ChatGPT for Teachers: 10 Ways to Actually Use It

Instead of just worrying about students using ChatGPT, I started exploring how it could make my own job easier. Here are ten ways I’ve been using it that have genuinely saved me time.

First, lesson planning. I give ChatGPT a topic, grade level, and learning objectives, and it generates a rough lesson plan that I can customize. It’s not perfect, but it gives me a starting point that’s faster than a blank page.

Second, differentiated instructions. I paste a reading passage and ask for three versions at different reading levels. The rewrites need editing, but the bones are usually solid.

Third, creating rubrics. Describe what you want to assess and ChatGPT will draft a rubric with criteria and levels. I always tweak it, but it saves a lot of the initial structuring work.

Fourth, writing feedback comments. For routine feedback on common issues, I’ll describe the student’s writing pattern and ask for constructive feedback phrased at their level. Much faster than writing the same comment on thirty papers.

Fifth, generating discussion questions. Give it a text or topic and it produces thought-provoking questions. I always add my own, but it sparks ideas I might not have considered.

Sixth, parent communication. Draft emails for common situations like progress updates, behavior concerns, or event announcements. Customize the tone and details, and you’ve got a professional email in seconds.

Seventh, quiz and test creation. Specify the topic, question types, and difficulty level. It’s great for multiple choice and short answer. Essay prompts need more human judgment.

Eighth, accommodation modifications. Describe a student’s needs and an assignment, and get suggestions for modifications. Not a replacement for proper IEP planning, but helpful for quick adaptations.

Ninth, professional development. Use it as a study partner when preparing for workshops or reading educational research.

Tenth, administrative tasks. Meeting agendas, committee reports, event planning checklists. All the stuff that eats up time but doesn’t require deep pedagogical expertise.

What would you add to this list? How are you using AI in your teaching practice?