It's something impacting many New Yorkers in some way, even if they may not know it. And teachers, in particular, are calling for action.

Teachers in Ithaca on Thursday joined together for a rally, march and sit-in. One of their demands has to do with something to do with what teachers are talking a lot about these days – artificial intelligence.

AI will impact school districts across the state, teachers say. They are starting to demand answers.  

The teachers in Ithaca are specifically calling for protections against the outsourcing of teaching to AI. They held a rally, march and sit-in Thursday afternoon—along with an open contract negotiation session. 

These teachers want specifics about AI protections written into their contracts — they do not want humans being replaced by artificial intelligence.

“This becomes a model for our state to follow," said David Isley of the Ithaca Teachers Association. "We can become leaders when it comes to putting the humanity first in education. I know that our siblings, our union siblings from across the state are watching us and if we could get this win, it becomes something they can then take and say hey look it happened in Ithaca so we can do it here too.” 

Isley also said students are relying on AI to do the work for them and there is a fear of making mistakes, which he says is how students learn.

AI can also be a helpful tool for public schools.

The New York State School Boards Association says it can help with things like professional development, budgeting and performance reviews, as well as serve as a helpful tool for students — when used properly.