Oakland Schools’ Post

At Great Hearts Texas, our faculty cultivates a unique balance in our classrooms of Order and Joy. This "Ordered Joy" creates a harmonious environment and the perfect structure for learning and growing together in a community. Discover the Great Hearts difference by applying today #GreatHeartsTexas #ClassicalEducation #CharterSchools #Education #JoyfulLearning"

Building Racially Affirming Learning Spaces: Empathy means listening with humility and trying to more deeply understand the experiences and feelings of other people. During our work with Dallas ISD's Student + Teacher Design Collaborative on Race and Racism, we had students and teachers use story-based questions to build empathy for one another and uncover unacknowledged needs. Learn more: https://loom.ly/OzxCluE

Building Racially Affirming Learning Spaces: Empathy means listening with humility and trying to more deeply understand the experiences and feelings of other people. During our work with Dallas ISD's Student + Teacher Design Collaborative on Race and Racism, we had students and teachers use story-based questions to build empathy for one another and uncover unacknowledged needs. Learn more: https://loom.ly/OzxCluE

We're bringing you another installment of our K-8 teacher series with a Q&A featuring 7-8 social studies teacher Elijah Church! Read our full conversation with Church on the blog, below

Schools serve as the cornerstone of a child's formative years, ideally fostering an environment where young minds can flourish. At their core, schools should be spaces of joy and camaraderie, where children engage with both their peers and teachers, forming meaningful connections. These relationships, grounded in care and love, are the bedrock of a nurturing educational setting. In such an atmosphere, students can thrive emotionally and academically, their curiosity and creativity ignited by the safety and support they experience. A happy school begets happy children. When a child's well-being is prioritized, their capacity to learn and absorb knowledge is enhanced. They become enthusiastic and active participants in their educational journey, eager to explore the world around them. These vibrant, joy-filled students are more likely to excel academically and, in the long run, contribute positively to society. In essence, education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing young hearts and minds, cultivating happy learners who are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that await them.

This heartfelt message emphasizes the profound impact of education on young voices and the responsibilities we hold as educators and adults. "Every Opportunity" by Atlanta Speech School serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by students in our schools and the power of education to nurture their voices. It calls on us to be more than passive observers, encouraging us to spark a movement by sharing the video, initiating dialogues, and ensuring that every child's voice is acknowledged and empowered. Here are some key pointers to remember when striving to create a heartwarming and empowering school environment: 1. Active Listening:Take the time to genuinely listen to students, their concerns, and their aspirations. Make them feel heard and valued. 2. Open Dialogue: Encourage open and honest communication between students, teachers, and parents. Create a safe space for discussing challenges and seeking solutions. 3. Empathy: Put yourself in the students' shoes to better understand their experiences, struggles, and needs. 4. Inclusivity: Foster an inclusive environment where all voices, regardless of background or abilities, are celebrated and embraced. 5. Mentorship: Provide mentorship and support systems for students, helping them develop their skills and confidence. 6. Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward not only academic achievements but also personal growth, character, and resilience. 7. Advocacy: Advocate for policies and resources that benefit students' well-being and educational opportunities. 8. Community Engagement: Involve parents, local communities, and organizations in the educational journey of students. 9. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and adapt teaching methods and school policies to meet the evolving needs of students. 10. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values of respect, kindness, and a passion for learning to inspire students to do the same. Through this we can create a nurturing and empowering school environment that helps every child realize their potential and flourish. #EducationMatters #EveryOpportunity #EmpowerYoungVoices #StudentVoice #InclusiveEducation #HeartwarmingSchool #EducationForAll #ListenToStudents #ChangeMakers #SupportOurYouth #EducationEmpowers #YouthEmpowerment #BuildingBetterSchools #EmpatheticTeaching #EducationAdvocacy

For all you Intentionally Small School folks out there, the author, Chris King, acknowledges that while there's a common belief that small schools are most at risk during challenging times, he argues that this viewpoint is too simplistic. Small schools, according to King, can thrive if they adapt to their size and market themselves effectively, emphasizing the merits of being a smaller institution. The key, as suggested, is for small schools to align their structure with the needs of their current market and highlight the advantages of their size rather than viewing it as a limitation. ECIS, the Educational Collaborative for International Schools, Laura Benson (she/her), Kevin Bartlett, Sarah Kupke, Owen Murphy, Alison Stark, Wayne Johnson, Stuart Grauer

"Doing this job while knowing how crucial early childhood is to a child's later success in school, lights a fire in me and an excitement because I know these years are the most important. Giving them those tools as early as possible is a huge benefit." Listen here: https://spoti.fi/46XjOKe New Memphis Educators of Excellence, Stephanie Sacco and Michaela Arguin, are sharing the importance of early childhood education, how a strong foundation creates success for years to come, talking about the barriers to universal Pre-K, and more!

Today's participation of Stephanie Land at #Chronfest has truly captured my attention and sparked important reflections. Her insights into motherhood, hunger, and higher education have shed light on the challenges that many mothers face, both as students and as academics. Stephanie's discussion highlighted the intricate balance that mothers often navigate between pursuing higher education and fulfilling their roles as caregivers. Her story resonated deeply, underscoring the need for more support systems and resources to empower mothers in their academic journeys. As I listened to Stephanie's experiences, it became evident that higher education institutions need to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by mothers. It's not just about being a student while being a mother, but also about fostering an inclusive environment for mothers who aspire to contribute as academics. Balancing research, teaching, and family responsibilities can be an intricate juggling act, and it's crucial that we create spaces where their voices and perspectives can thrive. Stephanie's words have reinforced my commitment to advocating for accessible education and supportive environments for mothers in higher education. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and understanding educational landscape where every individual can pursue their academic passions without compromising their roles as parents. #HigherEd #Motherhood #Inclusivity

Are you concerned with the state of education in the US? Are you a concerned parent looking for other options? Does your child love learning but hate school? The current school system treats most children as if they are all the same and live siloed compartmentalized lives. What if there were options where age did not determine grade level, where youth could be working at a variety of skill levels based off hers/his/their strengths and challenges. Where they didn’t go to math class than English class than science, etc but instead worked on project and experience based learning incorporating all elements. You know like we do as adults. In our working and professional lives, we work with all different ages, a variety of skill levels and combine multiple disciplines. If we want our youth to be prepared to be successful global citizens shouldn’t schools mirror successful environments - autonomy, imagination, creativity, the freedom to fail, freedom of expression, a safe place to be their authentic selves? We discussed this and more with Benita C. Gordon If you are in south Florida/Miami/Miami Dade County, check out @ggecacademy as an educational solution to meet your middle schoolers needs. For the full episode, link in comments