EdTech News

Introduction:

The holiday season is upon us, and as we celebrate the festive spirit this year, wearing masks has become an essential safety measure. With schools open, teachers and students can join together to spread cheer while staying protected. In this article, we will explore 20+ fun and festive holiday masks that both teachers and kids can wear during this special season.

1. Candy Cane Stripes – Red and white striped masks instantly bring to mind the delicious taste of candy canes.

2. Snowflakes – A mask adorned with wintry snowflake designs represents the chilly and magical feel of winter.

3. Santa’s Reindeer – Featuring everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer, these masks are perfect for embracing the spirit of giving during the holidays.

4. Gingerbread Men – Both kids and teachers will love these adorable gingerbread men prints that add a touch of sweetness to their ensembles.

5. Winter Wonderland – A beautiful assortment of winter woodland creatures makes for a charming design on these festive masks.

6. Santa’s Helper Elves – These mischievous elf-inspired masks keep things fun and lighthearted throughout the holiday season.

7. Menorah & Star of David – Celebrate Hanukkah with captivating designs featuring the menorah, Star of David, and dreidels.

8. Kwanzaa Kinara – Incorporate Kwanzaa symbols such as the kinara, candles, or patterns representing African heritage in a meaningful mask design.

9. Glittering Ornaments – Glamorous ornament designs sparkle on these festive face coverings.

10. Ugly Christmas Sweater Pattern – Embrace the hilarity of traditional “ugly” Christmas sweaters by choosing a mask with similar themes and patterns.

11. Festive Grinch – As an homage to Dr. Seuss’s beloved character, these masks are sure to elicit a chuckle from students and colleagues alike.

12. Frosty the Snowman – Classic winter figures like Frosty bring cheerfulness and warmth to these delightful masks.

13. Nutcracker Ballet – Depict scenes or characters from the enchanting Nutcracker ballet on your stylish holiday protective wear.

14. Glistening Lights – A colorful array of twinkling holiday lights will illuminate any room while remaining safe and festive.

15. Polar Express Train – Take a magical trip with symbolic trains inspired by the heartwarming story of The Polar Express.

16. Christmas Trees – Wear a mask adorned with varying styles of trees, demonstrating your love for this classic holiday decoration.

17. Penguins in Winter Wear – Add some cuteness to your ensemble with colorful masks featuring adorable penguins dressed for chilly weather.

18. Peppermint Mosaic – Be inspired by the sweet sights of peppermints arranged in festive mosaic patterns on your protective wear.

19. Poinsettias & Holly Berries – The vibrant colors of poinsettias and holly berries exude elegance and grace during this holiday season.

20. Cozy Winter Scarves & Hats – Evoke that sense of coziness and warmth with depictions of winter scarves and hats on your stylish mask.

21. Angelic Choirs – Symbolize peace, harmony, and the angelic spirit of the holidays with these divine mask designs.

Conclusion:

Though this holiday season might look different from years past, wearing fun and festive masks can help teachers and kids brighten their days while staying safe. These 20+ holiday mask designs provide a variety of options for celebrating the season in style.

Introduction:

Target Deal Days offer incredible savings opportunities for everyone, including teachers. With a wide range of products and discounts, it’s the perfect time for educators to stock up on classroom essentials without breaking the bank. Here’s an insightful guide on how to make the most out of Target Deal Days and secure fantastic teacher deals.

1. Sign up for a Target RedCard:

Target’s RedCard is a must-have if you’re looking to save big during Deal Days. Not only does it provide an additional 5% discount on all purchases, but it also grants exclusive access to special promotions and deals. To sign up, visit your local Target store or their website.

2. Register for the Teacher Prep Event:

Generally held in July, Target’s Teacher Prep Event offers educators an exclusive discount on school supplies, classroom storage solutions, and more. To receive these extra savings, remember to register beforehand.

3. Keep an eye on teacher-specific deals:

Ahead of Target Deal Days, browse through their website or weekly ad to identify any teacher-specific deals that you might particularly benefit from. For instance, check for discounts on electronics that can enhance your classroom experience such as tablets and smart speakers.

