Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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Feedback Essentials for English Learners During Academic Interactions

It's abundantly clear that second-language learners require informed feedback to enhance their performance and achievement.

Dr. Kate Kinsella
Author, English 3D; Co-Author, Read 180®; Teacher Educator, Researcher; CEO, Dr. Kate Kinsella & Associates

Message To School Leaders Rethink Motivating Teams

A Message to School Leaders: Rethink the Way You Motivate Teams

Explore Jeff Bezos' Amazon.com annual letter to shareholders to learn about ways that school leaders can motivate their teams.

Shaped Staff

Techniques For Social Emotional Learning In The Classroom

4 Tips for Implementing Social-Emotional Learning

Read four techniques for implementing social-emotional learning in the classroom. SEL at school starts with you!

Erica Battle
Professional Learning Consultant, ICLE

Collaborative Learning Strategies And Techniques

Grow Beyond Group Work: Collaborative Learning Strategies and Techniques

Use these collaborative learning techniques to teach social and emotional skills during the school day and help students build strong relationships.

Jessica McKeown, PhD
HMH Senior Learning Scientist, Math and Science

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The Value of Professional Communities for Teachers: Reflecting on Model Schools

Attending conferences can be an invaluable resource in a teacher's toolkit, presenting new opportunities to build relationships and expand a professional learning network.

Erika Gilbert
Math AIS Teacher, Gillette Road Middle School

Cynthia Ciesla
5th and 6th Grade AIS Reading and Math Teacher, Gillette Road Middle School

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What is 'Looping' In Education?: A Teacher’s Perspective

A middle school science teacher on the benefits of looping with his students and building a family in the classroom.

Tracy Childers
Middle School Science Teacher, Foothills Community School

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Educating the Whole Child: Building Teacher-Student Relationships That Last

To build positive teacher-student relationships in the classroom, focus on being personable, setting high expectations, and making learning fun.

Venola Mason
Associate Partner, ICLE and Author, Instructional Excellence, Social and Emotional Learning

August Coaching Using Video Final

Using Video to Improve Instruction: Strategies for Administrators and Coaches

These are among the easiest and most meaningful ways to improve instruction by allowing teachers to reflect on video footage of their own instruction.

Shaped Staff

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How to Prepare Elementary School Students for Algebra

Ease elementary school students' transition from arithmetic to algebra by introducing them to algebra concepts throughout the elementary grades.

Shaped Staff

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The Social-Emotional Learning Need: How a Small District Made It a Reality

An assistant principal shares how her district implemented a new model that works best for them to support social-emotional learning.

Kelly Boeing
Assistant Principal, Lucerne Valley Middle High School

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SEL in Schools: Why Education Leaders Should Express Their Vulnerabilities

When prioritizing social-emotional learning in schools, allowing those you lead to see you as authentically human with deficiencies as well as strengths can be enlightening.

Anthony Colannino
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Leading & Teaching for Growth, LLC; Author of Leading with Head and Heart

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Does Instructional Coaching Have an Impact?

Research presents significant evidence that a high-quality instructional coaching experience can improve a teacher’s skillset.

Shaped Staff

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Back to School, Back to Shaping Students' Lives

With this back-to-school checklist for teachers, a former educator explains why it’s essential to provide a space for student voice and choice.

Noelle Morris
Senior Director Community Engagement, HMH; Host of HMH Learning Moments: Teachers in America Podcast

August Instructional Coaching Final 2

How to Make the Most of Instructional Coaching as a School or District Leader

As an education leader, follow some of these steps to build strong relationships with teachers and have happy, productive, and innovative staff.

Anthony Colannino
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Leading & Teaching for Growth, LLC; Author of Leading with Head and Heart

August Coaching Teachers Final2

Find the Champion Within You: Maximize Instructional Coaching as a Teacher

An experienced instructional coach offers tips to optimize your next instructional coaching opportunity.

Venola Mason
Associate Partner, ICLE and Author, Instructional Excellence, Social and Emotional Learning

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3 Priorities for School Principals During Back-to-School Season

In the new school year, prioritize connecting with families, building relationships with staff, and working on professional development.

David Huber
Principal, South Side Elementary School, Connecticut

July Drummon Instructional Leaders Final

How Instructional Leaders Can Empower Teachers to Boost Student Engagement

Instructional change agents who walk into a classroom can effectively coach a teacher in increasing academic discussion if they know great strategies and build a relationship.

Adam Drummond, EdD
Associate Partner, The Center for Model Schools and Author, Instructional Leadership

July Eric Coaching Leaders Final

The Case for Coaching Education Leaders

Leaders need consistent support and feedback on all aspects of the position, but the most emphasis should be placed on issues related to instructional leadership.

Eric Sheninger
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Aspire Change EDU; Keynote Speaker; Author

*The views expressed in our blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.