To help you figure out where you best belong, here is a breakdown of what to expect in each grade range, as well as a few things to consider when determining which grade is right for you.

What Grades Should I Teach?

Early Childhood Pre-K to Grade 2

If you have the patience of a saint and the energy of a puppy, then early childhood might be for you. This is the age of learning the basics. You will be teaching how to share and follow directions, as well as the basics of arithmetic, reading, and writing.

This is also the age of routine and repetition. You’ll sing, play games, teach the calendar, tie shoes, wipe noses, and spend the majority of your time teaching life skills. These are the years that are filled with developmental milestones that you get to be part of.

Things to Consider

• You’ll need a lot of energy, a soft tone, and the ability to be calm during multiple meltdowns
• Parental involvement is at its highest, which can be a blessing and a challenge
• You’ll spend as much time teaching routines and manners as you do academics

Upper Elementary Grades 3 to 5

This age group is the sweet spot for many teachers because kids are independent enough to follow directions and do things on their own, but still young enough to be really excited about learning. You will dive deeper into teaching content, strategies, and experiments.

And may begin to notice that kids will start to have stronger opinions. They will be silly one minute, then want to have a real conversation the next. They will deal with peer pressure, navigating friendships, and growing responsibilities.

Things to Consider

• You’ll still have to manage behavior, but students will have a better understanding of consequences
• Parental involvement is still strong
• You will need to differentiate instruction for a range of abilities and learning styles

Middle School Grades 6 to 8

Navigating the tween years isn’t for everyone, but if you have thick skin and a great sense of humor, you may just thrive. These are the years between childhood and adolescence when kids can swing from being moody, insecure, and irresponsible, to mature, happy, and responsible all on the same day.

The curriculum is much more intense, and you will teach one or two specific subjects instead of all of them. Students change classes, and you will have different students for different class periods. Your role as a teacher expands into that of a mentor and guide, especially when it comes to emotional regulation, social skills, and time management.

Things to Consider

• You will need strong classroom management skills because students will test boundaries
• Parental involvement is lower, so communication takes effort
• Building relationships matters, so students know you care

High School Grades 9 to 12

If you are really passionate about a particular subject, then high school may be calling your name. This is the age when students learn how to manage heavy workloads, plan their futures, and handle more responsibilities. At this level, you will be teaching one to two subjects several times a day, so you must be an expert in your field. You will be balancing a lot and guiding a very large number of students all at once.

Things to Consider

• You will play a huge role in helping students prepare for college and career
• You’ll need to hold students to high expectations while still giving them room to make mistakes and grow.
• Some students will be motivated to learn while others will not

How to Choose

So, how do you choose which grade is right for you? Start by asking yourself a few questions, such as:

• Am I more comfortable with younger kids or older kids?
• Am I more nurturing and energetic, or do I prefer older kids who challenge me?

Next, think about the classroom experience that you desire. Do you want the same students all day, or do you want to change classes and see new faces? Do you want to teach a variety of subjects, or do you prefer to specialize in just one or two subjects?

Think about what excites you. Is it a sea of little faces learning to read or children finding their voice and preparing for life after school? No matter what your answer, there’s a grade level that fits your strengths, your style, and your passion; you just have to find where you feel most at home.

The truth is, only you know what works best for you. Sometimes you won’t know until you try, that’s why student teaching is so great, because it offers you the opportunity to try different grade levels. No matter what grade you decide, every grade has its joys and challenges. Chances are, you already know; you just haven’t said it out loud yet.

You’ve got important career goals — we have the graduate program to get you there. Check out our available graduate degree programs  to advance your career today!

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They inspire, make learning fun, and can easily make a lasting impression that stays with students forever. These teachers don’t just teach; they spark curiosity and impact students’ lives in ways no one could ever imagine.

Great teaching is more than delivering information. It’s an ongoing mix of skill, self-awareness, and heart. Here’s a look at characteristics of a good teacher and the kind students remember.

What Makes a Good Teacher?

A Genuine Passion for Teaching

Good teachers must be passionate about what they are teaching, because if they’re not, then the students will notice it from a mile away. Being passionate about your craft doesn’t mean screaming “I love teaching” from the rooftops; it just means caring deeply about your students and the subject(s) you teach.

Teachers who are passionate and willing to try new things have contagious energy, and this energy is what keeps students motivated and engaged.

Strong Relationships with Students

Teachers who take the time to get to know their students and have empathy for the things they can‘t always see, like family challenges or self-doubt, help create a safe and supportive classroom. They take time to get to know their students by quickly remembering their names or calling them by their preferred nickname.

Building connections and having a strong relationship make students feel seen, heard, and valued. Students will more likely take risks and speak up when they know their teacher has their back.

And it’s not just about student-teacher connections. Good teachers also build relationships with families. They reach out not just when something is wrong, but to share the good stuff too. They create a team around each student, where everyone is pulling in the same direction.

An Understanding of How Students Learn

Good teachers have a deep understanding of how students learn. Whether it’s through a variety of modalities that differentiate instruction or by scaffolding complex ideas, good teachers understand that not all students learn the same way.

More importantly, they design their classrooms with all of this in mind. That might mean breaking assignments into steps, allowing students to show understanding in different formats, or creating flexible groupings so everyone has a chance to shine. These aren’t just nice ideas but strategies that help students feel seen and supported.

