Key insights from the Education Funders Peer Network: AI, equity and the future of learning

AI has the potential to personalise learning, reduce teacher workload and expand access to support, but its benefits will depend on how equitably and thoughtfully it is implemented, according to education leaders convened by Philanthropy Australia’s Education Funders Peer Network. 

At the most recent meeting of Philanthropy Australia’s Education Funders Peer Network, Jason Miezis, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Support at the NSW Department of Education, emphasised that equity must remain central to how education systems approach AI. 

He was among leaders at the convening that said While AI has significant potential to personalise learning, support diverse classrooms and extend access to additional educational support, its benefits will not be shared equally without deliberate action. Many students lack access to devices or reliable internet at home, limiting their ability to benefit from emerging technologies. 

“Equity means equity of opportunity, equity of experience, equity of engagement and ensuring all students can access what they need to grow as learners,” Jason said. 

AI can free humans to do more human work

Network members heard that a key opportunity emerging from AI adoption is its potential to reduce teacher workload and administrative burden. 

Representatives from both NSW and WA highlighted how AI can streamline lesson preparation and administrative tasks, creating more time for teaching, relationship-building and student support.

Milanna Heberle, Director of System Innovation and Reform at the WA Department of Education, reinforced that generative AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a substitute for educators. She said “this is not about replacing the role of teachers” and that the technology is being used to support teachers’ work, not replace it. 

Reflecting on the broader shift, Jason noted that AI is now a permanent feature of modern life: “It’s an inevitable part of our everyday life now. It is not going away, so it’s about what we can do as leaders … to embrace it.” 

What this means for philanthropy 

Although AI in education is still emerging, speakers agreed that the direction of change is clear. 

Susie Riddell, Head of Evidence and Impact at The Smith Family, argued that philanthropy has an important role to play in testing and scaling promising approaches. She described philanthropy’s role as “taking risk and driving innovation with an eye to what impact at scale looks like”. 

For funders, this creates an opportunity to: 

• Support innovation grounded in equity 

• Invest in capability and infrastructure 

• Strengthen collaboration across sectors 

• Back pilots, evaluation and scaling of what works 

Just as importantly, the discussion highlighted the value of peer networks in accelerating shared learning and connecting insight to action across sectors. Handled well, AI has the potential to strengthen learning and expand opportunity. Realising that potential will depend on how governments, schools, philanthropy and community organisations continue to learn, test and act together. 

These insights emerged from Philanthropy Australia’s May Education Funders Peer Network, held across Melbourne and Sydney, which brought together leaders from government, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector to explore Reshaping Classrooms: AI, Education and Equity.