6 Educators on Their Favorite AI Prompts to Make Teaching a Little More Manageable

[Symphonie]

Teaching is deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. Between grading, lesson planning, and keeping students engaged, the workload adds up fast. That’s where a little help from AI can make all the difference.

These seven incredible educators shared their favorite AI prompts that make their teaching lives just a bit easier. They’re not outsourcing their creativity; they’re amplifying it. And in the process, they’re modeling for students how to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly.

1. Christin Monroe, Chemistry – Landmark College

Prompt:
“Suggest creative project ideas for debunking a scientifically (specifically chemistry related) inaccurate popular culture reference.”

Christin invites AI into the brainstorming process to help students uncover the science (and the myths) hidden in pop culture. She explains:

“It is great because it gives suggested prompts for different types of popular culture references and helps students both brainstorm and get experience with ethical AI usage. I share the results of the prompt with students to get them started.”

The result? Students get excited about chemistry by connecting it to the shows, movies, and media they already love.

2. Delane (Blake) Simon, M.A., College Success – Houston City College

Prompt:
“Create a clear and concise grading rubric for this assignment worth 100 points.”

Blake adds a pro tip: include assignment instructions and expectations in the prompt. He leans on Microsoft Copilot for this task:

“My preferred AI co-conspirator is Copilot, which can convert the rubric into a Word document to other file type and is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite!”

This approach streamlines grading prep and ensures students get a transparent, fair framework for success.

3. Jennifer Duncan, English – Georgia State University Perimeter College

Prompt:
“Hey Bot! Rewrite this assignment prompt using TILT principles of teaching and learning. Include clear tasks and criteria for success as well as a self-assessment rubric for students.”

Jennifer’s casual “Hey Bot!” prompt is deceptively powerful. By asking AI to reframe assignments using Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) principles, she makes her expectations crystal clear for students.

She reminds colleagues:

“This will produce a great start, but you’ll refine the output.”

AI gives her a draft. Her teaching expertise makes it shine.

4. Julie Osland, Psychology – Siena Heights University

Prompts:

1. “I want a student activity where students have to label the four lobes and their function(s)...”
   
   
2. “Please create at least three realistic examples for the end of class Concept Check.”
   
   

Julie uses AI to bring brain science to life. From everyday scenarios (“Which brain area was working hardest while you caught that ball?”) to end-of-class concept checks, AI helps her design activities that are memorable, engaging, and rooted in students’ daily experiences.

Her approach bridges neuroscience with the real world—and her students walk away with lasting understanding.

5. Gina O’Neal-Moffitt, Psychology – Florida State University

Prompt:
Explore family closeness with AI conversations on communication, support, connectedness, and control.

Gina developed an entire assignment around AI reflection. Students chat with AI on each theme, then create a video about what they discovered:

“You will engage in a series of chat conversations with ChatGPT... and then make a video about what you learned.”

By combining digital conversation with personal reflection, Gina encourages students to think critically about family dynamics while also building digital literacy.

6. Jill Bonds, English – Coalinga College

Prompt:
“Take this discussion question __________(add boring discussion question) and make it specific to students in ______(insert city and college) that enjoy pop culture and responding in creative ways (besides writing).”

Jill has AI tailor discussion questions to her students’ context and interests. She even has it generate motivating student announcements with quotes and images to kick off the week. The result? Engagement jumps, and students see coursework that feels relevant to their lives.

7. You (Yes, You!)

If you’ve ever wished you had more time to design activities, explain instructions clearly, or connect assignments to student interests, these prompts are your inspiration. AI can’t replace the human connection that great teaching requires. But it can clear space for you to focus on what matters most: students.

Why These Educators Inspire Us

What makes these educators stand out isn’t just their creativity—it’s their courage to experiment. They’re proving that AI, when used thoughtfully, can:

• Save time on repetitive tasks.
  
• Clarify expectations for students.
  
• Spark creativity in lesson planning.
  
• Build digital literacy and ethical awareness.

By sharing their favorite prompts, they remind us that AI isn’t about doing less teaching—it’s about creating space to do the best teaching.

So go ahead: borrow a prompt, tweak it for your classroom, and see what happens. Teaching is hard work, but with the right tools—and a community of inspiring educators—you don’t have to do it alone.