As the school year wraps up, teachers everywhere are ready for a breather. Summer is your time to unwind, celebrate your hard work, and slowly gear up for another great year in the classroom. “Summer is your reset button — for rest, reflection, and a touch of planning on your own terms.” Rest First: […]
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Summer Fun: Time to Relax, Recharge, and Take a Break!
Author Insights from Shannon Olsen on Writing, Teaching, and Books
In this inspiring episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung spoke with Shannon Olsen, a beloved children’s book author and former second-grade teacher. Shannon shared her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time author, highlighting her passion for creating educational resources and children’s books that foster a sense of family and collaboration in […]
Teacher Health and Wellness
Wellness is a concept used to describe something bigger than just physical health. It’s a word that encompasses our overall well-being. Because teachers are the foundation of education and the ones who train all other jobs, teacher health and wellness is a topic of growing importance. Teacher Wellness and Compassion Fatigue Teachers are consistently […]
Let’s Talk About Burnout and Staff Shortages
The teacher shortage problem across the nation is indeed a pressing issue. Many schools struggle to find qualified teachers, leading to large class sizes and increased workloads for existing teachers. This, in turn, contributes to teacher burnout. In this episode, host Nancy Chung interviews Dr. Richard Warren Jr., an award-winning educator, professor, and renowned […]
Sensory Spaces Are Not Just for Students
Sensory spaces are carefully crafted to create a multisensory experience that can help us relax, focus, or simply enjoy the moment. In this episode, host Nancy Chung interviews occupational therapist and School Specialty’s subject matter expert for Special Needs, Cecilia Cruse. We also welcome back School Specialty’s National Education Strategist, Dr. Sue Ann Highland. […]
Drumroll Please. The 2022 Crystal Apple Award Winners Are…
Incredible nominations describing amazing teachers poured in. Thousands of votes were cast. Now, the time has come to reveal the winners of the School Specialty Crystal Apple awards. The contest, in its 8th year, invites educators and school communities to nominate deserving teachers who embody key contest criteria of inspiration, leadership and passion. This […]
Online Teaching Tips and Resources for Educators and Administrators
Online education, in some capacity, is here to stay. It has become a significant alternative for many districts and for many different reasons. As teachers, administrators, and students adjust and consider online teaching possibilities alongside in-person classrooms, many resources are available to help smooth out some of the inevitable bumps. We’ve compiled a list […]
5 Must-Do Relaxation Techniques for Teachers over Winter Break
If you’ve got a few days away from your classroom during the winter months, take some time to engage in relaxing activities. They can help reduce stress levels while giving you an opportunity to reflect on successes from the first semester and prepare for the next. Try a few of these winter break must-do […]
Packing It Up: Get Your Classroom Ready for Summer
As we approach the end of another school year, your classroom may be meticulously organized, a complete mess, or more than likely somewhere in between. No judgment here; even the best classrooms can get messy! Whatever your situation, it’s important to get your classroom ready for summer, which means preparing before the last day […]
Are Teachers Looking Forward to Summer?
Teachers love their students. They love to see them learn, grow, and laugh. They love watching them share with each other, help one another, and show kindness to others. However, teachers also often find themselves worn out at the end of a long school year. So, what response will you get when you ask […]
Unique Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
There are nearly endless ideas to show teachers in your life how much you appreciate them. It’s because of their time and effort that the students of today become educated adults in the future. Try one of these unique teacher appreciation gift ideas for the teacher in your life. 5 Unique Gift Ideas to […]
Second Semester Classroom Management Goals
Managing a classroom full of students who have been out of school for a week or more can be overwhelming. The start of a new semester, whether it’s in the fall or after winter break, takes a bit of planning and commitment to make it go as smoothly as possible. Tips for Refreshing Classroom […]