Shaped

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

 

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Featured Posts

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How Has Technology Changed Education?

Here we take a deep dive into the question, “How has technology changed education?” and uncover tech’s role in opening up new possibilities for teaching and learning.

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The Impact of AI On One School District: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Jerry Almendarez

The Impact of AI On One School District: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Jerry Almendarez

Edtech expert, Dr. Kecia Ray, recently sat down with Jerry Almendarez, the superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District in California, to discuss embracing AI with the help of teachers and stakeholders.

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7 Fun Spring Activities for Elementary Students

Happy spring! Try these 7 spring activities for elementary students for ideas to celebrate the season!

Alicia Ivory

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What Is RTI in Elementary School? A Powerful Tool, Reimagined

This blog post explores the question, “What is RTI in elementary school?” and how RTI serves as a powerful framework to ensure all students have the right support they need to succeed.

Dr. Bonnie Cochran

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How One District Uses Data to Drive Student Success

Learn about how Blue Springs School District in Missouri recognized the urgent need to address learning gaps and reduce the burden of catch-up while providing support and actionable data to inform teaching and better meet students' needs.

Onalee Smith

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Latest Posts

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What Are the Advantages of Distance Education?

Discover the advantages of distance education and how it is transforming education.

Amanda Clark
Shaped Contributor

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How a Texas District Achieved Literacy Growth with Integrated Edtech Solutions

When Galveston ISD leaders saw a notable dip in student performance, they decided to set forth on a growth journey—starting with the implementation of integrated edtech solutions. We sat down with Galveston leaders and educators to discuss the district's plan of action that resulted in incredible student gains.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Policy Perspectives on AI: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Susan Gentz

On today's episode, Dr. Kecia Ray is joined by Susan Gentz, an education policy expert and founder of BSG Strategies, with experience as a legislative aide in the Iowa House of Representatives, a staffer in the U.S. Senate, and as Deputy Executive Director for the Center for Digital Education.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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Instructional Scaffolding Examples & Strategies

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

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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Showing Up, Shining, and Resilience During Mental Health Awareness Month

Learn about the importance of mental health in schools and workplaces, with some "glimmers" along the way.

Benita Flucker
Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, SVP Enterprise Development Strategy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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A Global Look at AI: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Joseph South

Dr. Kecia Ray is joined by Joseph South, a national educational technology leader who serves as the Chief Learning Officer at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Learn more about the global role of AI in education.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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What Are Open Middle Math Problems?

Find out what are Open Middle math problems, along with why to use them and resources to find them.

Robert Kaplinsky
Mathematics Educator, Long Beach, CA

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7 Fun Reading Intervention Activities for Elementary School

Learn more about a variety of intervention strategies, including reading comprehension and small-group reading intervention activities, to support differentiated instruction and tier 3 reading intervention.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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The Human Touch of AI: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Angela Maiers

In this discussion, Dr. Kecia Ray and Angela Maiers explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Angela Maiers is a renowned educator, author, and founder of the "Choose to Matter" movement, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing every individual's significance.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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What Do Teachers Want for Teacher Appreciation Week? 

We reached out to teachers and asked them to share the most meaningful ways principals, students, and families can show appreciation for Teacher Appreciation Week and all year long. Here's what they said.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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What Is Professional Learning for Teachers?

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

Lynn Walters

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How to Teach Vocabulary to Your Students

Learn how to teach vocabulary to your students. Explore 8 engaging ways to teach vocabulary that will help your students to draw connections.

Emily Hamm
Shaped Contributor

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Free Printable End-of-Year Gift Tags for Students

Create a memorable send-off to the school year and save time preparing by using these free printable end-of-year gift tags for students.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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What Are Interim Assessments in Education? 

Discover what interim assessments are, how they differ from formative and summative tests, and how they help educators track student progress, inform instruction, and improve academic outcomes.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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6 Classroom Discussion Strategies for Engaging All Students

Explore classroom discussion strategies that can help you to engage all students while keeping them on track.

Jenny Fulton
Shaped Contributor

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13 Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom

Technology is a powerful tool that can positively impact learning. Explore the pros and potential cons of technology use in the classroom.

Casey Brown
Shaped Contributor

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Fun Professional Development Activities for Teachers 

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

Amanda Partida
Lead Instructional Designer, HMH

Classcraft 8 Thoughtful Questions Teachers Can Ask Themselves to Keep Growing as Educators

8 Thoughtful End-of-Year Teacher Reflection Questions to Keep Growing as Educators

Explore 8 end-of-year teacher reflection questions to ponder as an educator.

Shaddoe Lambert
Former Teacher; HMH Product Manager

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.