After 34 years in education—as a teacher, principal, and Assistant Superintendent— I asked myself that kind of question more than once. Writing instruction has always been one of the most stubborn challenges in education. Teachers are expected to guide students through one of the most complex cognitive tasks we ask of them—yet many struggle with how to teach writing, not just grade it. And even when they do know how, the time it takes to provide meaningful, individualized feedback is nearly impossible to sustain.
District leaders have tried everything—new curriculum, writing rubrics, grading protocols, endless PD sessions. Still, the problem persists: teachers vary widely in their confidence and skill with writing instruction, and students aren’t consistently getting the support they need. It’s time to shift the paradigm—and AI can help.
Yes, AI Can Help—When Used Well
The truth is, many districts are still grappling with if, how, and when AI should be used in schools. Concerns about cheating, diluting authentic learning, and replacing teachers are real—and they deserve careful attention. But from my perspective, the right AI tools, implemented thoughtfully, can become powerful allies in teaching and learning. AI doesn’t have to erode real learning; it can actually deepen it by providing the kind of feedback, scaffolding, and differentiation that teachers alone cannot realistically sustain at scale.
A high-quality, education-focused tool like the Scribo AI app is an excellent example of AI used well. Rather than replacing the teacher, Scribo amplifies their impact—helping them provide timely feedback, reduce cognitive load for learners, model good writing, and support a wide range of learners by meeting them where they are. It’s a trusted partner in the classroom, not a shortcut for students.
Introducing a Game-Changer: Enhance Writing Instruction with AI: Practice and Pedagogy
That’s why SchoolDay Teacher Academy is proud to offer the course: Enhance Writing Instruction with AI: Practice and Pedagogy, powered by Coursera. It’s designed to meet teachers where they are, while giving them hands-on experience with Scribo AI.
Teachers will learn to:
- Use AI to reduce workload and deliver targeted feedback
- Differentiate instruction with confidence and equity
- Connect AI tools to proven pedagogical models like ZPD and Cognitive Load Theory
- Learn flexibly, at their own pace
- Apply strategies through 25+ classroom-ready lessons
For district leaders, this means scalable, sustainable PD that adapts to each teacher’s starting point—without disrupting existing curricula or teacher autonomy.
Why District Leaders Should Act Now
Writing is foundational. Yet too often, our PD efforts leave teachers overwhelmed and students underserved. As leaders, we are responsible not just for managing challenges but for opening doors to new solutions. This course offers a practical, flexible way to change that. It lightens the load, strengthens instruction, and empowers teachers to do what they do best—with the support they deserve.
Benefits for Teachers and Students
Teachers often tell us that writing instruction feels overwhelming because it requires constant feedback, modeling, and differentiation. This course shows them how AI can:
- Act as a teaching partner—providing exemplars, guiding revision, and offering scaffolds aligned to student needs.
- Improve timeliness of feedback—students don’t have to wait days or weeks for guidance; they get feedback as they write.
- Save significant time on planning, grading, and feedback—giving teachers more bandwidth to focus on instruction.
- Build student confidence and independence—AI tools amplify student voice and ensure that every learner feels seen and supported.
The result? Teachers regain time, students build stronger writing skills, and districts see improved instructional quality at scale.
Enroll and Assign Today
The Enhance Writing Instruction with AI: Practice and Pedagogy course is available exclusively through SchoolDay Academy. With 15 modules, flexible pacing, and over 25 hands-on lessons using Scribo AI, it’s professional development that delivers real impact. Teachers gain practical strategies, adaptable workflows, and the confidence to transform writing instruction—while still directing the learning.
Enroll and assign the course here.