School Leadership 2.0
A Network Connecting School Leaders From Around The Globe
How New Teachers Can Use AI Without Losing Good Teaching
How New Teachers Can Use AI Without Losing Good Teaching
Based on “Five Smart Ways New Teachers Can Use AI Without Losing Their Grip on Good Teaching” by Thomas Stonis March 2026
Mentors.net
SUMMARY
🔵 THE BIG IDEA
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the daily workflow for teachers, particularly newer educators facing overwhelming workloads and constant instructional demands. Thomas Stonis argues that AI can become a valuable support tool when used thoughtfully—but it should never replace professional judgment or authentic teaching relationships. The article emphasizes a practical principle: use AI for drafts, options, efficiency, and planning support, while keeping final instructional decisions firmly in human hands.
The tension lies in balancing productivity with quality instruction. AI can quickly generate lesson outlines, differentiated materials, parent emails, rubrics, and instructional ideas, helping new teachers reduce stress and save time. However, poorly supervised AI use can also create inaccurate materials, weak pedagogy, or overreliance on automated thinking. The article ultimately argues that effective teaching still depends on human expertise, student relationships, ethical judgment, and instructional decision-making that no technology can fully replace.
🔵 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR EDUCATORS
• Use AI to generate first drafts and planning ideas rather than final instructional products.
• Leverage AI for differentiation by creating varied reading levels, supports, and extension activities.
• Streamline routine tasks such as emails, rubrics, and exit tickets to reduce teacher workload.
• Use AI to anticipate misconceptions and improve lesson preparation proactively.
• Verify all AI-generated content for accuracy, tone, and instructional quality.
• Protect student privacy by avoiding confidential information in public AI tools.
------------------------------
Prepared with the assistance of AI software
OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (5.2) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
JOIN SL 2.0
During May, as has been our custom, 100% of all new membership fees will be donated to LI Cares, a LI -based charity that is here to provide care to those who need it. Fight hunger, feed hope. You can also donate at https://www.licares.org/how-to-help/give/one-time-donation .
______________________
SUBSCRIBE TO
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP 2.0
Feedspot named School Leadership 2.0 one of the "Top 25 Educational Leadership Blogs"
"School Leadership 2.0 is the premier virtual learning community for school leaders from around the globe."
---------------------------
Our community is a subscription-based paid service ($19.95/year or only $1.99 per month for a trial membership) that will provide school leaders with outstanding resources. Learn more about membership to this service by clicking one of our links below.
Click HERE to subscribe as an individual.
Click HERE to learn about group membership (i.e., association, leadership teams)
__________________
CREATE AN EMPLOYER PROFILE AND GET JOB ALERTS AT
SCHOOLLEADERSHIPJOBS.COM
New Partnership
Mentors.net - a Professional Development Resource
Mentors.net was founded in 1995 as a professional development resource for school administrators leading new teacher induction programs. It soon evolved into a destination where both new and student teachers could reflect on their teaching experiences. Now, nearly thirty years later, Mentors.net has taken on a new direction—serving as a platform for beginning teachers, preservice educators, and
other professionals to share their insights and experiences from the early years of teaching, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence. We invite you to contribute by sharing your experiences in the form of a journal article, story, reflection, or timely tips, especially on how you incorporate AI into your teaching
practice. Submissions may range from a 500-word personal reflection to a 2,000-word article with formal citations.
© 2026 Created by William Brennan and Michael Keany
Powered by