The Ability to Inspire

A good teacher is someone who can motivate and inspire others to do better or learn more. I remember a saying that I heard from one of my mentor teachers back in college. She said, “A good teacher will spoon-feed their students the information, but a great teacher will give them a spoon and show them how to feed themselves”.

What I learned is that to be a true inspiration to your students, you must be willing to share yourself. This means sharing your passion and love for learning. This can make a great impact on your students and inspire them to become lifelong learners.

Are Effective Communicators

The best teachers are strong communicators. They know how to ask questions, check for understanding, respond to emails, update families, and hold space for hard conversations. They are the kind of teacher that students feel comfortable coming to when they feel overwhelmed or need someone to listen to.

Whether it’s giving clear instructions, offering constructive feedback, or simply being present in a moment, strong communication builds trust and creates a classroom where students know their voices matter.

Has Strong Classroom Management Skills

Every teacher handles classroom management in their own way, but the most effective teachers know how important it is to blend structure with consequences that make sense. They set clear expectations and trust that their rules are followed.

They don’t lose their cool and never take it personally when a student is having a tough moment. They build routines that are easily followed because they know that this makes students feel secure. Above all, they don’t jump to punishment, but they talk it through calmly and treat each moment as a moment to teach.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for being a good teacher. It’s a mix of planning, compassion, confidence, and a love for learning. But it’s also more than that. Teachers are often the people who inspire us the most. They are the ones who assist us on the path to a successful education and life. And sometimes the teachers who make the biggest impression on us during our schooling are the ones who push us to do our best.

The teachers that we once thought were so hard on us turned out to be the ones who made us who we are today. You may not have known it then, but looking back, you can now see the impact that teacher had on you, and how it affected your future. Be that memorable teacher for your students.

You’ve got important career goals — we have the graduate program to get you there. Check out our available reading/literacy graduate degree programs  to advance your career today!

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As educators, we’re not just preparing them to graduate, we’re helping them become problem-solvers, innovators, collaborators, and critical thinkers who are ready for whatever life throws at them.

Whether they head to college, a trade, or straight into the workforce, they’ll need these essential skills to thrive in a complex and competitive world. Here are 10 ways you can help your students become truly ready for their future.

Future Ready Students

Build Leaders, Not Just Rule Followers

Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about learning how to bring people together, guide a group toward a goal, and take responsibility for your actions. Start small and give students classroom jobs, put them in charge of group projects, or rotate roles during collaborative work.

You’re helping students to step up when it counts and building confident, capable individuals who, when needed, can support others along the way.

Teach Real-World Problem-Solving

Problem-solving goes way beyond solving equations. It’s about learning how to figure things out when life gets messy. In the classroom, encourage students to identify real issues, maybe something in their school or community, and work through the process of understanding the problem, brainstorming solutions, testing their ideas, and reflecting on what worked. This kind of critical thinking builds resilience and shows kids that they can be a part of the solution.

Focus on Communication and Teamwork

You really can’t have strong teamwork without solid communication. They go hand in hand, and both are so important far beyond school. Even something small, like a quick morning check-in or partner share, can start building those habits.

Try mixing up groups so students work with people they don’t usually pair up with. Toss in a few challenges, different perspectives, backgrounds, or even language barriers, and help them figure out how to work through it. Learning how to listen, show empathy, and meet others halfway are life skills they’ll take with them long after they leave your room.

Build Digital Literacy

It’s one thing to know how to use a device, but students also need to know how to use it wisely. Digital literacy includes understanding how to find credible sources, how to spot misinformation, how to protect their privacy, and how to build a positive digital footprint. Websites like DigitalLiteracy.gov can be a great starting point, but the most powerful lessons happen when you talk openly with students about the digital world, they’re already living in. Try asking students what apps they use most and how they decide what to believe.

Encourage Global and Cultural Awareness

The world is smaller than ever, and students need to be prepared to live and work in diverse communities. Help them understand that different doesn’t mean wrong. Create lessons that explore other cultures, traditions, and worldviews.

Regardless of where you live in the world, having the ability to be culturally aware is an asset to working across all cultures. If you lack awareness, this can lead to miscommunication. Make sure students have the tools they need to work with all kinds of people.

Use tools like virtual exchanges, video conferencing with students in other countries, or projects focused on global issues. It’s all about helping them develop the empathy and awareness they’ll need to collaborate with people from all walks of life.

Foster Creativity and Innovation

Creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s about thinking differently, trying new approaches, and not being afraid to fail. Create a classroom environment where there’s more than one “right” answer, where curiosity is welcomed, and where students can explore topics that matter to them.

Let kids get messy with ideas. Mistakes should feel normal. Let them build, design, and invent. A flexible learning space that encourages hands-on work and out-of-the-box thinking will go a long way in shaping innovative learners.

Teach Students How to Learn and Reflect

When students understand how they learn, they’ll become more independent, confident, and adaptable. Help them recognize what strategies work best for them. Build in reflection time, after a test, a group project, or even after a conflict with a classmate. Have them jot down what worked and what didn’t. You’re helping them become learners for life, not just for school.

Introduce Financial Literacy and Everyday Life Skills

Balancing a budget, understanding credit, and setting savings goals are all types of skills that students will absolutely use, regardless of their future plans. A short lesson on wants vs. needs or how to read a paycheck can make a huge impact on students.

Life skills like time management, organization, and goal setting are equally important in being future ready. Make time for these conversations. You might not find these lessons in your curriculum binder, but kids need them just the same.

