Let’s be honest: a lot of educators feel uneasy about artificial intelligence.

It’s new, it’s moving fast, and there are real concerns about students misusing it, teachers losing control, and unpredictable changes to how we teach. But here’s the thing—AI isn’t coming someday. It’s already here. And your students are already using it. 💻

The real question for schools isn’t whether to deal with AI, but how to shape the way it gets used before it shapes us.

When you use it thoughtfully, AI doesn’t replace good teaching. It just removes some of the friction that slows you down. Let’s look at one small, practical example: making math differentiation actually doable.

The Problem: Differentiation Takes More Time Than You Have ⏰

Picture this: you’re teaching multi-digit multiplication or fractions.

In your classroom, you’ve got:

• Students who need more practice
• Students who need smaller, scaffolded steps
• Students who need visuals and hands-on models
• Students who are ready to move ahead

Creating four versions of the same assignment? That’s great teaching—and an impossible workload. Most of us just don’t have the hours. So differentiation stays a goal instead of becoming reality.

The Simple Fix: Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting 🚀

Here’s what this actually looks like in practice.

Step 1: Pick your concept. Let’s say two-digit by one-digit multiplication.

Step 2: Ask an AI tool like ChatGPT or Gemini to create versions for you.

Try prompts like:

• “Create 10 two-digit by one-digit multiplication problems with no regrouping”
• “Now create 10 similar problems with regrouping, and include step-by-step worked examples”
• “Show a visual explanation using area models or place value blocks”

In under two minutes, you’ll have:

• A practice set ✅
• A scaffolded set with support ✅
• A visual explanation ✅

Three levels of support, ready to print or share.

What You Actually Save 💰

This one simple step can:

• Cut your planning time way down
• Ease the mental load of creating multiple versions from scratch
• Help general ed and special ed teachers get on the same page faster
• Make small-group prep quicker and more focused
• Turn late-night worksheet creation into time for actual lesson refinement

You’re not replacing your expertise. You’re just getting your time back.

Why This Matters Now 🎯

Students already turn to technology for answers—often without understanding the work behind them.

When teachers use AI intentionally:

• Students see responsible, guided use modeled 👀
• Thinking still happens, just with better structure 🧠
• You maintain control over rigor and expectations ✓

Ignoring AI won’t keep it out of your classroom. Leading its use means it strengthens learning instead of undermining it.

The Big Takeaway 💡

You don’t need to become an “AI-powered school.” You don’t need fancy programs or district-wide systems. You don’t have to trust technology blindly or figure it all out at once.

You just need to let AI handle the repetitive stuff—so you can focus on teaching, guiding, and connecting with students. 🤝

One concept. Three versions. Two minutes. That’s a start anyone can manage.

Coming Next in This Series: 📚

Using AI to support writing (without replacing thinking) ✍️

Using AI to create accommodations and scaffolds for IEPs 📋

Using AI to reduce paperwork for administrators 📊

Related Services (Speech/Language, OT and PT) also benefit from proper inclusion in AI. Want to learn more? Contact us at www.secondmiletherapy.com