Pearson debuts AI tool to automate English lesson planning and cut teacher workload

Tool aims to reduce lesson planning time and streamline curriculum alignment through Pearson’s Global Scale of English

Pearson has introduced Smart Lesson Generator, an AI-powered tool designed to create curriculum-aligned English language learning materials. The company states that the system is built to reduce the time educators spend on lesson planning by offering tailored, level-appropriate content in seconds.

The new tool integrates AI with its Global Scale of English (GSE) framework, a proficiency standard used to measure and guide English language learning outcomes. Smart Lesson Generator generates content based on educators’ selected objectives, topics, and vocabulary.

Sharon Hague, President of Pearson English Language Learning, said:

“As a former teacher, I know first-hand how much time and energy goes into creating meaningful lessons. Educators enter the profession to make a difference in learners’ lives, yet many spend significant time on lesson planning, which is an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

“Smart Lesson Generator is designed to do exactly that. It saves teachers from trawling through endless resources by combining the efficiency of AI with Pearson’s deep expertise in language learning. In just seconds, it creates high-quality, level-appropriate activities, freeing up teachers to focus their time and skills where they matter most — engaging with students and delivering real impact in the classroom.”

Curriculum-aligned support with or without Pearson content

The tool supports Pearson’s own courseware but can also be used alongside other teaching materials. Educators can generate activities that match their specific lesson objectives, regardless of the content provider.

Pearson notes that most existing AI tools in education do not align well with language proficiency levels. The company claims that Smart Lesson Generator addresses this by ensuring every activity is mapped to a GSE objective, offering measurable progression and consistent calibration.

English instructor and teacher trainer Hebatallah Morsy commented:

“Smart Lesson Generator is like having a personal teaching assistant from the future, but right here, right now. It gives teachers peace of mind, knowing they have a plethora of ideas at their fingertips.

“Besides, it helps with formative assessment activities: making sure activities are spot-on — not too easy, not too hard, just right. No more stressing over creating tasks that may or may not work; everything is aligned with the curriculum and ready to go.”

Global rollout and Pearson’s AI integration strategy

More than 4,000 teachers currently have access to Smart Lesson Generator through the Pearson platform, with additional rollout expected throughout 2025.

The lesson generator forms part of Pearson’s wider AI strategy, which includes partnerships with companies like AWS and new product development focused on personalized learning and workplace language support.

The launch comes shortly after Pearson’s recent rebrand, which emphasized learning as a lifelong and essential human need.