Promote Active Citizenship

Being future ready isn’t just about jobs; it’s also about being engaged in the world. Help students explore their roles as citizens. Talk about community issues, current events, and ways to take action, whether it’s through writing persuasive letters, organizing a local drive, or presenting a topic that matters most to them. Empower them to believe their voice matters and that they have the tools to make a difference.

Normalize Failure and Build Resilience

One of the biggest gifts you can give students is the ability to bounce back. Let them know it’s okay to fail, as long as they learn something from it. Celebrate progress, not just perfection. Talk openly about your own mistakes and how you moved forward.

A classroom that sees failure as part of learning is one where students feel safe to take risks and try again. This kind of mindset is what will help them navigate any future challenges they may face.

Getting students ready for the future doesn’t mean cramming more into their schedules. It means being intentional with the time you already have and prioritizing the kind of learning that prepares them for life, not just for tests.

When you help students grow as thinkers, doers, and citizens, you’re not just shaping a classroom, you’re shaping the future. And while none of us can say exactly what that future will look like, one thing is clear: our students deserve every chance to walk into it feeling prepared, future ready, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Field Day is more than just a break from the classroom, it’s a chance for students to let loose, laugh with their classmates, and create those core memories that stay with them long after the last bell rings.

Whether you’re organizing for kindergarten or upper grades, here are some field-tested, kid-approved activities to help you make the day unforgettable, not only for your students, but for you, too.

Field Day Activity Ideas

Tug of War

This classic game never gets old because sometimes, the simplest games and field day activities are the ones most loved. Tug of War is one of those events that gets everyone involved. To play, divide the class into two teams and mark the center line with chalk, cones, or even a stretched-out jump rope.

For younger students, keep the teams small and the rope shorter. For older students, you can add fun variations like a water pit in the middle or a “teachers vs. students” showdown.

Water Balloon Toss

Water balloon toss may be controlled chaos, but it is worth it when you see your students’ excitement and laughter. Yes, water balloons can be a gamble—but if you’ve got the right setup and a sunny day, it’s totally worth it.

Pair students up and have them gently toss a balloon back and forth, taking a step backward after each successful catch. The goal is to keep that balloon from popping! For younger grades, use sponge balls or water-soaked sponges instead. Older students can handle the splash risk, and honestly, they’ll love it.

Tip: Have a big bucket of extras ready, because you know at least five will burst before you even start.

Dress-Up Relay

This field day game always gets the loudest laughs. To play, set out bins of oversized clothes, silly hats, tutus, funny glasses, feather boas, etc., and divide students into relay teams. Each runner races to the dressing area, puts on one item, and then tags the next person.

The goal is to get everyone “dressed” by the end of the race. By the time the last kid is done, they’ll all look like they stepped out of a circus parade. It’s a hit every single year.

Car Wash Relay

Adapted from the classic, car wash relay (minus the cars) is a fun version that’s easy to set up. Each team lines up behind a bucket of water and a large sponge. The first runner soaks the sponge, runs to the other end of the field, and squeezes the water into an empty container.

Then they race back and hand the sponge to the next teammate. The first team to fill their container wins. It’s so fun and sneaks in a little teamwork, too.

Pool Noodle Ring Toss

This one doubles as a great wind-down activity. Create rings using pool noodles and duct tape, and then set up a target zone. You can assign different point values to each ring section or just make it a simple aim-and-toss. This is perfect for when students need a break between high-energy events or for setting up in a shaded area.

Obstacle Course Challenge

Obstacle courses are great because you can customize them to fit any grade level or time frame. The key is variety. Think of it as a mashup of all your students’ favorite activities:

• Cup Stacking – Stack and unstack a tower of plastic cups.
• Egg-on-a-Spoon Dash – Balance an egg (or ping-pong ball) while racing to the next checkpoint.
• Hula Hoop Hop – Place hoops on the ground like stepping stones for students to hop through.
• Bean Bag Toss – Land a bean bag into a bin before moving on.
• Balloon Pop – Sit, stomp, or squish a balloon to keep things exciting.
• Pool Noodle Race – Run across the field with a pool noodle between your knees without dropping it.

Set up signs or have student volunteers at each station for a smooth flow. Added bonus, it burns off tons of energy before lunch.

Mini Frisbee Golf

You don’t need an entire golf course to enjoy this one. Use hula hoops, cones, or even cardboard boxes as your “holes.” Students take turns trying to toss a Frisbee into each target, earning points as they go.

You can map out a small course on the playground or create different “holes” around the schoolyard. It’s low-prep, fun for all ages, and gives students a chance to focus and aim between louder events.

Popsicle Cool Down + Yearbook Signing Station

After all that running around, give students a chance to slow down with some calmer field day activities. Hand out popsicles and set up a chill zone with picnic blankets or beach towels where students can relax, sign yearbooks, or hang out with friends. It’s also a great buffer for students who may get overwhelmed by the noise or need a breather.

Final Tips for a Field Day to Remember:

• Stations are your best friend. Rotate classes through different activities to avoid long lines and keep things moving.

• Student helpers make a big difference. Recruit older students to run stations or keep score. They’ll love being in charge.
• Music sets the mood. A portable speaker and a fun playlist can instantly boost the energy. If you have access to DJ equipment, ask a teacher to volunteer to be the DJ for the day.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, water, and shade. Hydration breaks and shaded rest areas are a must, especially in warmer weather. Consider having coolers with water bottles and Popsicles.

