This is one of the most powerful prompts we have found for teachers. We have tested it across grade levels and subjects, and it consistently saves hours of work. Copy it, paste it into any AI tool, and customize the brackets. THE PROMPT: You are an experienced [GRADE] [SUBJECT] teacher specializing in differentiated instruction. I have a class of [NUMBER] students with reading levels ranging from [LOW LEVEL] to [HIGH LEVEL]. Take the following content and create 3 versions: Version 1 (Scaffolded): Simplified vocabulary, shorter sentences, visual cues described in brackets, sentence starters provided, key terms bolded with definitions in parentheses. Version 2 (On-Level): Grade-appropriate vocabulary, standard paragraph structure, key terms bolded. Version 3 (Enriched): Advanced vocabulary, complex sentence structures, extension questions that push critical thinking, connections to current events or real-world applications. The content to differentiate: [PASTE YOUR ORIGINAL TEXT HERE] Format each version with a clear header and maintain the same core concepts across all three levels. WHY THIS WORKS: It uses the S.P.A.R.K. principle of Prompt Transparency - you can see exactly how the input shapes the output. The Role + Context + Task + Format + Constraints structure gives the AI everything it needs to produce usable content. We used this exact structure when building curriculum for our programs at Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. The difference between a vague prompt and a structured one is the difference between useless output and something you can actually hand to students. Try it this week and share your results in Wins and Showcases. We want to see what you build.

One of the biggest requests we get from teachers: How do I write an AI policy for my school? We hear you. And honestly, this is one of the most important things you can do right now. AI is already in your buildings whether there is a policy or not. Having a clear framework gives teachers confidence and gives students guardrails. Here is a starter template you can customize. This is NOT legal advice - run it by your admin and district. But it gives you a real foundation to build from. SCHOOL AI ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY - TEMPLATE Purpose: This policy establishes guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in [School/District Name] for both educators and students. Approved AI Tools: [List specific tools approved by your district, e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, MagicSchool, Bobby Browser] For Educators: - AI may be used to assist with lesson planning, differentiation, and administrative tasks - All AI-generated content must be reviewed for accuracy and bias before use with students - Student names, grades, and personal information must NEVER be entered into public AI tools - Teachers should disclose AI use when appropriate to model transparency For Students: - AI tools may only be used when explicitly permitted by the teacher for a specific assignment - Students must cite AI use in their work (suggested format: Generated with [Tool Name], edited by [Student Name]) - AI outputs must be verified against reliable sources - Copying AI output without modification, verification, or citation is considered academic dishonesty Data Privacy: - Only district-approved AI tools that comply with FERPA and COPPA may be used - No personally identifiable student information may be shared with AI tools - Teachers are responsible for reviewing the privacy policies of any AI tool before classroom use Review: This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as technology evolves. Adapted from the S.P.A.R.K. ethical AI framework by Crafting Tomorrow. Feel free to copy this, modify it for your school, and share with your admin team. We built this because we kept hearing the same question from educators who wanted to move forward but needed something concrete to start with.

We know teachers are sick of getting generic lesson plans generated that you can't actually use. The problem usually isn't the AI, it's the context. Stop treating the AI like Google and start treating it like a New Intern. Use the R.C.F. Framework for your next prompt: 1. Role: Tell the AI who it is. - Bad: "Make a quiz about cells." - Good: "Act as an expert 7th-grade Biology teacher..." 2. Context: Give it the background. Who are the students? What did they just learn? - Add: "...My students struggle with academic vocabulary. We just finished a unit on plant structures." 3. Format: Tell it exactly how you want the output. - Add: "...Create a 5-question multiple-choice quiz. Format it as a table with an answer key and a 'common misconception' explanation for each question." The Final Prompt: "Act as a 7th-grade Biology teacher. My students struggle with academic vocabulary. Create a 5-question multiple-choice quiz on animal cells. Format it as a table with an answer key and a 'common misconception' explanation for each question." Try this today: Take a prompt you used recently that gave you a poor result, apply R.C.F., and see the difference. Let us know in the comments how it went!