Article written by Claire E. – 6th Grade teacher
As a teacher with experience both in early childhood education and in a middle school English Language Arts classroom, I’ve seen firsthand how dramatically the education landscape has changed in just a few short years. From juggling the needs of high-poverty preschoolers to guiding sixth graders through research and writing, one truth remains constant: teachers are stretched thin, and students deserve more personalized support than one adult can always provide. That’s where educational AI tools are stepping in—not to replace teachers, but to support us in doing what we do best.
Artificial intelligence in education is no longer a futuristic idea. It’s here, it’s growing, and when used thoughtfully, it can amplify what teachers already do by personalizing learning, saving time on administrative tasks, and engaging students in new ways. Below are three AI tools I’ve explored that are making a real difference in K–12 classrooms.
1. MagicSchool AI
Best For: Teachers looking to save time on planning, grading, and communication
How It Helps: MagicSchool AI is like having a digital teaching assistant at your fingertips. It’s specifically designed for educators and includes dozens of tools—lesson plan generators, rubric builders, email writers, IEP suggestion tools, and even accommodation recommenders.
When I was teaching sixth grade ELA, I often spent hours creating differentiated materials for students reading at vastly different levels. With MagicSchool, I could input a standard or text and instantly get a reading passage or writing prompt adjusted for various Lexile levels. I also used it to brainstorm writing feedback, parent email drafts, and creative ways to assess understanding. This kind of time-saving automation doesn’t just reduce burnout—it helps teachers focus on actual teaching.
2. Khanmigo by Khan Academy
Best For: Student tutoring and real-time, personalized learning
How It Helps: Khanmigo is an AI-powered tutor developed by Khan Academy. It works directly with students to guide them through math problems, writing assignments, and even test prep in a way that mimics one-on-one tutoring. What sets it apart is how it doesn’t just give students answers—it walks them through the thinking process, offering hints, explanations, and scaffolding.
In my ELA classroom, writing conferences with students was one of the most valuable instructional tools, but there was never enough time to conference with every student every day. Khanmigo could be that support in-between check-ins. A student stuck on an essay intro or unsure about how to structure their argument can receive live feedback and coaching, which can boost their confidence and reduce their dependence on the teacher for every step.
3. Diffit
Best For: Creating differentiated reading materials
How It Helps: Diffit allows teachers to take any text or topic and generate differentiated reading passages with comprehension questions and vocabulary supports across a wide range of grade levels and Lexile levels.
When I taught in a high-poverty school, I had students in the same classroom who read at second-grade and ninth-grade levels. It was a constant challenge to find or modify texts that were accessible, engaging, and rigorous. Diffit not only saved time but ensured that every student had materials that met them where they were. I especially appreciated how it maintained the same core content while simplifying or enriching the language, depending on the student’s needs.
Why AI Is Worth Embracing—Cautiously and Creatively
AI isn’t perfect, and it isn’t meant to be a substitute for professional expertise. These tools are only as effective as the teachers who wield them. We still have to use our judgment, review content for accuracy and bias, and ensure that student data is handled responsibly.
But when used with intention, AI tools can help close equity gaps, support diverse learners, and restore some of the time and creativity that teaching has always required. For teachers who are constantly balancing curriculum standards with student needs, AI can offer breathing room.
As someone who has worked across age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, I believe AI is a game-changer—especially when it comes to personalization. Every student learns differently, and every teacher wants to meet those individual needs. With the right AI tools in our toolbelt, we get one step closer to making that goal a reality.
Final Thoughts
Education has always adapted to the needs of its time, from chalkboards to smart boards to Chromebooks. Today, it’s adapting again—with AI. Teachers like me aren’t looking to hand off our responsibilities. We’re looking for allies in the effort to do right by our students. These tools aren’t perfect, but they’re powerful. And in classrooms full of learners who deserve our best, we need all the power we can get.