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Macee Hall

Macee brings a unique blend of expertise to the TCEA team, with degrees in both Strategic Communications and Business Management, as well as a wealth of marketing experience from companies across multiple industries. As the organization’s Communications Specialist, Macee is dedicated to providing clear, consistent communications to TCEA’s diverse list of members. When she’s not writing (or editing) for work, you’ll find Macee writing for fun with her two favorite feline coworkers napping nearby.

Announcements/Important DatesFree Membership

Join TCEA for FREE this Teacher Appreciation Week

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Educators, you do more than most people know. You manage your workload and your students’, you solve complex problems before you finish your coffee, you inspire the next generations of leaders in ways big and small. You deserve more than our thanks this Teacher Appreciation Week—that’s why we’re offering you the opportunity to join TCEA for free, this week only!

What is TCEA?

If you’re new here (Welcome!) or need a refresher, TCEA is a nonprofit association that has been dedicated to its mission of advancing teaching and learning through the use of technology for the past 45 years. We’re made up of nearly 86,000 educators around the globe, in all roles, and from all walks of life. And, no matter how diverse our membership becomes, we’re all connected by one thing: the importance of technology and good teaching in education.

So, why should I join TCEA?

TCEA is an industry leader in the ed tech space, offering top events (live and online), professional development, and resources. Our team is constantly adding more helpful tools and resources to our already vast collection, including new blog posts each week day, courses on trending topics like AI and solid pedagogy, classroom activities, and so much more. Plus, with exclusive, members-only access to the TCEA community, you’ll gain access to our network of real, experienced educators 24/7.

Did we mention that you can earn up to 80 hours of free CPE credits as a TCEA member? Librarian or leader, teacher or tech director, we’ve got you covered!

Membership Perks

  • An expansive collection of community- and expert-developed resources
  • A vibrant online community of educators just like you
  • Weekly live and on-demand webinars created for educators, by educators
  • A large resource depository of professional learning recordings available on demand
  • 80+ hours of annual, free CPE credit

And so much more!

Pass on the savings!

Already a member? Great! Now you have the chance to pass on this epic deal to other educators in your network!

Offer Valid for a Limited Time Only

This offer ends at midnight Central on May 9, so don’t miss your chance to experience all our membership perks when you join TCEA for free!

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Announcements/Important DatesTCEA News

A Timeline of TCEA: Celebrating 45 Years of Growth

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

This weekend, we’re celebrating a major milestone at TCEA—we’re turning 45!

Yes, you read that right. TCEA is celebrating 45 years of advancing education through the use of technology. And since we couldn’t have made it without you—our network of educators, both member and non-member (if you’re not a member, you can sign up for free next week!)—we wanted to bring you into the celebration with a look back at the timeline of TCEA, featuring ten growth milestones from May 3, 1980 ’til today!

You know what would make the celebration even better? Hearing from you! Join us by sharing your favorite TCEA memory (or memories!), and make sure to share the link with all of your TCEA connections.

May 3, 1980: TCEA is founded.

Thanks to the prep work of several TCEA pioneers, the timeline of TCEA officially starts on May 3, 1980, when 135 founding educators gathered for the organization’s first meeting. To join, each educator was responsible for paying $10 in dues. During that first working meeting, Steering Committees were formed to handle several areas of organizational concern, including correspondence, headed by Diana Radspinner; membership and monies, headed by Vicki Smith; and the organization’s Constitution and Bylaws, headed by Alice Kidd. By the end of May, TCEA had a logo, a plan, and an account balance of $982.50.

The original TCEA logo featured a computer in front of the Texas state outline.

October 4, 1980: The first TCEA Convention is held at North Texas State University.

While the first “convention” was certainly held in the organization’s first year, it looked much different from the TCEAs of today. With a budget of zero dollars and supported by multiple commercial representatives, like those from Regency Educational Systems, the board’s mission for this first official meeting was to propose and adopt a constitution, and to elect a board of directors. Both goals were accomplished, setting TCEA up for a lifetime of success.

1990: The first edition of Tech Edge Magazine goes to print.

