In this post, Sari Laberis shares educators’ “Whys,” their reasons for doing what they do, in the hopes that their poignancy, humor, playfulness, and honesty inspire even more educators to reflect on what drives them.

Some educators argue schools should focus solely on SEL or academics as they reopen, but in this opinion piece, Curriculum Associates’ Ken Tam argues that an either SEL or rigorous instruction approach isn’t what’s best for students. What will work? A “both and” approach.

At Chesnee Elementary School, student success begins with relationships. Educators use one student’s story to share how relationships and common strategies―setting high expectations, personalizing instruction, and using data―helped them build a thriving, supportive school culture.

Alief Independent School District has long understood the importance of providing an equitable learning experience for all of its 45,000-plus students. However, starting in 2018, it took this work even further when it spearheaded a multi-year equity initiative.

Despite an unplanned shift to remote learning because of the pandemic, Lake Park Elementary in Palm Beach County, Florida, was able to successfully keep their students learning and engaged despite challenges. In this post, read about the four major strategies they used.