By Yvette Manns Allowing students to show up as their authentic selves helps educators build confident, lifelong readers. Many educators enter this work because they want every child to have a fair chance, regardless of zip code, family background, or exposure to rich language at home. Students also deserve space to express their authentic selves … Read more

By Betsy Hill and Roger Stark Why Academic Performance Still Matters As educators and parents ask what matters most for students’ futures, one question keeps surfacing: is academic performance truly important, and if so, why? At first glance the answer seems obvious—yes. But to be useful, that answer should explain what academic achievement actually opens … Read more

Education Insights Report Reveals Engagement Challenges and Clear Opportunities for K–12 Schools The Education Insights Report by Discovery Education highlights the most urgent challenge facing K–12 educators today: student engagement. Based on survey data collected in August 2024 by The Harris Poll on behalf of Discovery Education, the report represents the perspectives of 1,524 respondents, … Read more

By Chris McMurray Teaching students to code is one of the most valuable skills schools can offer. Beyond improving writing and math abilities, coding builds a problem-solving mindset, nurtures creativity, and prepares young people for a workforce increasingly shaped by technology. The strongest reason to introduce coding early is that it cultivates computational thinking and … Read more

Written By: Stephen D. Senturia Too often students respond to red marks and harsh comments on an essay or term paper with tears, anger, or a sense of personal rejection. That reaction is understandable: you invested effort and personal thinking in that piece of writing, and a negative response feels like a judgment of you. … Read more

Are you thinking about being your own boss? With so many side hustles and flexible work opportunities available today, choosing self-employment can be both liberating and daunting. The freedom to set your schedule and build a business on your terms comes with responsibility and planning. Below are three practical, proven options to consider—each can start … Read more

This is the eighth interview in our thought-leadership series featuring teachers at 51Talk. Online job reviews often focus on negative stories, but many positive experiences go unreported. The interview below shares how teaching online for 51Talk made a meaningful difference in one educator’s life. For more teacher stories, see the list of previous interview titles … Read more

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, … Read more

Have you ever stopped to consider how much ordinary office life has shifted in just the last five years—or over the last three decades? A friend who stayed with the same company for 34 years shared his most memorable observations and short anecdotes. Below I’ve rewritten and organized his reflections in clear English to show … Read more

By Betsy Hill and Roger Stark Debate continues around cognitive training—also known as brain training—with many people expressing healthy skepticism. That skepticism is valuable, especially when programs claim to affect learning, attention, or overall wellbeing. At the same time, an open, evidence-focused approach helps determine which programs are effective. Below are common concerns we hear … Read more