NEA President Becky Pringle responds to Melania Trump’s push for students to be educated by artificial intelligence

WASHINGTON - National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle today issued the following statement after Melania Trump appeared with an AI-powered robot in the White House and continued to advocate for children to be educated by artificial intelligence:

"Educators inspire, motivate, teach, and guide students. Artificial intelligence, when used appropriately and safely, can enhance teaching and learning, but human connection is what makes the difference. No technology - no matter how advanced - can replace the human connection at the heart of teaching and learning.

"Yesterday, Donald Trump named Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle's Larry Ellison, and Nvidia's Jensen Huang, among others, to a new AI advisory panel. That same day, Melania Trump brought an AI-powered robot to the White House and advocated for students to be taught by artificial intelligence. We must be clear: decisions about technology in education should be led by educators, not billionaires or profit-driven corporations.

"AI has the potential to improve student learning and support educators, but it must be implemented responsibly, with strong safeguards for safety, privacy, and environmental impact. Instead, the Trump administration is sidelining educators, parents, and communities while consolidating control in the hands of Big Tech.

"We must ensure that any use of AI in schools is guided by educators, protects students, and helps, not replaces, educators. Our students deserve more than algorithms. They deserve opportunity, connection, and committed educators in every classroom. The administration's approach conflicts with our vision and with the principles that prioritize the well-being of our students, schools, and communities."