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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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Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

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How to align multilingual instruction with the science of reading

What Does the Science of Reading Mean for Multilingual Learners?

Discover how research-based literacy practices and language support work together to help multilingual learners build strong reading skills and thrive in the classroom.

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Middle School Classroom Management

12 Middle School Classroom Management Strategies That Work

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

Dr. Michael Vea

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Science of Reading Lesson Plan Templates for K–5

Get free, printable science of reading lesson plan templates to help you plan evidence-based instruction across grades K-5 and learn more about what makes a lesson science of reading–aligned.

Onalee Smith

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2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2026 back-to-school articles for educators. It’s filled with the resources you need to start the school year off strong, from prepping for the first day, to classroom management strategies, and more.

Shaped Staff

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Latest Posts

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AI Tools for Text Scaffolding: Supporting Access Without Lowering Expectations 

See how HMH’s Text Scaffolder can help teachers create possible entry points into complex texts, support language development, and make rigorous learning more accessible.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Hero teacher built chatbots

The Hidden Risks of Teacher-Built AI Chatbots and What to Consider Instead

Teacher-built AI chatbots offer flexibility, but they also come with tradeoffs. Here's why curriculum-based AI offers more reliable, instructionally sound support.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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Improving Teacher Clarity using AI Tools 

Dr. Kate Peila
National Content Specialist, HMH

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Pros and Cons of AI in Education

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.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

Policyin Motion A Ifasterbetter

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

AI can make learning faster—but are we improving performance or deep thinking where it matters most?

Andrew Goldman
Executive Vice President, HMH Labs

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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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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

AI Tools for Teachers and Educators Hero

AI Tools for Teachers and Educators: What These Tools Can Do and How to Use Them 

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.

Jessica Altounian
Senior Marketing Manager, HMH Labs

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Personalized Learning with AI: Technology Is Catching Up To What Teachers Have Always Known

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

Edward Howard
VP Product Management, HMH

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Using Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: What Teachers Should Know

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

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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AI in Education: The Bigger Picture for Policymakers

Explore how education leaders can craft thoughtful policies to ensure AI supports teachers, protects student data, and strengthens learning—not replaces it.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

Policyin Motion hero A Imoment

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.

Andrew Goldman
Executive Vice President, HMH Labs

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AI Best Practices: Developing AI Literacy in the Classroom

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

Dr. Kate Peila
National Content Specialist, HMH

Policyin Motion hero strengthen classrooms

How do we strengthen teaching and learning at this pivotal moment?

Read more about the future of education in the age of AI and how it must remain human-centered, curriculum-connected, and teacher-led.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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How AI can enhance a high-quality classroom experience

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

Andrew Goldman
Executive Vice President, HMH Labs

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Teachers in the Age of AI

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

John "Jack" Lynch
Chief Executive Officer

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Navigating the AI Landscape: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Adam Garry

Dr. Ray speaks with Adam Garry, an education consultant at StrategicEDU Consulting, with over two decades of experience guiding educational institutions in digital and student-centered learning transformations.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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.