Lance Barish, a high school math teacher in Dallas, discusses how political changes impact classroom dynamics, while Jennifer Lopez, a social studies teacher from Los Angeles, shares insights on the challenges of student absences linked to immigration enforcement. Laura Meckler, a national education writer, sheds light on the significant funding cuts and their effects on vulnerable student populations. Together, they explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education and the urgent need for better support and compensation for teachers.