I am a strong advocate for radically improving education by making AI more accessible. With over a decade of experience as a special education teacher, a teacher coach and a school leader in Washington, DC, I have seen firsthand the impact of a well-equipped education system and the devastating outcomes when it falls short. Now, as a mother preparing to homeschool my almost 2-year-old son, this cause is not just professional for me, it's personal. 

Our world is rapidly changing, with technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) becoming integral parts of our lives, right from home to workplaces. Yet, our education system hasn't kept up. The education crisis in America is profound. It astounds me that in the 21st century, some students are still graduating, or worse yet, dropping out, without the most basic skills; even reading eludes them, let alone knowledge of advanced technology.

Children are being punished or humiliated adverse effects for using AI, primarily because we, as educators, haven't equipped them with the comprehensive knowledge of using it responsibly and ethically. This is an issue that is causing lifelong damage to these young individuals. AI training for both students and teachers could alter this scenario drastically. Teachers, notwithstanding their best intentions, can be subjective, but AI holds potential to bring objectivity to our education system.

Employing AI in schools can reduce the mundane paperwork for teachers, giving them more time to be creative and interactive in their teaching methods. Having access to the vast knowledge AI provides can revolutionize the way our children learn.

I urge you to make a difference in the lives of the over 489,000 public school students in Florida alone (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019). Require all public schools in Coral Gables, FL, and throughout the USA to provide mandatory AI training for students and teachers. Let's prepare them to use AI effectively, responsibly, and ethically within and beyond classrooms.

This is our chance to make a change for the better. Our children and teachers deserve it. Sign the petition now.