From setup to support, HMH will ensure your back-to-school season runs smoothly. Let’s go.

Shaped

A community-driven blog supporting educators, building lifelong learners, and shaping the future of education.* 

 

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29 Back-to-School Writing Prompts for Middle and High School

School's back in session, which means it's time for a fresh batch of writing prompts for the new year. Have your high school or middle school students try these Back-to-School prompts this fall.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Teaching Students How to Write a Reflective Narrative Essay

This lesson explores how to write a reflective narrative essay, a type of writing where writers reflect on an experience and show how their lives changed.

Shaped Staff

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Mayan Pyramids vs. Egyptian Pyramids Lesson Plan Idea

Looking to include ELA instruction in your social studies classroom? This Mayan pyramids vs. Egyptian pyramids lesson plan idea has students discuss the similarities and differences between the two types of structures through writing an essay.

Shaped Staff

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Meet the Teacher Night Ideas: Holding a Successful Event for Students’ Families

Try these Meet the Teacher Night ideas to give students and families a warm welcome to your classroom and start off the school year right.

Katie Risolo Radovich
First-Grade Teacher

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The Best Teacher Podcasts for 2024

Whether you are a first year teacher or about to retire, explore your podcast options when it comes to the K-12 educational space.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Understand How the Human Brain Works to Build Classroom Routines

As you return to your school or classroom, keep these ideas in mind to create a neuro-friendly environment as a teacher or administrator.

Dr. Adam Drummond
Author, Associate Partner; Center for Model Schools Instructional Leadership

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6 Tips for Building a Diverse Classroom Library

Explore tips and resources that will help you build a culturally diverse classroom library and foster an inclusive classroom environment.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer
Shaped Staff

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Podcast: Summer Hiatus and Podcast Awards

Summer Announcement! Make sure to vote for the Teachers in America podcast this July in the 16th Annual Podcast Awards for the education category.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Building Hope Through High Expectations

See how the staff of Glasgow Middle School in Glasgow, Kentucky measured and met their students' social and emotional needs as their classroom went virtual.

Regina Murphy
Principal, Glasgow Middle School

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How to Re-establish Math Conversations This Fall

Five routines are provided to help math teachers establish routines and promote mathematical discussions this school year. The routines consist of four Talk Moves and one language routine.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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Free Teaching Resources: Fun Classroom Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas

Find free teaching resources. Explore fun classroom activities, lessons plans, downloadables, and videos for Grade K–12 kids to keep learning and growing at grade level.

Shaped Staff

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Podcast: Creativity, Community, and Pride with Owen Bondono

Meet Owen Bondono, a high school ELA teacher and the first known transgender Michigan Teacher of the Year. He uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ student spaces and anti-racist teaching practices.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Educational programs

Choosing Educational Programs for Your District: Lessons from COVID

Discover three lessons that school districts can learn from the pandemic and apply now when planning for academic recovery.

Dr. Bonnie Cochran
Director of Academic Planning and Analytics, HMH

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Prioritizing Personal and Professional Growth as an Educator During COVID

Jumpstart your own growth journey for the next school year by identifying your self-talk when you make mistakes and building out a concrete plan.

Anthony Colannino
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Leading & Teaching for Growth, LLC; Author of Leading with Head and Heart

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Podcast: School Cyber Attacks and the Rise of Misinformation with Former Sec. of Defense Ash Carter

Join former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter for an episode on media literacy and cyber security in schools.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Stop Anti Asian Hate

How to Address Anti-Asian Racism in Schools

Here’s how schools can address the rise in hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islanders to ensure students’ safety and well-being.

Shaped Staff

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Anti-Bias Resources for the Classroom

Confronting bias in ourselves and in our classrooms is an important ongoing process. Help combat discrimination in all its forms with this collection of resources.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Quick Conversations: Equity in Education, Interrupted Learning, and More

Watch interviews with education leaders and business owners about culturally responsive education, recovery in schools, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

Shaped Staff