2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Ease the first-day-jitters! Explore three first-day-jitters activities that you can implement in your first grade classroom year after year.

Explore 10 fun classroom icebreaker activities to get students to open up so they are ready to learn.

A new school year is the perfect time to revisit classroom routines and procedures. Find some tips for your classroom here.

Our first-day-of-school checklist for teachers will help get the new school year off to a great start.

Learn new strategies for maintaining communication between school and home from elementary school teacher, Katie Radovich.

Try these back-to-school getting-to-know-you activities to help students discover more about their classmates on the first day of class.

These math icebreakers are games and activities that span all grades to help math teachers get students practicing math while getting to know one another.

Teachers can use these fun back-to-school icebreaker activities for elementary students in the classroom or remotely.

Try out these welcome-back-to-school activities and ideas for students to usher in the new school year.

As you return to the classroom for back-to-school, try these 2026 first-day-of-school icebreaker activities to develop a sense of normalcy among students and build community.

Explore these back-to-school science activities and experiments for the first day of science class.

These first-day-of-school icebreakers for high school students will help your class get to know one another while having fun.

Prepare students for learning with these 11 free bell ringers for middle school.

A quick guide for how to start a student podcast, with tips and tricks for teachers for the whole recording process

Check out our first-day-of-school icebreaker activities for middle school students. Using icebreakers will help ease everyone back into the school routine.

Explore HMH's Math at Work web series to hear insights from industry experts about jobs that involve math and more.

Get activity ideas to teach math through theater and learn about the math that happens on Broadway

Here are three specific ways that teaching math through art from The Met can enhance your students’ learning experience.

In a special Olympic edition of the Math at Work web series, paired with activities based on the Olympic Games, students will learn how important math is to the world of sports.

How is math used in business? Watch the "Math Meets Entrepreneurship" episode of HMH's Math at Work web series to find out!

Learn about the role of mathematics in fashion design with the "Math Meets Fashion" episode of HMH's Math at Work web series.

Learn about the role of math in cooking in the "Math Meets Culinary Arts" episode of HMH's Math at Work web series.

Explore how math meets homebuilding with this Math at Work web series episode answering the question: How do homebuilders use math in their careers?

Stay up-to-date on the latest in EdTech with educational technology articles and resources for teachers on trending topics.

In 2026, the top trends in education aren't about adding more technology to classrooms or chasing the next shiny idea. They’re about making better use of what schools already have. Take a look.

Explore why using assessment data to inform instruction is key to making informed teaching decisions and improving student achievement.

Teaching with technology in the classroom helps educators boost engagement and personalize learning. Explore practical strategies for using digital tools effectively.

Successful technology integration does not have a single blueprint, but the components we describe here are a good start.

This article breaks down the different ways that technology can be used in the classroom, with practical tips for implementing it.

In order to build a data-driven culture in schools, it's crucial to integrate data into everyday decision-making as well as provide professional development. Here are best practices to ensure you succeed.

Take your class on learning adventures across the country and around the world. This is how to create a virtual field trip for students that will engage and delight them.

Explore guidelines for integrating reading technology in the classroom in support of literacy learning when working with your tech-savvy students.

This article discusses the pros and cons of AI in education. Additionally, it explores what can be done to turn those shortcomings into benefits—drawing on perspectives from HMH leaders, classroom teachers, and education researchers.

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.

Learn how AI tools for teachers and educators are designed for real classrooms and how they can be used effectively in education to save time and support instruction.

Explore how personalized learning with AI helps educators tailor instruction, support diverse learners, and improve outcomes at scale.

Explore the benefits of using AI in the classroom, plus get simple tips for putting artificial intelligence to work effectively and responsibly.

Explore essential AI literacy concepts and discover best practices for integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom.

Hear from Andrew Goldman at HMH Labs on how artificial intelligence can benefit your classroom experience.

Hear from HMH CEO, Jack Lynch, on how artificial intelligence can support teachers in the changing landscape of education.

In this article, we explore what policymakers can do to support educators in using artificial intelligence (AI) to save time so they can focus on student engagement.

We break down the pros and cons of AI in education to help you harness the advantages of this technology while minimizing the risks.

Find guidance on AI for special education teachers, including a framework for using artificial intelligence in special education.

Discover engaging think-pair-share activities, instructions, rubrics, and examples to boost classroom collaboration and learning.

Learn more about schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS), a framework for promoting positive behaviors and appropriate interventions.

Discover how using the turn and talk strategy in the classroom can boost engagement, support formative assessment, and enhance student learning.

Learn how to make classroom jobs work for your middle school students and find creative classroom job ideas.

Explore 4 classroom management styles and learn practical tips to help you with developing a style of your own. Plus, take our quick quiz to reveal your classroom management style and find resources that best fit you and your approach.