Although TCEA had provided members with a printed newsletter since very early on in its history, the ever-growing organization maintained an equal rate of growth in the amount of information being sent. This resulted in the start of TCEA’s official publication, Tech Edge, a magazine that included bite-sized PD, organizational news and updates, interviews with ed tech professionals, activities, and so much more. The publication was retired in 2019, after 29 successful years, primarily due to the growing prevalence of digital publications.

The cover of TechEdge’s Feb. 2018 edition on Digital Transformation.

1998: TCEA relocates from Lubbock to Austin, TX.

Throughout the timeline of TCEA, the organization has resided in four total buildings. But the first of those wasn’t a business building at all. Rather, it was the home of our first part-time executive director, Robert Knight, in Lubbock, TX. But, in 1998, the organization’s headquarters was officially moved southeast to the Texas capitol, Austin. Throughout 1998 and 1999, TCEA made its home in a rented space at 604 W 9th Street for just $18,000/year.

TCEA’s first Austin address is listed as 604 W 9th Street, on the left side of this house.

Jan. 14, 2000: TCEA purchases its first building to accommodate 20 area directors.

During a late 1999 meeting, the TCEA board decided to expand its reach and voted to welcome in 20 area directors, as opposed to one or two from each of five distinct areas. But, with this increase in board members came a need for a space of our own. In January of 2000, under the guidance of President Cheri Halderman, TCEA purchased its first building in Austin, TX. This building was paid off the following year under President Lori Gracey, the organization’s current Executive Director!

TCEA’s first non-rental office building, purchased in early 2000.

2004: TCEA outgrows first building with eight full time staff members, buys larger building in Austin, TX.

Just a few short years later, the organization grew again! By 2004, TCEA had welcomed eight full time staff members, sparking the need for a larger building. A new building on Airport Road was purchased that year under President Janice Trompler and was paid off in 2010 under President Candace Threadgill.

June 2, 2014: TCEA moves to the current TCEA World Headquarters.

Another decade later, our staff had increased once again, reaching double digits by the 2010s. It was decided, then, that we needed to invest in a much larger building with room to host conferences and to grow. In 2014, the board sold TCEA’s second building to purchase one four times larger under President Kari Rhame. This building would come to be known as the TCEA World Headquarters and is still where our full time staff members work, today!

The TCEA World Headquarters in Austin, TX.

2016: Full time staff roster reaches 20 members.

What started as a completely board-led organization with a part-time Executive Director had blossomed in its first 35 years. And, by 2016, the staff roster finally reached 20! These 20 positions included an office assistant, publications specialist, associate director, training director, IT manager/webmaster, executive assistant, events and exhibits manager, second training director, director of governmental relations, director of member services, administrative assistant, third training director, director of accounting, graphics design specialist, membership/event assistant, senior director of professional development, conference services coordinator, marketing specialist, and events and exhibits coordinator. The TCEA staff reports to Executive Director Lori Gracey.

DID YOU KNOW? TCEA’s staff has hovered around the 20 member mark for the past decade. As of May 2025, our team consists of 18 full time staff members who are passionate about helping educators like you incorporate technology into your every day challenges, opportunities, and important moments.

The TCEA team volunteering at the Central Texas Food Bank during the 2024 holiday season.

Nov. 2024: The board votes to disband the area structure of TCEA to account for members outside of Texas.

By the time the 2020s came around, the timeline of TCEA was no longer limited to the Lone Star State. In fact, the rise of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic made it possible for educators all around the world to attend digital events and complete online courses with TCEA. So, in 2024, the TCEA board voted to do away with the previous area structure in an effort to include members from other geographical areas and prepare us for another 45 years of growth!

FUN FACT: As of late 2015, TCEA had 16,500 members. By 2020, that number topped 34,000. In 2025, we have a network of members nearly 86,000 strong, spanning both the nation and the globe.

May 3, 2025: TCEA turns 45 and looks forward to another incredible year!

That brings us to 2025, where the timeline of TCEA is far from over!

