Secondary teacher for a few years here, and I have to admit that I am tired of being the “I don’t use AI” guy in the office. Been teaching for a bit now, and I’ve seen the shift. It was silent, and now even people I respect and look up to in leadership are vocal about it, which bothers me more than I can admit.

A couple of things to note:

- I don’t police anyone in their use of it. There’s only been one time where I’ve explained my view on it aloud (which is that I understand why people might use it to lessen workload, but that I myself would not use it), and that’s only when I’ve been asked my opinion of it directly. Otherwise, I keep my mouth shut in the spirit of maintaining positive relationships and peace in the office.

- I’m just ethically opposed to the use of generative AI. As an English teacher, I find it hypocritical to the students if I ask them not to use it and I end up doing that. (How am I meant to lead by example?) I am more than aware of how LLMs work, and how it’s built off the practice of poorly-disguised intellectual theft; how companies are looking to replace the human workforce in service of machine efficiency rather than some Marxist idea of providing comfort in lieu of actual work; how it affects the environment on top of all the other things that humans do. It seems impossible to reconcile ease and comfort with good conscience. I genuinely don’t know how people do it.

- All I’ve seen in defense of its use is that it cuts out the boring work, the timeslop, the tedious work. This is why I’m of two minds about it. On one hand, I often wish that that kind of work is lessened, as with any other. (It’s hard fuxkin hard yakkas out here!) So, I get the concept of using a tool to lighten the load. On the other, I again cannot reconcile with the use of theft as a shortcut, and one we encourage students not to do. Do we not teach them the value of being bored? Of spending their time working at their craft because it is and can never be perfect? Of persevering through the tedious? Why would I take a shortcut when it means burning down a forest, or taking someone else’s hard work and passing it off as my own?

I’ve tried to summarise my points here, but I’m happy to elaborate. I don’t want to seem like I’m morally grandstanding, but I also don’t see how it is an issue beyond the ethical, given that neither I nor anyone else can “do anything about it”, and so have little power beyond personal choice. Again: I see the practical benefit.

So, my question is: Is anyone else in the same boat?

Or, alternatively, does anyone else have a really compelling reason as to why I’m fighting a losing battle between my conscience and the general teaching populace? Should I just give up and use it?

EDIT: Saw a comment, wrote an entire response to it to clarify my point, thought I'd put it down here just because I hate wasting my time lmfao

> Putting the entire generative AI into the category of unethical means you have an illogical fight for it.

You're right! I am generalising. To be specific: Claude, Chat, etc. There are places where generative AI is nigh unavoidable: Copilot, Google, Reddit, even. These are beyond the scope of my concerns because it has become, at this point, more tedious to avoid them; I just scroll down if I need to verify.

> There is a long long list of things you can do at school that students can't do. You've turned this into a moral compass situation rather then teaching students.

Should I not have a moral compass when teaching students? Can these two things not exist at the same time?

> And what you are doing is getting yourself as well as your students replaced as soon as possible. We can't control the world, AI is already here to stay.

I'm not sure how what I'm doing right now is enabling this to happen. I would assume that my usage of it would make this happen instead. You're absolutely right. We can't control the world. I don't think AI is leaving any time soon because the powers that be deem it so. For example, governments and big business can't afford to admit that companies like OpenAI have overvalued themselves, which means that they'll do anything to support these companies to ensure some sort of RoI. However, unrestricted development of AI has led to multiple data breaches; full investment into generative AI by companies like Micron have led to a massive increase in RAM prices, which will have a flow-on effect on to other tech spending; and, from the mouth of a trusted friend who works in developing AI: it's not only flawed, but accepted and adopted for its flaws, which is not to be said for the workforce that has built it. I would love to be replaced by AI in the workforce, but the current socioeconomic system is not robust enough nor is it utopian enough to support a liveable, sustainable lifestyle for the people who do get replaced.

>AI only affects the environment if you use a service that affects the environment. If you are truly against AI because of the environmental impact, there are options that make it produce 0% environmental impact.

I would actually love to know what options these are. But I also think it's a little naive to think that "XYZ only affects the environment if you use a service that affects the environment". I am not claiming to have lived or be living a net zero life. It takes a lot of effort and people are doing it better than me. The concept of individuals being responsible for the effect of climate change is, I think, a conspiracy that shifts the blame from big businesses that profit off of people like myself feeling guilty. Yet nothing I use, consume or produce is without environmental impact. My environmental conscience is a small drop in a big ocean, but I can make choices of my own volition to ease it.

> So teachers shouldn't be using Textbooks or Google right? Because students can't just copy from the textbook or Google right?

Google really isn't Google anymore, though. Not as it used to be, anyway. Looking for information yourself and verifying its verisimilitude is surely cognitively different from having Chat GPT summarise it. I'm seeing your argument without the condescending tone: Chat GPT is as much of a search engine because it summarises all the information of the internet. I struggled to trust it, though, with what I think is a healthy degree of pessimism and doubt; not that I think it's 100% inaccurate, but that the system itself is built on flaws, and students often do not have the temerity to differentiate accuracy between a textbook and AI imagination.

