As we navigate the twenty-first century, artificial intelligence (AI) is permeating various sectors of society, including education. As an AI expert and veteran teacher, I've witnessed the substantial shift in the skills necessary for student success in this AI-driven era. Of these, AI literacy stands out as a critical requirement for students in the 21st-century classroom. This article explores the importance of AI literacy, strategies for cultivating it, and the role educators play in this crucial educational mission.