Ever since I was introduced to AI for teacherpreneurs, I’ve been on a journey to discover how it can revolutionize the way we teach, coach, and run our online businesses.
From TESOL instructors to English Language Arts coaches, or any educator with an online coaching or teaching business, these insights can be game-changers for your professional growth.
Here are some key takeaways I’ve learned, and I hope they help you propel your online teaching or coaching business forward!
1. Garbage In, Garbage Out
This golden rule of AI applies everywhere!
The better quality input you give to AI, the more valuable and relevant the output will be.
For instance, if you want AI to help you draft a lesson plan, provide detailed instructions, objectives, and context.
If you're not detailed and specific, you won't get the results you need.
2. Remember: AI is NOT a Search Engine
You can’t treat ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard like Google.
Instead, think of your engagement with AI as a conversation with a new student or client.
You need to establish context, define goals, and share background information.
Example for TESOL teachers:
When planning a lesson, don’t just ask AI for a list of activities.
Instead, provide specific details like the learning objectives, language level (CEFR level), and the skills you’re focusing on (reading, writing, listening, or speaking).
3. Treat AI Like Your Student or Client
As educators, we scaffold our lessons by modeling how students should approach tasks, gradually releasing responsibility until they can perform independently.
AI operates in a similar way—guide it by feeding it structured input, set expectations, and then give it feedback on the output.
Think of how you design a lesson:
Start with schema and background knowledge
Model expectations
Release responsibility gradually
Apply this same approach to your interactions with AI for tasks like lesson planning or creating assessment tools.
4. Use AI to Think Outside the Box
AI pulls its information from vast data sources across the internet.
Don’t just ask it for a list of trends or simple solutions—challenge it! Push for creative, unconventional approaches that break away from the norm.
For example:
Instead of asking for “ways to improve student engagement,” ask, “What are non-traditional methods TESOL instructors can use to motivate students beyond just language acquisition?”
5. Create AI Schema Tables
This has been one of the most powerful strategies I’ve learned from thought leaders like Richard Butler.
Create an AI Niche Table to feed the AI detailed information about your business.
Here’s what I included in my AI Niche Table for Endgame Academics:
Personal and professional background: Your teaching philosophy, credentials, and experience
Business description: What your business stands for (e.g., the 3 pillars of Endgame Academics—Mindset Development, Academic Communication Skills, and Acculturation to North American Academia)
Audience demographics: Include psychographic and demographic details about your niche audience
Pro tip for TESOL instructors:
Creating a detailed schema about your target students (e.g., their language level, learning goals, and cultural backgrounds) will help AI generate more tailored lesson plans, assessments, and coaching strategies.
6. Teach AI to Write Like You
If you want AI to help with content creation, train it to understand your style, voice, and tone.
This is critical for maintaining a consistent brand voice in your online coaching business.
Here’s how I did it:
Gather writing samples: I uploaded personal journal entries, blog posts, and academic papers I had written.
Pull excerpts from authors I admire, such as Jordan B. Peterson, Ryan Holiday, and Steven Pressfield, who align with my niche audience.
Prompt AI to analyze: Ask the AI to assess these samples using the 6+ Traits of Writing (a well-known framework in English Language Arts).
Create a “Master Author Avatar”: This ensures all future texts are written in the desired tone and style, maintaining a consistent brand voice for blog posts, emails, and course materials.
7. Vary Your AI Outputs for Creativity
Don’t limit AI to generating lists or simple outlines.
Here are a few creative ways to maximize AI’s potential:
Ask for an essay or persuasive text on a topic
Request content in bullet points or chunked text for easier readability
Use the 5W+H structure: What, Why, How, When, Where, and Who
Bonus: For curriculum design, try using Wiggins & McTighe's Understanding by Design framework. Ask AI to provide Essential Understandings or Enduring Questions for any topic you’re teaching.
8. Keep Your Prompts Interesting and Detailed
AI can get repetitive or boring if you ask it generic questions.
Don’t be afraid to spice up your prompts:
Request a mind map on how to teach academic writing to ESL learners, listing the central ideas and supporting topics.
Ask for a creative analogy to explain language learning strategies.
Pro Tip: Incorporate these strategies into your teaching materials for courses like TESOL or English Language Arts, offering your students a dynamic learning experience.
Offering Tailored Programs for TESOL Teachers and Coaches
At Endgame Academics, we offer a range of courses and programs designed to support educators like you.
Whether you need help integrating AI into your teaching practice or improving your TESOL methodologies, our coaching programs are here to help.
Entry-level course packages offer online courses with limited 1-1 sessions
Advanced packages provide ongoing personalized coaching and exclusive content
Concierge-level services offer full support, including custom feedback and additional resources
We also provide professional development in TESOL pedagogies like SIOP and WIDA, helping educators master cutting-edge instructional strategies and deliver high-quality lessons to their students.
Conclusion
By leveraging AI in a thoughtful, structured way, TESOL teachers, English Language Arts instructors, and online coaches can dramatically enhance their teaching, create dynamic lesson plans, and run successful businesses.
AI can be a game-changer if used with precision, creativity, and purpose.
Don’t just input basic commands—give it quality, detailed instructions and watch your results skyrocket.
Here’s Your Call to Action!
Follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn for more tips on how to integrate AI into your online business and improve your TESOL teaching strategies.
Interested in 1-1 coaching or professional development programs? Schedule a free consultation with me today!
#TeacherpreneurSuccess #AIForTeachers #TESOLTraining #EndgameAcademics
Brandon
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Thanks for stopping by.
I empower high school & university students (and their parents!) to reach their true potential by mastering their mindset and academic English communication skills while learning to navigate the culture of American academia.
If you’re interested in these topics, give me a follow so you can stay up to date with my posts.
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