Top AI Tools for Teachers: Save Time & Increase Engagement

AI is showing up in more classrooms every day — not as a replacement for teachers, but as a set of tools that can make the work more manageable and more impactful. AI is playing an increasingly meaningful role in how teachers plan, communicate, and respond to classroom needs, from automating routine tasks to offering personalized support for students.

When used thoughtfully and responsibly, these tools can help educators save time and focus on what matters most: supporting student learning. This blog post highlights practical AI tools designed to improve daily workflows and strengthen instructional outcomes, without the steep learning curve.

Best AI Tools for Grading & Assessment

Grading can be one of the most time-consuming parts of teaching. AI tools can ease that load by helping you assess work more efficiently, provide consistent feedback, and track student progress over time. These tools don’t replace teacher judgment but rather support it by handling repetitive tasks and offering insights that help you respond to student needs more quickly.

Here are some of the top AI tools teachers are using to support grading and assessment:

1. Gradescope
   Scanning and scoring quizzes, organizing rubric-based grading, streamlining feedback on open-ended responses
   
   Originally developed at UC Berkeley, Gradescope uses AI-assisted grading to help teachers assess assignments, exams, and even handwritten work. By integrating with many learning management system (LMS) platforms, it can speed up grading and support consistent feedback across classes. Note that Gradescope requires initial setup time and works best with structured assignments and rubrics.
2. Writable
   Supporting student writing through feedback, revision, and standards-aligned assessment
   
   Writable blends AI-generated feedback with teacher review to help students strengthen their writing. It can be used for formative tasks, peer review, and rubric-based scoring. The tool is especially helpful during revision, enabling students to engage with feedback before submitting final drafts. Writable is best suited for structured writing tasks and may require some initial time to set up prompts and rubrics.
3. ScribeSense
   Digitizing and grading paper-based assessments using AI-powered scanning
   
   ScribeSense enables teachers to scan and grade student work without switching to a fully digital workflow. It’s especially useful in classrooms where paper-based testing is still common. Be aware that it requires physical scans of student work and is best used with standardized formats.
4. Turnitin Draft Coach
   Providing students with real-time feedback on writing and supporting academic integrity
   
   Built into Google Docs and Microsoft Word, Turnitin Draft Coach offers grammar checks, citation support, and AI writing detection. Students can use it to improve their drafts before submission, while teachers can monitor for originality and proper sourcing. Draft Coach is a helpful tool for essay writing but should be paired with teacher review, especially when flagging AI-generated content.

Best AI Tools for Lesson Planning & Content Generation

Lesson planning takes time, especially when you’re working to align with standards or meet diverse learning needs. These AI tools can help generate ideas, structure lessons, and adapt curriculum for students at different levels, all while giving you more space to focus on classroom delivery and student engagement. (For a more detailed guide to using AI tools for lesson planning, check out 21 Chat GPT Prompts for Teachers.)

1. MagicSchool.ai
   Generating lesson plans, learning objectives, text scaffolds, and assessments aligned to standards
   
   MagicSchool.ai is built specifically for educators, offering over 60 tools designed to assist with planning, instruction, and communication. Teachers can generate full lesson plans tied to grade-level standards, adapt texts for different reading levels, or create quick checks for understanding. The platform is free to use and updated frequently with new features. While the outputs are strong starting points, they may need refinement to match your pacing guides or school-specific frameworks.
2. Curipod
   Creating interactive, standards-aligned lessons that include polls, drawing prompts, and discussion slides
   
   Curipod turns a basic topic or prompt into a full, ready-to-teach slide deck that supports active learning. It’s designed to boost engagement with features such as think-pair-share, anonymous polls, and creative writing activities. Teachers can also customize content to fit their grade level or subject. Because Curipod focuses on participation, it works best when paired with direct instruction or other content-focused strategies.
3. Khanmigo (by Khan Academy)
   Providing guided planning help, content suggestions, and on-demand tutoring support
   
   Khanmigo offers teachers a conversational planning assistant that draws on Khan Academy’s trusted content. You can use it to outline a lesson, generate follow-up questions, or adapt concepts for students who need extra support. The tool also includes student-facing features that promote inquiry-based learning. Currently, Khanmigo is in limited release and best suited for schools already using the Khan Academy ecosystem.
4. Eduaide.AI
   Generating lesson materials, creating assessments, building rubrics, and supporting instructional planning
   
   Eduaide.AI is an all-in-one teaching assistant designed to help educators streamline planning and content creation. It includes tools for generating learning objectives, designing activities, writing prompts, drafting assessments, and building rubrics based on subject, grade level, and instructional goals. The platform is useful for teachers looking to save time without sacrificing quality or alignment. While Eduaide offers flexibility, some outputs may require editing to fit your classroom context or meet district requirements.

Best AI Tools for Tutoring & Student Support

When students need help outside of class, AI can offer timely support that’s available whenever they’re ready to learn. These tools give students personalized guidance, simplify difficult topics, and encourage independent problem-solving. While they don’t replace the role of a teacher, they can help reinforce learning when one-on-one time isn’t available.