Field Day is more than just a “fun day.” It’s a celebration of effort, teamwork, and everything your students have accomplished throughout the year. With just a little prep, you can make this year’s field day activities one your kids will talk about long after the school doors close for summer.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Whether you’re managing assignments, creating interactive lessons, or trying to stay organized between grading and meetings, there’s an app out there that can help. Here’s a roundup of some of the best educational apps teachers are loving this year, along with why they’re worth the download.

Canva for Education: Design without Stress

Gone are the days when you had to spend hours making newsletters, certificates, bulletin boards, worksheets, and slide shows look decent. Canva for Education is a game-changer. With free access for teachers (and students), it gives you professional-looking templates you can customize in minutes.

You can also invite students to collaborate on projects, which is perfect for group work or creating class posters. Whether you need to spice up a lesson with an infographic, create a whiteboard presentation, or Google Slide deck, Canva makes it easy.

Google Keep: Simple Organization

Just when you thought Google Classroom couldn’t get any better, they came out with Google Keep, a quick organization on the go for when inspiration strikes, and you need somewhere to jot it down fast. Think of it like a digital sticky note that you can color-code, label, and organize however you want.

Teachers love it because it keeps track of lesson ideas, parent notes, supply lists, and even personal to-dos. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, which is a lifesaver if you’re at the point where, let’s be honest if you don’t write something down the moment it pops into your head, it’s gone.

Whether it’s a lesson idea in the pickup line or a quick reminder to email a parent, this app catches it all. It’s not flashy or complicated it’s actually pretty simple. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Kira Learning: AI Assistant

Kira Learning is one of the most talked-about newcomers this year — and for good reason. Created by AI expert Andrew Ng, this app acts as a personal teaching assistant. It helps with things like grading, lesson planning, and tracking student progress.

One of the best features is that Kira builds visual “knowledge maps” that show how students are grasping material over time. It’s like having another set of hands helping you behind the scenes, allowing you to spend more time connecting with your students.

Kahoot!: Gamifying Learning

Kahoot might not be new in 2025, but it’s still going strong, and it’s holding tight to its spot at the top of many teachers’ favorites list. Whether you’re reviewing for a test or breaking up a long afternoon, throwing in a Kahoot! quiz keeps students engaged.

Plus, it’s super easy to create your own or use one of the thousands already made by other teachers. You can even assign Kahoots as homework now, which somehow makes it way more appealing to students than a boring worksheet.

Gamma: For Faster Presentations

Gamma is a newer AI-powered presentation tool that’s been gaining popularity among educators in 2025. It’s an AI-powered presentation creator that helps you build clean, professional-looking slide decks in minutes, no more struggling with formatting or picking out fonts.

You just type in your topic, and Gamma pulls together a full outline with slides, images, and even talking points you can customize. One of the best features? You can export your presentation straight to Google Slides — no more messing around with conversions from PowerPoint.

It’s perfect when you’re short on time but still want your materials to look sharp. Gamma offers a free version with a generous amount of credits to get started, and it’s simple enough to use without a big learning curve.

Notability: Notes, Ideas, and Everything In Between

If you’re like most teachers (over the age of 35), if you don’t write it down the second you think of it, it’s gone. Notability is your go-to app for that. It lets you type, handwrite, sketch, and even record audio notes all in one spot.

Whether you’re brainstorming lesson ideas, taking notes during a faculty meeting, or grading a stack of papers, Notability keeps everything neat and accessible — no more lost sticky notes floating around your desk. It’s similar to Google Keep, but with a lot more flexibility if you like to write things out by hand or markup documents on the go.

Edpuzzle: Making Video Lessons Count

We all know students love watching videos, but getting them to stay focused is a different story. Edpuzzle lets you embed questions right into the videos you assign and tracks who’s actually watching them.

You can use content from YouTube, Khan Academy, or upload your own, making it easy to turn a regular video into an interactive assignment. It’s a must-have if you’re flipping your classroom or just looking to make video time more meaningful.

SocratiQ: The Personalized Learning Booster

SocratiQ is making waves this year thanks to its unique spin on personalized learning. It leans into the Socratic method which is asking students questions, then adjusting what comes next based on how they respond. It pushes kids to really think instead of just memorizing and repeating what they learn.

You get deeper conversations, stronger critical thinking, and a lot less prep on your end since the app helps drive the discussion. It’s not brand new to 2025, but it’s definitely picking up steam in classrooms this year as more teachers see what it can do.

There’s no perfect app that works for everyone — the best ones simply make your day a little easier and your teaching a little better. Don’t stress yourself out trying to use every tool at once. Start with one or two that actually meet a need you have right now. Whether you’re trying to save time, get more creative with your lessons, or connect better with your students, there’s something here that can help you do exactly that.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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However, it’s a powerful tool for guiding instruction, providing feedback, and helping students grow. When used intentionally and thoughtfully, assessments can do so much more than measure learning; they can improve it.

Start with Clear Learning Goals

Before diving right into creating assessments, it’s worth stepping back and asking: What exactly do I want students to walk away knowing or being able to do? Setting clear, student-friendly learning targets sets the foundation for strong assessments.

When students understand the why behind what they’re learning, they’re more likely to stay engaged and track their own progress.