Here are some of the exciting goings-on in the next 12 months:

Whether you’re a new member (or will be for FREE next week!) or you’ve been here since the start, thank you. Board and staff, alike, we couldn’t do our jobs without TCEA’s network of creative and innovative educators like you.

Psst! Before you go, don’t forget to share your favorite TCEA memory!

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Announcements/Important DatesFree MembershipTCEA Membership

Explore the History of Teacher Appreciation Week

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

It’s almost Teacher Appreciation Day, and while I know about the holiday from my time as a student, I’ve never thought to dive into the history of Teacher Appreciation Week… until now! Being now surrounded by educators, past and present, I wanted to take a look at the 80+ year history of formally celebrating those who work to educate students across our nation. So, in preparation for next week’s festivities, I did just that!

The history of Teacher Appreciation Week can be split into three distinct parts or phases, each covered in a section below. I hope you enjoy exploring the history of this education celebration as much as I did! And don’t forget, we’ve got a special free TCEA membership offer coming up this Teacher Appreciation Week, so make sure to mark the date for May 5-9, 2025, and share this post with your future-member friends!

1940-1980

The initial idea behind National Teachers Day was originally brought about in the early 1940s, but the true origins of the day differ between sources. Most commonly, sources credit Mattye Whyte Woodridge, a teacher from Arkansas, who began advocating for a day to recognize teachers by writing to political and educational leaders sometime in the early ’40s. Woodridge’s campaign eventually reached First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who championed the cause and persuaded Congress to establish a National Teacher Day in 1953.

But, despite this initial recognition, National Teacher Day did not become an annually observed event for several decades. Various states and organizations marked the day at different times, but there was no consistent national observance.

1980-1984

Years later, in 1980, the National Education Association (NEA), along with state affiliates in Kansas and Indiana, lobbied Congress to formalize National Teacher Day as an annual event, which was first celebrated on March 7 of that year. For the next four years, National Teacher Day continued to be observed in March, even though there was no official Congressional designation.

1984-Now

Then, in 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) decided to prolong the celebration, denoting the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, with National Teacher Day taking place on the Tuesday of that week. The NEA officially adopted this schedule in 1985, cementing the tradition of celebrating both a week-long event and a specific day dedicated to teachers. The week is now marked by schools, communities, and organizations across the United States with events, thank-you notes, and special recognitions for teachers’ contributions.

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with TCEA

Each year, during Teacher Appreciation Week, TCEA offers free membership to all K-16 educators. All you have to do is sign up from May 5-9, 2025, (or sign in to our new system, if you’re an existing member!) and you’re set! Learn more about the benefits of membership here.

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TCEA News

A Conversation with 2025 TCEA Board President, Dr. Cynthia Sosa

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

On April 1, 2025, TCEA welcomed new leaders to our Board of Directors, including 2025 TCEA Board President Dr. Cynthia Sosa. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Sosa to discuss what TCEA means to her, and also her plans for the upcoming year. Here’s what she had to say:

Three Questions for 2025 TCEA Board President Dr. Cynthia Sosa

1. What does being on the TCEA Board of Directors mean to you?

Through and through, I am an educator. So, as I started my career, I learned about the wonderful world of education technology. That was the prime intersection of the 2 things that I love: education and technology. As I continued in my career, I learned about TCEA and I was more passionate about this new and exciting field. I have been a TCEA member for a decade and have chosen to become more involved with the organization as I grew in my expertise in the field and acted on my desire to be more proactive.

Being a board member is fundamentally about being a responsible steward of TCEA’s mission to advance teaching and learning through technology. It means providing strategic oversight, ensuring financial accountability, and working collaboratively with my fellow board members and the executive director to guide the organization towards its goals. It was an important step in my career as I transitioned to more leadership roles amongst peers and to be of service to others. Moreover, serving on the board has helped me to improve my skills and grow my network of colleagues.

This is my sixth year on the board, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to continue to steer TCEA towards success. I am honored to be in this position and do not take it lightly. I believe in contributing my skills and expertise to support TCEA’s continued growth and impact.

