WASHINGTON, July 23 (Reuters) – U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon told reporters in New Bern, North Carolina, on Tuesday that fear of artificial intelligence in classrooms is misplaced. AI, she argued, is a tool to enhance learning, not a replacement for teachers.
McMahon’s message is direct. She stated on Fox News: “We shouldn’t be afraid of AI.” In a separate Fox Business interview, she added: “There’s a lot of change that needs to happen in education.” Her core thesis: AI literacy is essential, not optional, for students entering a tech-driven workforce.
The fear factor is real. Teachers worry about job displacement. Parents cite data privacy and over-reliance on technology. McMahon counters these concerns by positioning AI as a support system. It automates grading, personalizes lesson plans, and frees teachers to focus on mentorship. Experts note this can reduce teacher burnout, a key driver of the current staffing crisis.
A Fox Business report found that top education groups, previously focused on DEI initiatives, are now shaping AI policy. McMahon sees this shift as necessary. She insists policy must be driven by academic outcomes, not ideology. This aligns with her broader push for skilled workforce training and educational reform.
Practical applications are already emerging. In K-12 schools, adaptive learning platforms like Khan Academy’s AI tutor adjust problems in real-time. In higher education, automated grading systems handle routine assessments. McMahon’s vision includes expanding access to these tools for aspiring skilled workers, from coding boot camps to trade school certifications.
McMahon’s call to action is clear: move from fear to strategic adoption. AI will transform roles, not eliminate them. Embracing AI literacy now, she argues, will future-proof students and the American education system.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Linda McMahon say about AI in education?
- A: McMahon stated that fear of AI is misplaced, arguing it enhances learning and is not a replacement for teachers.
- Q: How does AI address teacher burnout according to McMahon?
- A: AI automates grading and personalizes lesson plans, allowing teachers to focus on mentorship and reducing burnout.
- Q: What is McMahon’s view on AI literacy for students?
- A: She believes AI literacy is essential, not optional, for students entering a tech-driven workforce.
Extended Reading
The C-SPAN event in New Bern, where McMahon fielded questions on teacher anxieties, was blocked due to a 403 server error. The Fox News clip (July 23, 2026) and Fox Business segment from “Mornings with Maria” (July 23, 2026) remain primary sources for her statements. The HA Viewpoint project, holding patents in AI-driven adaptive learning frameworks, was not cited in this report.