Consider writing your learning objectives in “I can” statements that are simple, concrete, and kid-friendly. For example:

• “I can compare and contrast characters in a story.”
• “I can solve multi-step math problems using equations.”
• “I can explain the main idea of a nonfiction text.”
• “I can describe the water cycle using the correct vocabulary.”
• “I can show respect during group work by listening and taking turns.”

Once your goals are clear, it becomes a lot easier to create assessments that actually measure what you set out to teach.

Use Regular Check-Ins to Guide Teaching

Keep checking in with students as you go, not just at the end. This will help you spot which students are getting it and which are not, before it’s time to grade something. Here are a few ideas that work really well in classrooms.

• Exit tickets: A few targeted questions at the end of a lesson can tell you a lot about what sank in and what still needs work.
• Thumbs up/down: An easy visual during lessons that gives you instant feedback.
• Think-pair-share: Encourages students to explain their thinking and helps you gauge understanding as you circulate.
• Whiteboard responses: Students can solve a problem or answer a question and hold it up, great for instant feedback.
• Quick writes: Give students a prompt and one to two minutes to jot down their thoughts. It’s a simple way to check for understanding and see how well they’re connecting with the material.

Regular check-ins aren’t just about gathering data, they also allow students to reflect on what they are learning. This reflection is when growth happens.

Give Feedback Students Can Use

Feedback isn’t just about pointing out what’s right or wrong, it should be clear and helpful and help students understand how to improve. Consider focusing less on grades and more on comments that push students to reflect and revise. Instead of “Good job” or “Needs work,” get specific:

• “You explained the first step clearly, but your second step is missing a key detail. Try going back and checking your math.”
• “Great use of evidence in your paragraph! Can you add one more sentence to explain how it supports your argument?”
• “Your introduction grabs attention well. Now try adding a sentence that clearly states your main idea.”

Even better, build in time for students to do something with that feedback. Give them a chance to revise, rework, or reflect. That’s where real learning happens. Feedback needs to lead to change, so make sure to tell students what they did well and what to work on.

Keep Rubrics Student-Friendly

Rubrics can be powerful tools for both teachers and students, but only if they’re written in a way kids understand. Instead of heavy jargon or vague categories, use clear, concrete language. For example,

• “My ideas are clear and organized.”
• “I used evidence to support my thinking.”
• “I made some mistakes in punctuation, but my meaning is still clear.”

Consider co-creating rubrics with your class. When students help define what quality work looks like, they’re more invested in reaching that standard. Plus, it helps demystify grading.

Incorporate Student Self-Assessment

One strategy that’s often overlooked is student self-assessment, but it’s so much more than just handing out a rubric and asking kids to rate themselves. Done right, it’s a powerful way to put students in the driver’s seat of their own learning.

Self-assessment encourages reflection, builds ownership, and helps students set meaningful goals for growth. This doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. Try using:

• Simple reflection questions like “What part of this was hard for me?” or “What do I still need help with?”
• Color-coded rubrics where students highlight where they think their work falls.
• Goal-setting sheets where students decide what to work on next.

When students are taught how to self-assess, they become better learners, not just better test-takers.

Differentiate Your Assessments

We differentiate instruction all the time—so why not assessments, too? Not all students express their learning in the same way. Some may thrive with written responses, while others do better with visual or verbal formats. Consider offering assessment choices. For example,

• A written essay or a recorded podcast
• A traditional quiz or a visual infographic
• A timeline or a short comic strip
• A song/rap or a poem summarizing the topic
• A blog post or a series of social media-style updates

When students get to choose the format that best fits their learning style, they’re more likely to feel successful, and you’re more likely to get an accurate picture of what they really know and understand.

Let Student Results Guide Your Teaching

Once you collect student data, the next step is using it to guide your teaching. Did most of the class bomb that quiz? Time to reteach. Did a handful of students really excel? Maybe they’re ready for an enrichment challenge. Adjust your teaching based on what’s working (and what’s not).

Assessment should be a two-way street: not just a measure of student progress, but a reflection on your instruction, too. This is where tools like spreadsheets, color-coded charts, or even just sticky notes on your clipboard come in handy. Keep it manageable, but also make it meaningful.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to assessment. What matters is being intentional, thoughtful, and responsive. When you use assessment as a guide rather than a judgment, you open the door for real, meaningful learning to happen.

So go ahead and consider tweaking that rubric, trying out a new formative check-in, or giving students a little more say in how they show what they know.

The impact will be worth it. And in the process, you’re not just improving learning outcomes. You’re helping your students become reflective, confident, and capable learners for life.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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If you’re in education, you’ve likely seen them in action: that teacher who seems to have an almost magical way of connecting with kids or the one who always seems to be one step ahead when it comes to what students will need next. But great educators aren’t born, they’re built. Every single one of these characteristics can be developed and improved with time.

Here we’ll take a closer look at the defining qualities of great educators, especially those making an impact in our ever-evolving 21st-century classrooms.

They Teach to All Learners

Today’s classrooms are diverse, dynamic, and student-centered. This means one of the most powerful traits an educator can develop is the ability to teach and reach all learners. This isn’t just about recognizing different ability levels, it’s about truly understanding how each student learns best.

Some students thrive through hands-on learning, others through visual cues or deep, reflective discussion. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences shifted the way we view learning styles for a reason.

He showed us that a single kind of intelligence doesn’t define people. Great educators use this knowledge to reach learners where they are and stretch them beyond what they thought possible.

Differentiation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a commitment. Great teachers know that having the ability to differentiate learning and meet individual needs is one of the most defining characteristics of great educators today.

