By Amanda Schaffer, Former Teacher — I have a note from a student that I have kept for over a decade now. She handed it to me the day I left teaching students and shifted to teaching teachers instead. It reads, “Please don’t go, if it’s about the money, I’ll give you my allowance.” I didn’t…

By Michele Rispo Hill, Educator — “Hi Mrs. Hill, thanks for the call today. Thanks for being a great teacher inside and outside of the classroom, thanks for being a role model to those around you. You have made a tremendous difference in so many people’s lives, and you’ll continue to do that for a lifetime…

By Janis Effner, Former Educator and Professional Services Director at McGraw Hill — Is anyone else feeling a sense of happiness as this new school year begins? I don’t know who is happier, parents loading up backpacks and prepping for back-to-school madness, students ready to talk with friends in-person, or teachers who want to delete their online teaching app and never look back! …

By Bryan Whitford, Spanish Teacher — The issue of my identity has not always been front and center in my mind. I was born in the United States to a father of English heritage and a mother from Puerto Rico. My last name does not exactly invoke Hispanic heritage. Growing up mostly in New Jersey, I…

Cross-Curricular Strategies for Elementary and Secondary Classrooms — Teachers have so much content to cover, and among all the routines and interruptions of a bustling classroom, it often feels like there’s just not enough time for instruction. Cross-curricular practices can be a useful tool to reinforce concepts across subjects when time is limited. In the case of science…

What is formative assessment? The term “formative assessment” may bring to mind classroom activities such as exit tickets, low-stakes quizzes, surveys, or even games. …

By Gerald Paterson, Principal — “I like to create from a place of joy.” ~ Paul Stanley The summer of 2022 was truly a time to recharge my batteries after one of the most challenging years in my professional career as an educator. As I enter into my fourteenth year as an elementary principal and…

Welcome to the latest edition of the Stories that Inspired Us newsletter, where we take a look back at some stories that had a strong impact on us and our readers. This month we’ve collected some of our favorite resources, reflections, and advice for the back to school season. Below…

By Christina Quarelli, Former Educator and Curriculum Specialist — It’s the most wonderful time of the year: back to school season! As a former educator who now works with educators in classrooms all over the country, I’ve practiced and witnessed so many incredible, innovative strategies teachers can use to kick off the back to school season with a strong…