The Ministry of Education has released comprehensive guidelines for AI use in schools, but translating these into everyday practice can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down each requirement into actionable steps your school can take today.
The Four Core Requirements
1. Check the Output
What the Ministry says: AI can create content that seems plausible but contains incorrect details. Teachers must review and verify all AI-generated content.
What this looks like in practice:
Teachers fact-check lesson plans and worksheets before using them with students
Cross-reference AI-generated information with trusted curriculum resources
Have colleagues review important materials generated by AI tools
Treat AI as a starting point, not the final product
How TeacherGPT helps: Our platform is designed specifically for the New Zealand Curriculum, reducing the likelihood of irrelevant or inappropriate content. However, we still encourage all teachers to review outputs as part of good professional practice.
2. Don't Use Personal Data
What the Ministry says: Most AI tools use your prompts to train their models, so never enter personal data about students.
What this looks like in practice:
Use generic examples instead of actual student names in prompts
Avoid mentioning specific learning difficulties or behavioural issues of individuals
Don't input assessment results or personal family information
Don't input information about individuals' health or personal information
How TeacherGPT helps: Unlike many AI tools, TeacherGPT doesn't use your data to train AI models. Our privacy policy explicitly states that your information is not used for AI training, giving you peace of mind. TeacherGPT also respects users right to deletion - when you delete a conversation on TeacherGPT, it is immediately and permanently deleted from our servers.
3. Consider Cultural Bias
What the Ministry says: AI models may not accurately reflect Mātauranga Māori, Te Reo Māori, or Pacific cultures and languages.
What this looks like in practice:
Review AI-generated content for cultural accuracy and appropriateness
Supplement AI materials with authentic cultural resources
Consult with cultural advisors when creating materials for Māori or Pacific learners
Be particularly careful with Te Reo Māori translations and cultural concepts
How TeacherGPT helps: We've specifically designed our platform to understand New Zealand's unique cultural context and integrate Te Reo Māori appropriately. While no AI tool can truly encapsulate tikanga Māori, given it is a living and evolving culture, we have done our best to ensure respect of te tiriti and cultural responsiveness for Pacific and other community members.
4. Read Terms and Conditions
What the Ministry says: Carefully review terms of use, especially regarding data reuse and privacy.
What this looks like in practice:
Designate someone to review AI tool terms before school-wide adoption
Check age restrictions and ensure compliance
Understand how your data will be used and stored
Regularly review terms as they may change
How TeacherGPT helps: Our terms of use and privacy policy are written specifically for New Zealand educators. We're transparent about our practices and committed to protecting your privacy. TeacherGPT notifies you about any changes to the terms of use and privacy policy.
Assessment Requirements
The Ministry requires schools to have an authenticity policy that includes AI use guidelines. For NCEA external assessments, AI use is completely prohibited.
What this means:
Update your school's assessment policy to specifically address AI
Train teachers on when AI can and cannot be used in assessment contexts
Ensure students understand the rules around AI use for different types of work
Implement systems to verify student work authenticity
Need help with policy development? Check out our comprehensive guide on creating an effective AI policy for schools.
Teacher Use Guidelines
The Ministry emphasises that human teachers must remain central to education and take responsibility for student learning. Teachers should avoid using AI to mark student work.
Best practices:
Use AI as a teaching assistant, not a replacement
Maintain final decision-making authority over all educational content
Don't rely solely on AI for student assessment or marking
Ensure AI enhances rather than replaces professional judgment
Taking Action
Ready to ensure your school meets these guidelines? Here's your next steps:
Review current AI use in your school against these four core requirements
Update your policies to specifically address AI use in teaching and assessment
Choose compliant tools like TeacherGPT that prioritise privacy and New Zealand context
Train your staff on responsible AI use and the Ministry's guidelines
Getting Started with Compliant AI Tools
TeacherGPT is designed from the ground up to help New Zealand schools meet Ministry guidelines while enhancing teaching effectiveness.
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Start your free trial today
Explore our school packages for whole-school implementation
Read our FAQ for more information about how we support compliance
Want to learn more about creating comprehensive AI policies? Read our detailed guide on creating an effective AI policy for schools.
For the complete Ministry guidelines, visit the official Ministry of Education AI guidance page.