TL;DR

AI can save teachers hours of prep work and enable more personalized instruction. Best uses: generating lesson materials, creating assessments, providing feedback on student work, and differentiating instruction. Use AI to augment your expertise, not replace your judgment.

Why it matters

Teachers are overworked and underresourced. AI can reduce administrative burden and free up time for what matters most: connecting with students. The goal isn't AI teachingā€”it's AI supporting teachers to teach better.

Time-saving applications

Lesson planning

AI accelerates preparation without sacrificing quality:

Generate lesson outlines:

  • Starting frameworks you can customize
  • Activity ideas based on learning objectives
  • Discussion questions and prompts
  • Extension activities for differentiation

Example prompt:

Create a 45-minute lesson plan for 8th grade science on
photosynthesis. Include: learning objectives, hook activity,
main instruction, hands-on activity, and assessment. Students
have varied reading levels (5th-9th grade equivalents).

Adapt existing materials:

  • Modify reading levels
  • Translate to different languages
  • Create scaffolded versions
  • Add visual supports

Creating assessments

Generate varied assessment materials:

Assessment types:

  • Multiple choice questions
  • Short answer questions
  • Essay prompts with rubrics
  • Performance task descriptions
  • Self-assessment checklists

Quality considerations:

  • Always review for accuracy
  • Check alignment with standards
  • Ensure appropriate difficulty
  • Look for bias in scenarios

Feedback assistance

Provide more feedback, faster:

AI-assisted feedback:

  • Generate draft feedback on writing
  • Identify common errors across submissions
  • Suggest improvement strategies
  • Create personalized next-step recommendations

Important:

  • Review and personalize AI feedback
  • Maintain your voice and relationship
  • Use AI for efficiency, add humanity
  • Don't outsource all feedback

Differentiation support

Meeting diverse needs

AI helps address varied student needs:

Reading level adjustment:

  • Simplify complex texts
  • Add vocabulary support
  • Create multiple versions
  • Provide audio alternatives

Learning style accommodation:

  • Visual explanations
  • Step-by-step breakdowns
  • Different problem types
  • Multiple entry points

Extension activities:

  • Enrichment for advanced learners
  • Alternative assessments
  • Project ideas
  • Research directions

Example: Differentiated assignment

Original assignment: Write a 500-word essay on climate change.

AI-generated alternatives:

Student need Modified assignment
Struggling writer Complete graphic organizer, write 200 words
English learner Sentence starters provided, word bank included
Advanced Research and argue for specific policy solution
Visual learner Create infographic with 150-word explanation

Communication support

Parent communication

Save time on routine communications:

Generate drafts for:

  • Weekly newsletters
  • Progress updates
  • Conference follow-ups
  • Event announcements

Always personalize:

  • Add specific student details
  • Include your voice and style
  • Review before sending
  • Handle sensitive topics yourself

Student support

Create support materials:

  • Study guides
  • Concept explanations
  • Practice problems
  • Self-check resources

Professional practice

Content knowledge

AI as learning partner:

  • Explore new topics you'll teach
  • Understand different explanations
  • Find relevant examples
  • Stay current in your field

Reflection and growth

Use AI for professional reflection:

  • Analyze lesson effectiveness
  • Generate improvement ideas
  • Explore pedagogical approaches
  • Plan professional development

Practical implementation

Getting started

Week 1: Use AI for one routine task
Week 2: Add another application
Week 3: Experiment with feedback assistance
Week 4: Refine what works for you

Workflow integration

Make AI part of your routine:

Task Without AI With AI
Lesson planning 2 hours 30-45 minutes
Creating quiz 45 minutes 15 minutes
Writing feedback 5 min/student 2 min/student
Parent email 20 minutes 5 minutes

Quality control

Maintain standards:

  • Always review AI output
  • Check factual accuracy
  • Ensure appropriateness
  • Add your expertise
  • Personalize for students

Ethical considerations

Transparency

Be thoughtful about disclosure:

  • Students should know when AI helps create materials
  • Model appropriate AI use
  • Discuss AI in classroom context
  • Teach critical evaluation

Data privacy

Protect student information:

  • Don't share student names or identifying info
  • Use anonymized examples
  • Follow school data policies
  • Be aware of tool terms of service

Maintaining relationships

Technology shouldn't replace connection:

  • Use time savings for more student interaction
  • Personalize AI-generated content
  • Keep feedback human
  • Prioritize relationships

Common mistakes

Mistake Impact Prevention
Using AI output unchanged Errors, inappropriate content Always review and customize
Sharing student data Privacy violation Anonymize all information
Over-relying on AI Skill atrophy Maintain core practices
Not teaching AI literacy Missing learning opportunity Model and discuss AI use
Hiding AI use Trust issues Be transparent appropriately

What's next

Continue learning about AI in education: