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Has AI Made Teachers Obsolete?

Dr. Richelle Marynowski explores why human connection is still at the heart of education, and how artificial intelligence can enhance, not replace, the work of teachers. 

Light appetizers. Cash bar.
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Free, everyone welcome!

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About the talk

With the increase in prevalence of AI tools as a way to complete tasks that humans used to do, some people have been worried that AI will take over their jobs…teachers among them. Why do we need teachers when a chatbot can give me the answers to my questions? However, teaching is much more than knowledge transmission and learning is more than gaining information. Education is about relationships and experiences — connecting to each other and the way in which we understand things. This talk will highlight the ways that AI can enhance, not replace, the work of teachers. 

Dr. Richelle Marynowski (BEd ’94) is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge. She began her teaching career in a small rural community in Alberta and then moved to Edmonton. Her K – 12 teaching career spanned 17 years and six different schools. She completed her Master of Education in 2001 and a PhD in 2014. She began her career at ULethbridge in 2011 as a lecturer in the Faculty of Education. Dr. Marynowski’s research has focussed on mathematics teaching and learning and assessment practices through a lens of teacher professional development. Caring for teachers and their craft has been a focus of all her work. More recently, Dr. Marynowski has co-founded an AI company designed to support the professional practice of teachers while reducing teacher burn-out. 

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Dr. Richelle Marynowski's talk is generously 
supported by an anonymous donor.
The 2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series 
is made possible thanks to: 

University of Lethbridge Senate,
Knud Petersen,
Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD ’17),
Dave and Kathy Greenwood,
Dr. Michelle Helstein,
Dr. Digvir and Manju Jayas,
Deborah Lucas, and 
Dr. Dena McMartin

About the series

In June 2014, the Faculty of Arts & Science launched something special: the PUBlic Professor Series. In 2023, we expanded the series to include talks by researchers from across the University. This monthly lecture series is designed to spark thought-provoking discussions and bring a diverse group of experts and researchers from our campus right into the community.

While the series' scope has grown, its core mission remains unchanged. These talks will continue to offer valuable insights into topics that pique interest, inspire questions, and foster open and engaging conversations. The PUBlic Professor Series provides an excellent opportunity for the community to come together, connect with one another, and dive into meaningful discussions.

This series is a natural extension of the popular Public Professor column, co-edited by Dan Johnson and James Linville, which you may have enjoyed reading in the Lethbridge Herald. Over the span of three years, they published a total of 146 regular Saturday columns, each penned by our talented faculty, sharing intriguing aspects of their research with you.

Together, let’s explore the fascinating world of knowledge, one conversation at a time.

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