When people hear “AI,” they often react with a fear response because they don’t understand what it is and how it works. Those fears don’t stop there as the thoughts range from I’m worried it might replace me or “AI” is taking over my job. But when I hear AI, I am simply amazed at what I can do! Now I can bypass feeling like I am drowning and spending unnecessary hours lesson planning. Instead, I am beginning to focus on what truly matters within the classroom. I have had more time to work toward making engaging lessons that focus on creativity. 

There was a time when I was trying to focus on lesson planning, grading, team meetings, and IEP meetings, I always felt like I was running behind. I was completely overwhelmed by all things teaching.There were nights I spent four or more hours just planning for the next day. This is by no means ideal for someone who has a family. All it did was make me feel exhausted before I ever even stepped into the classroom. It was a magical day when I discovered how AI could help me. It wasn’t there to replace me but instead, as a brand new cool tool to assist me.

The Power of AI in Lesson Planning

How can AI help streamline four hours of planning into one? Think about those lessons you’ve taught a hundred times, yet still struggle to present in a fresh way. Or the times when your class just isn’t grasping a concept, and you’re racking your brain for new approaches. Now, imagine having a brainstorming partner available 24/7—one that can generate ideas instantly, without needing to coordinate with colleagues or wait for common plan time.

That’s exactly what AI can do.

A Tool I Love: Magic School AI

This tool is not meant as a replacement for me or for my skills. Instead, Magic School enhances what I might do. It also helps me fix up my lessons as it sparks creativity. All while saving me time, I can focus on what really matters to me: teaching, engaging, and inspiring my students, and most importantly, not wasting my evening time with my family. Less of me saying, “Please wait, Mommy is busy,” and more of an evening of how I can help.

Teaching Smarter 

Lets no longer panic about Ai but instead step back and see that it’s a tool to support us. Let’s consider that this tool actually allows us to shift our focus from tedious and redundant, time-consuming tasks to what truly makes a difference in our classrooms and our lives. We can begin to find more time for self care and for our friends and family. 

So I want to know what’s your take? Have you tried using AI for lesson planning? Let’s dive in and start a conversation about how we can use these tools to work smarter, not harder.