Shaped

A community-driven blog supporting educators, building lifelong learners, and shaping the future of education.* 

 

OVER 10 MILLION READS

Featured Posts

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Unlocking the Power of Big Data in Education 

Big data in education is reshaping how schools identify learning needs and personalize instruction. Learn how thoughtful data use can help districts take meaningful action that supports every student.

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Meeting the AI Moment in Education—and How We Get It Right

AI is reshaping education—discover how to harness its potential and ensure we get it right for learners everywhere.

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Understanding Gaps Between Boys and Girls in Math

New research shows math gaps between boys and girls begin in kindergarten and widen over time. Recognizing and addressing this is essential to creating learning environments that support all students.

Lindsay Dworkin

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9 Effective Instructional Strategies for Math

Effective instructional strategies for math instruction that support student understanding and give teachers methods and techniques for teaching math

Richard Blankman

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How Teachers Use Writable with Into Reading and Into Literature

Discover how Writable enhances core ELA programs with AI‑supported feedback and schoolwide writing data that helps leaders monitor progress and drive instructional improvement.

Jessica Altounian

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Latest Posts

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Time Management Strategies for Teachers

Discover practical time management strategies for teachers to stay organized, protect planning time, and make the most of every instructional minute.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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How K-12 Administrators Can Run a 10-Minute ELA Audit

Use this 10-minute ELA curriculum audit to quickly scan your school’s full ELA system for research-aligned literacy indicators, identify gaps, and plan next steps

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Jigsaw Method of Teaching

Learn what the jigsaw method of teaching is, how it works, and practical tips for using this strategy to build collaboration and support all learners.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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3 Principles of Structured Literacy

Explore the 3 principles of structured literacy and how explicit, systematic, and data-driven instruction support reading development through the science of reading.

Dr. Nathan Clemens
Professor and Department Chair, Department of Special Education, University of Texas, Austin

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Build a School Transformation Plan: Audit, Adjust, Advocate, Assemble

Learn how to turn your school improvement plan into a meaningful, actionable guide for change. Discover four clear steps to align initiatives, engage your team, and support student success.

Dr. Adam Drummond-Konopasek
Author, Associate Partner; Center for Model Schools Instructional Leadership

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Intervention vs. Remediation in Education: How They’re Different & Why That Matters 

Compare intervention vs remediation in education, including how they're different, why they're important, and strategies and activities to implement them

Dr. Bonnie Cochran
Director of Academic Planning and Analytics, HMH

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Lessons From Thurgood Marshall Academy: How Data Drives Purposeful Intervention and Growth

Discover how one school uses data-driven intervention to accelerate learning, close gaps, and boost student confidence.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Math and Writing

Math and writing are compared as instructional practices, with ideas and activities for incorporating writing in math class

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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Financial Literacy Lesson Plans and Activities for Middle School Students

Use these financial literacy lesson plans and activities for middle school to teach students about topics ranging from salaries to wages to creating a personal budget.

Shaped Staff

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How Oral Communication Skills Set Students Apart in an AI World

What skills can we give students that AI can’t replace? Explore how oral communication skills are one way students can set themselves apart in an AI world.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

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Math Outcomes Improve with Coherence

Stronger math outcomes start with coherence. Learn how aligned curriculum, professional learning, and AI policy make the difference.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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National Poetry Month Activities for Middle and High School Classrooms

From nursery rhymes to absurdist poetry to rap, these activities will help your middle or high school class celebrate National Poetry Month this April.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Effective Strategies: Scaffolding for ELL Students That Benefits the Whole Class

What is scaffolding and how does it help ELL students? Read to learn about scaffolding for ELL students, including benefits and best practices.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

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13 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

Download these fun Black History Month activities for elementary and middle school students to teach your class about African American history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Scaffolding and Differentiation for ELL Students in Math 

Learn how scaffolding and differentiation for ELL students in math support multilingual learners in accessing grade-level content while strengthening both language development and conceptual understanding.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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2026 Professional Development Topics for Teachers

Discover the professional development topics shaping teaching in 2026, including AI, teacher leadership, and instructional strategies designed to support growth, collaboration, and better outcomes for students.

Christina Lastoria
HMH Instructional Coach

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In This Moment of AI in Classrooms, Teachers Still Matter Most

AI may change how classrooms work, but teachers remain at the center of learning. When used well, AI gives educators time back to do what only humans can do.

Jim O’Neill
President, Core and Supplemental Solutions

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A Quick Guide to AI Literacy Day for K-12 Educators

AI Literacy Day provides educators with tools and resources to help students explore AI in a meaningful way and promotes an understanding of AI beyond just coding, emphasizing real-world applications and responsible use.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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Shorty Awards

Audience Honor, 2023, Shaped

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Digiday Content Marketing Awards

Finalist, 2023, Shaped

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People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Finalist, 2021 & 2023, Teachers in America

*The views expressed in our blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.