Communication Is Key To Effective Parent Communication
Communication is Key to Effective Parent Communication Communication is the key that opens relationships. As individuals and groups exchange information, both parties send and receive messages. These messages can have a positive or negative impact on further interactions. Over the years, I have learned the importance of effective communication with parents. As stakeholders, you can […]
Effective Parent Communication
Effective Parent Communication Schools are communities. And for communities to function with purpose, be nurturing, and foster innovation, effective communication needs to be at the center. What’s more, communication specifically with parents needs to be a priority. In fact, a 2020 survey conducted by Pew Research produced this finding regarding family engagement: “Information from the […]
Why Summer and Professional Development Are a Perfect Pair
Why Summer and Professional Development Are a Perfect Pair Professional development and personal fulfillment can be accomplished this summer for educators nationwide. We live in a time where learning is at our fingertips, and although teachers enjoy having some time off during the summer season, they are always actively preparing for the next school year. […]
Mico-Credentials: Short and Focused Content, With A BIG Impact
Mico-Credentials: Short and Focused Content, With A BIG Impact Micro-credentials in K-12 education are gaining popularity in the education space right now. To understand the basics of this concept, think of the design of a video game. Or, turn on a gaming platform. Most major games include an accompanying set of badges or achievements. Players […]
Celebrate Teachers!
Celebrate Teachers! Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner. This is a treasured time, not because of the gifts received but because it’s nice to be appreciated. Truth be told, teachers are and should be appreciated all year long. Think of all the many things you do in one day, or think of a […]
ESSER Funding Ends in 2024…What Next?
ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds that were part of The American Rescue Plan Act passed on March 11, 2021, provided $122.7 billion in supplemental ESSER funding, known as the ESSER III. The funds allocated to local districts are meant to be flexible. Federal guidance outlines 20 different uses for ESSER III funds, and we […]
Early Childhood Education and K-12 Education Collaborations
The WHY of Early Childhood Education and K-12 Education Collaborations A child’s brain develops very quickly in the first five years of life. Having quality early learning is vital for their future success. Studies show the importance that educational programs have on a child’s social and academic growth. Many supporters understand this, but there are […]
Spring Cleaning in 2023
Spring Cleaning in 2023 It’s Time For…Spring Cleaning! I find myself looking at stacks of clutter that have built over the LONG winter months and ask myself if I have a problem because I’ve seen too many episodes of the Hoarders series. Something needs to be done because it’s not only in my classroom but […]
The Importance of School Safety
The Importance of School Safety American public schools have been under increasing pressure to prioritize safety. For institutions across the nation, from K-12 schools and early learning to higher education, security in the school climate is becoming more valuable than ever. A supportive and safe environment is essential when it comes to creating a place […]
Supporting Student Well-Being
Supporting Student Well-Being The topic of student well-being has gained significant attention among educators since the COVID-19 pandemic. If we’re honest, anxiety cases and social isolation incidents are currently elevated among students and teachers. How is your school approaching student well-being? In my district, I co-sponsor a student organization that provides insight to our superintendent […]
Ruff Day at School?
For our elementary students, therapy dogs were just what the doctor ordered. Our students meet with “Fox,” our therapy dog, on a rotating schedule. Initially, the idea started with the K-2 librarian. He became a reading buddy at first, but then the idea grew. Having a therapy dog is not the same as having a […]
Tax Tips for Teachers
It’s officially tax season…cue the groans! Taxes are a task that few people look forward to. However, as a teacher, several deductions can be utilized to maximize your tax breaks. Check these out! The Educator Expense Tax Deduction If you were employed as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or teacher aide for students in kindergarten […]
Testing Pressure
It’s that time of year when educators spend hours preparing for the “test”. Dating back to the From the 1800s to today, with the Every Child Succeeds Act, there is a long history of standardized testing used in our school systems. These tests are developed to provide a snapshot into the learning and teaching that […]
Spring Break Ambitions
I was in a meeting last week that opened with this icebreaker prompt: What plans do you have for spring break? As I quickly arranged my wish list and turned to my “shoulder partner” to share, I thought, “when is spring break again?” The short answer, it is fast approaching…, and I better get started. […]
The Importance of Family Engagement
“Family Engagement” is one of the latest buzzwords in education. However, events planned by school districts are about more than just fun and games. Research on family engagement and activities supports their students’ and community’s academic and social needs. Furthermore, holding family events can shape the lives of all involved. Therefore, it is a vital […]
Flexible School Year Calendars Provide Relief, Retention, and Renewal
There is a growing trend amongst public K-12 schools throughout the country, and it is a shift in scheduling. Flexible school year calendars are a happy medium between a traditional school year calendar and a year-round calendar, providing relief, retention, and renewal. The verdict? Teachers approve, and so do students and their parents. A flexible […]
Classroom’s Latest Technology
Keeping up with the latest trends is a daunting task for teachers. I received my master’s degree in educational technology, and this is one of my passions as an educator. Technology can save time, reinforce teaching concepts, and engage students. Look no further; we have ideas and creative ways to help you improve your teaching […]
Engage and Grow
A common question among K-12 education is, “how do we engage our students?” Students in 2022 have a large variety of learning tools and resources that allow them to do the basics of fundamental learning while also allowing them to participate in STEM projects and tour landmarks virtually, such as The Smithsonian, as well as […]
The Importance of Planning Professional Learning Communities
“Professional Learning Communities” is not a new educational concept. However, essential strategies must be implemented to make them more effective. Being a district that has seen the evolution of PLCs, there are immediate strategies that should be implemented. Consider the following when evaluating the effectiveness of a PLC in a school or district. Agendas- The […]
Gratitude for Education Partners
A significant part of my work involves supporting high school teachers and helping them do their things well. Typically, this support consists of using instructional practices, assessing students, classroom management strategies, and implementing digital and traditional content resources. Ultimately, my support is designed to impact the learning experiences of students in a positive way. To […]
Dear Stakeholders, Thank you.
Dear Stakeholders, Thank you. Being thankful is a life skill that everyone should practice every day. We all have something to be grateful for. The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and a heightened sense of gratitude comes with this holiday. With everything there is to be thankful for, there’s no doubt that teachers […]
Teacher Professional Development: What Skills are Priorities Now?
Teresa Marchant Professional development opportunities: Teacher Professional development opportunities have drastically changed due to Covid and additional advancements in technology. These unforeseen changes have been challenging, not just for us as educators but for students as well. Frequent instructional interruptions due to illness, quarantines, and school schedules will impact future learning. In addition, they may […]
Influencer Marketing in K12 Education
Brian Healy Managing Partner Education Market Experts Whether you were able to attend live, or missed our August webinar due to your busy schedule, we want to share the resources with you! Read on for key insights and information about using influencer marketing to reach educators now. To download the webinar presentation deck, click here. […]
Educators Informed Decision Making
Contact Agile to learn how to find the key decision makers! Research regarding the amount of informed decisions a teacher makes per class range are astonishing. Scholars Hilda Borko and Richard Shavelson summarized studies that reported .7 decisions per minute during interactive teaching. Researcher Philip Jackson noted that elementary teachers have 200 to 300 decision […]