The provocative title of our presentation is designed to spark curiosity: while AI tools promise to generate content with a single click, the reality is that producing high-quality classroom materials requires a rigorous, iterative process driven by teacher expertise. In this session, we expose the hidden labor behind AI-assisted lesson design—focusing specifically on mathematics education and STEM contexts. Our work shows that simply accepting the first AI output can lead educators astray; for instance, an initial case study revealed that AI-generated group work strategies were laden with common misconceptions and failed to meet best practices. Such suggestions, if implemented without refinement, would have been detrimental in a classroom setting.

Instead, we demonstrate how deliberate, iterative prompting and critical evaluation enable teachers to transform generic AI outputs into pedagogically sound resources. Our presentation underscores that while AI can act as a creative partner, its true value is unlocked only when educators apply their professional judgment to adapt, challenge, and improve its suggestions. This foundational work is not about AI autonomously producing texts or presentations, but rather about revealing the necessary groundwork for doing so—highlighting that the road to quality AI-assisted production is paved with trial, error, and persistent inquiry.

By sharing concrete examples and strategies drawn from our case study, we offer participants actionable insights into how they can harness AI responsibly. In doing so, we also outline the ethical imperative of being critical readers of AI outputs—ensuring that what reaches students aligns with sound pedagogical principles and local cultural contexts. This session sets the stage for our next phase of work, where we will delve deeper into the production of complete texts, papers, and presentations with AI, building on the foundation laid here.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Iterative Process, Mathematics Education, Teacher Expertise, Prompt Refinement, Group Work, STEM Instruction.