Across Idaho, from smaller districts like Fruitland to larger ones like West Ada, schools are stepping up to create smart, thoughtful policies for using AI in the classroom. With tools like ChatGPT becoming more common, educators are moving beyond the fear of cheating and starting to see how AI can personalize learning, boost creativity, and make everyday tasks more efficient.
In Fruitland, the “School Savvy with Chatty-G” workshop, led by IDLA’s Jolene Del Re and Jennifer Caprile, gave teachers practical ways to use AI both ethically and effectively. From writing helpful student feedback and creating AI-resistant assignments to drafting kind and clear newsletters, educators are learning how AI can save time and improve communication. The key? Always keep ethics front and center by prioritizing accountability, confidentiality, transparency, and fairness.
Nezperce School District Superintendent and IDLA Board Member Brian Lee echoed these themes in a recent school board meeting, highlighting how AI can support real classroom tasks such as helping teachers adjust the reading level of assignments to meet student needs. The board also discussed the importance of preparing students for the real world, where AI is already a big part of many jobs. In fact, as of early 2025, over 1,100 job listings in Idaho included “AI” in the title, and many more expect applicants to be comfortable with the technology.
One message came through loud and clear in both districts and at IDLA: conversation before accusation. Instead of assuming students are misusing AI, educators are encouraged to create a classroom culture where AI is a learning tool, not just a shortcut, but a way to dig deeper and think critically.
Through collaboration and curiosity, Idaho teachers are leading the way. AI isn’t just the future, it’s already here, and Idaho schools are getting smart about how to use it.
