Jaycie Homer, a teacher and 2026 Teach Plus Leading Edge Fellow, asserts that educators must be central to developing AI policy for New Mexico schools. While current discussions often prioritize infrastructure and cybersecurity, Homer argues that these perspectives overlook the day-to-day realities of classroom instruction and student needs. Homer participated in the Legislative Education Study Committee’s AI working group at New Mexico Highlands University, emphasizing that practical classroom experience is critical for defining effective and equitable AI implementation.

In her role as a teacher, Homer has integrated AI tools to support diverse student needs, including English language learners. She cited a specific instance where AI helped a student overcome information access barriers by generating a sixth-grade level summary on aviation, allowing him to complete a career presentation independently. According to Homer, such tools provide essential support in a state where educational resources are strained and proficiency rates remain low. For example, she noted that less than 1 in 5 low-income students in New Mexico currently achieve fourth-grade reading proficiency.

The state’s educational environment faces significant financial pressure, as evidenced by the Office of Management and Budget recently withholding over $44 million in federal K-12 funding for New Mexico. Within this constrained landscape, Homer uses AI to automate administrative tasks like generating differentiated assignments and translating course materials. This allows her to dedicate more time to personalized instruction for over 20 students per class, including those with Individualized Education Programs. Homer maintains that while safeguards are necessary, policies must be drafted and tested with input from teachers to ensure that technology remains functional under real-world resource limitations. She concluded that integrating educator insights into legislative guidelines is essential for protecting students while empowering teachers to improve academic outcomes.

Jaycie Homer, a teacher and 2026 Teach Plus Leading Edge Fellow, asserts that educators must be central to developing AI policy for New Mexico schools. While current discussions often prioritize infrastructure and cybersecurity, Homer argues that these perspectives overlook the day-to-day realities of classroom instruction and student needs. Homer participated in the Legislative Education Study Committee’s AI working group at New Mexico Highlands University, emphasizing that practical classroom experience is critical for defining effective and equitable AI implementation.

In her role as a teacher, Homer has integrated AI tools to support diverse student needs, including English language learners. She cited a specific instance where AI helped a student overcome information access barriers by generating a sixth-grade level summary on aviation, allowing him to complete a career presentation independently. According to Homer, such tools provide essential support in a state where educational resources are strained and proficiency rates remain low. For example, she noted that less than 1 in 5 low-income students in New Mexico currently achieve fourth-grade reading proficiency.

The state’s educational environment faces significant financial pressure, as evidenced by the Office of Management and Budget recently withholding over $44 million in federal K-12 funding for New Mexico. Within this constrained landscape, Homer uses AI to automate administrative tasks like generating differentiated assignments and translating course materials. This allows her to dedicate more time to personalized instruction for over 20 students per class, including those with Individualized Education Programs. Homer maintains that while safeguards are necessary, policies must be drafted and tested with input from teachers to ensure that technology remains functional under real-world resource limitations. She concluded that integrating educator insights into legislative guidelines is essential for protecting students while empowering teachers to improve academic outcomes.