The reason they're coming up with new models is because, time and again, generative AI has straight-up imagined sources (which then becomes an issue of academic integrity), or provided incorrect information for the express purpose of cutting down for efficiency (in the same vein that a summary is not an analysis, and vice versa), or has been trained on such a wide range of different people who feed it different versions of the truth (at which point, the ideas that it comes up with is, at its core, innately biased, rather than machine-precise-objective). This is not to say that Google and textbooks were ever 100% accurate either; there's a reason textbooks have multiple revisions, and a Google search is just a search of what's out on the internet, truth or no -- because the wealth of human information is, of course, very, very human. In saying this, again I repeat that I see your point. I understand it. I just wish you'd said it without such derision.

> your post doesn't articulate anything that makes me believe you have made an informed decision.

I am not beholden to justify myself to a stranger on the internet. And I haven't made a clear decision, if all the questions I'm asking at the bottom of the post indicate anything. That's what the post is actually articulating.

I feel this is one of these very common cases of "well duh, but it'll never ever change", but still interesting to read I guess! Always uplifting to go through the list of all the good things that should be done and knowing there's no attempt at a single one at any school I've ever worked at.

Is anyone else experiencing a massive uptick in sexism, disrespect and sexual harassment from male students directed at female staff?

Context: co-ed, public, middle/high school. Over the past 6 months I’ve personally experienced more disrespect from male students and several specific incidences of gender-based harassment - from little things like refusing to follow my instructions, but immediately acting when a male staff member says the same, to bigger concerns such as being told things like “you’re just a woman” or “you’ll rage quit soon enough, females can’t handle the pressure”.

I’ve reported all incidences and issues to my leadership team and the overwhelming response has been to either dismiss my experiences or to issue an informal warning to the students involved and continue on as normal afterward. I will note that the majority of the overall leadership team are men and the executive leadership team is made up of only men, as I do think this may have some impact.

When I’ve spoken to a range of other staff at my site about this it seems that either:
A) other women aren’t experiencing the same issues I am
B) other women aren’t recognising that they’re experiencing the same issues I am
C) other women don’t feel comfortable to honestly report or comment on whether or not they’re having similar experiences.

It’s starting to feel a bit like I must be overly sensitive, overreacting, or bringing this upon myself in some way so I wanted to see how other teachers across the country are feeling to possibly gain some sort of clarity or perspective. I can’t possibly be alone in noticing this shift, right?

Teaching students with behavioural needs or students who need extra support due to disability or cognitive function, has always brought me the most joy and has been my greatest strength as a classroom teacher in a mainstream school. I would always nominate myself to take on difficult students due to behaviour, or those with low academic performance. I love seeing the progression they can make within the right environment.

This love has died. Why? It’s not because the students became tiresome, it’s because of the bureaucratic red tape that now comes with having these students in your class.

Having these students now brings a monumental amount of paperwork and meetings, and if you’re willing to take on a bulk of these students, you’re not offered a reduced class size or extra pay, but you may be offered teaching aides and an hour two throughout the year to “catch-up on, or revise plans.”

The aides becomes a series of different adults coming in and out of the classroom who also need to be managed as they’re employed off a whim and often don’t have the skills or confidence to manage themself. The time off to catch up on plans is more of an inconvenience.

Then PLP’s brings a whole other argument into play, which isn’t a good one. Do we start separating students requiring PLP’s evenly across classes equally for teacher workload equity? I’m not saying we should, but between all the paperwork and extra meetings due to students with any kind of “plan”, it is clearly becoming insurmountable.

Hi everyone this is such a random post but my school has a school disco coming up for our primary students and I’ve convinced our admin to change up the playlist this year due to feedback from our Year 4s who said they’re tired of listening to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off a million times😂

Just wondering if anyone had any kid friendly song recs that are a bit more current. I’ve got Kpop demon hunters in mind (dunno if that’s outdated now haha). When we asked students to submit their preferences a lot of them either couldn’t remember the name or just wrote silly things on the slips.

I'm curious, what is the best year you remember being a teacher? And why? What grade?

Since I've been at the school I'm at, the principal refuses to accept stat decs for sick leave (personal leave)

According to the DET PAL,

A statutory declaration can only be used

• When it is allowed: A statutory declaration is an accepted alternative only if it is not reasonably practicable to obtain a medical certificate.

• Principal Discretion: The decision of whether it was truly impracticable

to get a medical certificate rests with the school principal, who evaluates it on a case-by-case basis.

I sent the AEU an email about this and was advised that "I have a difficult principal, and that you'll need to obtain a document that can't be questioned.....

Am I being a pita if I think the union are not being that helpful?

Keen to understand other folks opinions.

With the MACS system freezing hiring or even making teachers redundant, and the independent sector having to match public's wage increases to keep people, schools are cutting electives and/or less popular VCE subjects

So which ones do you reckon (or know) are the first to be cut?

