important question: Are they “cheating” too?

For some educators, this creates an uncomfortable tension. How can they criticize students for using AI inappropriately while relying on the same tools themselves? These blurred boundaries make it harder to define what is acceptable, leaving many teachers grappling with questions about fairness, consistency, and even their own instructional integrity.

But the concern goes deeper. Some teachers worry that overreliance on AI could unintentionally distance them from their students. Teaching is not just about delivering content; it’s about building relationships and connecting with students on a personal level. The fear is that technology, while helpful, could diminish those connections.

The Human Relationship: The Heart of Teaching

One of the greatest fears surrounding AI in education is that it could unintentionally erode the personal connections between teachers and students. Teaching is more than delivering content—it’s about fostering connections. It’s about understanding your students, knowing their strengths and struggles, and helping them grow.

No AI tool can replicate the value of these relationships. The human connection is at the core of teaching, and it’s what makes learning meaningful and transformative.

This is where your professionalism must guide you. If you find AI is doing more than saving you time—if it’s making you less attuned to your students’ needs—it’s time to pause and reflect. This isn’t something an administrator can measure or evaluate; only you will know.

Ultimately, teaching is about the relationships you build with your students. Technology should enhance, not replace, these connections. AI is a tool to support your work, but it’s the human relationships that make education impactful.

Finding Balance: Understanding AI’s Role

The key to navigating AI lies in understanding its purpose. When teachers use AI to streamline lesson planning or administrative tasks, they’re enhancing their efficiency and freeing up time for what matters most: their students.

But when students use AI to complete assignments without permission, the intent shifts. Assignments are designed to help students expand their understanding, develop critical thinking, and express themselves. When AI takes over, it hides a student’s true abilities and undermines the learning process.

This distinction is essential—it’s not a double standard. Teachers use AI to support their work; students are expected to use it responsibly to support their learning.

Practical Steps for Addressing AI in Classrooms

Teachers can take steps to ensure AI supports education without undermining it:

1. Reflect on Your Use of AI

Ask yourself: Is AI helping you, or is it distancing you from your students? Teaching is deeply personal, and technology should never interfere with those connections.

2. Talk About AI with Your Students

Openly discuss the benefits and pitfalls of AI. Set clear expectations for its use, and share how you’re using it in your work. Transparency helps build trust.

3. Collaborate on Policies

Work with school leaders to create clear guidelines for AI use, ensuring consistency and fairness for students and teachers alike.

4. Reframe Assignments

Design tasks that emphasize critical thinking and creativity. Incorporate in-class discussions and activities that make it harder for students to rely on AI shortcuts, while encouraging meaningful engagement.

5. Teach Responsible AI Use

Help students see AI as a tool, not a shortcut. Teaching them to use it ethically will prepare them for a technology-driven world.

Technology Won’t Replace Relationships

AI is changing the landscape of education, but it doesn’t have to change the heart of it. The teacher-student relationship is irreplaceable. Technology can save time, provide insights and enhance learning, but it’s your connection with your students that makes the real difference.

As you navigate these new challenges, let your professionalism and instincts guide you. Use AI as a tool to support your work, but don’t let it overshadow the relationships that define your teaching.

At the end of the day, teaching isn’t just about getting the job done. It’s about helping students become the best versions of themselves. And no AI will ever replace that.