Andrew Gitner
Founding Educator at CoGrader & ELA Teacher
Articles by Andrew
How to Lead a Data-Driven Writing PLC in 45 Minutes
A research-backed, 45-minute agenda for a data-driven writing PLC that ends with a real reteach plan. Protocols, calibration, and CoGrader.
What Is Data-Driven Instruction? A Teacher's Guide to the Cycle
Data-driven instruction gets thrown around in PD sessions and staff meetings until it starts to mean everything and nothing. Here's what the phrase actually means, where it comes from, and what it looks like once you point it at student writing.
The Writing Data Gap: An AI-Powered Vision for Data-Driven Instruction
Data-driven instruction transformed how we teach math and reading. Writing got left behind. Not because it matters less, but because its data was trapped in the margins of papers nobody had time to analyze. Here's how that finally changes.
The Feedback Shortcut Trap: Why Grading Shortcuts Don't Work (and AI Grading Does)
We take grading shortcuts because giving real feedback to every student is impossible math, not because we're lazy. But shorthand, comment banks, grades-as-feedback, and the rest all quietly trade away the thing that makes feedback work. Here's why the shortcuts fall short, and why AI grading is the first alternative that doesn't.
12 Back to School Activities for 2026
12 back to school activities for 2026 to build classroom community and get to know your writers in the first week, from a founding teacher at CoGrader.
How to Grade Essays Quickly: 6 Methods for Teachers
Learn how to grade essays faster with this 6 method guide made specially for K-12 teachers.
How to Give AI Feedback Ethically, Without Selling Your Soul (Or Your Students')
Want to use AI feedback ethically? It is not about policies, it is about posture. Discover the three ethical prerequisites you need to build student trust in ai while modeling responsible use in your classroom.
15 Best Summative Assessment Tools for Teachers in 2026
Compare the 15 best summative assessment tools for teachers in 2026, with features, pros and cons, and pricing for grading essays, tests, and portfolios.
Online Grading Software: 13 Best Tools for Teachers in 2026
Looking for the best online grading software? Compare the top 13 tools, including AI graders, digital gradebooks, LMSs, and assessment platforms.
9 Best AI Detectors for Teachers in 2026 (Tested on Real Essays)
Compare the best AI detectors for teachers based on accuracy, false positives, integrations, and classroom use cases. Find out which tools are safest to use today.
9 Best Brisk Teaching Alternatives in 2026
We compare the 9 best Brisk Teaching alternatives for grading and feedback, with honest pros, cons, and key features for each tool.
9 Best Chrome Extensions for Teachers (Free & Paid)
Looking for the best Chrome extensions for teachers? Compare 9 free and paid tools for grading, feedback, lesson planning, and student engagement.
MagicSchool AI Alternatives: 8 Best Tools for Teachers
This article compares alternatives for MagicSchool AI in 2026, including pricing, key features, and who each tool is built for.
Canvas LMS Integrations: A Teacher's Guide (2026)
Learn how Canvas LMS integrations work, which tools teachers actually use, and how to plug AI essay grading and feedback into your Canvas courses in a few clicks.
How to Differentiate Student Feedback with CoGrader in Under 5 Minutes (2026)
Learn 4 fast ways to differentiate AI-generated feedback in CoGrader — for whole classes, ELL students, small groups, and revision cycles.
9 Best Automated Grading Software Tools in 2026
Looking for the best automated grading software? We compare the 9 best automated grading systems and explain which one fits your classroom or district.
Top EssayGrader.ai Alternatives: 9 Best Tools for Teachers
We compared the 9 best EssayGrader.ai alternatives for teachers in 2026, including pricing, key features, and who each tool is built for.
What Is Automated Essay Scoring? (How It Works + 5 Best Tools)
Learn what automated essay scoring is, how the technology works, the benefits for teachers, and the 5 best AES tools for classroom teachers today.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence Explained: A Practical Guide for Schools and Districts
A guide to the four ESSA tiers of evidence and how districts can use them to choose curriculum, interventions and new approaches.
The Research Behind AI Grading: Why Fast, Specific Feedback Improves Student Writing
Evidence-based AI grading: what the research says about feedback timing, rubric fidelity, interrater reliability, and how CoGrader is built on it.
7 Best AI Tools for English Teachers (2026)
This guide covers seven AI tools English teachers should know about for essay grading, lesson planning, reading comprehension, and more.
7 Best AI Grading Tools for Teachers (Reviewed for 2026)
Find the best AI grading tool for your classroom. We reviewed 7 options, covering key features, what each one does well, and who it's built for.