4. Join the Target Circle loyalty program:

Target Circle is a free loyalty program offering personalized discounts (up to 50% off), bonus offers, and cashback rewards for charity donations. You can join online or via the Target app and simply scan your barcode at checkout to accumulate points and redeem offer.

5. Monitor social media channels:

Keep an eye on Target’s social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for special teacher-focused announcements as well as limited-time offers that can be quickly sold out.

6. Create a shopping list in advance:

Before embarking on your shopping spree during Target Deal Days, make a list of necessary school supplies, classroom essentials, and teaching tools. List organization by priority will help you focus your search and quickly grab hold of the best deals on items you truly need.

7. Spruce up your organizational skills:

Target Deal Days include discounts on storage solutions such as bins, shelves, and totes. Invest in these items to create an organized, clutter-free classroom that promotes effective learning.

8. Ask for help from fellow teachers:

Share information about upcoming Target Deal Days with your colleagues and friends in the education community, and encourage an exchange of advice regarding the best deals each of you have found. Collaboration can help optimize your savings.

Conclusion:

With diligent research, resourceful planning, and strategic shopping, teachers can reap significant benefits during Target Deal Days. From stocking up on essential classroom supplies to purchasing valuable teaching tools on a budget, this annual event is truly a blessing for educators. Happy shopping!

In today’s fast-paced world, teachers are constantly juggling a whirlwind of emotions, responsibilities, and challenges as they navigate through the complex world of education. But who better to narrate a single day in the life of a teacher than Taylor Swift? Using her eclectic range of songs and evocative lyrics, here’s a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster that is being an educator.

### Morning: “Shake It Off”

The day starts with an invigorating morning routine, shaking off yesterday’s challenges. Teachers mentally prepare themselves for another day of inspiring young minds. As they strive to foster a love for learning, they put on their “Shake It Off” attitude ready to face any obstacle with enthusiasm and resilience.

### First Period: “Love Story”

As teacher and students embark on the educational journey together, there’s often a shared sense of excitement as new topics are introduced. Just like Juliet waiting for her Romeo in “Love Story,” teachers find joy in introducing new material and watching their students fall in love with learning.

### Before Lunch: “I Knew You Were Trouble”

Simple misunderstandings or untimely distractions might emerge during class, reminiscent of Ms. Swift’s hit song “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Teachers must be vigilant, adapting on the fly to settle disputes or redirect students to more productive tasks.

### Lunch Break: “You Need to Calm Down”

Finally escaping to the sanctuary known as the teachers’ lounge, weary educators bond together over Taylor’s anthem about self-care and relaxation, “You Need to Calm Down.” It’s crucial not to let stress dictate their personal lives and allow this brief respite to recharge before returning to the job at hand.

### Afternoon Hurdles: “Bad Blood”

Post-lunch fatigue might bring some tension between teachers and students—think uncompleted homework or missed deadlines. With “Bad Blood” playing in the background, educators navigate these challenges by maintaining open communication and seeking solutions to mend any ill will before the day ends.

### Final Lesson: “Blank Space”

As the day winds down, teachers agilely manage their figurative “Blank Space” to fill it with meaningful and lasting experiences for students. While time and resources can be limited, they prioritize what’s essential and strive to provide a memorable educational journey for all.

### Heading Home: “Welcome to New York”

As Taylor Swift celebrates her new chapter in life in “Welcome to New York,” teachers reminiscence on the evolving ecosystem of education. Reflecting on the day’s events, they assess their performance and consider how they may adapt to make an even greater impact on students’ lives tomorrow.

In summary, Taylor Swift’s musical genius provides an emotional soundtrack to the life of a teacher, capturing myriad moments that every educator can relate to. Like Swift herself, teachers possess an innate ability to persevere through adversity and create memorable experiences that last a lifetime.

Introduction

Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) has become the go-to platform for educators all over the world to find quality teacher-made resources, rubrics, lesson plans, and other teaching materials. TpT provides a vast, digitally accessible library created by fellow educators and experts who understand and empathize with the challenges of their peers in an ever-changing educational environment. Today is the perfect day to start exploring and shopping on TpT, and here’s why.

