Trim teacher wins award for Most Ethical Use of AI in Education

Trim teacher Joe Rayfus has been honoured with the Most Ethical Use of AI in Education Award at Northern Ireland’s National GenAI Awards, held at Ulster University, Belfast.

Rayfus, a post-primary teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience and Meath Chronicle’s motoring columnist, received the award for his role as national coordinator of the Merlyn Origin National Trial. The trial, which involves 300 teachers across 48 schools in Ireland, is the largest international deployment of the Merlyn Origin AI assistant outside North America.

The Merlyn Origin tool is designed to reduce teacher workload by streamlining administrative tasks and enabling hands-free classroom control through voice-activated technology. Backed by the Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin and supported by C-Learning, the programme is shaping how AI can be responsibly integrated into teaching and learning.

Speaking after receiving the award, Rayfus said:

“This recognition isn’t just for me, there is a great team behind this transformational programme, Merlyn, C-Learning, Learnovate, but every teacher who has embraced innovation while keeping ethics and student wellbeing at the heart of our classrooms. AI won’t ever replace teachers, but it can empower them to focus more fully on students.”

Rayfus is no stranger to recognition. In 2023, he received the inaugural ETBI “Excellence in Education” award for leading a groundbreaking initiative that saw 12 teachers from Mullingar Community College travel to Harvard University to train in evidence-based educational programmes. He is also currently collaborating with the Learnovate Centre, Trinity College Dublin, and Mary Immaculate University to develop Facultie - an AI-powered platform designed to support and expedite DEIS school planning.

Ian Nairn, CEO of C-Learning, attended the conference in Belfast to support Rayfus.

“We’re proud to partner in this important project,” Ian Nairn said.

“Joe’s leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that AI is adopted in schools with ethics, teacher empowerment, and student learning outcomes front of mind.”

Merlyn Mind Vice President of International Business Development, Jason Mayland, also congratulated Rayfus, saying:

“Joe has been instrumental in guiding this project with integrity and vision. His leadership ensures that Irish teachers are not only testing world-class AI technology, but also setting global standards for how AI should be used ethically in education.”

The award underscores Ireland’s emerging leadership in the responsible adoption of AI in classrooms, highlighting the balance between technological innovation and the safeguarding of student-centred learning.