The Classroom Newsletter

The Classroom Newsletter | June 27th, 2025

In This Issue:

• Lesson Planning: Peer Assessment

• Classroom Management: Creating a Behavior Intervention Plan

• Parent Communication: Abuse of Classroom Technology

• Burnout Busters: Set Professional Goals

• Health & Wellness: Focus on What You Can Control

• Bonus Prompts: DALL·E Prompt & Special Education Prompt

• Homeroom Swag: Patriotic American Letters & Numbers Set

• Laughter Lounge: “New Admin Needs Volunteers!”

• Poll Position: How Do You Communicate?

If Your Teacher Bestie Gifted You This Issue And You Want More… CLICK HERE!

Happy Friday Y’all,

As we close out June and lean into a new season of planning, freedom, and intentional growth, I want to remind you of this week’s quote from Edward Everett:
“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.”

That’s no small truth. As educators, we don’t just manage classrooms, we mold citizens. Every time we teach students to reflect, to listen, to give and receive feedback, we are doing more than instructing, we are empowering. The strength of a free society doesn’t come from weapons or walls, but from minds that think critically, speak respectfully, and act responsibly.

This week’s prompts are all about reclaiming and reinforcing that purpose. From peer assessment strategies to behavior intervention plans, from managing tech boundaries to setting personal growth goals, you’ll find practical tools to strengthen your leadership and light the way for the next generation of difference-makers.

Now, let’s look at how we can leverage ChatGPT (or your favorite generative AI platform) to help turn your classroom into an optimal learning environment:

Scenario:
Ms. Wheeler wanted to reinforce revision skills in her 7th grade writing class. She asked ChatGPT to help her create a lesson where students offered structured peer feedback using rubrics and sentence starters.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that includes a peer assessment activity to foster constructive feedback and collaborative improvement.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Encourages accountability: Students take ownership of their work.
Builds critical thinking: Giving feedback sharpens observation skills.
Promotes collaboration: Creates a supportive, team-based learning culture.

Scenario:
Coach Bradley had a student struggling with impulsivity and outbursts. He turned to ChatGPT to help him draft a targeted behavior plan focused on clear expectations, specific interventions, and measurable goals.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a behavior intervention plan for a student who is struggling with [list behavior issue(s)], ensuring the plan is tailored to the student's needs and includes clear goals and interventions.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Personalizes support: Plans are tailored to student-specific needs.
Improves outcomes: Clarity and consistency help students succeed.
Reduces stress: Teacher gains a proactive strategy instead of reacting.

Scenario:
Mr. Franklin noticed a few students misusing Chromebooks for games during independent time. He asked ChatGPT to help craft a thoughtful letter to parents emphasizing responsible use.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], discussing [his/her] use of technology in the classroom. Highlight [list areas needing improvement], and suggest ways to support responsible technology use at home.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Encourages teamwork: Aligns home and school expectations.
Promotes digital citizenship: Helps students learn safe habits.
Prevents escalation: Early communication keeps small issues from growing.

Scenario:
Mrs. Brooks wanted to use the summer to reflect on her role as a teacher-leader. She asked ChatGPT to help her set meaningful goals in instructional design and team collaboration.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Help me set and achieve professional goals that align with my teaching career. These goals should focus on [list specific areas of growth, e.g., leadership, curriculum development].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Fuels motivation: Purposeful goals renew your energy.
Boosts confidence: Progress builds a sense of accomplishment.
Guides development: Clear vision shapes long-term career growth.

Scenario:
Coach Ramirez was feeling overwhelmed by district changes and personal stress. She wanted a way to refocus her energy on areas she could actually influence, like her daily routines and self-talk.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to focus more on what I can control in life. Help me develop a mindset and strategies for letting go of things beyond my control and focusing on [list specific areas where I have influence].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Reduces anxiety: Focus shifts from chaos to clarity.
Promotes peace: Accepting limitations fosters emotional freedom.
Strengthens self-discipline: Empowerment grows where energy is invested.

DALL·E Prompt: Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson

Scenario:
Ms. Grayson wanted to create a themed visual for her British Lit classroom wall. She asked ChatGPT and DALL·E to generate an original scene of Holmes and Watson mid-investigation.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Generate a scene of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the midst of a big case.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Enhances storytelling: Visuals deepen interest and immersion.
Adds engagement: Sparks curiosity across all student levels.
Connects literature to imagination: Makes reading interactive and fun.

SPED Prompt: Technology Tools for Differentiated Learning

Scenario:
Mr. Nguyen had students with dyslexia and ADHD in his U.S. History class. He asked ChatGPT for tech tools to help these students navigate the lesson while maintaining engagement.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest technology tools that support differentiated learning for students with [list specific learning disability] that helps them navigate [lesson/topic].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Expands access: Tools meet students where they are.
Improves participation: Tech gives all students a way in.
Supports equity: Personalized tools make learning more inclusive.

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Bottom Line Y’all…

Edward Everett’s quote reminds us that education is not just a job… it’s a safeguard. It shapes not only futures, but freedoms. When we guide students through peer assessment, personalized intervention, and responsible tech use, we aren’t just teaching skills, we’re building resilient, thoughtful citizens.

This week’s prompts challenge us to lead with intention, reflect with clarity, and build classrooms that do more than just manage… they empower. And whether you’re setting career goals or helping a student find their footing, know this: your effort is securing liberty, one lesson at a time.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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