70+ AI Prompt Starters for Educators

As educators, your time is your most valuable resource. We know that the real magic happens in the classroom, in the times of connection, and in the “aha!” moments of learning. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide: to show you how AI can be a powerful, time-saving assistant in every area of your teaching.

The key to unlocking AI’s potential is knowing how to ask the right questions. Effective prompts give AI the context, constraints, and direction it needs to produce truly useful results. Think of it as a conversation where you are the expert, guiding the tool to help you work smarter, not harder.

Here are over 70 prompt starters, organized by key responsibilities, to get you going. Simply copy, paste, and customize to fit your specific needs! The more details you provide about the situation the better results you’ll receive. The prompts below are a starting point, add to them as you see needed. 

1. Planning

* outline units, brainstorm activities, and structure your long-term curriculum with ease*

1. Draft a week-long unit plan for a [Grade Level] class on [Topic]. Include learning objectives, daily activities, and a final project idea.
2. Generate a list of 10 essential questions for a unit on [Historical Event/Science Concept]. The questions should promote critical thinking and align with [State/Common Core Standards].
3. Help me brainstorm engaging introductory activities for a new unit on [Subject/Topic] for [Grade Level] students.
4. I am planning a lesson on [Topic] and have [X] minutes. Create a detailed minute-by-minute lesson plan for this timeframe.
5. Create a project-based learning unit outline for [Grade Level] students focused on [Real-world Problem]. Include project phases and potential deliverables.
6. Suggest creative ways to integrate [Technology Tool] into a lesson on [Subject/Topic] for a [Grade Level] class.
7. Outline a lesson that integrates [Subject 1] and [Subject 2] for [Grade Level] students, with a focus on [Specific Theme].
8. Generate a list of three potential field trip ideas that align with our unit on [Topic]. Include potential learning objectives for each location.
9. Plan an inquiry-based lesson on [Topic] for [Grade Level] students, outlining the phenomenon or problem that will drive student investigation.
10. Outline a unit on [Topic] for a [Grade Level] class that incorporates a “flipped classroom” model.

2. Classroom Management

* set expectations, plan for transitions, and address common behavioral challenges proactively*

1. Draft a script for a class meeting to discuss our expectations for [Specific Behavior, e.g., group work, transitions].
2. Provide five engaging “brain break” ideas for a [Grade Level] class that needs to re-focus after a long lesson.
3. Suggest three positive behavior incentives for a [Grade Level] class that don’t involve candy or material prizes.
4. Write a positive classroom agreement with my [Grade Level] students about using technology respectfully and responsibly.
5. Generate five specific strategies for me to help a student who is struggling with [Behavioral Challenge, e.g., staying in their seat, blurting out answers].
6. Create a classroom jobs list for [Grade Level] students that fosters responsibility and a sense of community.
7. Design a set of classroom rules for a [Grade Level] class, phrased in a positive and student-friendly way.
8. I have a student who struggles with transitions. Provide a step-by-step plan for a smooth transition from [Activity 1] to [Activity 2].
9. Write a brief, positive script for a one-on-one check-in with a student about their recent behavior.
10. Generate three ideas for a class reward system that promotes teamwork and collaboration.

3. Assessing

*create assessments that are clear, fair, and aligned with your learning objectives*

1. Develop a 4-point rubric for a [Grade Level] project on [Topic], with criteria for [Criterion 1], [Criterion 2], and [Criterion 3].
2. Create a 10-question multiple-choice quiz on [Topic] for a [Grade Level] class. Include a correct answer key.
3. Generate five thought-provoking short-answer questions for a final exam on [Topic] for a [Grade Level] class.
4. Design a performance-based assessment for [Skill/Concept], suitable for a [Grade Level] class.
5. Write a detailed scoring guide for an essay on [Topic], including what a proficient, developing, and an excellent response would look like.
6. Provide five quick, formative assessment ideas to check for understanding at the end of a lesson on [Topic].
7. Generate a self-assessment checklist for students to reflect on their learning and participation in a unit on [Topic].
8. Create a peer-feedback rubric for a collaborative presentation on [Topic].
9. Develop a series of questions for a Socratic Seminar on [Text/Topic].
10. Suggest three alternative assessment formats for a lesson on [Topic] to cater to students who struggle with traditional tests.

