Lesson Objectives

By the end of this newsletter, you'll be able to:

• Build 3 automated systems that handle back-to-school tasks without your daily input

• Create AI-powered communication templates that adapt to different situations

• Set up workflows that save you 4+ hours per week starting day one of school

• Apply the "hackathon mindset" to your classroom preparation

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to picture this: It's the second week of school. While your colleagues are drowning in welcome emails, parent contact forms, and classroom setup tasks, you're sipping coffee and watching your systems work. Your welcome emails are sending automatically, your classroom procedures are documented and shared, and your parent communication is already flowing smoothly.

This isn't fantasy. It's what happens when you use summer break strategically.

What We’re Working with Today

Today we'll dive into the automation mindset I've developed through four hackathons in four weeks. From Bolt's World's Largest Hackathon to ElevenLabs' 2-hour voice agent challenge, I've learned that the best solutions come from pushing yourself around every corner… even when you're not sure what's waiting there.

The worst that could happen? You learn something. The best? You build systems that transform your teaching experience.

Here’s my personal submission to the Bolt Hackathon, completed in less than 24 hours:

And here’s my submission to the ElevenLabs Voice Agent Hackathon, a revamp of my previous text-chat SPED law bot:

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Here’s What I Created

This week, I created three "set it and forget it" systems for back-to-school season:

System 1: The Welcome Wagon Email Sequence An automated 5-email series that introduces parents to your classroom, shares expectations, and provides resources, all triggered by adding a parent email to your contact list.

System 2: The Classroom Procedure Documentation Hub A self-updating repository of classroom procedures that adapts based on grade level, subject, and specific needs, with AI-generated visual guides.

System 3: The Parent Communication Autopilot Smart templates that customize messages based on student needs, parent communication preferences, and situation urgency.

Tools I used: Claude, n8n, Canva, Google Sheets

We Do: Let’s Build This Together

Follow this step-by-step guide to create your Parent Communication Autopilot:

Step 1: Create Your Master Communication Prompt Use this ChatGPT prompt to generate adaptive parent communications:

You are an expert [elementary school teacher] communication specialist. Create a professional, warm parent communication message based on these inputs:

SITUATION: [Insert specific situation - positive update, concern, request for meeting, etc.]
STUDENT: [Student name and 2-3 key details about their learning style/needs]
PARENT PREFERENCE: [Formal/casual tone, brief/detailed information]
URGENCY: [Low/Medium/High]
DESIRED OUTCOME: [What you want to happen after this communication]

Include:
- Appropriate greeting that matches the relationship level
- Clear, specific information about the situation
- 2-3 actionable next steps
- Warm, professional closing
- Keep tone consistent with parent preference
- Length appropriate for urgency level

Format as a ready-to-send email with subject line.

Step 2: Build Your Template Library Create 5 template variations for:

• Positive behavior/academic updates

• Gentle concerns requiring attention

• Meeting requests

• Classroom updates/changes

• Resource sharing

Step 3: Set Up Your Automation Trigger Use Make or n8n to connect your student information system to your email platform. When you tag a student communication need, it automatically generates the appropriate message draft.

Step 4: Test and Refine Run through 3-5 scenarios with different student/parent combinations to ensure your templates adapt appropriately.

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

Now it's your turn! Choose ONE of these automation projects to complete this week:

Option A: The 15-Minute Lesson Plan Generator Create this ChatGPT prompt for instant lesson planning:

You are an expert curriculum designer. Create a complete lesson plan based on these specifications:

SUBJECT: [Subject area]
GRADE LEVEL: [Specific grade]
TOPIC: [Specific topic/standard]
DURATION: [Class period length]
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: [What students should know/do by end of lesson]
STUDENT NEEDS: [Any differentiation requirements]
AVAILABLE RESOURCES: [Technology, materials, space constraints]

Include:
- Clear learning objectives aligned to standards
- 3-part lesson structure (opening, main activity, closing)
- At least 2 differentiation strategies
- Assessment method (formative and summative)
- Required materials list
- Homework/extension activities
- Approximate timing for each section

Format as a ready-to-implement lesson plan with clear section headers.

Option B: The Classroom Setup Checklist Generator Build a smart checklist that adapts to your grade level, subject, and classroom size.

Option C: The Parent Volunteer Coordinator Create an automated system for managing parent volunteers, scheduling, and communication.

Think-Pair-Share

• Think of 3 back-to-school tasks that drain your energy every August  

• Pair up with a colleague to brainstorm which of these could be automated or streamlined

• Share your automation ideas with our community of educators and connect with other Edumators who are transforming their classrooms with AI and automation.

Remember: The best thing to happen to you could be right around the corner. Instead of hoping for it to arrive, you should walk around every corner that you encounter. The worst that could happen is you learn something.

Exit Ticket

Are you an SLP or SPED teacher that wants to customize AAC icons? Check out AAC Icon Studio. Generate 5 icons for free to test it out.

Looking for a live hands-on course on AI and Automation? Our first cohort ran in March. Join the AI & Automation for Educators Course Waitlist to be informed about future sessions!

Follow us for more AI and automation tips.

Ready to explore automation and take control of your processes? Join the FREE 30-Day AI & Automation Email Course for Educators to learn how to build solutions tailored to your needs.

Follow us on Gumroad for Edumated resources.

Spread the Word!

If you found today’s edition helpful, share the Edumated newsletter with your colleagues! You can share our link: www.edumated.com.