In an open letter to his students, 40-year teacher/author Jon Bergmann shares 7 critical tips for navigating the age of AI. Learn how to use AI without harming your critical thinking skills and how to prepare for an AI-driven future.

You can read the open letter on my blog HERE

We are living through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, an era of change as monumental as the dawn of electricity. But as AI tools become embedded in our lives, how can students use them without sacrificing the skills that make them human?

In this special episode, veteran teacher Mr. Jon Bergmann reads his open letter to students on how to navigate the complex world of AI. He frames the current moment with a powerful historical lens, comparing it to past industrial revolutions, and delivers a message of both caution and profound optimism.

This isn't a lecture against technology. It's a roadmap for thriving. Mr. Bergmann shares seven essential rules for using AI as a powerful tool while strengthening your own mind, building real relationships, and becoming a leader in a future that is still unwritten. This is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators trying to find their footing in the age of AI.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

The Forklift in the Weight Room: Understand why using AI to bypass "productive struggle" is one of the biggest threats to your education and cognitive growth.

The Right Way to Use AI: Learn the critical difference between letting AI do the work versus using it as an expert would—to amplify and accelerate your own effort.

Don't Believe Everything You See: A warning about AI "hallucinations" and deepfakes, and why developing your own discernment is more important than ever.

The Poison of AI Companions: Why you must avoid counterfeit AI relationships and embrace the messy, glorious reality of connecting with real humans.

7 Rules for Thriving: A clear, actionable list of seven suggestions to prepare for your future, from choosing a college major to the immense value of mentorship.

People & Resources Mentioned:

Andrew Ng: Founder of Coursera and top AI researcher.

Ted Chiang: Author of the "forklift in the weight room" analogy.

Moria Gleason: Hillsdale College student, on the importance of writing to learn.

Scott Latham: Business professor, on the performance of students who use AI.

Jim Rohn: Motivational speaker, on the influence of the people around you.

Mentioned Concepts: The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Productive Struggle, AI Hallucinations, Deepfakes, AI Companion Apps (e.g., Character AI).

After 40 years, why keep teaching? Veteran teacher Jon Bergmann shares 5 powerful reasons he’s still in the classroom, from the joy of inspiring students to the urgent need to protect Gen Z in a digital world.

With teacher burnout at an all-time high and disruptive technologies like AI changing the education landscape, why would a veteran educator choose to start his 40th year in the classroom?

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Jon Bergmann answers the question he gets all the time: "When are you going to stop?" He shares the five powerful reasons that keep him energized and committed to his students. From the infectious optimism of teenagers to the urgent need to protect them from the dangers of the digital world, this is a heartfelt look at the enduring purpose of teaching.

Whether you're an educator feeling worn out, a parent concerned about the future, or just someone looking for a dose of hope, this conversation will remind you why investing in the next generation is the most critical work of all.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Amazing Students: Why the energy, curiosity, and optimism of teenagers are the primary fuel that keeps a veteran teacher going.

Amazing Colleagues: The profound impact of working in a supportive school culture with a shared vision for developing the whole child.

Our Kids, Our Hope: A passionate argument for why dedicated adults are more crucial than ever and how students today crave mentorship and guidance.

The Need for Protection: A stark warning about the "poison soup" of the digital world, from addictive platforms to the rise of AI Companion Apps, and why teachers must be a line of defense.

Optimism for Gen Z: A powerful counter-narrative to the negative stereotypes about today's youth, highlighting their purpose, resilience, and potential to solve the world's real issues.

Resources Mentioned:

Original Blog Post: 40 Years and Counting - Why I am Still Teaching

Common Sense Media: The organization mentioned for its study on AI Companion Apps and teenagers.

Jon's Upcoming Conferences where he will speak about AI in Education

Christian Schools AI Leadership Conference

Learning and The Brain - Teaching Generation AI-Z

My personal journey and the profound impact teachers have, even when they don't immediately see the results of their work.

Every year I have to say goodbye to a new batch of students. It's grief and its good.

Do you want to make a lasting impact on your students lives - listen in as vetran teacher and author Jon Bergmann gets vulnerable and shares a couple of his secrets to success.  

Jon discusses how AI use has changed from 2024 to 2025. His big concern is the rise of people using AI as a companion.

Jon explores his early teaching career and shares insights from his decades in the classroom.