Shaped

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

Latest Posts

Students with microscope

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

Lucerne School

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

August Instructional Coaching Final 1

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

Proactive vs. Reactive Classroom Management

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

Melissa Williams
Shaped Contributor

Simon Msc

Facebook Live: Simon Sinek on Education, Infinite Mindset, and Leadership

The unshakeable optimist sat down with HMH to discuss his career and perspectives on mindset—and how they tie into K-12 education.

Joanna Miral
Shaped Staff

July Differentiated Instruction 1

Conferring Is Differentiated Instruction: How to Hold Student Writing Conferences

Writing conferences are one-to-one conversations and give teachers a crucial opportunity to meet each student’s individual needs.

Carl Anderson
Author and Literacy Consultant

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3 Key Takeaways From a World Languages Educator at ISTE 2019

An attendee at the 2019 International Society for Technology in Education conference shares the lessons she learned from a World Languages education lens.

Kerry Santoro
Shaped Contributor

Sjones

Facebook Live: Dr. Stephanie Jones on Social-Emotional Learning in Schools

A social-emotional learning expert explores effective methods to improve SEL in schools and the challenges educators may face in the process.

Joanna Miral
Shaped Staff

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