From AI Novice to Creator: What Teachers Are Building in Kira’s AI 101

More than 60 educators came together for our very first AI 101 for Educators cohort: a hands-on, practical introduction to using AI in the classroom. See what they created and what new perspectives were discovered.

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Over the past few weeks, more than 60 educators came together for our very first AI 101 for Educators cohort: a hands-on, practical introduction to using AI in the classroom.

Teachers didn’t just learn about AI.They built real lessons and tools they can use tomorrow. Seeing what they created — and hearing their reflections — offered so much insight into how Kira's AI tools can support planning, differentiation, and student engagement.

How Teachers Plan to Use Kira's Tools in Their Classrooms

Teachers named several practical ways they’re planning to bring these tools into their instruction:

Supporting critical thinking
“I am using it to show my students a smarter way to think while also keeping the integrity in their work.” - Joanie W.

Every student participates
“The best part of using AI tools such as these is their ability to engage all students simultaneously.” - Josh T.

Differentiation and catch-up support
“The lesson creator has possibilities for those early finishers or someone absent to help review missed work.” - Cecel M.

And more broadly:

Creating study guides
Designing custom activities
Supporting absent students
Helping students connect information to standards
Offering a space for safe, scaffolded problem-solving

Responsible AI Use: What Teachers Are Thinking About

A big part of the cohort involved candid conversations about academic integrity and responsible use. Teachers shared the norms they’re putting in place:

The value isn’t in the output, it’s in the learning process.
“Students can use AI, but must be able to learn from it, not just copy the answers.” - Nadine R.

Students must understand why academic integrity matters in an AI-enabled world.
“If work seems AI-generated, I’ll speak with the student and have them redo it. My goal is to build a culture of honesty and thoughtful use of technology.” - Alisa B.

AI can be a guide for creative thinking.
“I would like to see it used as a guide to help pull out more creativity from students, not replace it.” - Monika L.

Help students become better users of the tool.
“I try to have one-on-one time with the student… I want to have them know how to use it better.” - Greg M.

The shared theme: AI should strengthen thinking, not substitute for it.