ChatGPT Prompts Every Special Education Teacher Should Try

If you’re a special education teacher, chances are your to-do list is never-ending. From lesson planning to IEP writing, family communication to creating differentiated resources—you do it all. What if you had a little extra help behind the scenes?

That’s where ChatGPT comes in.

ChatGPT is an AI-powered tool that can save you hours of planning and help you create engaging, personalized content for your students. Whether you’re teaching in a self-contained classroom or supporting students across grade levels, ChatGPT can become your go-to assistant.

Below are some practical, time-saving ChatGPT prompts created specifically for special education teachers like you.

🧠 IEP & Data Collection Support

Prompt:

“Create 3 sample IEP goals for a nonverbal 2nd grade student working on identifying emotions using visuals.”

Prompt:

“Write a parent-friendly progress note for a student working on 1:1 correspondence using real-life objects.”

Prompt:

“Give me 5 data collection methods I can use to track WH-question comprehension for students with limited verbal skills.”

📚 Differentiated Lesson Planning

Prompt:

“Give me a 3-day lesson plan for teaching community helpers to a mixed-ability self-contained K–2 classroom. Include visual supports and life skills connections.”

Prompt:

“Adapt a lesson on the water cycle for students with moderate cognitive disabilities using visuals and hands-on activities.”

Prompt:

“Create a script for a social skills mini-lesson on asking for help, with prompts for role play and comprehension checks.”

🛠️ Visuals & Social Scripts

Prompt:

“Write a simple social script for ‘Going to the Dentist’ that includes visual prompts and WH questions.”

Prompt:

“Create a picture schedule for a school day that includes specials, lunch, bathroom breaks, and calming time.”

Prompt:

“Make a visual directions list for using classroom headphones independently.”

🏡 Home Communication & Parent Support

Prompt:

“Write a newsletter blurb for families explaining the importance of life skills and how we practice them in class.”

Prompt:

“Create a handout for families with 5 functional reading activities they can do at home during summer break.”

Prompt:

“Write a short message to send to parents about upcoming progress reports, written in a warm, easy-to-understand tone.”

📅 Behavior & Classroom Management

Prompt:

“List 5 positive behavior supports I can use for a student who refuses to transition between activities.”

Prompt:

“Create a token board visual with space for 5 stars and a break choice menu.”

Prompt:

“Give me 3 sample behavior intervention plan goals for a student with aggressive behaviors.”

💻 Bonus: ChatGPT for Center Planning

Planning for centers in a self-contained classroom? ChatGPT can help make it a breeze.

Prompt:

“Create a weekly centers plan for 4 stations: fine motor, life skills, reading, and sensory. Include rotation suggestions and staff roles.”

And if you’re looking to completely take the stress out of planning centers, you’ll want to check out the Simple Centers System®—a fully done-for-you resource that’s flexible, structured, and specially designed for self-contained classrooms.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Using ChatGPT won’t replace your expertise—but it can free up your time, spark new ideas, and help you better meet the unique needs of your students.

Using ChatGPT can be a huge time-saver, but it’s important not to rely on it for copy-pasting content word-for-word—especially when it comes to IEPs, parent communication, or anything that represents your unique teaching voice. Instead, think of ChatGPT as a helpful starting point. Use it to generate ideas, draft outlines, or polish up your wording to sound more professional and clear. Then, customize the response with your knowledge of the student, classroom, or situation so it reflects your experience and the relationships you’ve built.

Try a few of these prompts today and see how much time you save!