2. What do you want to accomplish as the 2025 Board President?

I was eager to start my presidency this year. In the last few years, the Board of Directors have discussed at length its role considering the growth TCEA has undergone with its content offerings and membership. We have shifted our priorities to now focus on governance, continuing to have discussions and take action to streamline it. This means updating policies, board member roles, and the nomination and election process.

But the work doesn’t stop with just board governance; there are other discussions that need our attention. This year, we will develop a strategic plan for the next 5 years, which will give direction to the Executive Director and staff. While the development is part of shared governance, there should be a focus on ensuring membership growth and engagement, building financial sustainability, and advocacy for this field. There are also other conversations that will transpire about the TCEA’s potential impact in the state, nation, and globally.

It is my intent to continue to strengthen the board of directors offering opportunities to learn more about board governance and providing opportunity for them to lead discussions and add action items. It is building trust to continue to have shared governance and a strong board culture that is effective and strategically focused board. Ultimately, my aim is to lead the board in a way that maximizes TCEA’s mission and vision

3. What has been your favorite TCEA memory?

I absolutely love TCEA and am inspired by everyone I meet through this organization. The staff is so dedicated and talented! Our Executive Director has done a superb job of keeping TCEA the best it can be. My interactions with them and other members are always memorable ones.

While I don’t think I have one specific memorable experience because every new event brings new and favorite memories, I would have to choose my first time attending a TCEA Convention. I was blown away at the myriad of sessions! The keynote speakers, the exhibit hall, the number of attendees and the whole experience from beginning to end. I felt inspired that year to start considering my expertise and somehow transition to a teacher leader for education technology at my previous campus.

I felt inspired to continue pursuing this interest and contribute with my own sessions, as well. This inspiration and confidence to try can only be summed up to the values that TCEA encompasses and how encouraging it can feel. It has been said multiple times, but it feels like a family reunion every convention to catch up with others and renew your purpose. This familiarity is what draws so many to TCEA. You will learn, enjoy, and connect whenever you are at a TCEA event.

Learn More

Want to learn more about Dr. Cynthia Sosa? Check out our press release covering the start of her presidential term.

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Classroom ActivitiesEarth DaySeasonal Activities

Resource Roundup: Earth Day Activity Ideas

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Happy (almost) Earth Day! Earth Day 2025 is tomorrow (I know… I can’t believe it’s already the end of April, either…), so our TCEA team wanted to share our past Earth Day resources! We hope these resources might help inspire a young ecologist or conservationist somewhere out there in one of your classrooms. Take a look at these Earth Day activity ideas and fill us in on your Earth Day lesson plans in the comments below!

Earth Day Ideas to Inspire Young Eco-Heroes

This resource is great because it walks you through a fully-engaged Earth Day plan for your school or district. From hosting an assembly to working with students to plant trees around your campus, this wholistic plan is as evergreen as they come! And while it might be too late to call a full on assembly or plan a field trip this year, it’s never too soon to start planning for the 2025-2026 school year, which will be here before you know it!

Here’s an excerpt:

“For educators, Earth Day provides a unique opportunity to inspire students with the values of environmental stewardship, integrating educational activities that emphasize the importance of caring for our planet. Here are several ways K-12 schools can celebrate Earth Day and instill a sense of environmental responsibility.”

Six Resources for Earth Day

While our first resource focused on larger scale activities, these activities are more suited for last-minute lesson planning. Quizzes, eco-friendly tips, an Earth Day pledge, and even an Earth Day Breakout await you in this fantastic collection of Earth Day activity ideas!

Here’s an excerpt:

“There is a wide range of actions that we can take to make a small difference. If everyone participated, we could make BIG, positive change. Check out these five measures you can start today in your classroom and continue throughout the school year. Remember, taking care of the earth is an everyday occurrence, not just once a year!”

Earth Day Digital Breakout

Speaking of that awesome Earth Day Digital Breakout from TCEA’s own Peggy Reimers, you can access that directly by clicking the image above! Like Peggy’s other digital breakouts, this Earth Day activity is an interactive way for students to explore a variety of topics. The process involves using knowledge and reasoning to solve a series of clues that “unlock” digital locks, just as you might with a physical breakout box.

