203. Is Using AI Tutors In Schools A Good Idea? (Listener Q&A)

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The government have announced plans for all children on free school meals to be given access to an AI tutor, which begs the question, are we already on the way to humans being replaced by robots?

"Am I cut out for this?" Ellie's message is the one that might hit hardest. She moved from TA into a Year 6 class as a trainee, was promised regular meetings and observations that never materialised, has had praise maybe twice all year, and is now quietly wondering whether she's just not built for teaching. Dylan and Hayden have a lot to say about whose fault that actually is.

It's a mailbag full of early career pressure this week. One ECT is staring down phonics screening with an 86% pass rate hanging over them, daily interventions and constant mock screenings. Another has been asked to go for Year Group Leader in only their third year, before they've even changed year groups. Is that a vote of confidence or a red flag?

And after the setting episode, a Year 1 ECT writes in stretched paper-thin: split-teaching three ways, rushing inputs into a 45 minute slot, and the one TA in the key stage forever getting pulled for cover.

Honest, a little raw, and a real look at what we're asking new teachers to carry.

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