1. SchoolAI
   AI-powered student support through virtual “Thought Partners” that help with reflection, idea generation, and revision
   
   SchoolAI gives students access to structured, teacher-monitored AI tools that support thinking and learning. These tools can help with brainstorming, organizing ideas, or working through content in a scaffolded way. Teachers can see student activity and responses, which supports transparency and academic integrity. While the platform is designed with safety in mind, students still need guidance on how to use it productively.
2. ELSA Speak
   Improving English pronunciation and speaking confidence through AI-driven feedback
   
   ELSA Speak is an app designed to help students build English speaking skills using voice recognition and real-time feedback. It analyzes pronunciation and suggests targeted corrections. The tool adapts to each learner’s pace and accent, making it especially helpful for multilingual students working on fluency. While it focuses on speaking, it pairs well with other tools for vocabulary and grammar.
3. Querium
   Step-by-step support in math and science through adaptive tutoring software
   
   Querium guides students through problems by analyzing their input and offering hints based on what they understand. It’s most effective in algebra, chemistry, and other areas where step-based problem-solving is key. The platform is often used in high school or early college settings. Teachers will need to pair it with classroom instruction to support conceptual understanding.

Best AI Tools for Classroom Management & Communication

Managing a classroom involves juggling communication and routines amid countless small tasks. AI tools can simplify these workflows by automating messaging, organizing schedules, and helping maintain clear communication with students and families. These tools give teachers more space to focus on instruction and building relationships.

1. ClassDojo
   Streamlining communication and behavior tracking between teachers, students, and families
   
   ClassDojo offers an easy-to-use platform that helps teachers share updates, celebrate student progress, and encourage positive behavior. Messaging features let you send announcements or reminders directly to families. The tool supports classroom culture by making communication consistent and accessible. While it’s widely popular for younger grades, older students and families also benefit from its transparency.
2. Remind
   Automating messaging and simplifying parent-teacher communication
   
   Remind focuses on quick, secure messaging to students and parents via app or text. You can schedule announcements, send homework reminders, or provide updates without needing to manage multiple platforms. Its streamlined interface reduces the chance of missed messages and keeps everyone connected. Some schools integrate Remind with other tools for a fuller communication system.
3. Google Classroom
   Centralizing assignment management, announcements, and feedback
   
   Google Classroom isn’t strictly an AI tool but incorporates smart features that automate notifications and streamline workflow. Teachers can post announcements, assign work, and give feedback all in one place. Its integration with other Google Workspace apps helps automate grading and document sharing. The platform works well for both in-person and remote learning environments.
4. Otus
   Combining communication, assessment, and data tracking into one platform
   
   Otus helps teachers automate workflows around grading, attendance, and behavior tracking while maintaining clear communication channels. AI features assist in identifying student trends and personalizing outreach. While the platform is robust, it may require some time to learn and set up effectively.

Best AI Tools for Accessibility & Inclusion

Creating an inclusive classroom means removing barriers to participation. AI tools can help by adapting content, supporting communication, and offering targeted help to students who need it. These tools are especially valuable for multilingual learners and students with special learning needs, making classroom materials more accessible without adding to teacher workload.

1. Microsoft Immersive Reader
   Improving reading comprehension and accessibility through visual supports and language tools
   
   Immersive Reader is built into many Microsoft products and helps students better access written content. It can read text aloud, highlight parts of speech, translate passages, and adjust spacing or font size for easier reading. It’s useful for students with dyslexia, visual processing challenges, or limited English proficiency. The tool is free and integrates smoothly into platforms like Word, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams.
2. Speechify
   Turning written text into natural-sounding audio for students who benefit from auditory learning
   
   Speechify lets students listen to articles, assignments, or handouts using AI-powered voice narration. It’s especially helpful for students with reading challenges, attention difficulties, or those learning English. Users can adjust speed, voice style, and language. While there is a free version, some features are limited to paid plans.
3. TalkingPoints
   Supporting two-way communication with families in multiple languages through real-time translation
   
   TalkingPoints bridges language gaps between teachers and multilingual families. It translates messages into over 100 languages while maintaining the original tone and intent. Teachers can send updates, reminders, or check-ins without relying on external interpreters. The tool helps build trust and increase engagement with families who may otherwise feel disconnected from the classroom.
4. Read&Write by Texthelp
   Reading, writing, and comprehension tools designed for students with learning differences
   
   Read&Write offers a suite of supports including text-to-speech, word prediction, picture dictionaries, and speech-to-text. It helps students with dyslexia, ADHD, or language-based learning needs better access and produce written content. The tool integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word and is commonly used in inclusive classrooms. Some features require a paid license.

How to Use AI Responsibly

AI tools offer real value in the classroom but only when paired with thoughtful and intentional guidance. Teachers play a critical role in modeling responsible use and helping students develop strong digital habits.

Start by checking your school or district’s policies, especially when it comes to privacy and data use. Avoid entering student information into tools that don’t offer clear protections. Always review AI-generated content before using it to ensure accuracy, appropriate tone, lack of bias, and relevance to your classroom goals.

When introducing AI to students, position it as a support tool, not a shortcut. Help them understand when it’s useful, when it’s not, and how to engage with AI in ways that support learning. Set clear expectations about how these tools should and shouldn’t be used in your class (posters always help).

In moderation, AI can absolutely strengthen your teaching practice. It can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, help you respond more quickly to student needs, and keep communication flowing while freeing up your energy and attention for more nuanced matters. The key is staying intentional, both in how you use AI and how you teach students to engage with it.

Ready to learn more? Enroll in USD’s Introduction to AI in Education course in the Division of Professional and Continuing Education, where you can build your skills on a flexible schedule, explore new tools, and implement AI in ways that align with your values as an educator. For those with intermediate skills in using AI tools, explore courses such as AI for Curriculum Design and Development, AI in Education Leadership and Policy, and AI in Student Support and Engagement.

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