Over the past year, artificial intelligence has moved from buzzword to practical tool. If you’re in special education—especially in a smaller Missouri district where staff wear multiple hats—here’s how you can start using AI to ease your workload without compromising what really matters: good instruction and real relationships with students.

Based on our work across southwest Missouri, here are three ways you can put AI to work:

1. Cut Down Your Administrative Time ⏰
You can use AI to draft IEP goal language, summarize progress monitoring data, create parent communication templates, and build lesson scaffolds. Start by giving it your rough ideas or bullet points—it’ll help you get past that blank screen. You still review and adjust everything, but you’re not starting from scratch every time.

Try this: Next time you’re writing an IEP goal, type into ChatGPT: “Help me write a measurable IEP goal for a 3rd grader who struggles with answering WH questions.” Adjust what it gives you to fit your student.

2. Create Differentiated Materials Faster 📚
You can use AI to generate leveled reading passages, simplify complex directions, create visual supports, and develop alternate response formats. This is especially helpful when you’re short on planning time or don’t have access to specialized materials.

Try this: Take a grade-level text and ask AI to “rewrite this passage at a 2nd grade reading level while keeping the main ideas.” Or ask it to “create a visual schedule for morning routines with simple language.”

3. Give Students Tools for Independence 🎯
You can set up text-to-speech, speech-to-text, translation tools, and reading supports so students can access grade-level content on their own. This works especially well for students with language delays, reading disabilities, or motor challenges.

Try this: Show students how to use Google’s Read Aloud feature or Immersive Reader in Microsoft. Let them practice using speech-to-text for writing assignments. Small tools, big impact.

Getting Started: Tools You Can Use Right Now 💡

• ChatGPT or similar AI assistants – for drafting and planning
• Google’s built-in accessibility tools – already in your school’s system
• Read&Write and Immersive Reader – for reading support
• AI visual generators – for creating customized materials quickly

One Important Thing to Remember

AI works best as a support tool, not a shortcut. Give it good information, review what it produces, and use your professional judgment. The districts seeing real results are the ones treating AI as an assistant—helpful, but not in charge.

Need Help Getting Started? 🤝

If your district wants guidance on using AI responsibly in special education, Second Mile Therapy can help. We work with Missouri schools to support students, staff, and systems in practical, sustainable ways.👉 Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.secondmiletherapy.comor contact us directly.