By Charles Sosnik
“A pair of Hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that’ll talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again”
–Michael Bublé
When schools closed last March, few imagined we would approach the holiday season with so much uncertainty still in the air. Yet despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19, the spirit of learning and the determination of educators remain intact. Christmas isn’t being stolen—what has changed is how we educate our children. In many ways, that change may lead to improvements in teaching and learning that persist long after the pandemic.
Across the country, districts and educators have been reinventing instruction to address remote and hybrid learning. Rather than surrendering to the crisis, teachers and administrators are using this upheaval as an opportunity to implement long-needed innovations, refine curricula, and rethink how to support every student.
America’s Education Christmas List This Year
Special Needs Engagement – Students with autism spectrum disorder and others with special needs often struggle with changes in routine and may find remote learning isolating. Schools report that these learners need more accessible, interactive tools and personalized strategies to feel connected and to participate meaningfully online.
Recommended resource: Buncee (platform for creating engaging, accessible content)
Student Wellbeing – The pandemic has affected students’ mental, emotional, and social wellbeing in ways few of us anticipated. Educators, parents, and administrators are seeing the impacts daily. Supporting student wellness through counseling, social-emotional learning, and community partnerships is essential for academic success and resilience.
Recommended resource: Skodel (student wellbeing and communication tools)
A New Pony – That one’s just to see if you were paying attention.
Online Literacy Tools – With more time at home and increased screen-based learning, students need high-quality, leveled reading materials to keep them engaged and to develop literacy skills. Relevant digital content that adapts to varying reading levels helps sustain motivation and accelerates progress.
Recommended resource: Achieve3000 (differentiated online literacy platform)
Civics Education – Current events make the need for robust civics instruction unmistakable. Understanding how democracy works, the responsibilities of citizenship, and how public institutions operate can reduce misinformation and improve civic participation. Schools are increasingly looking for engaging civics curriculum that speaks to today’s issues.
Recommended resource: iCivics (civics curriculum and interactive learning)
Safety Materials – Districts continue to invest in physical safety measures such as plexiglass dividers, flexible furniture, and other classroom adaptations that support distancing and reduce transmission risk when students and staff are on site.
Recommended resource: Kay-Twelve (school safety and furniture solutions)
Computer Hardware – The demand for devices continues. Many schools still need Chromebooks, laptops, tablets for take-home use, as well as updated classroom hardware like desktops with large monitors and flat-panel displays to support hybrid instruction and multimedia learning.
Recommended resource: SHI (education hardware and IT solutions)
Software – Effective online instruction relies on learning management systems, single sign-on platforms, video conferencing, and immersive tools like AR/VR. Schools are investing in software that integrates smoothly and supports equitable access and engagement.
Recommended resource: D2L (learning platforms and digital learning tools)
Professional Development – Teachers need targeted training to succeed as virtual instructors. High-quality professional development helps educators design engaging online lessons, use digital tools effectively, and assess learning in hybrid environments.
Recommended resource: Classroom 2.0 (professional learning for digital instruction)
Connectivity – Reliable internet access remains a barrier for many students. Mobile hotspots, community Wi-Fi initiatives, and affordable broadband options are critical to closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable participation in remote learning.
Recommended resource: T-Mobile (education connectivity programs)
Curriculum – With teaching models shifting, districts are reassessing curricular materials across all subjects. The pandemic has prompted many to seek better courseware that supports independent learning, remote instruction, and differentiated pathways so students can progress no matter the setting.
Recommended resource: Discovery Education (digital curriculum and resources)
Santa is Stepping Up
This year, the EdTech budget and district purchases reflect an urgent effort to fill gaps and modernize learning. With federal relief funds, grants, and district reallocations, many purchasing teams are prioritizing tools that directly support student learning, safety, and equity. Educators should advocate clearly for what their students need—explain the instructional impact, cite student benefits, and be specific about resources required.
Don’t let students go without essential supports. Communicate your priorities to purchasing departments and decision-makers. In many districts, funds are available this year for meaningful investments. Now is the time to secure the tools, training, and technologies that will help learners thrive in hybrid and remote environments and beyond.
About the author
Charles Sosnik is an education journalist and editor who serves as Editor in Chief at the Learning Counsel. An EP3 Education Fellow, he draws on deep connections within the education community to bring context to the conversation about learning, technology, and policy. Charles writes regularly for leading education publications and is known for combining practical insight with thoughtful commentary.