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

 

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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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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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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

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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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Podcast: SEL in the Face of Natural Disaster with Garrett Jackson on Teachers in America

Garrett Jackson, a special education teacher in Saipan, CNMI, talks about teaching in isolation, supporting students after a natural disaster, and using edtech in occupational therapy.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Podcast: Budget Cuts, Burnout, and Self-Care with Georgette McClain on Teachers in America

On the Teachers in America podcast, Georgette McClain, a life sciences teacher in Blanchester, Ohio, talks about school safety, teacher salaries, and state testing.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Podcast: Growth and Development in Elementary Students with Alexa Tegtmeier on Teachers in America

On the Teachers in America podcast, Alexa Tegtmeier, a 3rd grade teacher in Boston, talks about serving a large population of English Learners and the differences in access between districts.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Podcast: On STEM Learning and Community Outreach with Donna Gradel on Teachers in America

This episode of Teachers in America features Donna Gradel, 2019 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Carmen Sandiego in the Classroom: Cross-Curricular Solutions and Ideas

Middle school teacher Rachel Swartz shares her ideas for including the Carmen Sandiego character into classroom activities.

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

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Podcast: Creating a Classroom Management Plan with Brittany Mamphey on Teachers in America

On Teachers in America, Brittany Mamphey—a teacher in Cincinnati—talks about classroom management, teacher retention, and student empowerment.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Professional Development is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Fifth grade teacher Brittany Mamphey reflects on professional development for teachers and offers tips for how PD can become more meaningful.

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

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3 Reasons You Need a Teacher BFF

Third-grade teacher Alexa Tegtmeier offers three reasons why teachers should befriend other teachers.

Alexa Tegtmeier
Third Grade Teacher, Curtis Guild Elementary School

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What Does America Know About Our Teachers? Really.

Inspired by teachers nationwide and their candor in sharing their experiences, we offer a glimpse into their stories in a new podcast series.

Shaped Staff

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Podcast: Spotting Signs of Bullying with Rachel Swartz on Teachers in America

On the Teachers in America podcast series, Rachel Swartz—a teacher in the Bronx, New York—talks bullying, SEL, and inspiring teachers

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Podcast: Recognizing the Needs of Students with Amanda Rack on Teachers in America

On the Teachers in America podcast, Amanda Rack—a teacher in Southern California—opens up about the struggles of being a teacher mom.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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Why I Share My Bullying Story With My Students

Sixth-grade teacher Rachel Swartz discusses her experience being bullied in high school and how her story helps build a positive classroom culture for her students.

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

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The Realities of Teaching in Today's World: Q&A With Rachel Swartz

Rachel Swartz, an ELA teacher in the Bronx, shares her perspective on what being a teacher in today’s world really entails.

Ireen Hossain
Writer, Girls Write Now

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Podcast Preview: Get to Know Teachers in America

Our new podcast, HMH Learning Moments, gives voice to teachers and explores ways that the education industry can evolve and improve.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

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