This week, I’m sharing a series of Instagram posts all about classroom resets—what they really mean, why they matter, and how to do them without creating more work or pressure. Here’s a full breakdown of the week, plus links to the free resources I mention in each post.
AI in the classroom isn’t some far-off concept. It’s here, shaping our student’s experiences in ways we’re only just beginning to grasp. From adaptive learning tools to automated feedback, AI is already changing how teachers work and how students learn. The real question isn’t whether AI belongs in education. It’s how we, as educators, can…
Introductory sections in tomes like the Norton Anthology have served as the foundation for contextualizing literature in the classroom forever. These pre-readings offer historical background, thematic overviews, and authorial insights that provide students with essential frameworks before they begin analyzing primary texts. And, you know what? They’re the absolute worst way to engage a high…
Why Do Students Turn to AI for Writing? Instead of immediately banning AI in the classroom, educators should ask a more important question: Why are students relying on AI in the first place? Often, it’s not about laziness or dishonesty—it’s about uncertainty, time constraints, or a lack of confidence in their own writing skills. If…
Why Rushing to Judgment Can Harm Student Growth AI detection is a hot topic in education, but the reality is that writing growth isn’t always linear. Students can surprise us with sudden improvements, and jumping to conclusions about AI use without strong evidence can damage trust and motivation. Instead of assuming the worst, educators should…
Why Transparency is a Game-Changer in Education Trust is the foundation of any successful classroom. When students understand how they’re being evaluated, why assignments matter, and how AI fits into their learning process, they’re far more likely to engage with their work authentically. Transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for fostering academic integrity and…
According to a 2022 survey by the EdWeek Research Center, teachers spend an average of five hours per week grading assignments. They spend an additional five hours per week planning and preparing, and three more hours per week doing administrative tasks. That’s all outside the classroom! Artificial intelligence can help to alleviate some of these…
Introduction Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education. When used thoughtfully, AI can enhance learning, improve efficiency, and support both teachers and students. Of course, it also has the potential to de-rail learning when treated as a magic wand. This page explores ethical, practical, and innovative ways to integrate AI into the classroom for educators and…
How I Use Obsidian to Manage My Curriculum If you’re like me, keeping track of lesson plans, teaching resources, and ideas can sometimes feel overwhelming. I used to rely on a mix of notebooks, random Google Docs, and sticky notes. But that system didn’t exactly scream “organized.” Then I discovered Obsidian, and everything changed. Obsidian…
My name is William Toomey, and I’m a high school teacher in Shrewsbury, MA In my career, I have had the privilege of teaching 9th, 11th, and 12th-grade students. I currently teach 11th-grade American Literature, 12th-grade British Literature, and AP Literature and Composition. I have a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s degree in English…