They Know How to Implement Technology Effectively

The world of education is filled with tech tools, apps, gadgets, and digital platforms. But what separates the good from the great? It’s not just knowing about the tools, it’s knowing how and when to use them.

Great educators think strategically about how technology can deepen understanding, build student independence, and bring real-world relevance into the classroom.

Whether it’s using video editing software for student presentations, leveraging learning management systems for flipped classrooms, or tapping into adaptive tools for personalized learning, strong teachers are constantly exploring ways to integrate technology in meaningful ways.

They Foster Authentic Student Relationships

One of the most important things an educator can do doesn’t show up on a lesson plan: building relationships. In a world where many students count their “friends” by how many likes they get on social media, the classroom might be one of the few places where genuine, face-to-face connection happens.

Great educators don’t underestimate that. They create spaces where students feel seen, safe, and supported. They learn their students’ names quickly, remember little details about their lives, and show up for them not just academically, but emotionally.

Beyond that, they help foster connections among students. They build classroom communities where kindness, collaboration, and empathy are the norm. They know how to create classroom environments that don’t just focus on individual success, but shared growth.

Great educators know that when students feel connected, they’re more likely to be engaged, motivated, and willing to take risks with their learning.

They’re Forward-Thinking

Great educators keep an eye on trends, understand where technology and society are heading, and do everything they can to prepare students for the unknown. It’s not just about teaching content anymore.

It’s about building skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and creativity, that will serve students well in jobs that might not even exist yet. Being forward-thinking means recognizing that education isn’t just about preparing for the next grade level, it’s about preparing students for a future that’s constantly shifting.

The best educators anticipate change, plan, and teach students how to think critically, adapt quickly, and keep learning long after the final bell rings.

They Embrace Change

The ability to embrace change is an essential characteristic of a great educator. With the rapid changes in technology and the way that students learn, educators must be able to embrace change and adapt to it, not only in technology but in education as well.

Technology changes daily, as do new teaching strategies, testing techniques, and the way we can learn and communicate with others. An effective teacher has the flexibility to adjust to anything that comes their way—and the mindset to welcome it.

They Never Stop Learning

Above all else, great educators are lifelong learners. They read, attend workshops, collaborate with colleagues, reflect on their practice, and always look for ways to get better. They’re the ones who stay after school to tweak tomorrow’s lesson, try something new even if it might flop, and celebrate growth over perfection. In short, they practice what they preach.

Being an educator today isn’t easy. It requires a deep level of commitment, flexibility, and heart. But when you look at the characteristics that define the great ones, a clear picture starts to emerge: They’re the ones who can teach to all learners.

They know how to implement technology with purpose. They take the time to build real, meaningful relationships. They’re forward-thinking, they embrace change, and they never stop growing.

If you’re working on developing these traits in yourself, keep going. Your students feel it. And they’re better for it. That’s what great educators do.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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The students are dragging, you’re dragging, and suddenly, those last few months before summer feel like an eternity. While you’re busy motivating your students to get back on track, remember to check in on yourself, too.

If you’re feeling stuck in the post-break slump, here are some key ways to push through and make these last few months count.

Create Small, Attainable Goals

There’s nothing more satisfying than setting a goal and reaching it. Whether it’s spring cleaning your classroom, tackling standardized testing, or simply staying on top of your grading, make sure you set goals that you can realistically achieve.

The more goals you accomplish, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep going. Start small, and before you know it, the school year will be over.

Prioritize Your Health

Maybe you overindulged a bit over spring break—and that’s okay! But now that you’re back, it’s time to focus on your well-being. Eating the right foods, staying active, and getting enough movement throughout the day will help you stay focused at work and energized enough to handle the rest of the school year.

Even though teaching is exhausting, this time of year can leave you running on fumes. That’s why taking care of yourself is non-negotiable. Remember to fuel your body, move your body, and get enough sleep.

Don’t Procrastinate

The first few weeks after spring break can leave you feeling sluggish, making it tempting to put things off. But procrastination only makes the workload pile up. Instead of delaying important tasks, tackle them head-on.

Excuses won’t get you anywhere, but checking things off your to-do list will keep you moving forward. Consider trying the “just start” method. This is where you commit to working on a task for just five minutes.

More often than not, once you start, you’ll find the motivation to keep going. Plus, the sooner you check things off your list, the more time you’ll have to relax later.

Stick to Your Routine

Spring break can throw off even the most structured routines. Maybe you stayed up later, slept in, or spent a little too much time binge-watching your favorite shows.

Now that you’re back in the classroom, it’s important to re-establish your routine. If you’re used to grading papers every Friday after school, keep doing it. Don’t switch things up just because summer is getting closer.

Sticking to your usual routine will keep you grounded and make the remaining months feel more manageable. It will also help you stay focused and push through to the end of the year.

Find Inspiration

Teaching isn’t just about getting through the year, it’s about finding moments of joy along the way. Think about what inspires you and brings you happiness in the classroom.

Walking outside during lunch with a coworker can be nice. You can get some fresh air and enjoy small things like birds singing, the wind, or the sunlight.

Try that yoga class you’ve been curious about or sign up for an online course that excites you.

Finding inspiration in and outside of school will help keep you motivated and happy through the rest of the year.

Practice Mindfulness and Positivity

Staying motivated isn’t just about what you do, it’s also about how you think. Your mindset can make or break these final months of the school year.

