AI Prompts for Teachers: Save Hours on Lesson Planning

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions in the world — and also one of the most exhausting. Between lesson planning, grading, parent communications, differentiated instruction, and the endless paperwork, most teachers work far beyond their contracted hours.

What if AI could handle the repetitive, time-consuming parts so you could focus on what actually matters — connecting with your students? ChatGPT won’t replace great teaching, but it can be the most powerful teaching assistant you’ve ever had.

Here are some AI prompts that teachers are already using to reclaim hours every week.

Free AI Prompts for Teachers

1. The Lesson Plan Generator

Create a detailed lesson plan for a [GRADE LEVEL] class on [TOPIC]. Subject: [SUBJECT]. Duration: [TIME]. Include: learning objectives aligned to [STANDARDS: Common Core/state standards], an engaging warm-up activity, main instruction with guided practice, independent practice, and an exit ticket. Differentiate for advanced learners and struggling students.

This is the workhorse prompt. A single, well-structured lesson plan can take 30-60 minutes to create from scratch. With this prompt, you get a solid first draft in seconds that you can customize to your classroom.

2. The Assessment Creator

Create a [TYPE: quiz/test/formative assessment] for [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT] on [TOPIC]. Include: [NUMBER] multiple choice questions, [NUMBER] short answer questions, and [NUMBER] higher-order thinking questions based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Provide an answer key with point values and brief explanations.

Writing good assessments is an art — and it’s incredibly time-consuming. This prompt generates balanced assessments that test multiple levels of understanding, complete with answer keys.

3. The Differentiation Assistant

I’m teaching [TOPIC] to my [GRADE LEVEL] class. I have students at three levels: below grade level, on grade level, and advanced. Create three versions of this activity: [DESCRIBE ACTIVITY]. Each version should teach the same concept but at the appropriate complexity level. Include scaffolding notes for the below-level version.

Differentiation is essential but incredibly labor-intensive. This prompt creates three tiered versions of the same activity so every student can access the content at their level.

4. The Parent Email Composer

Write a professional, warm email to a parent about their child’s [SITUATION: behavior concern / academic progress / positive achievement / upcoming conference]. Student name: [NAME]. Specific details: [DETAILS]. Tone should be collaborative and solution-focused. Suggest a next step or action plan.

Parent communication is critical but tricky. You want to be honest, professional, and collaborative — all while being mindful of tone. This prompt nails that balance every time.

5. The Engagement Activity Designer

Design 5 interactive classroom activities for teaching [TOPIC] to [GRADE LEVEL] students. Constraints: [TIME AVAILABLE], [MATERIALS AVAILABLE: limited tech / full tech / no tech]. Activities should promote student collaboration and critical thinking. Include at least one activity suitable for kinesthetic learners.

Students learn best when they’re engaged. This prompt generates creative, practical activities that go beyond worksheets and lectures — accounting for your actual classroom constraints.

6. The Rubric Builder

Create a detailed rubric for a [ASSIGNMENT TYPE: essay/project/presentation] on [TOPIC] for [GRADE LEVEL]. Include 4 performance levels (Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, Approaching, Beginning). Assessment criteria should include: [LIST CRITERIA: content knowledge, organization, creativity, etc.]. Use student-friendly language.

Clear rubrics improve student work AND make grading faster. This prompt creates comprehensive rubrics with specific, measurable descriptors at each level.

7. The Sub Plan Creator

Create a substitute teacher plan for my [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT] class. The lesson should be self-contained and require minimal preparation. Topic: [TOPIC or “review of recent content”]. Include: class procedures, detailed activity instructions, early finisher tasks, and emergency contact info format. Duration: [PERIOD LENGTH].

Nothing is worse than scrambling to create sub plans when you’re sick. This prompt creates clear, detailed plans that any substitute can follow without calling you at home.

Why These Prompts Transform Teaching

The magic is in the specificity. When you tell ChatGPT your exact grade level, standards, time constraints, and student needs, it generates content that’s genuinely useful — not generic filler you’d find in a random Pinterest resource.

The best teachers using AI aren’t replacing their expertise. They’re using AI to handle the production work so they can invest their energy in the human work — building relationships, giving feedback, and inspiring students.

But Here’s the Thing...

These prompts are a solid foundation, but teaching has dozens of scenarios that need specialized prompts — IEP goal writing, vocabulary scaffolding, project-based learning design, classroom management scripts, report card comments, and so much more.

We’ve created a comprehensive prompt collection designed by educators, for educators.

Want 25 more expert-level prompts like these?

The Teacher AI Assistant pack gives you battle-tested prompts that actually deliver results.

Get the Teacher AI Assistant Pack →

Reclaim Your Time

You didn’t become a teacher to spend your evenings formatting worksheets and writing rubrics. You became a teacher to make a difference. Let AI handle the busywork so you can get back to doing what you do best — teaching.

Start with these prompts tonight. Your future self (and your Sunday evenings) will thank you. 🍎