Benefits of Shopping on Teachers Pay Teachers

1. Time-saving: One of the main reasons why teachers love TpT is because it saves them time on lesson planning and resource creation. It allows them to focus on what they do best – teaching their students! Finding high-quality materials tailored to your specific subjects or grade levels within minutes saves you countless hours you would otherwise spend creating content from scratch.

2. Inspiration and Creativity: The vast library of resources on TpT makes it an excellent platform for finding new ideas and incorporating innovative strategies into your own classroom. Exploring TpT not only offers efficiency but also inspiration to help you craft exceptional lessons that keep your students engaged.

3. Peer-reviewed Quality: The resources available on TpT are created by educators who have gone through the same challenges as you. These passionate individuals share their experiences and create high-quality content based on tried-and-tested teaching methodologies. This means that whatever you buy is likely going to be effective in delivering knowledge and skills to your students.

4. Cost-effective Learning Solutions: While there are free resources available on TpT, investing in premium materials often brings incomparable value to your classroom. It’s essential to consider the time-savings and long-term benefits when purchasing from fellow teachers who’ve put a significant amount of effort into creating these comprehensive resources.

5. Customization options: Some creators on TpT offer customization services, which means you can have the resources tailored to your specific needs or preferences. This is particularly helpful if your school follows a specialized curriculum or if you want to align the materials with certain guidelines.

6. Supporting Fellow Educators: By purchasing or even browsing through the resources at TpT, you help support and contribute to this community of educators. It’s a great way to give back to the teaching profession while reaping the benefits of their experience and knowledge.

Conclusion

If you haven’t already, today is an excellent time to join Teachers Pay Teachers’ growing community and stay ahead of the curve by accessing its valuable resources. Offering materials that are time-saving, expertly-made, customizable, cost-effective, and innovative – it’s hard to find a reason why not to shop on TpT right away. So go ahead and explore this treasure trove – you’ll be glad you did!

Introduction:

Pam Allyn, a renowned author, educator, and literacy expert, has dedicated her work to promoting literacy and fostering a love of learning in students across all subjects. Her dynamic approach to education revolves around “Literacy Across the Curriculum,” a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of incorporating reading and writing in every discipline. In this article, we will discuss Pam Allyn’s background, her contributions to the field of literacy education, and how her focus on Literacy Across the Curriculum can inspire future generations of learning.

Pam Allyn’s Background:

Pam Allyn is an accomplished American author and motivational speaker. She has written many books on literacy instruction, including the renowned “Every Child a Super Reader,” which focuses on building students’ reading skills. Holding degrees from both Harvard University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Pam has dedicated her life to improving literacy rates and inspiring lifelong learning in students worldwide.

Contributions to Literacy Education:

Over the years, Pam Allyn has developed numerous programs aimed at building strong readers and writers among students of all ages. One such program is LitWorld, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative global solutions to illiteracy. Through this organization, Pam works with children in underserved communities worldwide to promote a love for reading and increase overall literacy rates.

As an influential figure in education reform, Pam has designed curricula for language arts instruction and regularly collaborates with educators through professional development opportunities. She frequently speaks at conferences focused on education innovation, presenting new strategies for teachers as they strive to meet their students’ literacy needs.

Literacy Across the Curriculum:

Pam Allyn’s approach to Literacy Across the Curriculum emphasizes applying reading strategies in every subject area. This broad-based strategy challenges students to use critical thinking skills across content areas while developing strong vocabularies and robust reading abilities.

Incorporating reading and writing within other subjects helps students see the relevance and interconnectedness of all curricular areas. For example, by exploring historical events in a social studies classroom, students not only learn about the past but also build crucial reading skills such as comprehension, analysis, and synthesis.

Teachers who embrace Literacy Across the Curriculum can use various instructional techniques to promote engagement and foster a love for reading in their students, regardless of the subject matter.