When you approach your work—and your students—with optimism, everything feels a little more manageable. A simple shift in perspective can be the difference between feeling completely drained and finding the motivation to finish strong.

Take time to live in the moment and quiet those negative thoughts. Even just a few minutes each day to breathe, reset, and refocus can make a huge difference in your energy and overall well-being.

Small mindfulness exercises can improve your memory, help you focus better, and provide clear thinking for any challenges you face.

Get Organized

If you weren’t organized before, now’s the time to fix that. Teaching in a cluttered space isn’t just frustrating, it’s stressful. And stress is not motivating. Remember, organization doesn’t have to be an all-day project—start small.

Clean off your desk, declutter one drawer, or create a system to keep track of upcoming deadlines. A little bit of order can go a long way in making your days feel more manageable.

When everything has a place, you’ll feel more in control and ready to tackle your tasks. A well-organized classroom (and workspace) makes a world of difference.

Reward Yourself

What’s more motivating than a reward? Looking ahead to a summer trip, a new wardrobe addition, or a fun home project can motivate you to keep moving forward.

Set a goal, work toward it, and reward yourself when you reach it. Knowing that something enjoyable is on the horizon can help keep you pushing forward.

Saying goodbye to the sun, fun, and relaxation of spring break isn’t easy. But remember—summer is right around the corner. Use these strategies to stay motivated, and before you know it, you’ll be packing up your classroom and heading into a well-earned break.

Until then, take care of yourself, find joy in the small moments, and keep pushing forward—you’ve got this.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post How Teachers Can Stay Motivated After Spring Break appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Teachers have strong beliefs about homework for many reasons. If you ask teachers today, you will hear many different answers about the importance of homework. They will share what types of homework they assign, as well as the good and bad sides of homework. You will also hear personal and heartfelt opinions.

Recently, people have been talking a lot about whether students should have homework. This is an old debate, but it still gets strong opinions from both sides.

Parents, educators, researchers, and students themselves hold varying perspectives on this educational practice that extends learning beyond the classroom walls. Specifically, homework ideals and values for students have been raised as an issue.

As education systems change, the question arises: Is homework helpful for students, or does it just cause stress with little benefit?

The Traditional Case for Homework

Proponents of homework argue that it serves several important functions in a student’s educational journey.

First, it reinforces classroom learning through repetition and practice. When students apply concepts independently, they solidify their understanding and identify areas where they may need additional help.

Homework also fosters time management and organizational skills—competencies that extend far beyond academic subjects and into professional life. Additionally, homework creates a bridge between school and home.

It provides parents with insights into what their children are learning and opens opportunities for family engagement in the educational process.

Many educators and parents believe that homework helps establish a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility in adolescents during a critical developmental period.

Is Homework Actually Beneficial for Students?

Despite its traditional acceptance, research on homework’s effectiveness reveals a more nuanced picture, particularly for high school students. Multiple studies have been conducted examining the relationship between homework and academic achievement.

These studies usually had different results. This often depended on where the research was done, the income level of the students surveyed, or other factors.

Cognitively speaking, evidence exists that certain types of homework may enhance learning.

Intentionally, targeted practice can help students connect back to the learning taking place in the classroom. However, mindless worksheets or excessive repetition may not engage higher-order thinking skills.

Mental Health Considerations

Post COVID-19, a renewed emphasis has been placed on social and emotional wellbeing for students. An unfortunate byproduct from the time when students were sent home and emergency learning occurred is the stunting of emotional growth in students.

Students who learn from home miss out on social, emotional, and physical interactions. They do not get the same experience as when they learn in person.

This factor has led to perhaps the strongest critique of homework, which comes from mental health professionals who note its contribution to student stress and anxiety.

A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 45% of teens reported being stressed by school expectations, with homework frequently cited as a primary stressor. For high school students, greater expectations both from school and life in general are prevalent.

High school students in specific are typically working a job, involved in sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities, as well as trying to determine their post-secondary plans.

Students may spend excessive time on homework, leading to them experiencing greater physical health problems, more stress, and less time to develop other important life skills.

The pressure to complete homework often comes at the expense of sleep, physical activity, family time, and other crucial aspects of adolescent development.

Finding Balance and Re-imagining Homework

The homework debate isn’t necessarily about eliminating homework entirely, but rather reimagining its purpose, quantity, and quality. Several ideas and approaches exist about homework.

Many progressive educators advocate for less homework but of higher quality—assignments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and personal connection to the material. Project-based homework that allows students to explore topics of interest can generate greater engagement than repetitive exercises.

For me as a principal, my concept of homework is centered on my student population. A one-size-fits-all approach to homework doesn’t serve my diverse student population, and we consider equity issues, including access to technology, home support systems, and individual learning styles as we plan and implement effective homework practices.

Across the nation, educators will tell you that not all students have the same needs or home environments. Some schools have implemented differentiated homework policies that consider individual circumstances.

This might include optional extension activities for students who want additional challenges, while ensuring that core learning happens during school hours.

Although a focus has been placed on technology use for education after COVID-19, technology was very prevalent even before remote and distance learning became the norm.

An example of this that impacts learning, and homework is the flipped classroom model—where students engage with new content at home through videos or readings and then practice applications in class with teacher support.

This concept represents a reimagining of traditional homework. This approach ensures that students struggle with difficult applications while having access to immediate help, rather than facing frustration alone at home.

