A recent study conducted by the Walton Family Foundation in collaboration with Gallup found that six in ten teachers in the United States used AI tools during the 2024–25 school year, with three in ten using them on a weekly basis. Teachers reported using AI most frequently for lesson planning (37%), creating worksheets and activities (33%), and adapting materials to meet students’ needs (28%).
The study found that 32% of teachers use AI weekly, while another 28% use it less frequently (monthly or less). It surveyed 2,232 public school teachers across the U.S. between March 18 and April 11, 2025, using an online panel from the RAND American Teacher Panel.
Most teachers who use AI say it helps save time across various work tasks — with 60% to 84% reporting time savings depending on the task. Very few (7% or less) said AI increased the time required for their work.
Teachers who use AI weekly report an average time savings of 5.9 hours per week — what the study calls an “AI dividend.” Over a typical 37.4-week school year, that adds up to the equivalent of six full weeks saved. Teachers say they reinvest this time in giving better feedback to students, preparing personalized lessons, writing to parents, or simply getting home earlier.
AI tools don’t just save time — they also improve quality. A majority of teachers using AI say it enhances the quality of their work across various tasks, ranging from 57% for grading to 74% for administrative tasks. Only a small portion (16% or less) reported any decline in quality.
The study concludes that only those who invest time in regularly using AI tools truly reap the rewards of saved time and improved quality. Weekly users not only report higher time savings, but also greater improvements in the quality of their work. As AI becomes more embedded in education, its potential to transform teachers’ workloads and student outcomes continues to grow.