Inspiring Lifelong Learning:

Through her dedication to literacy education and tireless advocacy, Pam Allyn has positively impacted countless lives. By promoting the concept of Literacy Across the Curriculum, she has encouraged teachers to incorporate reading skills in every subject area, ensuring that the future generation of learners finds joy in their educational experiences. In doing so, she has genuinely inspired a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion:

Pam Allyn’s focus on Literacy Across the Curriculum demonstrates how essential it is to develop strong reading skills in every aspect of learning. By inspiring educators to integrate reading instruction throughout their curriculum, Pam Allyn has made a profound impact on today’s educational landscape while sowing seeds for future generations’ success.

Introduction:

Teachers play a vital role in shaping our lives, imparting knowledge, and mentoring us in various aspects. Showing gratitude to teachers is essential as it helps acknowledge their efforts and motivate them to continue making a difference. Here are 17 ways rewarding teachers can show gratitude all year long.

1. Personalized Thank You Notes: Writing personalized thank you notes to teachers is a thoughtful way of appreciating their hard work and dedication.

2. Special Recognition Awards: Annual award ceremonies or special recognition events can be organized to honor outstanding teachers for their achievements.

3. Classroom Supplies and Resources: Providing teachers with the necessary classroom supplies and resources demonstrates your support for their profession and helps them educate students more effectively.

4. Professional Development Opportunities: Offering opportunities for professional development shows that you value the teachers’ growth and want them to excel further in their careers.

5. Tokens of Appreciation: Small tokens of appreciation like gift cards, flowers, or surprise treats go a long way in making teachers feel special and valued.

6. Public Praise: Acknowledging teachers’ accomplishments through newsletters, school assemblies, or social media can boost morale and spread a word about their contributions.

7. Parent-Teacher Collaboration: Encouraging parents to participate actively in the school community and communicate with teachers regularly shows your gratitude for the teacher’s role in educating children.

8. Supportive Work Environment: Creating a supportive work environment with access to necessary resources, such as a well-stocked break room or collaboration spaces, fosters feelings of appreciation among teachers.

9. Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs allows experienced teachers to guide and support new educators, demonstrating the value placed on teacher camaraderie and growth.

10. Sabbatical Leaves: Providing teachers with sabbatical leaves for research or personal development projects shows appreciation for their long-term commitment to the profession.

11. Competitive Salaries: Offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages is a practical way to demonstrate gratitude for your teachers while contributing to their overall well-being.

12. Flexible Scheduling: Allowing for flexible scheduling options helps teachers maintain a healthy work-life balance, showing your understanding of their personal and professional commitments.

13. Small Class Sizes: Maintaining small class sizes enables teachers to provide individual attention to students and shows that you prioritize quality education.

14. Staff Retreats and Workshops: Organizing staff retreats or group workshops not only builds camaraderie among teachers but also demonstrates your investment in their well-being and professional growth.

15. Involve Teachers in Decision-Making: Including teachers in the decision-making process, such as curriculum revisions or budget allocations, displays your respect for their expertise and commitment.

16. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledging important milestones, like work anniversaries, promotions, or other achievements, highlights the significance of teacher accomplishments and encourages continued success.

17. A Gratitude Culture: Cultivating a culture of gratitude within the school community ensures that everyone recognizes the importance of expressing thanks and appreciation to one another regularly.

Conclusion:

Showing gratitude to teachers through these 17 rewarding practices can enrich the entire school community while fostering a positive environment for both educators and students. By recognizing their hard work, dedication, and passion for teaching, you help ensure their continuous investment in fostering future generations.

As a music teacher, it can be challenging to expose students to a wide variety of musical experiences within the constraints of a school budget. However, I discovered a powerful and free solution that has enabled me to bring the magic of Carnegie Hall right into my classroom. This innovative music program, called Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers, has not only enriched my teaching but also captivated the minds of my students.

Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers is a comprehensive K-5 music curriculum designed to connect students with professional artists who perform at Carnegie Hall. The program offers an array of resources for educators, including lesson plans, interactive activities, videos and access to live concerts featuring various musicians. It has helped me create immersive lessons combining music theory, history and performance practice while giving my students the opportunity to learn from world-class artists.

Implementing this free program in my classroom has been seamless thanks to the wealth of resources available on the Musical Explorers website. The lessons are divided into age-appropriate units covering numerous genres such as jazz, classical music, folk music and world music. Each unit provides detailed lesson plans aligned with National Core Arts Standards and includes specific techniques targeted towards enhancing student engagement and comprehension.

