AI in Education: A 2025 Snapshot of Trust, Use, and Emerging Practices

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to rise as one of the most transformative forces of our time. In education, AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, personalize learning, and reimagine teaching practices has only become more apparent over the past year. The technology’s rapid evolution and expanding availability mean that Michigan educators are encountering AI tools more frequently, both inside and outside of classrooms.

As with any emerging technology, however, AI adoption in education requires careful planning and alignment with local values and goals. Questions about equity, transparency, data privacy, and professional capacity remain central to successful implementation. Moreover, the pace of development makes ongoing research essential to ensure that the use of AI in schools is both effective and responsible.

Recognizing these needs, the AI Lab at Michigan Virtual has partnered with leading education associations across Michigan through the AI Statewide Workgroup. Together, these organizations continue to examine how AI is being used, how educators feel about it, and what supports are needed to move forward responsibly. By conducting annual surveys with educators across the state, the Workgroup is building a foundation of knowledge to guide districts as they navigate this complex and fast-changing landscape.

This 2025 report serves as a new snapshot of the state of AI in Michigan education, offering insights into both continuity and change since the initial 2024 survey. Many themes surrounding trust, professional learning, and ethics have stayed consistent, but one notable change is that usage growth appears to be outpacing feelings of trust. This dynamic presents both opportunities and challenges for schools, making it more important than ever for district and state leaders to stay engaged, informed, and proactive in their approach to AI.