Artificial intelligence is making its way into California classrooms, spurring concern among educators.

The California Federation of Teachers just released a white paper on the dangers of AI in schools, presenting its case to the state legislature at a lobby day in Sacramento. A poll showed 74% of its members believe AI harms student mental health.

Jeff Freitas, president of the union, said there is no substitute for the experience, good judgment and compassion of a real teacher.

"We are finding that there is less critical thinking and when there's interaction and learning through AI versus in the classroom, when there's discussion, when there's debate," Freitas outlined.

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Educators are concerned about the amount of data AI can collect and disseminate about students and staff. The poll found 86% of members think it is important to fight for guardrails to protect privacy and mandate human oversight. Earlier this year, California lawmakers were so concerned about AI in schools they passed a bill stating all educators must be human beings.

Freitas stressed professional educators know how to listen, evaluate student needs and respond — talents no computer program can match. Freitas' organization wants policies to ensure AI doesn't come for educator jobs.

"We want teachers, humans grading our students. We don't want AI writing IEPs. We don't want AI or robots being administrators," Freitas emphasized.

Educators are asking lawmakers to give students more face-to-face time with educators at the college level by passing a trailer bill to replenish a fund covering office hours for part-time faculty.