AI prompt engineering is emerging as a foundational skill for educators, argues Timothy Montalvo (Iona University), who discusses how it can be used in several different ways to support educational efforts. He proposes that, when used thoughtfully and ethically, prompt engineering can enhance instruction and feedback by helping teachers generate customized lesson plans and rubric-aligned responses in less time. Montalvo adds that it can also reduce teacher burnout by automating repetitive tasks such as drafting rubrics and newsletters. Finally, instructors who understand prompt engineering can support student development by teaching learners how to craft, revise, and evaluate prompts—building key skills in metacognition and digital literacy. “Prompt engineering is not just about using AI,” he writes. “It’s about using it wisely, ethically, and creatively.”
