“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.” – Alexandra K. Trenfor
On this International Day of Education 2025, as African Leadership Magazine reflects on the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” one of the most pressing questions we must grapple with is whether artificial intelligence (AI) is empowering or replacing the teachers who have long been at the heart of learning. AI in education promises transformative benefits: revolutionising access to knowledge, enhancing personalised learning, and improving efficiency. However, as these technologies become more pervasive, we must ask: is the role of the human teacher in the classroom diminishing, or is AI merely a tool to enhance and empower their work?
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The Rise of AI in Education: Promise and Perils
AI has quickly made its way into classrooms across the globe. From AI-powered tutoring systems to automated grading tools and virtual assistants, the digital transformation of education is accelerating. According to a 2024 UNESCO report, the global AI market for education is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2027, reflecting the increasing adoption of AI technologies in teaching and learning environments. These tools process vast amounts of data and personalise learning at an unprecedented scale, enabling students to progress at their own pace with lessons tailored to suit their learning styles.
However, this rapid growth raises concerns about what might be lost along the way—particularly the human connection that teachers uniquely provide.
The Negative Effects: AI as a Threat to Human Teachers
Teacher Displacement and Job Loss
AI promises efficiency, but at what cost? According to a 2024 International Labour Organisation report, up to 60 million teaching jobs could be at risk by 2030 due to AI and automation. The threat of job displacement is particularly acute in administrative roles and basic educational tasks, where AI can perform routine operations faster and more accurately. This raises a profound challenge: as AI becomes more adept at managing classroom functions, what becomes of the educators who were once instrumental in shaping young minds?
Erosion of Human Connection and Emotional Intelligence
AI cannot replicate the emotional and social bonds that teachers foster with their students. The 2024 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report reveals that 87% of learning outcomes depend on the human element—teacher-student interactions, encouragement, and mentorship—which are critical to students’ holistic development. Teachers guide pupils through life’s challenges, nurture critical thinking, and provide emotional support—areas where AI, no matter how advanced, cannot substitute the nuanced understanding and empathy of a human being.
Bias in AI Algorithms
AI systems are only as unbiased as the data on which they are trained. In education, this limitation can lead to significant disparities. Research by the MIT Media Lab has shown that AI algorithms used for grading and assessments have the potential to reinforce existing gender and racial biases. A lack of diversity in the development of AI technologies could exacerbate systemic inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalised groups and limiting their access to quality education.
The Positive Effects: AI as a Tool to Empower Educators
Despite these challenges, AI holds immense potential to enhance the educational experience and empower teachers rather than replace them. Used effectively, AI can address global educational gaps and cater to individual student needs.
Personalised Learning and Accessibility
AI offers personalised learning experiences previously unimaginable in traditional classrooms. Adaptive learning platforms, driven by AI, can assess students’ progress in real-time, tailoring lessons to their needs and granting them greater agency over their education. In underserved and remote areas, AI can deliver high-quality educational content, bridging the gap for millions of children who lack access to skilled teachers. A 2024 World Bank study found that AI-based learning platforms improved student engagement and performance by 20% in low-resource regions, underscoring their potential to level the educational playing field.
Teacher Support and Professional Development
Far from replacing teachers, AI can be a valuable ally, particularly in alleviating administrative burdens. AI systems can assist with grading, creating lesson plans, and identifying students who need additional support, allowing educators to focus on core aspects of teaching—mentorship, creativity, and emotional support. Additionally, AI-powered tools can facilitate ongoing professional development, helping teachers learn innovative strategies, monitor progress, and enhance classroom practices. A 2024 EdTech study revealed that 75% of educators who incorporated AI tools into their classrooms felt more supported in their roles.
Fostering Lifelong Learning
AI encourages students to develop a culture of lifelong learning by helping them learn how to learn. With real-time feedback and tailored resources, students can take greater ownership of their education, cultivating self-regulation and problem-solving skills—key competencies for thriving in an increasingly automated world. Moreover, AI provides opportunities for adults to reskill and upskill, granting access to educational resources previously beyond their reach.
A Call to Action: Embracing the Human Element in AI Education
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, it is vital to advocate for a balanced approach to AI integration in the classroom. AI should not be seen as a replacement for teachers but as a tool that complements and amplifies their invaluable contributions. Ethical development of AI technologies must remain a priority, ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
Governments, education ministries, and private organisations must work together to ensure AI supports, rather than displaces, teachers. This includes updating teacher training programmes to incorporate AI literacy, equipping educators with the knowledge and confidence to use these tools responsibly.
Crucially, we must not lose sight of the irreplaceable human element in education—the ability of teachers to inspire, mentor, and guide students through their personal and academic journeys. On this International Day of Education, let us reaffirm our commitment to a system where technology and humanity coexist, ensuring that learning remains a transformative experience.
