AI Isn't Cheating

There's guilt around using AI.

Like somehow relying on a tool means you're not a "real" teacher.

Let's put that to rest.

Using smart tools isn't cutting corners. It's working wisely.

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"AI will replace teachers."

The truth: AI can't do what you do.

1. AI can generate a lesson plan. It can't read the room when that plan falls flat.
2. AI can draft feedback. It can't see the student who needs encouragement more than correction.
3. AI processes information. You build relationships.

Teaching is fundamentally human. AI handles the mechanical so you can focus on the meaningful.

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"Using AI means I'm not doing my job."

The truth: Your job is teaching students, not reinventing wheels.

1. Using a calculator isn't cheating at math.
2. Using spell-check isn't cheating at writing.
3. Using AI to draft a rubric isn't cheating at teaching.

Tools extend your capacity. That's been true since the first textbook.

Nobody calls it cheating when you use a photocopier.

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"AI output is generic and useless."

The truth: Generic AI gives generic output. Curriculum-trained AI doesn't.

1. ChatGPT trained on the internet gives internet-quality results.
2. AI trained on BC curriculum gives curriculum-aligned results.
3. The difference is hours of editing versus minutes of refining.

Context matters. Training matters. Not all AI is created equal.

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"My students will know I didn't write it."

The truth: You still write it. AI just gets you started faster.

1. AI generates a draft. You revise, personalize, make it yours.
2. The final product has your voice, your adjustments, your expertise.
3. Students see the result of your professional judgment—not raw AI output.

You're the editor-in-chief. AI is the research assistant.

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"Real teachers don't need help."

The truth: Real teachers know when to accept it.

1. Expertise includes knowing what to delegate.
2. Professionalism means using every available resource for your students.
3. Pride that prevents efficiency ultimately hurts the people you serve.

The strongest teachers leverage every advantage. Including this one.

That's why we built Lamppost—AI trained on BC curriculum, designed for how teachers actually work.

Not to replace your expertise. To give you back your Sunday nights.

Onward and upward,

—JBJL

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