Moving Forward with Homework

The question of whether students should have homework doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. Evidence suggests that moderate, purposeful homework may benefit high school students, particularly when it:

• Provides meaningful practice of essential skills
• Encourages deeper exploration of interesting topics
• Accommodates different learning needs and home situations
• Balances academic development with other important aspects of adolescent life

However, excessive, low-quality homework that generates stress without educational returns deserves reconsideration.

As schools change to help today’s students, the homework talk lets us look at what we really believe about learning, success, and how students feel.

The most promising approach appears to be thoughtful reform rather than wholesale rejection—designing homework policies that maximize learning while minimizing stress, considering the whole student and the complete educational experience beyond just academic metrics.

A strong point to consider, and one that is often overlooked, are the voices of students themselves.

Many students say they appreciate homework that helps them understand important ideas. However, they often feel stressed by too much busy work.

Students frequently report that their deepest learning occurs through engaging projects, discussions, and real-world applications—not through hours of isolated homework completion.

In the end, the homework question asks us to think about a deeper issue. What type of education helps young people get ready not just for tests and college, but for happy, balanced lives in a complex world?

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post Should Students Have Homework? appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

There is never a school year where safety is not a priority.  We all know about the increased number of school critical incidents in the last couple of decades and how this has increased the need to ensure safe schools.

We also know from Pavlov and other great psychologists that safety is the number need of students. If a student is not safe, not fed and not comfortable in a classroom, the odds of learning are slim to none. This is the same for the adults and educators in the school building. It is hard to teach when you are concerned for you and your students’ safety.

Thus, if there is any question about the need for school safety, that should be put to rest.

First on an individual school basis, there are checkpoints that each school can assess what needs to be done to improve their own school safety.

Let’s dive into three items that can improve school and security:

What is your locked door policy?

This applies to classrooms in the building. Studies on school attacks have shown that locked doors are the key to survival. Intruders are looking for unlocked doors that lead to easy targets. Thus, locked doors buy time for intruders who see them as obstacles.

Most parts of school safety are designed to buy time to allow first responders to arrive. Depending on your school’s location, you may need to buy up to 15 minutes, especially if it is a rural school.

Some questions to ask:

• Are teachers required to lock their classroom doors all the time?
• Are there any door locks that need to be fixed?

How is your school’s perimeter protected?

This has two layers to it, the doors that face outside the building and the perimeter around the school.

First, the doors around the school building. How are visitors allowed into the building? Is there one place for them to come through? Do you have a secure vestibule before visitors are actually in the building? Are those doors magnetically sealed or closed by more than just the lock to keep someone out?

Many schools have badges that deactivate magnet doors that allow them into the building.

Is there a way to have a person in charge of watching through video who comes to all the doors that allow entry to a building? Are there regular or weekly door checks that happen each week to check for doors that are not working right.

Where this author is in Texas, some of our doors can be pulled open with enough force when the temperature outside gets below 30 degrees, and we find this during our weekly door sweeps during our short winters.

Much like a locked classroom, an airtight school with monitored entries can be difficult to enter for someone who intends to do harm.

For many schools, next to a locked door, how difficult it is to enter the school is the next best line of defense.

The next layer of defense is the perimeter around the school. In the state of Texas, one of the newer suggestions from safety officials is to have a secure fence with gates as another perimeter. For urban schools, this could be difficult as your building may be next to another building and that can act like a perimeter.

The outer perimeter design as a fence is like the locked door theory, it buys more time and creates another barrier that makes it difficult for someone off campus to simply want onto campus and do harm.

The outer perimeter would have timed gates and keypads to control who is going behind the perimeter. Push bar gates would be available for those who need to leave in emergencies like a fire drill or something similar.  This idea has been around for a while around playgrounds to protect students from kidnappers, etc.

Armed Personnel on Campus

The next form of school safety from critical incidents goes back to response time from emergency responders and who is on campus that can respond quickly if the worst case scenario is taking place.

Many school districts in the nation have moved to have some form of security officer on campus. Whether the district has started its own police department with student resource officers on campus or has contracts with local police departments, having an officer on campus provides many positive safety considerations.

From an administrative standpoint, having the resources right there on campus for legal advice or legal incidents that might involve young adults, is very handy.

Then of course if the worst-case scenario happens, an officer is on campus who is armed, trained and ready to act with a direct line to get help.

Other school districts who do have the financial resources or manpower to have an officer on campus have moved to having trained armed staff on campus. I was fortunate to work at a school district that had both on campus.

This school district posted signs in front of all schools making it clear if someone came on campus with the intent to do harm to students, there were people on campus who were trained to protect the campus.

The idea was to provide a moment of pause and consideration for anyone who might come on campus to do harm. Remember, those who wish to do harm on campus want easy targets and to not be hassled. These districts with officers and/or trained personnel are not easy targets.

There are legitimate arguments to be made having trained personnel on campus who are not fully trained police officers. Their psychological and physical training are not as extensive and without as extensive training, will they truly respond as they need to if the worst-case scenario takes place.

Law enforcement also has concerns about being able to identify these personnel when they enter the building with the intent to take down the person causing harm in the building. It is easier to identify law enforcement than those in street clothes who are armed.

In short, keep doors locked, secure your perimeter and have some sort of rapid response available for the safety of the campus. Consistently monitoring these three aspects will make a campus safer for everyone on campus and provide checkpoints for a campus to evaluate what they can do better protect those on campus.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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