Will AI replace Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?

AI can do 60% of the work Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 8 of their 38 tasks, while 11 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 16 still need a person.

AI is already doing this8 · 18% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.Mostly automated1% of time
  • Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.Mostly assisted1% of time
  • Organize and label materials and display students' work.Mostly automated1% of time

AI could do this next11 · 41% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.26% of time
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.2% of time
  • Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.2% of time
  • Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.2% of time
  • Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.2% of time
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.1% of time
  • Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.1% of time
  • Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.1% of time
  • Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.1% of time
  • Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine student strengths and needs.1% of time
  • Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.1% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 8% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person16 · 33% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.5% of time
  • Assign and grade class work and homework.4% of time
  • Read books to entire classes or small groups.3% of time
  • Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.2% of time
  • Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.2% of time
  • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.2% of time
  • Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.2% of time
  • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.2% of time
  • Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.2% of time
  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.1% of time
  • Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.1% of time
  • Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.1% of time
  • Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.1% of time
  • Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.1% of time
  • Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.1% of time
  • Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.under 1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 16 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 8 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 11 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 16 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education71%Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School68%Special Education Teachers, Middle School56%Special Education Teachers, Secondary School53%Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School68%Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education70%

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