Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

Specialized Education Services, Inc. Unveils 2023 Staff and Teacher of the Year Winners

PHILADELPHIA (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced Kristi Hoffman as its 2023 Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Ashanti Brooks as its 2023 Staff of the Year (STOY). The designations were officially made last week as SESI celebrated Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.

SESI’s second annual STOY designation honors teachers who exemplify high-quality, evidence-based instruction and the importance of equitable education for all SESI students. New for 2023, full-time employees including social workers, behavior specialists and paraprofessionals, were eligible for nomination. The STOY program recognizes exemplary staff who demonstrate unparalleled dedication to supporting all students.

“SESI is delighted to celebrate Kristi and Ashanti, regional and campus level winners, and all nominees on the heels of this important week devoted to honoring the exceptional professionals in education,” said Dawn Thomas, president of SESI. “Our compassionate staff and teachers work tirelessly to unlock the potential of every student, a mission that has become increasingly crucial as the number of students receiving special education has grown over the past decade. Their passion for fostering student growth is evident in every classroom, therapy session and special activity.”…Read More

Edthena Announces Winner of the 2023 Teacher Leader Impact Award 

SAN FRANCISCO – To kick off Teacher Appreciation Week, Edthena is announced Megan Schlagel of St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont, Colo. as the winner of its 2023 Teacher Leader Impact Award which recognizes standout teachers nationwide. Schlagel, a high school math teacher at Niwot High School, was nominated by an administrator at her school for having an impact in her classroom and beyond through her dedication to lifelong learning and the continuous improvement of her teaching practices. 

“Megan truly exemplifies what it means to be a teacher leader,” said Adam Geller, founder and CEO of Edthena. “In addition to the impact she has with her students, Megan is passionate about supporting her fellow high school teachers and continuing her own professional learning. We are proud to recognize her hard work and dedication.”

As part of the award’s nomination process, school-level administrators were asked to detail how a nominee continually improves as well as the positive impacts of the nominee’s teaching and lifelong learning. …Read More

Local School Wins Frontier Airlines’ National Contest

Phenix City, Ala.— South Girard School (SGS) entered and won Frontier Airlines’ national contest ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week. This year’s South Girard Teacher of the Year, Ms. Brooke Dosier, entered the contest and rallied her colleagues to support the entry. 

Out of 23,000 votes nationwide, they came out on top, and Frontier Airlines provided them with $250 vouchers (1 round-trip ticket) for every staff member. The 54 vouchers allow educators to enjoy some well-deserved time off and explore new destinations. Frontier Airlines also provided Frontier swag for educators. 

Tyri Squyres, Frontier Airlines’ vice president of marketing said, “In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day, Frontier Airlines is proud to celebrate the educators at South Girard School. Out of 23,000 votes nationwide, the faculty and staff at South Girard came out on top. We’re thrilled to offer them free flights for their hard work and dedication.”…Read More

10 reasons we love teachers

My second-grade teacher made me love Ramona Quimby.
I’ve never forgotten my multiplication tables, thanks to my fourth-grade teacher.
My fifth-grade teacher taught me to confidently project my voice (much to my husband’s chagrin when I’m on video calls!).
My sixth-grade teacher inspired me to be a fast typist and gave me independent reading time so I could accomplish my goal of finishing Gone with the Wind.
My high school Algebra II teacher made me believe I was, in fact, really good at math.
My English literature teacher inspired me to write a book.
My Humanities teachers inspired me to travel the world.

Just seven days a year to celebrate teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week is hardly sufficient.  After all, they celebrate our students’ wins and teach them lessons through their mistakes every day of the school year. Let’s reflect on 10 reasons we love teachers…

  1. A Lifetime of Influence

    Growing up in a small town and attending a school with approximately 25 classmates from pre-school through eighth grade, I had a couple of teachers twice and interacted with all the teachers in the building regularly. Whatever the length of interaction, it can go a long way for students, like artist Dean Thompson. Dean shared his teacher’s valuable guidance: “Robert Dominiak was an art teacher who was a mentor to me. He taught me how to look at things with a different perspective, and he helped me put together a portfolio when I applied to the Art Institute of Chicago. With his help I received my degree from there, and I’m still in contact with him to this day.”…Read More

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    Communication and teacher appreciation took top priority in this district’s COVID strategy

    The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and that means educators across the globe are still finding inventive and innovative ways to support and teach students in classrooms, during hybrid instruction, and in virtual settings.