“The Earth Day Breakout has four digital locks, and just like all my breakouts, I can provide the four lock answers if you email me at preimers@tcea.org. This breakout is a good fit for upper elementary to middle school students. However, you know your students best.”

Older Resources

These resources may be a few years old, but they’re still jam packed with helpful resources and activity ideas for your classroom. Check them out!

Get Ready for Earth Day

Digital Resources for Earth Day

Resources to Celebrate Earth Day in Elementary

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English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Reading

Drop Everything and Read this April

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Did you ever have those days as a kid where you’d bury your nose in a good book and devour the whole thing in one sitting? I sure did! Well, with the US literacy rate dropping, inspiring that love of reading in students is more important than ever. This April, join us in celebrating Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) with these fun lesson planning ideas!

What is D.E.A.R.?

D.E.A.R stands for Drop Everything and Read, and is a month-long celebration designed to help readers of all ages prioritize reading. While the celebration technically lasts all month (and we could argue that reading is a year-round priority!), April 12 is noted as the official “Drop Everything and Read Day” in conjunction with author Beverly Cleary’s birthday since D.E.A.R. time was featured in her famed Ramona book series.

Why Drop Everything and Read?

According to a recent study by the National Assessment Governing Board, the average reading scores for both 4th and 8th grade students declined by two points in 2024, as compared to 2022. And, as we know, the best way to get better at a skill like reading is to practice. D.E.A.R allots time specifically for reading and reading-focused activities, giving educators and parents an exciting opportunity to recenter their students or children in their own language arts journey. This, in turn, helps students develop essential literacy skills like reading comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and even build social and emotional skills.

Celebrating D.E.A.R. Day in Your Classroom

Hosting a D.E.A.R session in your classroom is simple. Just follow these basic steps!

  • Create a cozy reading environment with blankets, pillows, or themed decorations.
  • Provide a variety of books to cater to different interests and reading levels.
  • Set aside at least 30 minutes dedicated solely to reading.

And, if you’re looking to expand the D.E.A.R. fun past a single reading session, check out these five activity ideas for your classroom!

Five Fun Activities to Help Students Drop Everything and Read

1. Book Cover Redesign

Have students design a new cover for a book they’ve recently read. Have them include elements like characters, themes, or key events. This activity encourages creativity while reinforcing comprehension.

2. Themed Reading Time

Add excitement to your reading time by incorporating themes like reading with flashlights in the dark, bringing in a stuffed animal to act as a student’s “reading buddy”, or wear pajamas for a cozy reading day!

3. Buddy Reading

Pair students up and have them take turns reading to each other to boost engagement. You could even partner with another class to pair students with older or younger reading buddies!

4. Story Retelling Through Comics

Have students create comic strips based on scenes from the current book they are reading. They should include dialogue, illustrations, and key plot points. This helps students summarize and analyze what they’ve read.

5. Create Your Own Story

Ask students to use what they’ve learned from reading books to write their own short stories with illustrations. This is a great lesson to teach about plot devices in a tangible way. You can follow up this lesson with a showcase where students have the opportunity to share their creations with their classmates.

How are you celebrating D.E.A.R. day?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Classroom ActivitiesEnglish Language Arts Reading (ELAR)ReadingSocial Media

BookTok for Secondary Learners: How Social Media is Shaping Literacy and Reading

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Whether you love it or hate it (or fall somewhere in-between), social media is undoubtedly shaping the minds of today’s students. And, while there are proven downfalls associated with its use, there are also benefits that can come from using social media as a tool. With proper oversight and coaching, this modern-day information overload can actually yield positive results. Check out the benefits of using platforms like BookTok for secondary learners below!

BookTok for Secondary Learners

As an educator, you may have heard of — or even be an active participant in — BookTok. This subculture of TikTok users provides reviews, summaries, read-alongs, and recommendations for book lovers of all ages (see our “Awareness and Oversight” disclaimer below). 

