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The Importance of Differentiation and Scaffolding in K-12 Education

In today’s diverse classrooms, teachers face the challenge of meeting the varied needs of their students. Differentiation and scaffolding are two instructional strategies that work together to create inclusive and effective learning environments. Scaffolding provides temporary support to help students reach their learning goals, while differentiation tailors instruction to meet individual needs…

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Navigating the Back to School Season: Tips for Teachers to Stay Motivated and Energized

As a teacher, I must admit that although I love teaching and working with students, the first few weeks of school can be challenging. Many districts, including my district, give teachers a week or two of professional development and new teacher orientation. The two weeks before school starts often will include planning and decorating classrooms, collaborating with team members, and the grand finale…Day One! Once Labor Day is over, many teachers will begin engaging students until Thanksgiving Break in November. That is almost three months without a long break to recoup and re-energize for students. To help all teachers, regardless of the grade level, prepare for the long haul between Labor Day and Thanksgiving break, I have some tips for success!

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Celebrating Back to School

As summer comes to a close, we at National Geographic Learning | Cengage hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting academic year.

We want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your incredible dedication to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. Your impact on your students’ lives is truly inspiring, and we’re immensely grateful for all that you do.

To show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication as an educator, we’re running a Back to School giveaway!

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Navigating Life After College: Embracing Exploration and Defining Success

When I started college as a freshman 4 years ago, I was overwhelmed with the possibilities of my future. I had no idea what I wanted to do, and it felt like college would last an eternity; in a way, I was hoping it would. I remember having to remind myself that change can be challenging, but with change comes new opportunities. Today, I smile when I think about how nervous I was for my first day of classes and feel proud of how far I have come to find who I am.

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Lasting Impact: Thank you, Tim Shipp!

This is teacher appreciation week, and for me maybe the most impactful one I’ll ever have. Teachers shape us more than we realize, and in ways that ultimately influence your life for decades to come. For me, one stands out by far – who happens to be “hanging it up” this year. Tim Shipp will retire from teaching this year, but his influence will continue for many years to come.

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#ThankATeacher: Celebrating Educator Appreciation Week

PSA: My birthday is this week. (Yes, I am very big on birthdays- even as an old lady.) Do you know what else is this week? Teacher Appreciation Week. And in this day and age, I believe it’s critical that we focus on EDUCATOR Appreciation Week. Why, you ask? Well, how many people influence your child every single day? And, we are not only facing a teacher shortage in our schools today, but we are also facing a shortage of every single person who could make a difference for your child during his or her day at school. Don’t you think it’s worth a few minutes of your time to say thank you?

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Listening to the Student Voice: Fostering Belonging, Inclusion, and Learning

Today’s learners will be tomorrow’s leaders, and the conversations that unfold within the classroom serve as the bedrock upon which students will build their lives in the years ahead. While from the outside, the roles of educator and student as giver vs receiver of knowledge (respectively) is clear, we as educators know that we learn as much from our students as they learn from us (sometimes more)…