Persona, Break Glass, Name Plan, Jam (PBNJ): A New AI Workflow for Planning and Problem Solving

This self-study presents Persona, Break Glass, Name Plan, Jam (PBNJ), a human-centered workflow for using generative AI to support differentiated lesson planning and problem solving. Although differentiated instruction (DI) is widely endorsed, early-career teachers often lack the time and capacity to implement it consistently. Through four iterative cycles of collaborative self-study, seven educator-researchers examined how they used AI for lesson planning, identified key challenges, and refined their approach. When engaged, the PBNJ sequence—set a persona, use a ‘break glass’ starter prompt, name a preliminary plan, and iteratively ‘jam’ with the AI—improved teacher confidence, yielded more feasible lesson plans, and supported professional learning. We discuss implications for problem solving beyond educational contexts and the potential for use with young learners.