AI as a Thinking Partner: Coaching Authentic Writing and Creativity in ELA

How can instructional coaches help teachers bring AI into writing instruction without losing authentic student voice? This poster presentation shares practical strategies for guiding teachers to use AI as a thinking partner that enhances writing, creativity and reflection in the ELA classroom. Explore a model lesson that moves from human-centered brainstorming to AI-supported drafting, visual art creation and reflective interpretation, combining poetry, visual literacy and ethical AI use in standards-aligned ways. Learn coaching moves that build teacher confidence, encourage thoughtful AI integration and promote student ownership, along with strategies for guiding students to evaluate AI responses, address bias and keep their own voice at the center. You will leave with ready-to-use tools, including sample lesson structures, AI prompts and coaching frameworks, that you can apply immediately in coaching cycles, PLCs and professional learning to support engaging, student-centered writing in the age of AI.