One of the highlights of Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers is their extensive library of video resources featuring interviews, rehearsals, and performances by renowned musicians. These visual aids provide an intimate glimpse into the lives and work routines of professional artists that resonate deeply with students. Being able to witness firsthand how these musicians approach their craft has proven invaluable in sparking my students’ interest in music.

A particularly memorable experience was when we studied a unit on West African drumming traditions. My students were fascinated by the rhythmic patterns and exotic instruments demonstrated by virtuoso percussionists in videos provided by the program. Furthermore, interactive elements like call-and-response games further deepened their connection with the music and encouraged them to actively participate in class discussions.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers, however, is the opportunity for students to engage directly with live performances. Throughout the year, the program offers access to live-streamed concerts showcasing a diverse array of musicians performing at Carnegie Hall. These concerts serve as capstone events, enabling students to witness music they have been studying in class brought to life by some of the world’s most accomplished artists.

In conclusion, utilizing Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers in my classroom has profoundly enriched my music curriculum. This free program has provided invaluable exposure to a wide variety of artists and musical styles for my students. It has not only expanded their musical horizons but also opened their eyes to the power of live performance. I highly recommend other educators incorporate this fantastic resource into their teaching toolkit.

Introduction:

In a world where teaching trends and success stories are posted online every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inferior when comparing yourself to the so-called “Pinterest-perfect” teachers. Despite this social media-induced pressure, it’s important to remember that you’re enough as a teacher, and you have your own unique classroom talents and victories. Here are five ways to remind yourself that you’re enough, even when those Pinterest-perfect teachers seem to have it all.

1. Stop the comparison game:

It’s natural to compare yourself with others in your profession. But remember, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and what works best for someone else may not work for you. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth as a teacher. Acknowledge your achievements and strive for continuous improvement without getting caught up in the competition.

2. Focus on your students:

Don’t let the pressures from social media overshadow the real reason you chose teaching: your students. Remember the impact you have on your students and the role you play in shaping their future. By focusing on each student’s progress and well-being, you’ll realize that being a teacher is about more than having a picture-perfect classroom.

3. Celebrate small victories:

Amidst the endless to-do lists and daily challenges of teaching, take time to acknowledge your accomplishments no matter how small they may seem—from a successful lesson plan or a meaningful connection with a struggling student. Every little victory adds up, reminding you that even without Pinterest-worthy decorations or innovative teaching strategies, you’re making a difference in your students’ lives.

4. Learn from others without losing yourself:

It’s crucial to collaborate with colleagues and find inspiration from other educators—but never at the expense of losing sight of who you are as an instructor. Be open to learning from others, but don’t feel the need to mimic their style or methods entirely. Embrace your unique teaching approach and adapt new ideas that align with your personal values and beliefs.

5. Practice self-compassion:

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging career, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re not doing enough. One bad day or mishandled situation doesn’t define you as a teacher. It’s okay not to be perfect; remember that you’re human and doing your best for your students every day.

Conclusion:

The world of “Pinterest-perfect” teachers can intensify feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. However, by learning how to stop comparing yourself to others and embracing your own unique strengths, you’ll be reminded that you’re more than enough as a teacher. Celebrate your victories, prioritize your students, and practice self-compassion—for this will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling teaching experience for both you and your students.

Introduction:

Teaching is a noble profession, requiring dedication, patience, and the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to young minds. However, educators are often given additional responsibilities beyond teaching, which can range from odd to downright bizarre. Let’s dive into some of the truly bonkers “other duties as assigned” that teachers have been asked to perform.

1. Animal Wrangler:

Educators often find themselves in the role of animal wrangler when dealing with curious creatures that find their way into schools. Whether it’s corralling a bat flying around the gym or catching a squirrel that has wandered into a classroom, teachers must apply their skills in biology and diplomacy in order to resolve these unexpected situations safely.

