Tipsheet

A New York School District Is Testing a Cost Saving Measure for the Classroom

Amy Curtis
Amy Curtis  |  July 21, 2026 7:30 AM

Much in the same way that fast food workers and the 'Fight for 15' movement ushered in an era of automation at your local McDonald's, it seems teachers unions and their unfettered greed are going to usher in cost-saving measures in the classroom, too. 

At least, that's what one New York school district is testing, as they introduce a humanoid robot named 'Sally', who will teach juniors and seniors at Salamanca High School, located in upstate rural New York.

Here's more:

The average salary of a teacher in New York is between $92,000 and $95,000.

We can't imagine teachers unions sit quietly by and let this happen. Sure, 'Sally' is an educational assistant, but if she works out, robots are coming for their jobs next.

The school promises 'Sally' will never replace real teachers.

But budgets are a thing.

Lots of people would probably agree with this.

That's a fair point.

All of this.

We also have to wonder how long an AI teacher would last in some school districts. In places like Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles, that robot would be dismantled in about five minutes.