As an avid reader and TikTok user, myself, I can comfortably say that I have discovered and read more books in the past few years than in the entire decade prior, largely due to the community BookTok provides. And while my BookTok focus is on YA and adult fantasy novels, I was shocked to learn just how vast the community actually is! From children’s read-alongs by actual authors to teacher and librarian guides to which popular books may not be appropriate for certain age groups, BookTok provides information and mentorship for all readers. 

But I was even more surprised to hear how BookTok can foster a love of reading and improve literacy skills in secondary students. Yes, you read correctly. There are measured benefits to using social media like BookTok for secondary learners! Crazy, right?

It’s been proven that teens are far more likely to use social media than pick up a book, but what about when that book connects them to an entire social network? That’s BookTok. 

BookTok in Your Classroom

So, what does that mean for your students? Students who use BookTok (properly and with supervision) may experience several benefits, including:

  • Increased Reading Engagement
  • Discovery and Recommendations
  • Positive Impact on Reading Habits
  • Improved Literacy and Critical Thinking

Not to mention a sense of community and belonging, founded on shared interests. 

Activities and Ideas

Ready to incorporate BookTok into your secondary classroom? Check out these fun ideas courtesy of my personal favorite AI tool, Perplexity!

Summer Reading or Favorite Book Pitches: Have students create 30-second pitches about their summer reading or favorite YA books. After each pitch, allow time for questions and discussions, mimicking the “comment” section on TikTok.

Book Recommendations: Use BookTok to deliver book recommendations in a creative way. For example, dress up as a character from the book or use themed music to make the recommendations more engaging.

Compare and Contrast Videos: Encourage students to create short videos comparing and contrasting books based on themes, settings, or characters. This activity promotes higher-order thinking skills.

Book Trailers and Excerpts: Have students create book trailers or read excerpts from books in a TikTok-style format. This can help pique interest in upcoming class readings.

Character Perspectives: Ask students to create videos from the perspective of a character from a book they are reading. They can dress up and share their character’s thoughts and feelings.

Author Interviews: Conduct mock author interviews where students prepare questions and either you or a colleague responds as the author. This can be done in a video format similar to BookTok.

BookToks Instead of Traditional Book Talks: Replace traditional book talks with short BookTok-style videos. This can be a more engaging and time-efficient way to share book recommendations.

Comparing Books to Other Media: Have students create videos comparing books to songs or other media forms. This encourages creativity and critical thinking.

Awareness and Oversight

While BookTok can be a great resource for students, it is also a tag used by adults to share more explicit novels that are not age-appropriate for middle or even high school learners. When you hear students talking about BookTok, or are discussing its use in your classroom, keep an eye out for any inappropriate titles and make sure to oversee or approve student’s selections. 

Do you use social media like BookTok for secondary learners? 

We’d love to hear about your experience! Whether you have an age-appropriate tool for similar video-formatted book reports or have used social media in your own reading lesson plans, let us know in the comments below!

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Good TeachingSocial-Emotional Learning

Five Ways to Build Self-Esteem in K-12 Students

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Did you know that, according to one recent study, more than 60% of adolescents report having low self-esteem? Studies also show, however, that self-esteem and academic engagement are positively correlated, meaning that the classroom is a wonderful place to build self-esteem in K-12 students. 

Building self-worth and value starts at home, of course. But not every child has access to the emotional building blocks they need to thrive. That’s where K-12 educators come in. If you’re looking to develop your students’ self-esteem, whether you work with little learners or high school scholars, make sure to include these five action items in your classroom. 

1. Celebrate Achievements and Progress

When trying to build self-esteem in K-12 students, focus on recognizing and celebrating all achievements, no matter how small. This helps students develop a positive self-image and reinforces their belief in themselves. And while it’s important to celebrate successes, it’s equally as important to celebrate progress and growth. Try shifting the focus of your statements to positive self worth with phrases like, “Thank you for being such a hard worker,” or “I hope you’re proud of yourself for X,Y, and Z.”

