Kankakee, IL – Parents across Illinois may soon see clearer rules on how artificial intelligence is used in their children’s classrooms—thanks in large part to a team of educators with deep roots in Kankakee.
A group of Kankakee-connected teachers, working through the nonprofit Teach Plus Illinois, led the effort to shape the state’s first official guidance on AI in education. The policy, which passed the Illinois General Assembly on Saturday, is now headed to Governor JB Pritzker for final approval.
Teach Plus Policy Director Bill Curtin, a former Kankakee High School teacher, brought together a team that includes KHS graduates Taylor Winfield and Quinn McConnell, and Bradley-Bourbonnais alum Joe Brewer. Together, they spent the past year surveying teachers, writing policy, and working with lawmakers to ensure AI can be used safely and effectively in Illinois schools.
AI is moving forward in classrooms now and policy makers need to catch up quickly,” said Brewer, now a school dean. Because the choices Illinois makes today will determine whether AI becomes a powerful tool to bridge the achievement gap or a missed opportunity.”
If signed into law, the new policy will require the Illinois State Board of Education to give schools guidance on using AI to enhance learning while protecting student safety. It also ensures that teachers will have a voice in decisions about how AI is used and that AI is included in internet safety lessons.
For parents, this means more consistent and transparent use of AI tools in the classroom—and more support for the teachers guiding your child’s learning.
Kankakee educators will continue to lead the way, with more local teachers set to join the Teach Plus fellowship next year.
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