2. Emergency Medical Technician:

When working with children, accidents are bound to happen. But when those injuries require more than just a bandage, teachers must step up and act as emergency medical technicians until professionals can arrive at the scene. From administering first aid for broken bones to improvising makeshift tourniquets, teachers have been known to save lives using their quick thinking in emergency situations.

3. Cafeteria Monitor:

During lunchtime, many teachers not only have to ensure that students are eating properly but might also find themselves moonlighting as unofficial cafeteria monitors. They are often responsible for managing rowdy student behavior and navigating food fights that can erupt without warning – truly an unappetizing addition to their daily tasks.

4. Amateur Plumber:

With plumbing disasters occasionally striking schools, many teachers have had no choice but to temporarily swap their textbooks for a plunger before contacting maintenance professionals. Leakages and floods caused by toilet blockages can quickly transform educators into amateur plumbers trying to prevent further damages.

5. Fashion Police:

With dress code guidelines frequently enforced by schools, teachers often walk the thin line between being educators and fashion police. Ensuring that students adhere to the dress code guidelines while not stifling their creativity and individuality is a balancing act many educators need to perform.

6. Meteorologist:

Outdoor activities play a crucial role in children’s development, and it’s up to teachers to ensure that the weather is suitable for such events. Teachers often find themselves becoming impromptu meteorologists by monitoring weather forecasts, deciding if it’s safe for outdoor activities, or planning alternative indoor exercises in case of unfavorable conditions.

7. Lost and Found Coordinator:

As schools’ designated lost and found coordinators, teachers are tasked with reuniting misplaced items with their rightful owners. From lunchboxes to jackets, educators develop an almost detective-like talent for matching the growing collection of unclaimed items to their forgetful young owners.

Conclusion:

While teaching remains a treasured profession, “other duties as assigned” can lead to teachers unexpectedly taking on disparate and unusual roles throughout their day. Despite these added challenges, dedicated educators persevere in shaping young minds and promoting a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

1. Grading Papers: It’s common for teachers to have a stack of papers in their cars to grade whenever they have spare time, ensuring they can frequently update students’ grades and offer feedback.

2. Classroom Supplies: Teachers often need to restock supplies such as markers, glue sticks, and pencils. Having classroom supplies on-hand ensures no student is left empty-handed.

3. Lesson Plans and Curriculum Materials: Teachers need to stay organized, and keeping lesson plans and curriculum materials close helps maintain this organization.

4. Portable Whiteboard or Chart Paper: Useful for off-site or extracurricular events, these portable teaching aids help deliver lessons anywhere students gather.

5. First Aid Kit: Teachers may keep a first aid kit in their car for emergencies during field trips or other school-related outings.

6. Snacks: Teaching requires a lot of energy, so having healthy snacks nearby helps teachers stay fueled throughout the day.

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Masks, hand sanitizer, and disposable gloves have become essential components of classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers may stock up on PPE to protect themselves and their students.

8. Backup Clothing: Accidents happen — whether from messy art projects or an unexpected spill during lunchtime — so many teachers keep a change of clothes in their car.

9. Books: Teachers love to read; they’ll often have various books in their cars for professional development or personal reading during free time.

10. Student Incentives: Stickers, pencils, and small toys make great rewards for students who excel in classwork or show excellent behavior; teachers will likely have these motivators close by.

11. Physical Activity Equipment: Teachers may keep jump ropes, balls, or frisbees in their car to encourage physical activity during recess or as a mental health break.

12. Classroom Decorations: Seasonal and thematic decorations, such as posters and bulletin board materials, help keep the classroom environment engaging and visually appealing.

13. Sentimental Items: From notes of appreciation to drawings and crafts gifted by students, these sentimental items remind teachers of their impact on the children they teach each day.

14. Comfort Items: A spare blanket, pillow, or even a folding chair provides teachers with some comfort during after-school events or long days spent at school.

15. Emergency Contact Information: Safety is a top priority for teachers. Having emergency contact information for their students allows teachers to act quickly in case of an illness or injury.

In conclusion, a teacher’s car serves as an extension of their classroom. Stocked with essential items ranging from educational tools to comfort objects, this valuable space supports educators in their frontline role of shaping the minds of future generations.