Shaped

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

Latest Posts

August Survival Guide World Languages Teacher Final

End-of-Summer Survival Guide from a World Languages Teacher

Summer is winding down, but teachers can focus on going back to school by using these three tips from a high school Spanish teacher.

Karly Enright
Spanish Teacher

August Tracy Childers 5

Podcast: Looping with a Classroom Family with Tracy Childers on Teachers in America

On Teachers in America, Tracy Childers, a science teacher at a STEM magnet middle school, talks about project-based learning, looping with his students, and considering retirement.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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4 Back-to-School Night Ideas for Teachers

Check out 4 Back-to-School Night ideas for teachers. From business cards to family notes, explore Back-to-School Night activities that are useful and engaging.

Kristen Eannetta
Instructional Coach

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5 Social-Emotional Learning Activities for Elementary School

Use these five social-emotional learning activities for elementary school students to work toward building strong relationships. Explore SEL lesson plans for each competency.

Sara Buren
Shaped Contributor

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3 First-Day-Jitters Activities for Back-to-School

Ease the first-day-jitters! Explore three first-day-jitters activities that you can implement in your first grade classroom year after year.

Amanda Rack
First Grade Teacher, Knob Hill Elementary School

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Teaching Supreme Court Cases: You Have the Right to Remain Silent

The Miranda v. Arizona ruling stated that a detained criminal suspect has the right to an attorney and against self-incrimination.

Shaped Staff

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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

August Classroom Management Final 2

Classroom Management 101: Setting Classroom Expectations for Students

Find tips on setting classroom expectations for students. Use these classroom management strategies to ensure that each day runs smoothly.

Brittany Mamphey, M.Ed.
Dean of Students, Mt. Healthy South Elementary School, Ohio

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6 Careers That Involve Math: From the Classroom to the Real World

Do your students ever ask how they will use what they learn in the math classroom in real life? You can answer by looking at these jobs that involve math.

Shaped Staff

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In the New School Year, Embrace Your Teacher BFF

If you’re a teacher, you know you wouldn’t survive the school year without leaning on some of your most dependable co-workers!

Rachel Swartz
Sixth Grade Teacher, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy (MS/HS 141), Bronx, New York

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

July Shapebook Patterns 3

Shapebook Patterns: Science Evidence Notebooks for Elementary Students

Use these shapebook patterns as an engaging space for students to write their science observations and outstanding questions.

Shaped Staff

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Podcast: Becoming a Better Learner with Monica Fitzgerald on Teachers in America

On Teachers in America, Monica Fitzgerald, a reading teacher and literacy coordinator, talks about growing up in a military family and as the child of an immigrant—and how she connects her experiences to her teaching practice.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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How and Why to Use Primary Sources When Teaching History

Teaching with primary source documents makes history come alive. Learn how and why to use primary resources of history in the social studies classroom for grades 5-12.

Susan Steinway
Archivist, HMH

July System44

Why Our Blended Foundational Reading Program Is Called System 44

Learn the thinking behind the name System 44, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Francie Alexander
Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research

Proactive vs. Reactive Classroom Management

What is proactive vs. reactive classroom management? Learn the difference, and explore practical examples.

Melissa Williams
Shaped Contributor

Summer Reading Teacher List Hero

Summer Reads for Teachers and K-12 Administrators

Summer reading isn't just for students! These books will help educators enrich their teaching practice, while keeping readers entertained.

Joanna Miral
Shaped Staff

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