by Kenzie Dear (Posted on Dec. 15, 2025 @ 3:47 p.m.)

As technology continues improving and growing, many teachers are turning to artificial intelligence, or AI, to reshape their teaching methods and improve overall efficiency. For educators like Mr. Boylan, the Mule Time Media and school yearbook teacher at AHJS, AI has become an essential tool. From helping with lesson planning to improving student engagement, Mr. Boylan’s experiences offer valuable insights into how AI is being used in classrooms today, as well as why it is crucial for both teachers and students to understand its full potential.

Mr. Boylan uses AI primarily to save time on the more repetitive tasks that often take up a lot of his day. “I use it to get feedback on lesson plans and help me generate slideshows… so I don’t have to worry about formatting,” he says. This kind of help allows him to focus more on teaching rather than spending time on details.

His journey with AI started a few years ago when he first learned that Texas was using AI on state tests. “I first got interested in it when I found out that the state of Texas was starting to use it for STAAR testing to grade the writings,” he explains. Since then, Mr. Boylan has been using AI more regularly, especially for tasks that improve his productivity and workflow. With this help, he has been able to spend more time preparing for lessons and working directly with his students.

Mr. Boylan also believes in being open with his students about how he uses AI. “I’m open with them about how I use it. Kids aren’t dumb, they know what’s going on,” he says. Transparency is key, and by being upfront, he helps students understand the role technology plays in their education. However, he also cautions about the potential risks of relying too heavily on AI. He says, “There’s always the potential for it to go wrong,” which is why he feels it is important to teach students how to use AI responsibly.

As AI continues to evolve, Mr. Boylan sees it as a tool that is only going to get smarter. “It’s constantly getting smarter, it’s learning from its mistakes,” he states. This continuous improvement means that teachers need to stay ahead and make sure students are prepared for a world where AI will become more involved. “We have to educate students about it, or they’ll fall behind in the world they’ll be living in,” he says. The way he sees it, teaching students about AI is not just about using it in the classroom; it is about preparing them for the future.

AI is more than just a tool for convenience and ease; it is a force in education that can change the world. For teachers like Mr. Boylan, it is helping make their jobs more manageable while also giving students a glimpse into the future of technology. However, it is not just about using AI; it is about teaching students how to use it responsibly. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial that both educators and students stay engaged with its growth, ensuring that everyone is ready for the role technology will play in the world they will soon be a part of.