Teacher Quits Suddenly After Calling Out Key Factors Damaging Children’s Learning

Technology has changed nearly everything in our lives, including how we learn. However, for some educators, the impact hasn’t been entirely positive.

One former English teacher recently shared her frustrations, stating that the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in classrooms makes teaching more complex and hinders kids' ability to learn effectively.

Hannah, who previously worked in digital marketing, decided to pursue a career in education, believing it would be more meaningful. However, after just three years of teaching, she walked away, discouraged by what she observed happening in her classroom.

She initially spoke out on TikTok in a video that quickly garnered over a million views before being deleted. In the clip, she described how students increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT to complete their work, and how that reliance is starting at younger ages.

“A lot of these kids don’t know how to read,” she said. “They’ve had things read to them, or they just click a button to hear it out loud. I don’t think they even care about learning. They’re not interested in how to write a resume or a cover letter—because ChatGPT will do it for them.”

Hannah even suggested that children shouldn’t have access to this technology until college. “I think we need to cut off technology from these kids, probably until they go to college,” she said bluntly.

Children need to learn how to use AI responsibly and effectively.

In a follow-up interview with Fox News, she expanded on her concerns, stating that while technology has always posed some challenges in the classroom, the arrival of AI has taken things to a whole new level.

“Especially in English or other core classes, it’s become so much harder to get kids to really understand what they’re reading, to think critically, or to form their own opinions,” she said.

Hannah clarified that not all students were unmotivated—she had taught many bright, hardworking kids. However, even among them, the temptation to let AI do the heavy lifting was strong.

“I’d ask for just five sentences to answer a question,” she said. “And a lot of the time, they’d write one or two, and then plug the rest into ChatGPT.”

Longer essays posed the same issue. Some submissions, she said, were written entirely by AI. She used software designed to flag AI-generated text; in some cases, the essays were “100 percent ChatGPT.”

Over time, she noticed more students simply opting out of effort.

“They’re getting the message that they don’t really need to do the work—because AI will take care of it for them,” she said.Getty Stock Images

The use of AI in education brings a mix of benefits and challenges.

Hannah isn’t against technology in general. She believes there’s a right way to use AI—but only if students are taught how to use it responsibly and at the appropriate stage.

“AI can be a helpful tool, especially for older students, if we teach them how to use it thoughtfully,” she said. “But giving kids unlimited access in the classroom just ends up encouraging shortcuts.”

Her comments sparked debate, and not everyone agrees with her perspective. Some educators argue that AI has a place in modern learning and can enhance it when used correctly.

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What happened to just using a simple whiteboard?

Ying Xu, an assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, acknowledged the challenges while also highlighting the benefits.

“There is excitement around AI’s potential to support personalized learning,” she said.

Xu added that AI can help students build skills needed in a tech-driven world. She provided one example of an AI tool reading a picture book aloud to a child, pausing to ask questions or give hints, much like a human teacher would.

When done correctly, this kind of interaction can improve comprehension and vocabulary. However, even Xu admits there’s a risk. AI can sometimes spread misinformation or encourage overdependence.

“Like many of you, I share the same concerns about what the future looks like for this ‘AI generation,’” she said.Getty Stock Images

Impact of Technology on Learning

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, an education expert, emphasizes that while technology can enhance learning, it also has the potential to detract from fundamental teaching practices. In her work at the Learning Policy Institute, she highlights that excessive dependence on AI can lead to diminished critical thinking skills among students.

To counter this trend, she suggests integrating technology in ways that foster collaboration and creativity, rather than passive consumption. Practical solutions include project-based learning that encourages students to utilize technology to solve real-world problems, promoting a deeper understanding of content.

Educational psychologist Dr. Ken Robinson has long argued that the education system must be reimagined to prioritize creativity and innovation. He points out that a rigid curriculum, heavily influenced by technology, can stifle a child's natural curiosity.

According to Robinson, schools should focus on nurturing individual talents and interests to foster a love of learning. He advocates for a more adaptive educational framework that allows teachers to tailor their approaches based on student needs. This could involve professional development workshops for teachers on diverse teaching methods and student engagement strategies.

The debate is far from over. While tools like ChatGPT and others are likely here to stay, the bigger question is how they’ll be used—and how educators, parents, and students themselves will adapt.

For Hannah, the answer was clear: if AI is allowed to replace effort in the classroom, the essence of real education could be lost.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

The intersection of technology and education presents both challenges and opportunities. As experts like Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond and Dr. Ken Robinson indicate, a balanced approach is essential for fostering meaningful learning experiences. Schools can enhance educational outcomes by integrating technology thoughtfully while emphasizing creativity and critical thinking.

By empowering educators with training and resources tailored to these needs, we can create a more adaptable education system. Ultimately, the goal should be to cultivate an environment where technology serves as a tool for enrichment rather than a barrier to effective learning.