    The eSchool Media K-12 Hero Awards program, sponsored by Trox, recognizes the determined and dedicated efforts of educators throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Never before have educators been challenged and tested as they were, beginning in March 2020 and up until today, and never before has their resilience been more apparent. Administrators, technology leaders, classroom teachers, and educators in all roles have persevered as they taught each and every one of their students during a global pandemic.…Read More

    Whatever it takes: How one underserved district continues to make it through the pandemic

    Listening to Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools in Michigan, managing her district through this pandemic almost sounds like a positive story.

    In this conversation with eSchool News, Alena recalls her strategies for success. From a new appreciation for student voice to closer interactions with the wider community, her ideas will help any district not only survive, but thrive, in these times.

    The following has been edited for clarity.…Read More

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    Edthena Names Winners of the 2021 Teacher Leader Impact Awards

    Educators from across the country recognized for their measurable impact within the school community

    SAN FRANCISCO (May 6, 2021) – Coinciding with Teacher Appreciation Week, Edthena is announcing this year’s honorees for the Teacher Leader Impact Awards which recognizes the outstanding achievements of teacher leaders nationwide. All nine of the honored educators were nominated by an administrator in their district for making a measurable impact on others and creating positive lasting change.

    “We were blown away by the truly remarkable accomplishments and contributions of teacher leaders from across the country,” said Adam Geller, founder and CEO of Edthena. “From supporting students and fellow teachers to spearheading school-wide initiatives, all of the honored educators exemplify true leadership and are so deserving of this recognition.”…Read More

    Savvas Learning Company Teams Up with EveryoneOn to Provide Free WiFi to 100 Families to Support Digital Learning at Home

    In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Savvas enables teachers to better connect with students by helping to close the digital divide

    PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY — May 5, 2021 — To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, Savvas Learning Company, a K-12 next-generation learning solutions leader, has partnered with EveryoneOn.org to honor teachers by helping close the digital divide for students from low-income families. 

    As part of its #SavvasThanks campaign for Teacher Appreciation Week 2021, Savvas is making a donation to EveryoneOn.org that will provide free high-speed Internet service to 100 families with school-aged students who are in need of reliable WiFi in their homes for digital learning. EveryoneOn.org is a nonprofit that works to connect low-income families to affordable Internet service, computers, and other digital resources.…Read More

    Nominations Now Open for the 2021 Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame

    Swing Education to recognize three exemplary educators for their notable contributions to education and the community during this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week

    Swing Education, a staffing application for substitute teachers, is now accepting nominations for its Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame which annually recognizes substitute teachers across the country for their outstanding work as educators and their notable contributions to the students, teachers, and schools they serve. This year’s class of inductees will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

    “From remote to hybrid to in-person teaching, substitute teachers have played such a vital and supportive role during every phase of this challenging school year,” said Mike Teng, CEO of Swing Education. “The Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame will highlight three of these truly exemplary educators who continue to make a real difference and go above and beyond for their students, yet so often don’t get the recognition they deserve.”…Read More

    Interactive virtual learning–pandemic stopgap, or here to stay?

    Virtual field trips or expeditions have gained in popularity in recent years, and the COVID-19 global pandemic has given the concept a boost as schools and now parents scramble to bring relevant, stimulating learning experiences out of the classroom and into their pupils’ new reality. Now, a year into the pandemic, classrooms are beginning to reopen, but the practicality and benefit of interactive virtual learning has drawn growing appreciation throughout the field of education.

    Educators everywhere have come to acknowledge how easily interactive virtual learning gives students the experience of a real field trip without leaving their homes — or their hometowns.

    The heart of the interactive experience is live conversations with educators and experts who are passionate about their work and love to share their knowledge with eager learners. Museum curators, historians, authors, researchers, and other expert instructors engage directly with students during the virtual expedition to create a rich, compelling learning environment.…Read More

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