the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping classrooms across the country, and in Ridgewood, educators are already finding new ways to use the technology. While advocates say AI can save teachers time and enhance learning, critics warn that it could also discourage students from developing critical thinking skills.
How One Ridgewood Teacher Uses AI Every Week
For Jerome Ong, a 5th grade teacher in Ridgewood, NJ, AI has become part of his weekly classroom routine. He uses AI tools to streamline lessons and spark discussions with his students.
“You have to find what works for your students,” Ong said.
But Ong doesn’t just rely on AI — he also makes sure his students understand the technology’s limits. He encourages them to challenge AI-generated answers, showing them that the software often admits mistakes when pressed.
“Doing that with your class can show you that AI isn’t really as smart as you think it is,” he explained.
Tech Giants Invest in AI Training for Teachers
This summer, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic announced a $23 million investment to train hundreds of thousands of teachers in the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the nation’s second-largest teachers’ union.
The initiative includes both virtual and in-person training, with programs launching in New York City.
“AI holds tremendous promise but huge challenges—and it’s our job as educators to make sure AI serves our students and society, not the other way around,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.
Microsoft president Brad Smith added:
“It can change the way teachers work in ways that empower them, give them more information, and make preparing lesson plans easier.”
How Much Time Does AI Save Teachers?
According to a recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey, teachers reported saving nearly six hours per week by using AI tools for lesson planning, grading support, and classroom preparation.
Ong believes that since AI is already in classrooms, teachers should focus on figuring out how to use it responsibly.
“If AI is already here, let’s try to figure this out to help our kids continue to learn and grow,” he said.
Critics Warn of Risks: Cheating & Loss of Critical Thinking
Not everyone is on board with the rise of AI in schools. Some critics argue that the technology may lead to increased cheating and reduced critical thinking if used carelessly.
Former teacher Lois Weiner, an AFT member, criticized the push from Silicon Valley companies, saying:
“There is so much drudgery in the job, but the answer to that is to improve the conditions of teachers’ work, not hand classrooms over to AI.”
Microsoft’s own research also noted that students reported a decline in critical thinking when AI was used without proper guidance.
The Future of AI in Ridgewood Classrooms
While debate continues, Ridgewood teachers like Ong see AI as a tool—not a replacement—for educators. The consensus among experts is that teachers must remain in the driver’s seat, setting boundaries to ensure technology enhances rather than diminishes education.
As schools across New Jersey prepare for the future, Ridgewood may serve as a case study in how AI can be integrated into classrooms—balancing innovation with the timeless importance of teacher-student connections.
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Sooner or later AI will reduce the need for some teachers and hopefully reduce the administrative bloat.