Top 8 AI Assessment Tools for Teachers to Improve Student Learning
Looking for the best AI assessment tools for teachers? This guide covers the top 8 tools built for different stages of the assessment process.
Use DMAC with CoGrader: AI Grading for STAAR Writing
Connect DMAC to CoGrader to add AI essay feedback to your Texas writing workflow. Step-by-step guide with STAAR rubrics. Try it free in 5 minutes.
16 Best AI Tools for Teachers in 2026 (Grading, Planning & More)
Looking for the best AI tools for teachers? Explore these 16 top tools for grading essays, planning lessons, engaging students, and managing your classroom.
How to Use AI for Lesson Planning: Data Driven Instruction with CoGrader
Learn how to use AI for lesson planning to close skill gaps in real-time. Discover how AI assessment insights and ai lesson planning tools transform writing data into actionable next steps for your next unit.
Why Writing PLCs struggle (It’s Not Your Fault)
"Escape the 'Measurability Trap' that undermines Writing PLCs. Learn how CoGrader's AI grading turns subjective debates into objective, data-driven instruction. Reduce grading bias and ensure equitable grading practices by using AI as a neutral third-party norming tool."
Best Free Tools for Teachers in 2026 | A Practical Guide
Choose 10 Free software tools created for teachers to plan faster, engage more students, and reduce grading time in 2026.
Stop Taking Papers Home: How to Assign 3x More Writing (Without the Burnout)
Solve the Burnout-Practice Paradox. Learn how CoGrader breaks the 1:1 grading ratio, allowing you to assign more writing practice without the weekend burnout. Reclaim your time with sustainable, effective AI feedback.
Effective Student Feedback Strategies That Actually Work: How AI Fixes the "Grade Trap"
Effective student feedback drives growth. Learn how AI tools like CoGrader help K-12 teachers break the "grade trap" by providing timely, targeted, and engaging formative assessment feedback before the final grade. Reduce burnout, boost student engagement, and ensure revision.
A Teacher's Guide to Confident Conversations About AI Grading
Confidently address common objections to AI grading. This guide empowers teachers to discuss AI feedback, bias, and ethics with parents, colleagues, and principals.
Stop Grading Writing, Start Teaching Writing: Level-Up Your Writing PLCs with CoGrader
District leaders: Transform writing PLCs with CoGrader. Shift from grading debates to data-driven instruction & collaborative action for better student writing.
Forget "Data-Driven." Let's Be Data-Decisive. A New Playbook for Charter Writing Instruction.
Stop guessing. Use our 4-step diagnostic to see if your state growth data proves your students are ready for a high-feedback model with CoGrader for charters.
From STAAR to F.A.S.T.: How Charter Autonomy Unlocks AI-Powered Feedback for Better Writing Outcomes
Charter school leaders: Leverage your autonomy with CoGrader's AI to revolutionize writing instruction, provide better formative feedback, and boost student outcomes on STAAR & F.A.S.T. tests.
The District Leader's Playbook for Coaching Principals on Equitable Grading
District Leaders: Coach principals on using CoGrader for equitable feedback & grading. Bridge NASSP equity gaps with differentiated, data-driven support for all learners.
Boost Writing Outcomes: Top Formative Assessment Strategies & AI Tools for K-12 Leaders
Improve district writing with formative assessment! Insights for leaders on strategy, PD, data use & tools like Cograder to boost student outcomes.
ChatGPT for AP Essay Grading - Why Specialized AI is Non-Negotiable
Explore why general AI like ChatGPT falls short for reliable AP essay grading. Discover the need for specialized educational AI tools designed for accurate scoring and feedback.
Guide to Standards-Based Grading + AI for Standards Based Rubrics
Explore how AI tools are revolutionizing standards-based grading, enhancing efficiency, feedback quality, and alignment with educational standards.
AI Cheating Detection Guide & Best Tools | CoGrader
Learn to detect AI-generated student writing. Compare top AI detectors, understand AI cheating risks, and implement ethical practices.
How to use AI In the Classroom - 5 Step Guide
Explore the dynamic integration of AI into classroom settings with our 5-step guide on how to use AI in the classroom. This resource provides educators with a strategic approach to introduce AI tools safely and effectively, enhancing teaching and learning experiences. From selecting the right AI educational tools to ethical considerations and planning your first AI-enhanced lesson, our guide ensures a thoughtful and impactful adoption of AI technology. Perfect for teachers aiming to augment their educational practices with AI, this guide offers practical steps and critical insights for a successful integration.
6 AI Tools to use in the Classroom (+4 ChatGPT prompts)
Want to learn what are the best AI tools to get started in the classroom with? Dive into the realm of AI tools to revolutionize your teaching and enrich your students' learning experiences.
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