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2020 School Specialty Crystal Apple Award Winners

Teachers and their students work hard to grow and learn together every year. That’s what inspired us to create the Crystal Apple award. It’s our chance to recognize and reward all the transformational efforts teachers and their classrooms make. This year, at a time when we see teachers and classrooms coming together in innovative […]

2019 School Specialty Honor Roll Winners

Every year teachers and their students work hard to grow and learn. The School Specialty Honor Roll is an annual opportunity to recognize and reward some of the incredibly resilient, kind, and talented students and teachers in our communities. 2019 School Specialty Honor Roll Winning Entries This year’s nominated teachers and students were incredibly […]

Your Classroom Holiday Wish List

The end of the first semester gives most teachers and students a sense of relief, as there’s a short break before the second semester begins. Getting the classroom ready to take on the rest of the academic year is an important part of returning to school, and we’ve gathered some useful inspiration for ways […]

12 First-year Teacher Must-haves

Many first-year teachers go in trying to make sure they have all the important bases covered. Lesson plans? Check. Fun week one icebreaker activities to get to know your students? Check. Supplies? It’s difficult to know exactly how to choose supplies you’ll use consistently over the many successful teaching years to come. Never fear! […]

Real Teacher Tips for a Cozy, Inviting Classroom

Making a classroom a cozy, comfortable space often starts with a carpeted area and versatile seating options. We asked real life teachers about their cozy classrooms and favorite carpet time activities, and they shared some great ideas with us. Read on and see what other teachers are loving about their cozy classrooms. Teacher Favorite […]

Real Teacher Tips for Classroom Theme Ideas

Setting up your classroom before school starts can be tough if you are out of ideas for a fun theme or color scheme. Luckily, we asked teachers across the country what they are doing with their classrooms this year, and we’ve gathered some of the fun responses here for you to use as inspiration. […]

How to Find Balance Over Summer Break

Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It’s a tough job that requires most of your focus during the school year. And let’s face it, that spills over into the summer, too. While it might be a challenge, it’s important for educators to practice self-care during summer break so the return to school […]

How Educators Can Help Stop Summer Slide

On average, teachers spend the first three to six weeks of the new school year reviewing skills lost over summer break. Often, parents are unaware of the effects of summer slide, as illustrated by a 2014 poll by Reading is Fundamental that found only 17 percent of parents think reading should be a top […]

Laminating Tips, Tricks and Ideas for the Classroom

The laminating machine can be an educator’s best friend. From craft projects to flash cards, laminating lets you up your DIY game. It’s cost effective, stretching the life of your classroom paper goods and allowing you to make things you would otherwise have to buy (or do without). A high-quality machine gives you more options […]