An exquisite macro photography close-up of hyper-realistic digital artwork. A teacher stands at the edge of a powerful, flowing river, symbolizing the unstoppable current of technology. The river glows with streams of futuristic light, resembling AI neural networks. The teacher holds a compass, symbolizing guidance, while inspired and curious students stand nearby. In the distance, a sunrise breaks through the horizon, representing hope and adaptation. The scene is natural yet infused with subtle futuristic elements, blending education, nature, and technology in harmony. Emphasis on clarity, cinematic lighting, and intricate details, with a balance between realism and metaphor. Sharp focus, fine texture, close-up, highly detailed.

Riding the AI River in Education: The CIA Model for Teachers

In Doctor Strange, the Ancient One gives a powerful piece of advice:

“You cannot beat a river into submission. You have to surrender to its current and use its power as your own.”

That line isn’t just movie magic; it’s exactly how we should think about AI in education. We can’t fight the current of technological change. Instead, we have to learn how to ride it, harness its energy, and guide it in ways that benefit our students and ourselves.

But how do we do that without feeling like we’re clinging to an inflatable raft in class six rapids? One framework that can help is the CIA Coaching Model (no, not the spy agency), introduced by Neil and Sue Thompson.

Let’s break it down.

 

C is for Control

The first step is to ask: What’s in my control?

  • You decide which AI tools belong in your classroom.

  • You set the boundaries, AI for brainstorming, sure; AI for writing entire essays, definitely not.

  • You control how AI helps with administrative tasks to free up more time for real student interactions.

Think of this as drawing the borders of your classroom AI “map.” Inside those borders, you’re the guide.

 

I is for Influence

Some things aren’t in our control, but we can still influence them.

  • District policies on AI may not be yours to write, but you can join the conversation.

  • You might not control how students use AI outside of class, but you can influence how they think about it.

  • As teachers, we’re not TikTok stars, but we are influencers for our students.

By modeling ethical use, encouraging curiosity, and keeping a growth mindset, we guide students toward seeing AI as a tool for learning, not a shortcut for cheating.

 

A is for Accept and Adapt

This one’s the toughest: recognizing what’s outside both control and influence.

AI is here to stay. It will reshape assessment, creativity, and what “cheating” even looks like. That’s not up to us. But acceptance isn’t surrender; it’s the first step to adaptation.

  • Rethink assessments to focus on creativity, reflection, and critical thinking.

  • Build student agency and intrinsic motivation, learning for the sake of learning, not just grades, can make using AI inappropriately less likely.

  • Shift energy from “AI detectors” to designing tasks that AI can’t replicate.

When we accept and adapt, AI becomes less of a threat and more of a current we can use to move forward.

 

Final Thoughts

Like the Ancient One told Dr. Strange, we can’t beat the river into submission. Instead, let’s use its power as our own.

The CIA model gives us a compass:

  • Control what we can

  • Influence what we must

  • Accept & Adapt to what we can’t

AI isn’t a storm to fear. It’s a powerful current, and when we ride it wisely, it can carry us to incredible places.

 

👉 What do you think? How are you using AI in your classroom, controlling it, influencing it, or adapting to it? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

 

đź“š Want to learn more about frameworks like this? Check out Coaching for Change by Neil and Sue Thompson (affiliate link).