Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in education. Teachers and students may use AI tools to create ideas, support learning, translate text or find information. But as AI becomes part of everyday classroom life, safeguarding needs to remain a priority.

Safeguarding is about protecting children and young people from harm. When using AI, this means thinking carefully about privacy, online safety, inappropriate content and how students interact with technology.

Protect students' personal information

One of the most important safeguarding issues is privacy. Students may be tempted to enter personal information into an AI tool without understanding where that information goes or how it may be used. Personal information could include a student's full name, address, school details, photographs, contact information or information about their family. It could also include sensitive information about their health, behavior or personal circumstances.

Teachers can help by setting clear rules about what students should and should not share with AI tools. If students are using AI in class, use activities that do not require them to enter personal or sensitive information.

Keeping students motivated can be difficult at any time of the academic year. Around the world, school calendars and term lengths vary, but most educators will recognize the challenge of teaching through a long stretch of lessons. The energy of a new class or course may fade, routines can start to feel repetitive, and students may feel tired or less connected to their learning goals.

For language teachers, this can be especially challenging. Learning a language takes time, and progress is not always easy for students to see. So, how can you keep language students motivated when a course or teaching period starts to lose momentum?

Language assessment has never been simple, but in today’s landscape it feels more complex than ever. Teachers are balancing classroom outcomes, learner confidence, evolving assessment practices, AI developments, test preparation, and increasingly diverse student needs and wants. Just the thought of typing all that out makes anyone wish for a simple reference guide covering the fundamentals. That's where Jarrad Merlo's A-Z of Language Testing series comes in. Available on the Pearson Test of English Teacher Hub, this collection of short, practical videos breaks down key language testing concepts into accessible, bite-sized episodes, helping educators build confidence in the science, principles and practices behind language testing. 

As teachers prepare for a new academic year, it’s the perfect time to explore the archive, strengthen your assessment toolkit and discover new ideas to bring into the classroom. 

Some highlights from the A-Z series

While every teacher will have their own favorites, a few themes from the series feel particularly valuable for building teachers' confidence in understanding language assessment.

A is for authenticity 

As teachers, we are always trying to connect classroom learning to the real world, and language assessment should do the same. The video unpacks the idea of authenticity, how closely a test can mirror the genuine communication tasks that learners encounter in their studies, work and their day-to-day life. It is a thought-provoking reminder that the most effective assessments do not just test language but the ability to use it.

C is for Concordance

As teachers, it is like being asked, "What is the Pearson Test of English Equivalent of an IELTS 6?". Jarrad explains how concordance studies compare scores from different language tests, helping educators and institutions interpret results with greater confidence. It gives viewers a practical, insightful introduction to an important concept in modern language assessment.

G is for Global Scale of English 

If you have ever looked at a student and their progress and thought They’re improving, but how do we show it?  Jarrad dives into the Global Scale of English (GSE), Pearson’s innovative framework for measuring English proficiency bands, it helps teachers and learners see progress in smaller, more meaningful steps, making it easier to track development. Set goals and celebrate improvement along the way. 

Why teachers should revisit the series before the new academic year 

With September approaching, many educators start refreshing schemes of work, reviewing resources and thinking about their professional goals for the year ahead. This makes it the perfect moment to explore the A-Z archive on the Teacher Hub. 

Through it you can discover: 

• A concept that you may have wanted to be explained 
• A fresh perspective on assessment practices 
• New ways to discuss testing with learners
• Ideas that influence how teachers approach classroom feedback 
• Greater confidence in understanding language assessment principles

Most importantly, you will start the new academic year with a stronger understanding of the science behind the tests that learners are preparing for. 

The final letter 

While the series has not reached the end of the alphabet yet, the point of reflection where it becomes preparation is here. The A-Z language testing series provides teachers with a valuable collection of insights, explanations, and practical ideas throughout the year. More than that, it has demonstrated that language assessment does not need to be mysterious, intimidating or buried somewhere. 

Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes, a great presenter and a carefully chosen letter to the alphabet. So, before the new academic year begins, grab a beverage, head to the Teacher Hub and look through the alphabet. Your future teacher self will thank you. 

From Authenticity to Global Scale of English and everything in between, the A-Z series proves language assessment doesn't have to be complicated. Explore the full collection on the Teacher Hub here and discover bite-sized insights.