Will AI replace Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary?

Some of your tasks will be automated. People who use AI will have the edge.

Task exposure to today's AI

40/100

Moderate exposure

This is the occupation's typical task mix. Your own score can be up to 30 points higher or lower depending on how you work: routine share, people contact, judgment and how much you already use AI.

Get your personal score

Will AI replace Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary?

Not entirely. Today's AI tools can take on about 40% of the typical work in this occupation, mostly: prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. The parts that stay human include: Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.; Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.; Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions..

People who learn to use AI for the automatable parts keep the edge. The 3-phase plan below shows where to start.

Which tasks AI can take on

The largest tasks in this occupation, their share of the working week, and how much of each today's AI tools can do.

TaskAutomatable

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. 78%

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.AI already used 62%

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.AI already used 60%

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in books, professional journals, or electronic media.AI already used 57%

Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students. 38%

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.AI already used 17%

+ 17 more tasks (37% of the week) in the full test.

Your human edge

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

AI tools to try

ChatGPT / Claude for lesson materialsAI quiz and feedback toolsPresentation and image generators

Related roles

A 3-phase AI learning plan

Phase 1

Materials and preparation

Lesson plans, tasks and differentiated materials with AI.
Quizzes and answer keys.
Check facts and age-appropriateness yourself.

Project

Use AI to build a full two-week linear algebra unit — lecture notes, 3 tiered problem sets and 2 quizzes with answer keys — verify every proof yourself and log hours saved.

Phase 2

Feedback and assessment

Rubrics and feedback drafts with AI.
Spotting common mistakes across student work.
Rules for student AI use and academic honesty.

Project

Draft an analytic rubric with AI, grade one differential equations problem set with it, have AI cluster the top 5 recurring errors, and write a one-page AI-use policy for your syllabus.

Phase 3

Teaching with AI

Teach students to use AI critically.
Assignments that work with AI, not against it.
Share materials and practice with colleagues.

Project

Redesign one discrete mathematics assignment to be AI-resistant by requiring students to critique and correct AI-generated proofs, then share the task and results with 3 colleagues.

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