Shaped Blog

Q&A: Simon Sinek on School Improvement, Growth Mindset, and More

We spoke to author Simon Sinek, a featured speaker at this year's Model Schools Conference, whose new book, The Infinite Game, will be released in June 2019.

Shaped Staff

May 13, 2019

3 Reasons You Need a Teacher BFF

Third-grade teacher Alexa Tegtmeier offers three reasons why teachers should befriend other teachers.

Alexa Tegtmeier
Third Grade Teacher, Curtis Guild Elementary School

May 10, 2019

3 Ways Teachers Can Better Support Students With Disabilities

In addition to focusing on how these students learn, be mindful of the space they occupy and need.

Marcela Grillo
Writer, Girls Write Now

May 9, 2019

Please, Come In: Using Local Bookstores to Get Students Excited About Reading

Teachers can utilize bookstores as a resource to get their students more enthusiastic about reading for fun.

Danni Green
Writer, Girls Write Now

May 9, 2019

What Does America Know About Our Teachers? Really.

Inspired by teachers nationwide and their candor in sharing their experiences, we offer a glimpse into their stories in a new podcast series.

Shaped Staff

May 7, 2019

9 Memorial Day Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

Use these Memorial Day classroom activities for elementary and middle school students to honor those who sacrificed for their country.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

May 6, 2019

A School's Transformation Through Transparency, Teamwork, and Tenacity

Two education leaders from Sugarland Elementary discuss their school's journey from "focus school" to "model school."

Dr. Gail Brady
Principal, Sugarland Elementary School, Virginia

Dr. Gregory Mihalik
Assistant Principal, Sugarland Elementary School, Virginia

May 6, 2019

HMH Honors Five Educators Who Helped Striving Students Succeed

These winners showed that with perseverance and persistence, you can help students overcome personal and academic challenges.

Shaped Staff

May 5, 2019

Rachel Swartz Classroom Teachers In America

Podcast: Spotting Signs of Bullying with Rachel Swartz on Teachers in America

On the Teachers in America podcast series, Rachel Swartz—a teacher in the Bronx, New York—talks bullying, SEL, and inspiring teachers

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

May 5, 2019

Podcast: Recognizing the Needs of Students with Amanda Rack on Teachers in America

On the Teachers in America podcast, Amanda Rack—a teacher in Southern California—opens up about the struggles of being a teacher mom.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

May 5, 2019

6 Fun Math Activities for Middle School Students

Explore 6 fun math activities for middle school from HMH's GO Math! program. These middle school math games and projects for grades 6-8 will keep your students engaged.

Shaped Staff

May 3, 2019

How a Middle School ELA Teacher Shaped My Career—and Changed My Life

HMH's Matthew Mugo Fields recently reunited with the seventh-grade language arts teacher who greatly impacted his life. Here's his story.

Matthew Mugo Fields
General Manager, Supplemental and Intervention Solutions and President of Heinemann

May 2, 2019

Does Your District Have a Comprehensive K–3 Reading Policy?

A checklist to help determine if your district has a comprehensive K–3 policy and what else you can be doing to help struggling readers.

K. A. Jagai
Writer, Girls Write Now

May 2, 2019

Why I Share My Bullying Story With My Students

Sixth-grade teacher Rachel Swartz discusses her experience being bullied in high school and how her story helps build a positive classroom culture for her students.

Rachel Swartz
Sixth Grade Teacher, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy (MS/HS 141), Bronx, New York

May 2, 2019