This blog explores one teacher’s take on classroom rules and procedures for elementary students—a one-rule classroom approach and the procedures that support it.

Find tips on setting classroom expectations for students. Use these classroom management strategies to ensure that each day runs smoothly.

Read why classroom management is important in ensuring a successful school year and find classroom management strategies to use in your classroom.

Get your new school year off to a great start by implementing these classroom management strategies for elementary teachers.

These high school classroom management strategies will create an environment where students feel respected, nurtured, and safe to express themselves.

What makes an effective first year teacher? Developing a successful classroom management strategy is an important first step on your teacher journey.

Create a healthy and happy learning environment with middle school classroom management strategies that are rooted in brain science.

See how accessibility can be a made a part of classroom design, especially for neurodivergent students.

What are tiered assignments in education? Learn how this differentiated instruction strategy meets students at every readiness level.

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.

Empower your instruction with research‑backed dyslexia strategies that help you support striving readers with confidence and clarity.

Understand UDL vs. differentiated instruction and how to use each to instruct and assess students in the classroom

Unlock the full potential of repeated reading in intervention with these proven steps.

Get the answer to the question, "What is flexible grouping in education?" We also share examples of this instructional practice along with strategies to help you implement it in the classroom.

Learn about differentiated reading strategies you can use to drive better learning outcomes.

Meet students where they are with these instructional scaffolding examples and strategies that can be applied across subjects and grade levels.

Discover what is small group instruction and how it can give your students a more personalized learning experience.

This article shares ideas on how to integrate the science of reading and evidenced-based instructional techniques in small-group reading instruction.

Here we provide differentiated instruction strategies and examples that teachers can use to ensure students have choices for the way that they learn new information, practice skills, and demonstrate understanding.

Learn more about the four key elements of differentiation—content, process, product, and learning environment—and how they can guide your differentiated instruction in the classroom.

Browse our catalog of differentiated instruction articles and resources for teachers. Find new ways to individualize learning in the classroom.

Try creating choice boards for students. These activity menus are a great way to differentiate learning, which can increase student engagement and improve academic outcomes.

Discover why a positive school culture drives engagement, achievement, and resilience—and learn seven actionable steps to build it.

Build a collaborative environment and strong student relationships with these fun classroom team-building activities.

Learn more about defining and improving your school culture with helpful tips and a planning template.

What is PBIS in education? Positive behavioral interventions and supports is an evidence-based, three-tiered framework that focuses on encouraging positive student behavior,

Learn the difference between school climate and school culture and how both play important roles in shaping a welcoming and supportive learning environment.

How do you foster a sense of safety and belonging so students can focus their energy on learning? These strategies for building community in the classroom will help.

Ready to help your kiddos develop meaningful relationships and connect with their classmates? Try these classroom community-building activities for elementary students.

Learn more about classroom jobs for students and how they benefit everyone in the learning environment.

Learn more about creating an inclusive professional learning environment and how to encourage belonging in school communities.

Try these math intervention activities and lessons to help K-12 students achieve grade-level proficiency in mathematics

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

Explore response to intervention (RTI) strategies for each intervention tier. RTI principles provide a framework to assess student achievement.

Learn how to approach RTI behavior intervention for each of the three tiers. The RTI process for behavior is comprised of four steps.

Need to catch kids up or move them forward? Try these research-backed accelerated learning techniques.

Learn to address students' unique academic and behavioral needs with different types of classroom interventions.

These math intervention strategies for struggling students provide lessons, activities, and ideas to support Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 math students who are two or more years behind grade level.

In order to accelerate students’ reading to grade-level proficiency, here is a list of reading intervention strategies to help students make progress.

Hear from educators about a new approach to intervention that’s raising student achievement in the Wayne-Westland Community School District, outside Detroit.

What helps data actually shape classroom practice? Explore how connected coaching links assessment, planning, and professional learning to support daily instructional decisions.

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.

Discover practical tips and strategies for professional development for new teachers.

Lessons learned after looking back at 5 years of Teacher's Corner on Ed, HMH’s learning platform

Find helpful lesson planning tips and resources for new teachers.

Instructional coaching can play a vital role in supporting teachers on this journey—not by evaluating them, but by partnering with them to enhance instructional effectiveness and student outcomes. Discover strategies to make your coaching relationship more effective.

Do you want to improve student literacy outcomes? Consider deploying these HQIM implementation strategies to drive student success.

Explore what is professional learning for teachers, including its definition, benefits, and ways to engage with it.

Professional development can be enjoyable and effective. Get tips to ensure that it not only addresses serious aspects of teaching but also brings joy.

Professional development is a great way to make sure teachers, administrators, and staff continue to stay up-to-date. Learn more about how to use it to staff informed, successful, and engaged.

What is PLC in education, and what makes professional learning communities effective? Discover best practices for ensuring success with PLCs.