AI Is Already Changing Tennessee Classrooms. Here’s What Educators Are Saying

Tennessee educators are using AI tools to enhance learning experiences and streamline school operations — shaping the future of education today. | Photo: Unsplash/@johnishappysometimes

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t coming to Tennessee classrooms. It’s already here.

From tutoring tools in Hamilton County to admin streamlining in Sevier County, AI is already influencing how Tennessee schools operate, even as many districts are still developing policies to guide its use. While national debates over AI continue, Tennessee district leaders are asking practical questions—how to help students catch up, protect privacy, and protect the next generation without replacing teachers.

A new report from the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) provides a detailed snapshot of how AI is being used in Tennessee schools. Based on a spring 2025 survey developed in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS), the report reflects input from school leaders across the state. More than 60 percent of districts say they are actively using AI tools to reduce teacher workload, personalize student learning, and manage daily operations.

“People who use AI are going to replace those who don’t,” said Dr. Stacia Lewis, assistant superintendent for Sevier County Schools. “But we’re using it to enhance—not replace—our educators.”

“Astounding” Adoption: Inside Two District Pilots

In Hamilton County, the move towards AI started in response to post-pandemic declines in math and literacy scores.

“Toward the end of 2022, our literacy and math scores weren’t where they needed to be,” said Breckan Duckworth, executive director of Opportunity and Gap Closure. “We asked: How do we offer small group instruction at scale?”

The district partnered with Khan Academy to pilot Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutoring assistant. Middle school teachers latched onto the tool immediately.

“We’re now in year 2.5 of Khanmigo,” Duckworth said. “This year, we’ve added its ELA version. The adoption has been astounding.”

Districts like Hamilton aren’t alone. In Collierville Schools, technology leaders created TAG (Technology Advisory Group), a group of students and teachers that helps guide technology decisions in the district, including evaluating AI tools. Their choice? MagicSchool—a tool district leaders say is tailored to Tennessee’s state standards.

“Safeguards are our priority,” said Lisa Higgins, the district’s chief technology officer. “Every program is vetted. It’s our job to make AI as safe and secure as possible.”

 From Paperwork to Productivity: How AI Is Shaping School Operations

In many districts, AI isn’t replacing teachers—it’s doing their paperwork.

Sevier County administrators use AI to draft newsletters, summarize text, and generate meeting templates. The real win, according to Lewis, is amplifying teachers rather than automating them.

“Our teachers say it improves student accessibility,” she added, “Especially through things like language translation.”

The Divide Between Innovation and Oversight

The SCORE report paints a picture of enthusiasm paired with urgency. Educators are optimistic—but concerned.

AI is transforming Tennessee classrooms.

From reducing busywork to boosting learning outcomes, educators say they are seeing results after incorporating AI into their schools.

Still, many cited cheating, privacy, and ethics as major risks.

Leaders expressed a need for more training, clearer policies on privacy and security, and support to ensure innovation doesn’t outpace preparation.

“Are we preparing students for our past or their future?” Lewis asked.

Amanda Glover, SCORE’s senior policy analyst, said the rapid pace of AI adoption calls for clear state guidance—and fast.

“We believe every student in Tennessee deserves to succeed,” Glover said. “That means helping educators integrate new tools with the right guardrails.”

What Comes Next?

Some districts are just starting their AI journey. Others are already evolving how they teach English, assess learning, and personalize support. At least one early AI adopter believes the state’s education future now depends on what it does—or doesn’t do—about artificial intelligence.

“AI is already here,” said Higgins. “Our job is to make sure it works for every student.”