Shaped

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

 

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Back-to-School Series: Minisode 1 with Toney Jackson in NJ on Teachers in America

Fourth-grade teacher and HMH ambassador Toney Jackson returns and shares tips to start off the school year as a Teacher MC, including how to empower students by sharing the stage and how to find your teaching crew.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

What Is Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom Hero

What Is Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom?

What is differentiated instruction in the classroom? The answer is key to ensuring all learners get the support they need. Here, we break down the process.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Two female teachers talking at the whiteboard

Types of Instructional Coaching Models in Education and the Keys to Success

Explore the two primary models of instructional coaching–educational and teaching–and get practical insight for implementation in your school or district.

Tera Gall
Instruction and Leadership Coach

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What Is Inquiry-Based Learning? A Look into the Research and Practice

This articles explains what is inquiry-based learning and provides approaches and examples within education.

Dr. Phil Vahey
Director of Applied Learning Sciences, HMH

Dr. Michael J. Bolz
Principal Learning Experience Designer, HMH

WF1813601 Shaped 2023 Blog Post The Role of Vocabulary in Reading Instruction Hero

What Is the Role of Vocabulary in Reading Comprehension?

We break down the role of vocabulary in reading comprehension and share strategies that will ensure students learn new words.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

WF1771200 What is Phonemic Awareness Hero

What Is Phonemic Awareness?

Learn about phonemic awareness and how it relates to phonological awareness.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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9 Back-to-School Icebreakers for Elementary Students

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

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

What Is Data-Driven Instruction in Education?

What Is Data-Driven Instruction in Education?

For improved student outcomes, start with an answer to the question, “What is data-driven instruction in education?” Here, we break down this formidable instructional approach that meets learners where they are in real time and accelerates their growth.

Dr. Michael J. Bolz
Principal Learning Experience Designer, HMH

Vidya Madhavan
Learning Scientist, HMH

School Principal Leadership Coaching HERO

School Principals: Coaching and Mentoring

The journey to strong instructional leadership is personal, and school-leader coaching provides support as principals learn to lead.

Kyra Donovan
Associate Partner, The Center for Model Schools

WF1465051 Shaped 2021 Blog Post Classroom Reward Ideas

11 Ideas for Cheap or Free Classroom Rewards and Incentives

Explore 11 ideas for cheap or free classroom rewards and incentives. No matter what your budget looks like, get your students motivated to participate!

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Teaching talking to a student

Creating a School Improvement Planning Process That Works

Get started with the school improvement planning process. Learn how to create a school improvement plan to make measurable gains in your district.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Lighthouse Awards Announcement Meet Our HMH Lighthouses Hero

Meet the Winners of the Inaugural HMH Lighthouse Awards

Over 500 teachers were nominated for the inaugural HMH Lighthouse Awards. Meet the 10 winners.

Steve Pemberton
Author of The Lighthouse Effect; Speaker

Carmen Ortiz-McGhee
Chief Operating Officer, National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC)

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Podcast: Teachers in America

A comprehensive list of all of the Teachers in America podcast episodes, seasons 1-5.

Shaped Staff

WF1559159 Shaped 2022 Blog Post Science of Reading Strategies Hero

10 Science of Reading Strategies for Reading Instruction

Read one teacher's top 10 instructional strategies to support science of reading in the classroom.

Renae Kuhn
HMH Learning Experience Designer; Former Elementary Teacher

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Teaching with RTI: Math Tier 2 and Tier 3 Strategies

These RTI math Tier 2 and Tier 3 strategies strive to provide teachers with a systematic approach to early math intervention.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

WF1764700 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Sentence Frames for ELL Students Hero

Sentence Frames for ELL Students

Learn how to use sentence frames for ELL students to support written and oral language development.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Teacher sits at desk in front of a classroom of students

2025 Classroom Management Articles and Resources for Teachers

Use our curated list of classroom management articles and resources to help you organize and manage your classroom.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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2025 First-Day-of-School Icebreakers for All Grades

As you return to the classroom for back-to-school, try these 2025 first-day-of-school icebreaker activities to develop a sense of normalcy among students and build community.

Shaped Staff