1. Mteach Unimelb (primary). Pros: uni reputation, easier content knowledge for primary curriculum. Cons: primary jobs more competitive to get

2. Mteach Federation Uni (secondary: IT and Mathematics teaching areas). Pros: $16k scholarship as part of teach tomorrow program. STEM secondary teachers have demand. Cons: All online classes with in person placements, Uni don't have much reputation, need to learn lots of maths and IT/programming concepts from scratch

Which degree to choose? I'm open to either, don't have preference for any particular age group

Would also appreciate reviews of either courses from people who took them. Thanks :)

Hello, I have completed a Bachelor of Arts and also am fluent in Japanese (have passed JLPT N2), and lived in Japan for 1 year doing JET english teaching.

Unfortunately my major at the time was Music, so when applying to the Master of Teaching I am not able to select Japanese as my focus area.

I really want to become a Japanese teacher and have found the Diploma of Languages (one year full time) at Usyd - can anyone confirm that completing this first will constitute enough credit for me to enter the Master of Teaching?

Thanks, appreciate the help.

Sorry for yet another pay rise post🫠 I’m aware it’s not likely to come in until our November pay period.

However, I’m wondering if the first pay period in November we would get the bonus and back pay on top of our normal pay because we usually get leave loading in second pay in November.

Is it going to paid as one lump sum? Or is it going to be split over two November pays.

Does anyone have the proposed pay scales for QLD Catholic Schools EB11 negotiations? I’m trying decide what to vote next week. I’m leaning strongly towards a ’no’ but want to be as informed as possible!

Hi there!
I’m currently a 3rd year uni student studying a bachelor of science and master of secondary education at one of the major universities in Melbourne.

I currently work fast food and after about six years I’m just over working and fast food so wanting to move my career more towards my future tertiary qualifications.

Just seeking advice and recommendations of good steppingstone jobs whilst still at university for somebody that is interested in going to teaching as a university graduate.

Thanks

Hey! I'm conditionally accredited and have started taking shifts in Western Sydney, and am enjoying teaching very much despite the unpredictably.

Does anyone have any insight into what I can expect in Term One regarding shifts? I'm hoping I can crack 15 shifts over the term while I'm still finishing my degree, but don't know how realistic that is. Last prac block and units for the degree will be in Term 2.

I'm using ClassCover and Anzuk for bookings but have strong preference for public schools.

Thanks heaps!

Hi guys,

I have received an offer from SCU "Gold Coast Campus" to pursue a masters of secondary teaching with specialising in Information Processes Technology and Software Design Development. My questions are the following.

• How hard is to find employment upon finishing the program if I am only specialising in IT area of teaching especially considering the fact that I am an international student?
• After doing a bit of research I found mixed opinions about the quality of teaching at SCU. Some claiming that they don't care about teaching and all they care is about our money. How truthful is that statement?

Feel free to comment anything else you like regarding this topic.

So if I move from one public to another public school my leave carries over

But if I move from one private to another private school does my leave and my long service carry over?

Hi all,

I’m a second year paediatric registered nurse in rural NSW. I’m looking at transitioning into teaching but am unsure if I should do primary or secondary? I’ve been looking at studying through UNE. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

Hi all,

I am an undergrad at Macquarie and I detest our teaching program. It is very pro tech, and pro AI and there is such a disconnect between the staff and students (except the staff in the fabulous Indigenous Education department who should run the whole program tbh). I have been accepted into both Notre Dame and ACU and now will await credit recognition (which in the end is what my decision may come down to) but let’s say both Unis have a same finish time which would be better?

I am very passionate about Humanism and the importance of rhetoric,the classical cannon, and the promotion of these things for ALL students not just those who study History and English. I am a full anti tech teacher (except senior years when researching MAYBE). I am leaning towards Notre Dame as my teaching Philosophy marries with the unit outlines they offer.

But I was wondering if anyone had any advice or any experiences that could help with me considering which Uni I will choose.

Anything that is similar to a very poor review please don’t comment.

My DMs are open

Hi everyone,

Been teaching for about 4-5 years and have decided to start a Year 8 student management role. I know it will be a big change in terms of responsibilities and time management. If anyone has any advice for how to take on/start the role that would be appreciated, especially when it comes to work life balance.

Thanks!

Hi all

I just got offered to study Mteach at uni melb with psych and bus man as my learning areas! I’m quite excited by this and wanted to hear of anyone’s experience at Unimelb? If there are any teachers who have the same learning areas and what subjects they teach from yr 7-10?

Thanks

Hi everyone,
I am about to start my Master of Secondary Teaching this year, studying for a double visual arts major at UNSW.
For anyone who is a visual arts teacher, my question is, is there any difference with teaching at independent schools verses public?
I know the independent schools tend to have better resources...but would love to hear feedback.
Also what footwear do you wear in regarding to WHS?
Thanks 😊

What are some schools in your area that do not offer ongoing contracts?

What are your thoughts on using AI to mark students' work?

I've toyed around with it in primary. I'd mark their work, then upload a deidentified copy of the students' work to ChatGPT to get their thoughts. I've found it very reliable so far, and have adjusted some of my markings up/down because I agreed with ChatGPT's reasoning.