Free AI Prompt Pack for Teachers: 10 Copy-Paste Prompts (Free PDF)

This free pack gives you 10 copy-paste prompts for everyday teaching jobs that are not covered in our task guides: explaining tricky ideas, opening a lesson, spotting misconceptions, running discussions, teaching vocabulary, writing sub plans, setting up routines, organizing group work, reflecting on a lesson, and planning team meetings. Part of the AI for Teachers hub.

Every prompt is written for teacher-facing work that needs no student personal information. Fill in the [BRACKETS], paste the prompt into the AI tool your school allows, and treat the answer as a first draft. AI chatbots can make mistakes or invent facts, so check everything before it reaches students.

New prompts may be added over time. Bookmark this page and check back for fresh ideas.

Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF of this pack (5 pages, free to print and share for classroom use).

How to use these prompts

1. Replace every [BRACKET] with your own details. The more specific you are about grade, subject and time, the better the draft.
2. Describe your class in general terms only (for example, "several English learners"), never by name.
3. Ask follow-ups: "make it shorter", "simpler language", "give me two more options".
4. Read, fact-check and edit the result. You stay in charge of what you use.

The 10 prompts

1. Explain it three ways

When to use it: A concept keeps falling flat, or you want backup explanations ready before you teach it.

Prompt template:

I teach [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT]. Explain [CONCEPT] in three different ways for students who are seeing it for the first time:
1. A plain-language explanation in 3-4 sentences.
2. An everyday analogy that [AGE GROUP] students would relate to.
3. A short visual or hands-on demonstration I can do in class with [AVAILABLE MATERIALS].
For each, note one place where the explanation could mislead students.

Tip: Analogies always break down somewhere. The "where it could mislead" line helps you say so before students take it too literally.

2. Lesson hook or opener

When to use it: You need a 3-5 minute start that gets students curious before the main lesson.

Prompt template:

Suggest five different opening hooks for a [GRADE LEVEL] lesson on [TOPIC]. Each should take no more than [NUMBER] minutes and need only [MATERIALS / "no special materials"]. Include a mix of: a surprising question, a quick prediction, a short story or scenario, an image or object to describe, and a real-world connection. For each hook, write the exact words I could say to start it.

Tip: Check any "surprising fact" the AI offers against a reliable source. Openers are where invented statistics sneak in.

3. Misconception spotter

When to use it: Before teaching a unit, to anticipate where students usually get stuck.

Prompt template:

I am about to teach [TOPIC] to [GRADE LEVEL] students. List the 5 most common misconceptions or errors students have with this topic. For each one, give:
- what the student typically thinks or does,
- why that thinking makes sense to them,
- one quick question I can ask to reveal it,
- one way to address it in class.

Tip: Compare the list with what you have actually seen in your classroom. Your experience beats a generic list, so keep what rings true and drop the rest.

4. Discussion questions that go deeper

When to use it: You want a class or small-group discussion that moves beyond yes/no and recall answers.

Prompt template:

Write [NUMBER] discussion questions about [TEXT, EVENT OR TOPIC] for [GRADE LEVEL] students. Order them from easier to harder: start with questions about what happened or what it says, then why and how, then questions that ask students to judge, compare or connect it to their own lives. Add two follow-up prompts I can use when students give short answers (for example, "What makes you say that?").

Tip: If the questions are about a specific text, paste a short excerpt or summary you wrote. Otherwise the AI may describe the book incorrectly.

5. Student-friendly vocabulary builder

When to use it: Introducing key terms for a new unit, especially with English learners or younger readers.

Prompt template:

Here are key vocabulary words for my [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT] unit on [TOPIC]: [LIST OF WORDS]. For each word, give:
- a student-friendly definition in under 15 words,
- an example sentence connected to the unit,
- a non-example or common confusion,
- a simple way to show it with a gesture or sketch.
Use vocabulary suitable for a [READING LEVEL] reader.

Tip: Double-check subject-specific definitions (science and math especially). A simple definition can quietly become a wrong one.

6. Substitute teacher plan

When to use it: You are out unexpectedly or planning ahead, and need clear instructions a substitute can follow.

Prompt template:

Help me write a one-page substitute plan for a [LENGTH]-minute [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT] class. The students will [ACTIVITY OR ASSIGNMENT]. Include: a short welcome note for the substitute, a minute-by-minute schedule, exactly what to say to introduce the task, what students should turn in, what early finishers can do, and where to find [MATERIALS]. Keep the language simple and assume the substitute does not know the subject.

