Before we ever launched Instructron, we asked a simple question:
What frustrates you most about test prep?
The response was overwhelming! We heard from hundreds of teachers. They weren’t holding back. The messages poured in from classrooms across the country, and we started to see the same things again and again. Not just minor annoyances, but real obstacles that were burning teachers out and leaving students discouraged.
One teacher put it bluntly:
"It's boring, there's no feedback, and I can't be everywhere at once."
The Feedback Gap
If there was one thing we saw over and over again, it was this:
There’s no feedback.
Teachers told us:
"No feedback, boring practice, outdated resources."
"They get a red X and that’s it. No clue what to do next."
"It’s either right or wrong. That’s not helping them learn."
"I don’t have time to explain every missed question one-on-one."
"There’s only one of me and 30 of them. I can’t give everyone feedback the way I want to."
This was a pain point we deeply understood. As teachers, we’ve lived it too. We’ve watched kids race through test prep worksheets, not knowing whether they’re doing well and not really caring, because it feels disconnected from real learning.
Bored and Burnt Out
The second theme was just as loud: boredom.
"My students would rather zone out on TikTok."
"It’s worksheet after worksheet and they’re over it."
"There’s no engagement. Nothing feels like the real test."
"I have to sit next to each one to get them to try."
"They tune out if we do it whole group, and I don’t blame them."
We’ve been there too. We’ve tried to make released questions feel more exciting. We’ve tried to add games and incentives. But at the end of the day, it shouldn’t fall only on teachers to make test prep engaging.
Not Enough Time, Not Enough You
The most heartbreaking comments came from teachers who were trying everything they could, but still felt like they were falling short.
"I want to help each student individually, but I just can’t."
"It takes so long to grade and go over results, I end up skipping feedback entirely."
"By the time I score their writing, the moment for growth has passed."
"They need coaching, but I have no time to sit with every kid."
"I can’t do this alone."
This is where we knew something had to change.
Building Instructron Around What Teachers Actually Need
So, we listened and used every piece of feedback to shape what Instructron is becoming. We built our writing tools and test prep features around what you told us you needed most: Engaging practice, real-time feedback, visibility into student thinking, and support that doesn’t depend on you being everywhere at once.
Our AI-powered Coach Tronnie was created to guide students as they practice, offering hints, explanations, and encouragement without giving away answers. And when students revise, teachers can see it all — the growth, the changes, and where support is still needed.
Your Voice Is What’s Driving This
This isn’t some polished solution made in a boardroom. It’s being built by teachers, with teachers, based on real classroom realities.
If you’ve ever thought:
"Why doesn’t anyone ask what we actually need?"
We are, and we will keep asking because your words are shaping Instructron every step of the way.