2. Foster a Positive Classroom Environment

It’s no secret that self-esteem follows a sense of belonging. In fact, many students develop low self-esteem from feeling like an “other” in their social groups. To combat this, create a safe and inclusive classroom where students feel valued and supported. This environment will encourage participation, risk-taking, and self-expression, leading to a higher belief in oneself. Remember to ensure every student feels included and valued to enhance their sense of belonging.

3. Encourage Self-Expression and Personal Growth

Along with a sense of belonging, a strong sense of self is needed for students’ self-esteem to blossom. Provide ample opportunities for students to engage in activities that promote self-expression — like art, music, or sports — to help build their confidence. Encourage students to explore their interests and passions, which can help develop a sense of identity and self-worth.

4. Model Resilience and Positive Growth

Students, whether big or small, learn by watching the adults in their lives. So, act as a good role model and show how you’ve developed your self-esteem throughout your life! Share personal stories of overcoming challenges to demonstrate that setbacks are normal and can be overcome with persistence, or show students how to manage emotions and cope with stress through positive self-talk and relaxation techniques

5. Promote Self-Awareness and Reflection

The best way to build self-esteem in K-12 students is to teach them to self-reflect and help them develop a sense of self-awareness. Teach students to recognize their strengths and areas for growth through self-reflection and self-assessment by encouraging journaling and creative outlets for self-expression. This will help students develop a positive mindset and self-acceptance.

How do you help your students build their self-esteem? Let us know in the comments below!

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Planning and Preparation

Eight Tips to Spring Clean Your Schedule

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

The days are finally starting to warm up (or at least they are here in Austin, TX…), which means it’s time for some good ol’ spring cleaning. But refreshing your home isn’t the only thing you should be thinking of, when it comes to a little springtime reorganizing. Check out our top eight tips designed to help you spring clean your schedule, from choosing the right planner to using it the right way! 

Spring Clean Your Schedule with These Tips

1. Choose the right planner or planning method.

Reorganizing your schedule starts with finding the right tools. Whether you’re the type to use a physical planner (I know I am!) or the type who prefers a more focused approach, like the Cascade Planning Method, instead, finding the system that works for you is a must. Many Educators swear by physical planners like the Erin Condren Teacher Planner, the Scholastic Less Stress Planner, or the Plum Paper Planner. But, if you’re more likely to follow your own, unique organizational system, you may benefit from keeping a bullet journal, which can be as simple or in-depth as you desire!

2. Add important dates, events, deadlines, and appointments as soon as you know them.

The biggest way to stay on top of looming deadlines, upcoming events, and important dates is to update them in your chosen tool, whether planner or journal, as soon as you confirm them. This also includes sitting down now and adding all recurring dates like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and anything else you do on a yearly basis. Then, make a habit of adding new dates into your calendar as they arise, so that you don’t have to deal with the stress of a forgotten appointment down the road. 

3. Set clear, achievable goals and break them down into smaller tasks.

A big part of scheduling for many people, educators and otherwise, is goal setting. But, when setting goals for an entire year, that can feel super overwhelming. To set yourself up for long-term success, break those larger goals into smaller, short-term pieces. For example, if you want to read 10 books during the upcoming school year, set yourself a goal of one book per month from August to May. If that’s too much to bite off, do some math ahead of time and plan out how many pages per week or even per day that you would need to meet that goal. Scheduling goals out in a bite-sized way is proven to help you feel successful and fulfilled throughout the year. 

4. Use color-coding or symbols to categorize different types of tasks and events.

When you lead a busy life and things get hectic, it can be easy to skim over or entirely miss things you thought you’d so carefully written on your agenda. How can you combat this? Bring attention to key categories with color-coding or special symbols! Choose a highlighter or pen color for each area of your life, like work, family, personal, or special dates. Then, make sure to stick with the same system month after month. An added bonus: this makes your planner way more fun to look at (speaking from personal experience!) 

5. Create task lists, prioritizing items based on importance.

In the same vein of breaking down your goals, creating daily and weekly task lists can help you stay on track with even your loftiest goals. Start with things that need to be done right away so that you don’t run into a time crunch later, like important deadlines. Then move onto necessary tasks, like picking up groceries. Finally, add in all the things that it would be nice to do if you had time. This is usually your social activities, which are still important to a balanced life. Keeping track of these lists will help you ensure that you have time to strike that balance and feel more stable, even when things get busy. 

