Can Using AI Be Putting Your Teaching License at Risk?
Over the last few years, practically every career field and workplace has changed with the proliferation of AI tools and chatbots. While these tools can be used to automate a lot of the busy work, formal policies and training on how to properly use AI are rarely implemented. For example, while six in 10 teachers use AI for their work, just 18% of U.S. K-12 teachers receive formal guidance. This opens the door to teachers being disciplined for using AI, despite there being no formal policy against it.
The LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team has many years of experience defending teachers and their credentials nationwide. Call the LLF National Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to protect your teaching license.
How Does AI Use Lead to a Teaching License Investigation?
Many educators wrongly think that if there is no formal prohibition on AI use, then they are safe to use AI tools as they see fit. This is a dangerous misconception. Your school district and state board of education do not need to adopt AI-specific policies to discipline you. This is because there are already numerous student privacy laws and professional conduct policies that may apply. The most common legislation used to come after teachers for improper AI use is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
When you input data into an AI tool like ChatGPT or GPTZero, that data is rarely stored and processed on your computer. Instead, the data is sent to a third-party server, where it is processed and then sent back to you. Additionally, the AI tool usually makes a copy of your uploads that they keep forever, even if you “delete” it. If you include personally identifiable student information, you are committing a privacy violation.
Common actions that can easily trigger an investigation include:
- Grading Assignments. Uploading a student’s essay into an AI checker or grading tool without redacting their name and identifying details.
- Drafting IEPs. Generating Individualized Education Programs by feeding sensitive behavioral or academic data into a prompt.
- Writing Parent Communications. Using AI to draft emails regarding a specific student’s disciplinary records or academic struggles.
- Analyzing Data. Uploading raw classroom testing data to analyze learning patterns without properly anonymizing the students.
What Happens to Teachers Accused of Violating Student Privacy?
FERPA is a “strict liability” law. It means that even if you meant no harm and/or had no idea you were doing something wrong, you are still liable for violating it.
As a result, attempting to defend yourself against FERPA violations is very dangerous. In nearly all self-representation cases, the teacher ends up inadvertently confessing to the accusations. Once that happens, disciplinary actions can range from formal reprimands and mandatory probationary periods to the complete revocation of your teaching license.
Protect Your Teaching Credentials with the LLF National Law Firm
Your career should not be destroyed by a lack of institutional guidance. If you are under investigation by your school district or state licensing board, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Protect your license today. Call the LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or send our team a message.