The Blog

My first experience learning Spanish was in high school. Like many students, I spent four years memorizing vocabulary lists, practicing choral repetition, and doing endless writing drills to master basic grammar rules. I thought I was prepared. But when I stepped off the plane in Madrid, confident in my ability to navigate the Spanish-speaking world, I quickly realized how unprepared I truly was.What I hadn’t yet learned was this: language is not just something you study—it’s

3 Smart Shifts for More Purposeful Peer Dialogue

Across the country, schools are making a powerful shift from punitive discipline to restorative practices and the results are transformative. Research shows that schools using restorative approaches see fewer behavioral issues, stronger relationships, and improved school climate. But the true power of this shift lies in what students are learning: how to communicate, resolve conflicts, build empathy, and take ownership of their actions.

Restorative practices only work when adults lead by example first. If we want schools to be spaces where students feel safe, connected, and accountable, we must first build that same culture among the adults. 

The first 30 days of school set the tone for the entire year. While lesson planning and classroom setup are crucial, building strong student relationships might be your most powerful tool for classroom success. Research consistently shows that when students feel connected to their teachers, behavioral issues decrease and engagement soars.

Summer break is the perfect time for special education educators to recharge, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to explore new tools and strategies for the upcoming school year. One area that's rapidly evolving and offering immense potential for special education is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can all feel very overwhelming especially with the constant evolution of new and improved technology. Below are some tips to guide you as you begin, or continue on your AI jour

As educators, we must ask ourselves: How can we appropriately integrate AI into our classrooms?

When writing is the specific learning standard, the goal remains clear: students must demonstrate their ability to write.

By indulging in your subject and engaging in positive habits, you can reignite your passion and maintain a healthy mindset.

Why educators must embrace AI, how it can be used ethically & effectively, & what steps we should take to prepare students for a AI.

Teachers and students alike often name the time set aside for reading aloud as their favorite time of the school day! There are so many reasons why a powerful read-aloud is so important in classrooms of any age group. Reading aloud to students exposes readers to authentic text representing a diverse range of authors and text types while building students’ knowledge about a topic of study. Reading aloud builds language and vocabulary, sparks curiosity, and provides opportuniti

Strategies for Caregivers Students flourish in environments that are predictable, safe, and consistent. One way to ensure this remains steady across settings is to support the parents and caregivers who are in our students’ homes! Caregivers play an important role in teaching and helping with social emotional learning. They support and encourage habits that promote mental wellness; however, understanding how to do that can be difficult!  That being said, this one’s for you,

Picture books aren’t just for preschoolers and younger children, readers of all ages enjoy and learn from picture books. I LOVE picture books! They are full of rich language, beautiful illustrations and photographs, and bonus, you can typically read them in one sitting.