6. Implement time blocking to allocate specific time slots for different activities.

Have you ever sat down with the intention of getting some quality work done, only to be bombarded with additional tasks or miscellaneous asks? Yeah, I have too… Enter time blocking! Time blocking is where you set aside a specific increment, or block, of time and dedicate it to doing a specific task. This could boil down to work time, family time, or even personal time. Some people swear by this method to simplify their workdays and feel less overwhelmed. In fact, I might even try it myself!

7. Establish a consistent planning routine, such as weekly planning sessions every Monday morning.

While you’re setting up your newly revamped schedule, you’ll want to incorporate regular maintenance to keep yourself on track with your goals and overall workload. Whether it’s first thing on Monday mornings or on a slow Sunday afternoon with a cup of your favorite beverage in tow, pick a weekly time to sit in reflection on how you can improve your week and limit your stress surrounding planning.

8. Regularly review and adjust your schedule to maintain flexibility.

What good is a planner or planning method if you’re not using it? Make sure to regularly check back in to ensure that 1) your chosen method is still a good fit, 2) you’re actually using it and following the steps for success you’ve laid out for yourself, and 3) the methods you’ve chosen are sustainable long-term. 

Remember, it’s never too late to try something new with regards to the way you plan your days. Planning your schedule is so personal that no solution is going to work for everyone. Try out some techniques and let us know what you’re doing to spring clean your schedule this year in the comments below!

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English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Reading

Seven Ways to Celebrate Read Across America Day 2025

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Each March, book lovers across the United States gear up for one of the most anticipated literary events of the year: Read Across America! This nationwide event celebrates not just the act of reading, but the colorful cultural tapestry that literature creates. Check out these seven ideas for celebrating Read Across America Day 2025 in your classroom, school, or district.

initiated by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, has grown from a single-day event into a year-round program that promotes literacy and the joy of reading among children and adults alike14.

Why Read Across America Day 2025 Matters

Read Across America was originally started as a one-day event in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA). Early March was chosen so that the holiday could coincide with the birthday of famous children’s author, Dr. Seuss. Nowadays, National Read Across America Day is more than a chance to celebrate reading — it’s a year-round program that promotes literacy and the joy of reading among children and adults alike.

Especially now, with digital media more prevalent than ever, the importance of fostering a love for reading is paramount. Read Across America serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of books. It helps open doors, cultivate empathy, and inspire our next generation of critical thinkers.

Ideas for Celebrating Read Across America Day 2025

1. Host a Book Character Parade

Encourage students to dress up as their favorite literary characters. This not only makes reading fun but also allows children to literally step into the shoes of diverse characters from various backgrounds.

2. Create Themed Reading Spaces

Transform classrooms or libraries into magical reading nooks inspired by beloved books. A themed corner, like a Wild Things jungle, can ignite imaginations and make reading an immersive experience.

3. Organize a Community-Wide Reading Challenge

Set up a reading challenge that involves the entire community. This could include reading goals, book discussions, and even a “reading marathon” where participants read continuously for a set period.

4. Implement a Book Tasting Event

Set up a “book tasting” where students can sample different genres and styles of literature. This is an excellent way to introduce readers to a wide variety of books and authors they might not otherwise encounter.

5. Launch a StoryWalk®

Create a StoryWalk® in your community, where pages from a children’s book are displayed along a walking route. This combines physical activity with reading, making it a fun family event.

6. Invite Guest Readers

Bring in guest readers from the community – local authors, community leaders, or even high school students – to read to younger children. This can help create positive reading role models.

7. Host an Author Visit

Arrange for an author visit, either in person or virtually. This can provide students with insights into the writing process and inspire budding writers.

Read Across America in Your Classroom

Read Across America Day 2025 is sure to be one for the books, so mark your calendars for March 2 and start planning how you can foster a love of reading in your own classroom!

How are you celebrating Read Across America Day? Let us know in the comments section!

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