Billings Schools Integrates AI in Classrooms

Published Date : 17/08/2025 

Billings Public Schools is training teachers to use artificial intelligence to plan lessons, grade assignments, and customize learning experiences for students. 

BILLINGS — Billings Public Schools is taking a proactive step by instructing teachers on how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms. The goal is to enhance lesson planning, provide better feedback on student progress, and ultimately reduce teacher burnout.

Teachers are being introduced to a range of AI tools, including School AI, Magic School AI, Brisk Teaching, and Diffit. Sarah Rainey, an instructional technology coach at the schools, is leading the charge in training educators on how to effectively use these programs. Her primary objective is to help teachers manage the overwhelming workload and meet the diverse needs of their students.

“The load that's on teachers to meet the needs of every student in their classroom is a lot,” Rainey said. According to a 2025 survey from RAND, 53% of teachers nationwide reported feeling burnt out. “You feel like a failure at times when you can't meet everybody's needs, whether they're high, low, or in between,” she added.

Despite the potential benefits, some teachers remain skeptical about the integration of AI. Rainey acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes that the reality is that students will find ways to cheat regardless of the presence of AI. “I've had several teachers who've taken my courses that are skeptical. They come in with the idea that kids are going to cheat with AI. And the reality is kids are going to cheat even without AI,” she said.

One teacher who has fully embraced the use of AI is Carly Swain, a sixth-grade science teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School. Swain finds the technology incredibly useful for creating interactive learning materials without spending hours on coding. “I love that I can create any sort of interactive that I want for my students to practice, and I don't have to spend hours coding it,” she said.

Swain uses AI for various tasks, including planning lessons, grading assignments, and brainstorming activities. The programs also help her tailor learning tools to each student's individual learning style. “To these students who can't just sit and focus, it becomes accessible and that's what we want. So, I guess we have to determine what's more important to us: doing it in a way that we're comfortable or doing it the way it's comfortable for them,” Swain said.

The integration of AI in Billings Public Schools is part of a broader trend in education, where technology is increasingly being used to support both teachers and students. By leveraging AI, the district hopes to create a more dynamic and personalized learning environment that can better prepare students for the challenges of the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What tools are teachers being trained to use?

A: Teachers are being trained to use AI tools such as School AI, Magic School AI, Brisk Teaching, and Diffit.

Q: What is the primary goal of integrating AI in the classroom?

A: The primary goal is to enhance lesson planning, provide better feedback on student progress, and reduce teacher burnout.

Q: How does AI help with lesson planning?

A: AI helps teachers create interactive learning materials and customize lessons to meet the diverse needs of students without spending excessive time on preparation.

Q: What are some concerns teachers have about using AI?

A: Some teachers are concerned that students might use AI to cheat, but it is emphasized that students can find ways to cheat regardless of AI.

Q: How does AI benefit students with different learning styles?

A: AI helps tailor learning tools to each student's individual learning style, making the material more accessible and engaging for all students. 

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