Tip: Do not add student names, medical needs or behavior notes to the prompt. Write those into the final document yourself, following your school's procedures.

7. Classroom routine script

When to use it: Setting up or resetting a routine: entering class, transitions, handing in work, using devices.

Prompt template:

Write a short, positive script for teaching the routine of [ROUTINE] to [GRADE LEVEL] students. Include: why the routine matters (in kid-friendly words), 3-5 clear steps, what it looks like and sounds like when done well, a quick way to practice it, and a calm reminder phrase I can use when students forget. Keep it under [NUMBER] words.

Tip: Ask for a version with picture or icon suggestions if you want to turn the steps into a classroom poster.

8. Group work roles and structure

When to use it: Planning a group activity where you want everyone to have a real job.

Prompt template:

I am planning a group activity for [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT] on [TOPIC]. Groups will have [NUMBER] students and [NUMBER] minutes. Suggest a structure (for example, jigsaw, think-pair-share or stations) and define a role for each group member with 2-3 specific responsibilities. Include a short checklist each group can use to know they are finished, and one way to hold each student accountable for their own part.

Tip: Tell the AI if you have limited space, devices or noise tolerance. Practical constraints make the plan usable.

9. After-lesson reflection partner

When to use it: A lesson did not go as planned, or you want to improve one that went fine.

Prompt template:

Act as a supportive instructional coach. I taught a [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT] lesson on [TOPIC]. What I planned: [BRIEF PLAN]. What happened: [WHAT WENT WELL AND WHAT DID NOT, DESCRIBED WITHOUT STUDENT NAMES]. Ask me three reflective questions first, then suggest three specific, realistic changes I could try next time, with the reason behind each.

Tip: Describe the class as a whole ("about half the class finished early"), not individual students. You keep useful detail without sharing private information.

10. Team or PLC meeting planner

When to use it: You are leading a grade-level, department or PLC meeting and want it focused and on time.

Prompt template:

Create an agenda for a [LENGTH]-minute [TEAM TYPE] meeting. Our goal is to [GOAL, e.g., "agree on a common unit assessment" or "share strategies for vocabulary"]. Include timed agenda items, a short opening question, who might lead each part ([ROLES]), decision points, and a closing section for next steps with owners and deadlines. Add three questions that keep the discussion on the goal.

Tip: Use it for the agenda only. Do not paste in meeting notes that include student data or confidential staff matters.

Privacy checklist

Run through this before every prompt:

• Never paste student names, grades, ID numbers, photos, or anything that could identify a student or family.
• Never share IEP, 504, health, discipline or other confidential records, even with names removed. Details alone can identify a student.
• Follow your school or district AI policy, and use approved tools for anything beyond general, teacher-facing tasks. If there is no policy, ask an administrator.
• Describe students in general terms only, such as "a mixed-ability 7th grade class".
• Always review AI output before you use it: check facts, sources, math and age-appropriateness.
• Keep your professional judgment in charge. AI drafts; you decide.

For more on what to avoid and how to check a tool, see student privacy and FERPA basics for AI. Also see how to check AI answers for mistakes.

More from the AI for Teachers hub

These prompts complement our step-by-step guides. Start at the AI for Teachers hub, or go straight to a task:

• Lesson planning
• Quizzes and rubrics
• Parent emails
• Differentiation
• Grading feedback
• Student privacy and FERPA basics

New to prompts? Read how to write better AI prompts.

Frequently asked questions

Is the prompt pack free?

Yes. You can read it on this page or download the PDF at no cost. No signup is needed.

Which AI tool do I paste these prompts into?

Use a tool your school or district allows. The prompts are written for teacher-facing tasks and work in any general AI chatbot, but features and policies change, so check each tool's official site.

Is it safe to use these prompts with student information?

The prompts are designed so you do not need student personal information. Do not add names, grades, IEP or 504 details, or health or behavior records. Follow your school policy.

Can I share or print the pack?

Yes. The pack is free to print and share for classroom and professional use.

Plain AI Guide is independent. This pack is not affiliated with or endorsed by any AI company, school district or education organization. AI tools change often, so check each tool's official site and your school's policy.