4. Lesson Development

* create content for your lessons, including explanations, examples, and activities*

1. Provide a simple analogy to explain the concept of [Complex Topic, e.g., photosynthesis, supply and demand] to a [Grade Level] class.
2. Create a list of 10 examples to illustrate the use of [Literary Device/Grammar Rule] for a [Grade Level] ELA class.
3. Write a brief, engaging story to introduce a lesson on [Topic].
4. Develop a step-by-step procedure for a [Type of Lab/Activity] on [Topic] for a [Grade Level] science class.
5. Generate a list of vocabulary words from this text: [Paste Text Here].
6. Explain [Complex Topic] in a way that is understandable for a [Grade Level] student, using a conversational and encouraging tone.
7. Create a graphic organizer template for students to use when analyzing [Concept, e.g., cause and effect, character development].
8. Write a short, engaging script for a video on [Topic] for [Grade Level] students.
9. Suggest creative ways to make a dry topic like [Topic, e.g., state government, chemical equations] more interesting for a [Grade Level] class.
10. Outline a debate format and generate key arguments for both sides of the issue: [Topic].

5. Student Support

*develop support materials, give targeted feedback, and address academic challenges*

1. Write a three-sentence summary of this [Text/Article] for a student with a [Reading Level].
2. Provide three sentence starters for a student who is struggling to begin their essay on [Topic].
3. Generate a list of accommodations for a student with [Specific Need, e.g., ADHD, dyslexia] for an assignment on [Topic].
4. Review this paragraph of student work: [Paste Student Work]. Provide specific, actionable feedback on their [Skill, e.g., thesis statement, use of evidence].
5. Draft a checklist for a student with a [Specific Need, e.g., executive functioning challenges] to help them stay on track with their project on [Topic].
6. Explain the concept of [Complex Concept] to a student who has missed several classes on the topic.
7. Generate a list of 5-10 words to use as an alternative to “said” in a narrative writing assignment.
8. Create a study guide from these notes: [Paste Notes].
9. Based on this student’s response: [Paste Student Work], identify their strengths and one area for growth.
10. Suggest three strategies for a student who is struggling with [Math Concept] to work through a problem.

6. Differentiation

*tailor your lessons and materials to meet the diverse needs of your learners*

1. Modify this assignment for a student who needs more of a challenge. The assignment is: [Paste Assignment].
2. Provide three differentiated activities for teaching [Concept] to a mixed-ability [Grade Level] class.
3. Rewrite this lesson plan to include scaffolds for English Language Learners at an [Proficiency Level].
4. Generate tiered assignments for a unit on [Topic], with varying levels of complexity and support.
5. Create a simplified version of this reading for a student who is reading below grade level. The text is: [Paste Text].
6. Suggest ways to make my lesson on [Topic] more accessible for a student who is a visual learner.
7. Develop a tiered vocabulary list from this text, with words labeled as “Beginning,” “Intermediate,” and “Advanced.”
8. Outline a plan for a small group intervention on [Concept] for students who did not master the content.
9. Rewrite my current learning objectives to be student-friendly and in “I can” statements.
10. Suggest a pre-assessment to determine students’ prior knowledge on [Topic].

7. Administrative Tasks

*efficiently get through your to-do list, from emails to progress reports*

1. Draft an email to the parents of my [Grade Level] class to introduce myself and outline my classroom policies.
2. Write a positive and professional email to a parent about their child’s excellent progress in my [Subject] class.
3. Compose a newsletter for parents about what we learned in [Subject/Topic] this month. Include upcoming events.
4. Create five professional and constructive grade comments for a student who is performing at an [Level, e.g., “emerging,” “proficient”] in my [Subject] class.
5. Generate a professional email to a colleague to schedule a meeting to discuss [Topic].
6. Draft a short letter to parents explaining the upcoming [Project/Assignment] and asking for their support.
7. Rewrite this email for clarity and a more professional tone: [Paste Email].
8. Summarize this long document about [School Policy] into five key bullet points.
9. Write a brief, positive progress report for a student named [Student Name], highlighting their strengths and areas for growth.
10. Generate a list of ideas for a professional development session on [Topic] for my colleagues.

Remember, the goal is to make your life easier so you can spend more time on what matters most: your students. Experiment with these prompts, refine them as you go, and let AI become the helpful assistant you’ve always wanted!