Shaped Blog

Fostering a Sense of Belonging: A School Transformation Story

Learn how Chastain Road Elementary School implemented a strong behavioral and social-emotional learning program to dramatically decrease discipline referrals and improve school culture.

Jessica Patterson
Principal, Chastain Road Elementary School, South Carolina

Joy Ellison
Assistant Principal, Chastain Road Elementary School, South Carolina

February 21, 2020

Celebrating the Legacy of Author Margaret Walker and Jubilee

Honor author Margaret Walker and her book Jubilee, which tells the story of American slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction from the point of view of the enslaved people.

Susan Steinway
Archivist, HMH

February 20, 2020

7 Women's History Month Bulletin Board Ideas: Celebrating Herstory

Decorate your classroom using these seven Women's History Month bulletin board ideas to teach students about the achievements of women throughout history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

February 19, 2020

4 Mistakes Educators Make Trying to Manage Cellphones in Schools

Explore suggestions for what you can do differently to achieve a better result when it comes to managing student use of cellphones in classrooms.

Weston Kieschnick
Associate Partner, ICLE

February 18, 2020

Benjamin Banneker’s Prime Observation

Benjamin Banneker was an important mathematician in history, in part for being an early African American intellectual who studied astronomy, clocks, nature, and mathematics, among other things.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

February 18, 2020

How to Create a Positive School Culture Plan as an Administrator

Answer five important questions as you build a positive school culture plan and create your administrator bucket list to bring change to your school or district.

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

February 18, 2020

Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships: From F to the Brink of B in a Single Year

After attending the Model Schools Conference, Belleview-Santos Elementary School instilled a culture resulting in growth from a state grade of an F to almost a B.

Ashley Kemp
Former Principal, Belleview-Santos Elementary School; Current Principal, Evergreen Elementary School, Marion County Public Schools, Florida

February 13, 2020

Inspiring Black History Month Classroom Door Decoration Ideas

Use these Black History Month classroom door decoration ideas to honor the achievements of African Americans throughout history and shed light on the triumphs and challenges they have faced.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

February 12, 2020

The Challenges of Conferring With Our Strongest Readers: Part 1

Follow these tips as you try to confer with strong and prolific readers in your classroom who seem to have everything.

Kathy Collins
Literacy Consultant, Author, and Aspiring Educator

February 12, 2020

You've Got Mail: How to Teach Email Writing to Students

Learn how to teach email writing to students and focus on proper email etiquette so they can ask questions and send greetings to teachers, school staff, and even parents.

Sally Doulton
Teacher, Manhasset Secondary School, New York

February 11, 2020

Podcast: Wearing the Kindness Cape with Julia Allan on Teachers in America

Meet Julia Allan, a Kindergarten teacher in Howard County Public Schools. She talks about equity in education, social-emotional learning, the tooth fairy, bus stresses, and the joys of seeing her students grow together.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

February 11, 2020

Is It Possible to Multitask? Time Management Insights and Tips for Teachers

Answering a key question—"Is it possible to multitask?"—can help you better manage your time as a teacher. Dive into research and debunk the myth of multitasking.

Rachel L. Schechter, PhD
VP Learning Sciences, Learning Sciences and Research Advisory Board Chair

February 10, 2020

Stuck on a Math Problem? Try Solving It Another Way

Inform your students that math problems rarely have a single method for solving them and frequently have multiple solutions.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

February 7, 2020

Inspiring Black History Month Bulletin Board Ideas for the Classroom

These Black History Month bulletin board ideas for elementary and middle school will inspire your students and teach them about African Americans' challenges and triumphs in history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

February 6, 2020