This story originally appeared on First Alert 4
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) –– As artificial intelligence makes its way into classrooms across the country, one St. Louis school is already ahead of the curve, using AI not just as a teaching tool but as a possible antidote to growing teacher burnout.
At Gateway Science Academy in south St. Louis, a public charter school, middle school teacher Jessica Mayberry is juggling lesson planning, student needs and field trips, including a recent STEM field trip visit to Chicago.
She says artificial intelligence is already easing some of the load when it comes to planning.
“AI helped me think of options I didn’t think of,” Mayberry said. “I think teachers will find more joy in teaching by getting rid of some of those tasks.”
The charter school is in the midst of a two-year rollout of MagicSchool, a platform offering tools for lesson planning, assessments, and differentiated instruction. In year one, teachers are piloting five apps to explore how AI can streamline their work and better support students. Year two will expand the tools to students, a move that aligns with the national direction.
On April 23, President Donald Trump signed “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth,” an executive order encouraging the “appropriate integration” of AI in K-12 classrooms. The directive highlights AI’s potential to boost learning outcomes and prepare students for a tech-driven workforce.
“It’s a big deal,” Trump said at the signing. “AI is certainly where it seems to be at.”
While the order doesn’t directly address teacher shortages, some educators, like Mayberry, see AI as part of the solution.
“We’ve heard the term ‘diverse learners’ ... it’s something we say all the time,” Mayberry said. “Whether it’s reading level or just how someone learns - hands-on, visually - AI lets me tailor things more easily. It can help cut down on the time I spend doing that.”
Gateway’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Brian Schick, says the focus is on responsible use, with AI helping educators, not replacing them.
“AI is like every other piece of technology we’ve encountered,” Schick said. “Great resource, great opportunity ... but a lot to consider when using it responsibly and safely.”
The plan at Gateway includes teacher-led trainings, monthly support sessions, and a digital resource hub. By 2026, the school aims for all teachers to be proficient and for students to use select apps to support personalized learning, goal-setting and project-based work.
First Alert 4 reached out to several other area school districts.
In a statement, St. Louis Public School Superintendent Dr. Millicent Borishade said:
“Saint Louis Public Schools recognizes the increasing significance of AI in shaping the future landscape of both life and work, and while we don’t have sufficient information to know exactly what the administration’s plan for preparing our students for this reality is at this time, we are cautiously hopeful.
Our primary focus at SLPS remains steadfast: to empower our students to adapt and flourish in a world increasingly influenced by technology. This includes cultivating a deep understanding of technology, and indeed, artificial intelligence, within our curriculum. We are committed to equipping our students with the critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and ethical awareness necessary to navigate and contribute to a potentially AI-driven society.
While we are encouraged by the national conversation this executive order sparks, our approach will continue to be driven by the specific needs and best interests of our students and our community. We look forward to engaging with federal and state initiatives to ensure that any integration of AI-focused education is thoughtful, equitable, and ultimately enhances the learning experience and future opportunities for all Saint Louis Public Schools students."
A spokesperson for the Rockwood School District gave First Alert 4 the following statement:
“Rockwood recognizes the power of artificial intelligence, the positive impact it can have on instruction and learning, as well as the need to prepare students for appropriate and responsible use of AI. Because of the fast pace of change associated with AI, it is imperative that staff and students receive continuous learning opportunities on the effective and ethical use of it. We are currently working on an online course about using AI for high school students to assist in learning. This course will include student guidelines, tips and tricks for using AI effectively and guidance on how to properly cite AI-assisted work. Students may also receive additional learning opportunities about AI from their classroom teachers, school librarians and district-level Instructional Technology staff. Teaching staff, administrators and professional support staff also have multiple opportunities and formats to build their skills around AI. This includes, but is not limited to, working with Instructional Technology and Curriculum staff, attending professional learning sessions throughout the year, and reviewing online resources the district shares on a regular basis.”
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