AI in Teaching Doesn’t Have to Be Scary: Here’s How to Start

Let’s be real: when you hear the words “artificial intelligence”, your first thought probably isn’t “That’ll make grading essays easier!” It might be something more along the lines of tech bros and Silicon Valley conferences. But here’s the truth: AI is no longer inaccessible to the common people or tricky to use, it's something we can implement in our classrooms right now!

Whether you're already experimenting with ChatGPT or you still swear by color-coded sticky notes (we see you), you don’t need to be a tech wizard to use AI effectively in your teaching. With the right tools, support, and a bit of curiosity, AI can save you time, inspire your lessons, and help you reach students in more personalized ways.

So where should you start? Let’s walk through it: no jargon, no pressure, just practical advice, research-backed insights, and the perfect tool to get started: TeachShare.

Why Should Teachers Care About AI?

Short answer? Because it can make your life A LOT easier, and your teaching more impactful.

AI tools are already helping educators:

• Generate lesson plans in minutes

• Differentiate instruction for diverse learners

• Offer instant feedback on writing or problem-solving

• Translate or simplify text for ELLs and neurodivergent students

• Free up time so you can focus on relationships, not paperwork

According to a 2023 RAND Education report, teachers using AI-supported tools reported up to 30% less time spent on planning and administrative tasks, with more time spent on engagement, feedback, and direct instruction.

Still unsure? That’s okay, it's difficult to shake up your routine. You don’t have to adopt everything at once. The key is starting small, with the right guidance and the right tools.

Step 1: Start Small with Tools That Actually Solve Problems

Don’t dive into the deep end. Start by identifying one task that you’d love to make easier, then find a tool that does just that.

Lesson Planning with TeachShare

Forget generic lesson templates from random websites. On TeachShare, you can create AI-assisted, standards-aligned lessons tailored to your topic, grade level, and teaching style. The Creator Tool walks you through step-by-step, then offers editable suggestions, built-in rubrics, and real examples from other teachers. Want to try a debate, a role-play, or a reflection journal? It’ll generate it for you, and if you want to edit it from there, TeachShare lets you do that too!

Feedback & Assessment

If you’re looking for a faster and smarter way to give feedback without the hassle of coding or formatting, TeachShare is the perfect place to start. It offers ready-to-use feedback frameworks, fully customizable rubrics, and strategies developed by real teachers. Everything is designed for practical classroom use, easy to adapt, and focused on supporting meaningful, student-centered learning.

Student Brainstorming & Support

Yes, your students might already be using ChatGPT for help. Instead of banning it, teach them how to use it well. On TeachShare, you’ll find AI-resilient assessments and prompts that guide ethical use, build digital literacy, and encourage reflection.

Step 2: Use AI to Support Differentiation

One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to tailor learning. If you’ve ever spent hours modifying a single worksheet for five different reading levels, AI can lighten the load.

• Try text simplification tools to make readings more accessible

• Use AI to generate leveled questions for reading, math, or science

• Translate instructions for ELLs or provide audio narration for visual learners

According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), generative AI can “enhance equity by enabling teachers to customize learning materials for diverse learners quickly and at scale.” With TeachShare, you can generate differentiated materials with a few clicks, and see how other teachers scaffolded similar tasks for various learners.

Step 3: Build AI Literacy

You don’t need to be the expert. In fact, learning with your students is a great opportunity to model curiosity, critical thinking, and responsible tech use.

Try exploring questions like:

• How does AI work, and where can it go wrong?

• Can AI be biased? How do we evaluate AI-generated content?

• What’s plagiarism when AI writes your draft?

TeachShare includes reflection prompts, digital citizenship tasks, and AI use policies to help you guide these discussions thoughtfully, and yes, you can customize them for your classroom.

Step 4: Set Boundaries and Expectations

Just like with calculators or Wikipedia, AI needs clear guidelines. Set the tone early:

• When is it okay to use AI for schoolwork?

• How should students cite AI-generated help?

• What counts as “original work” vs. “AI-assisted work”?

Consider developing an AI Use Agreement or a class policy. TeachShare includes editable templates for that, plus ethics-based rubrics and student self-checks.

Bonus: These conversations are a great way to build trust and digital citizenship skills.

Step 5: Join a Community That’s Doing the Work

The best way to get better with AI is to learn from other teachers who are trying it too.

TeachShare isn’t just a tool, it’s a community. You can:

• Browse assessments, activities, and lessons made by real teachers

• See what worked (and what didn’t), with helpful teacher notes

• Refine and share your own creations

• Build your personal library of AI-powered, student-ready content

• Stay up-to-date on best practices, PD resources, and new ideas

No gatekeeping. No guessing. Just a place where teachers support teachers, with a little help from AI.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be an AI Expert

Trust me on this, you don't have to be an AI expert. You just have to be curious.

AI isn’t about replacing teachers. It’s about freeing you up to focus on what matters most: connection, creativity, and student growth. Whether you’re planning tomorrow’s lesson or dreaming up a student podcast project, TeachShare gives you the tools and support to do it better, faster, and more ethically. So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect place to start exploring AI in your classroom, this is it.

Ready to try? Here’s how to start:

1. Go to TeachShare

2. Browse or build your first AI-supported lesson

3. Try one new thing in class

4. Share your version with other teachers

5. Keep growing, together

AI isn’t the future. It’s your co-teacher today. And with TeachShare, you’re not in it alone.