Teachers Get First Look at AI Writing Guidance

English teachers and students can see how AI may be used in reading and writing classes as NCTE's draft framework takes shape.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Language Learning

Bold vector editorial illustration of an upright pencil and closed folders under a desk lamp, evoking classroom writing instruction. — English teachers can now review the National Council of Teachers of English's working framework on how AI may be used in reading and writing classes, with feedback welcome. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The National Council of Teachers of English has published a working framework on artificial intelligence in English language arts education, built around student voice and agency, critical AI literacy, and academic integrity. NCTE is inviting ELA educators to review the document and send feedback.

Why it matters

For language learners and the teachers who support them, the framework signals how AI tools may be used in reading and writing instruction, including where academic integrity expectations are drawn. It was developed with a national grant from Google.org and is still a working document.

The framework rests on three elements: student voice and agency, critical AI literacy, and academic integrity. Cohorts were chosen through a competitive application process, and each is facilitated by an NCTE member with expertise in teaching and learning with AI.

The players

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

The national association of English teachers that published the working framework and runs the cohorts.

Google.org

Google's philanthropic arm, which provided the national grant supporting the framework.

Tom Stephens

A Mount Vernon High School teacher with over twenty years in Iowa public schools who will present at the NCTE event.

The details

NCTE conceived the framework during a weekend in Los Angeles in February 2026, drawing on three dozen ELA thought leaders. Twelve cohorts of 60 classroom teachers are now applying the working document in their own classrooms and feeding back on it. Each cohort is led by an NCTE member with AI teaching expertise, and the work is supported by a national grant from Google.org. Educators can review the working framework and send feedback to NCTE.

February 2026: framework conceived at an NCTE weekend in Los Angeles.
Throughout 2026: classroom teacher cohorts develop guidance and resources.
Saturday, Nov. 21: Mount Vernon High School teacher Tom Stephens takes part in an NCTE panel and roundtable.
December: cohort work continues and resources are shared.

Education Landscape

Schools across the country are working out how generative AI fits into writing and reading instruction, and most of that guidance is still being drafted. This NCTE framework is one of the first subject-specific attempts to set shared principles for English classrooms.

If you teach or support English learners, you can review the working framework and send feedback to NCTE while it is still in draft. Students and families can ask their school how it plans to handle AI use and academic integrity in English classes.

The takeaway

The framework is still a working draft, so its guidance on AI and academic integrity may change as cohorts report back. Ask your school or teacher how AI tools are being handled in English assignments so expectations are clear.