Zoe de mar author

Zoe Del Mar

Shaped Executive Editor

Zoe Del Mar is a senior content marketing manager and writer at HMH. She has 14 years of experience developing content for educators. Previously, she worked as a marketer in children’s book publishing and as a children’s librarian. She holds her master’s degree in Library & Information Science from San Jose State University and bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Boston University.

 
Welcome back to school activities ideas for students HERO

5 Welcome-Back-to-School Activities and Ideas for Students

Try out these welcome-back-to-school activities and ideas for students to usher in the new school year.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Student working at desk in a classroom

What Is Whole-Group Instruction?

Discover why whole-group instruction is an effective teaching strategy to deliver information to a group, as well as strategies to make it work in your classroom.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Adam Garry and Dr. Kecia Ray for an AI Insights conversation about generative AI in education.

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

Title card for AI Insights episode 6 featuring Dr. Kecia Ray and Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh

AI Integration in Teaching Practices: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Cathy Cavanaugh

Dr. Ray speaks with Cathy Cavanaugh, Ph.D., the Assistant Director of the University of Florida's Lastinger Center for Learning, on integrating AI into teaching practices.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Students walk together toward a school building carrying backpacks

What Is School Culture and How Can You Improve It?

Learn more about defining and improving your school culture with helpful tips and a planning template.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Title card for AI Insights episode 5 featuring Dr. Kecia Ray and Dr. Neil Gupta

AI Integration in Schools: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Dr. Neil Gupta

In this episode of AI Insights: Conversations with Dr. Kecia Ray she speaks with Dr. Neil Gupta, Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools in Ohio, recognized for his leadership in education and contributions to leadership, assessments, and coaching.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Susan Gentz and Dr. Kecia Ray featured in Episode 4 of AI Insights: Conversations with Dr. Kecia Ray.

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

AI Insights: Dr. Kecia Ray and Joseph South

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

Teacher helping elementary students with reading intervention activities.

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

Featured speakers discussing the human touch in AI

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

Title card for AI Insights episode 1 featuring 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.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1717250 Banner Final

Join the HMH Advocacy Program

If you are a teacher who uses one of HMH's programs, let’s work together to empower teachers to connect with each other, share expertise, and amplify innovative teaching happening every day.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Martin Luther King, Jr. project ideas and activities for the classroom

8 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Project Ideas and Activities for the Classroom

Explore 8 Martin Luther King Jr. project ideas and activities to honor MLK and his contributions to the civil rights movement.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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100th Day of School Activities for 2026: 15 Ways to Celebrate in the Classroom

Use these 100th Day of School activities and celebration ideas for teachers to help your students honor how far they have come this school year.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1517050 Shaped 2022 NTL Blog Post Math Activities Lesson Plans

Fun Science Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas for All Grades

Find engaging math lessons and activities for every grade level.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

A group of educators collaborating during an instructional coaching conversation.

Types of Instructional Coaching Models in Education that Support Teachers

There are several different coaching models in education. Learn about a few that are commonly used in school districts and explore what model might be a good fit for your school or district.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1889417 Hero

Differentiation: Content, Process, Product, and Learning Environment

Learn more about the four key elements of differentiation—content, process, product, and learning environment—and how they can guide your differentiated instruction in the classroom.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Holiday Classroom Activities Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa

14 Winter Holiday Activities for School

Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with 14 holiday classroom activities, games, and crafts for elementary and middle school students.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor