EduBlog Archives - Page 4 of 8

What Makes an Effective Teacher Professional Development Program?

The world of education has undergone a sea change over the past 18 months. COVID-19 clearly illustrated why effective teacher professional development (PD) is so critical to the success of not only students but entire schools. When PD is done correctly and effectively, it’s an invaluable tool for educators. It keeps teachers in the classroom. Attracting and retaining skilled teachers is one of the most challenging area educators face in building and sustaining a thriving school environment.1 According to one study, one-third of teachers leave the profession within three years, and half of teachers leave within five years. Research consistently shows [...]

2022-01-05T13:23:13-05:00December 20th, 2021|

How Schools Can Responsibly Spend EANS Funding

EANS funding can be a difference-maker when you allocate those funds toward resources that allow your schools to accelerate their students’ learning, make up lost learning time that resulted from COVID-19, and address social-emotional learning. Before we get into some of the most impactful ways to spend your EANS dollars, here’s a brief overview of EANS funding. What Is EANS? The EANS (Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools) program is broken into two allocations: EANS I is $2.75 billion allocated to non-public elementary and secondary schools as part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER II) fund under the Coronavirus Response [...]

2021-10-29T16:55:33-04:00October 27th, 2021|

Accelerated Learning: Focusing on the Foundations That Propel Growth

COVID-19 forced all of us to adapt how we taught and how our students learned during the 2019-20, 2020-21, and even the current 2021-22 school year. And while remote/virtual/distance learning helped to fill a gaping void in students’ academic lives, the effect that the disruption of being in and out of school had on academic progress for many students is staggering. It’s crucial that educators take swift and decisive action to reinforce academic foundations and support social-emotional well-being to accelerate learning to propel growth. Accelerated learning models provide intense and intentional support in 1-to-1 or small-group tutoring settings to reinforce [...]

2021-10-29T16:26:42-04:00September 29th, 2021|

Educator’s Guide to EANS Funding

Whenever federal funding is made available to schools, questions inevitably follow. Our Educator’s Guide to Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Funding helps clarify the many rules and regulations involved with this type of funding, and provides answers to the questions you may have. As an educator, you’ll need to know all there is to know about EANS funds, such as: What is EANS and why should I apply for it? How do I know if my school is eligible for EANS funding? How do I apply for EANS funding? How do I access the funds, and how can I [...]

2022-08-12T11:10:01-04:00September 23rd, 2021|

The Importance of Summer School Programs for Elementary Students

Back in the day, the mere mention of the words “summer school” was enough to send chills down the spine of any student. After all, who wanted to spend their summer days in a hot, classroom learning, when friends were swimming or at the beach having fun? Those days are long gone, however. Today, summer school is more like an education camp for students. Many summer school programs, especially for elementary students, are designed to be fun as well as educational, with plenty of STEM and enrichment activities built into the program. Engagement within and outside the classroom—whether an in-person [...]

2021-02-23T12:30:41-05:00February 1st, 2021|

Instructional Coaching Strategies: 7 Smart Tips for Success

Research consistently shows that teachers, particularly new teachers, who work with instructional coaches are more likely to remain with their schools.1,2 Many schools and districts continue to be challenged with hiring and retaining qualified teachers, making it important to employ strategies to both retain and develop teachers. Coaches are increasingly being embraced by administrators and teachers who welcome the opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor. For maximum impact, coaches can employ a number of strategies in combination to keep instructors engaged throughout the coaching process. Here are our Coaching Strategies for Teacher Success: 1. Build Relationships: To break down any [...]

2023-02-01T16:46:51-05:00December 10th, 2020|

Back-to-School Tips for K-12 Educators

Welcome to the 2019-20 school year! Whether you're finishing your preparation for students to return or already a few weeks into instruction, right now is an exciting and busy time. We support over 300,000 students through 500 district partners across the country each year, and we've compiled a set of back-to-school tips from our educators we'd like to share: Welcome educators, students, and visitors to your building Set the tone for an open, friendly and accepting school culture early on in the year. Greet your teachers, staff members, students and parents each morning as they enter the school. Stand in [...]

2019-09-06T15:09:06-04:00September 6th, 2019|

Back-to-School Tips for Principals (Part 2)

The new school year is well underway – and hopefully off to a great start. As the principal of your school, the tone you set in these early days serves as the foundation for the months to come. You have likely already established habits that promote an open and friendly atmosphere where your presence is welcoming and well-received. While you may be focused on offering help and guidance to your teachers and staff members and showing care and concern for your students’ wellbeing and success, it’s also critical to pay attention to collaboration and learning. This is important not just [...]

2019-09-05T16:33:50-04:00September 3rd, 2019|

Back-to-School Tips for Superintendents (Part 2)

The new school year is well underway. As superintendent of your district, your leadership sets the tone for how the months to come will unfold. You likely have already visited your schools and made contact with all of your principals and teachers. They know you are there to help, offering guidance and assistance any way you can. Routines such as regular sit-downs with your principals and their leadership teams and attendance at faculty meetings can establish your availability as a source of support. Now that the foundation for the year is set and internal connections are being strengthened, it’s time [...]

2019-09-05T16:35:19-04:00September 3rd, 2019|

Back-to-School Tips for Principals (Part 1)

It’s August at last and that means students across the country are back in the classroom. It’s a time when students anticipate new clothes, school supplies, lessons and experiences. Your faculty and staff spent a portion of their summer preparing for a great 2019-20 school year. As principal, you lead the way – listening to your team, responding to requests and creating an environment that fosters success. Through our close relationships with the principals who participate in our coaching programs, we’ve gained insight into the everyday trials and triumphs that back-to-school season can bring. Here are three tips from our [...]

2019-08-12T11:00:40-04:00August 12th, 2019|