The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into educational practices holds immense promise but remains an underexplored area. Specifically, research exploring strategies to enhance teachers’ skills in lesson planning, enabling timely interventions and targeted support for academic success, remains an under-researched area. This study employs an exploratory research approach to examine the perspectives of secondary level novice teachers’ (n = 11) regarding the use of GenAI as a collaborative lesson planning tool. Specifically, written reflections are examined to gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of GenAI as a collaborative lesson planning tool. An analysis of the willingness to continue its use is provided as well. This study begins the process of assessing GenAI’s efficacy as a collaborative partner for novice teachers learning to write effective lesson plans.