By Faith Gonia
A recent conversation in my AP Government class prompted a frightening question: could artificial intelligence take the jobs that us seniors are pursuing? Even worse, could it take the job of the teacher standing in front of us?
Although most lessons in Room 25 tend to leave me thinking, this discussion in particular has not left my mind since. As artificial intelligence—notably, ChatGPT—rose to prominence last school year, I watched as many students used the software to complete English and Social Science assignments, simply by copying and pasting the instructions into the chat tool. To my disbelief, ChatGPT whipped up hundreds of stolen words and followed the student’s instructions to a tee. I remember feeling defeated—why do I spend hours writing essays when another student has a computer write them in seconds?
The answer is simple: doing the work yourself allows you to learn, and no computer can substitute that. Thus, when the question was asked if AI could replace the teaching profession, I knew the answer immediately. For the same reason that attending class is preferable to reading the online notes, a teacher will forever be so much more than an instructor. To those who disagree, I must ask:
Can AI prepare like Eric Buran?
Since I’ve joined AP Government and Street Law this year, Buran has never stopped integrating valuable life skills into the standard curriculum. From ensuring we become financially literate regarding credit, stocks, and warranties (to name a few), to answering every question we could possibly think of, Buran prepares like no other. When I graduate this year, I can sleep soundly knowing that I have the wise advice of Buran to fall back on whenever I need.
Can AI care like Andy Evans?
Always checking in, Evans guarantees that no student goes unheard or unseen. Two months after I joined his class, I received a postcard in the mail (“A Good Word From Westmont”) where the thoughtful English teacher filled a 5×7 postcard with praise—an act he does for every student that has him as a teacher. The small-in-size, but large-in-meaning note marked only the beginning of Evans’ nonstop kindness. Making each lesson entertaining, opening his room before school, and always offering a listening ear, Evans dedicates countless hours inside and out of class for his students. I’m incredibly grateful to have him as a teacher.
Can AI enliven like Bryce Hadley?
“Goats and monkeys!” I hear Hadley yell out from the never-quiet K-wing hallway. The famous Othello and Brave New World reference takes me back to English II Honors, where Hadley taught challenging literary works with boundless passion. Bringing to life each chapter, Hadley never stopped making class interesting.
Can AI inspire like Chris Haskett?
Every B-day my junior year, I eagerly awaited sixth period, where I knew Haskett would light up the classroom with hilarious stories and endless laughter. Even though I had apprehensions about my first AP English class, Haskett abolished all of my fears from day one, constantly asserting that we were capable of getting a 5 on the AP exam. I will never forget his explanation of our first novel, Catcher in the Rye. Swiftly drawing a massive diagram on the front whiteboard, Haskett expertly analyzed various symbols and themes from the book. Sitting in awe on that August afternoon, I knew I would remember AP Lang for years to come.
Can AI connect like Jim Marshall?
Memories of sophomore year are not complete without study halls in Marshall’s classroom. While the post-pandemic 21-22 school year brought many challenges, I could always count on the renowned World History teacher to greet me with a smile and ask how I was doing.
Can AI guide like Chris Mock?
As challenging as AP U.S. History was, I wouldn’t rather have any other teacher for the course than Mock himself. In nine months, Mock led me from not even knowing what a DBQ was in August, to acing tests come May. Moreover, apart from his exceptional teaching, Mock offered immeasurable guidance to each and every student. An advocate for mental health, Mock provided beneficial resources should you ever need them, and was always there to talk. Us “APUSHers” frequently spent lunch in Mock’s classroom, chatting and joking with the warmhearted teacher.
Say what you want about AI taking over the teaching profession, but I’m not too worried. Call me up when AI can compare to the teachers we have here at Westmont. I won’t bother waiting by the phone.