Sep 10, 2021

3 Gifts of Grief from the Pandemic

It has been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic shut-down school districts nationwide. The U.S. shifted into a state of loss and then grief. Loss of what we thought was stable including income, job security, and daily routines. Loss of over a year’s worth of social plans we had for ourselves including graduation parties, family reunions, and weddings. Plans have been put on hold repeatedly and hearts have felt the heaviness of disappointment non-stop.

Aug 20, 2021

The Importance of Reflection in Teaching

If this past year taught us anything, it was to pause. The year had many stops, whether it was transitioning from remote to in-person or hybrid learning (or back to remote) or required quarantine.

Aug 06, 2021

Our Top Resources in July 2021

Each month we publish blogs and several newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in July.

Jul 23, 2021

Our Top 5 Resources in June 2021

Each month we publish blogs and several newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in June.

Jul 09, 2021

The Magic Beneath the Surface of EdTech

In many pursuits in life and learning, there are easy ways that cut corners and harder, but more rewarding, avenues to get to your desired destination. The world of edtech is no different, especially with the incredible pace at which technology evolves. 

Jun 25, 2021

Social–Emotional Learning in a Remote Environment

Independence, accountability, and leadership—how do we fit these powerful life skills into a remote learning environment? The start of the school year was an adjustment. Most of our students attended school in a hybrid model while others opted for 100 percent virtual. September was the start of a teaching and learning experience like no other, and we were ready for anything.

Jun 18, 2021

And the Survey Says…

The Covid-19 pandemic forced educators to make many changes in response to instant lockdowns and other unexpected pressures. But one thing educators who read Big Deal Media’s K-12 Technology newsletter didn’t have to change: their reliance on the newsletter as a valuable tool for finding and buying technology resources for their schools and districts.

Jun 04, 2021

A Year in Review: Advice from Teachers Who Lived It

If you had told me back in December of 2019 that every one of my teachers would be proficient at scheduling and managing Zoom meetings and posting electronic assignments multiple times throughout the day using Seesaw and Schoology, I would probably have called you in for a psychiatric evaluation.

May 14, 2021

5 Ways to Engage Learners with Photography

One photograph can tell a unique and compelling story, capturing a specific moment in time and offering students opportunities to examine themselves and the world. Learning with photography can support meaningful self-inquiry, creativity, imagination, and expression in students’ lives, especially during challenging times. Photography can be used as a powerful tool for teaching and learning in the classroom and beyond.

Apr 30, 2021

Elementary Students are Too Young for Virtual Learning! Or Are They?

During evaluations, I make it a habit to ask all of my teachers, “How’s it going?” “Do you need help or assistance with anything?” Mrs. Candice Nurney, a second grade teacher at Sussex Central Elementary School, answered “No, I’m fine and my students are doing well!”

Apr 08, 2021

Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality: Teacher, This Is So Cool!

When I was in fifth grade, I remember my teacher showing us pictures from his summer European travels. It was amazing to me to see such incredible structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Roman Colosseum. Our teacher did a wonderful job of sharing what these locations were like but I remember wishing I was there.

Mar 26, 2021

What to Do If Your Funding Proposal Is Rejected

Rejection can be hard to take, especially when you’ve poured so much time and effort into a great proposal for your school or classroom. You may not know how to proceed after putting your best efforts into a proposal that doesn’t make the cut. A rejected proposal doesn’t have to be the end of your search. Here are some tips on what to do after your proposal is rejected.

Mar 12, 2021

Our Top 5 Resources in February 2021

Each month we publish blogs and several newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in February.

Feb 26, 2021

Funding for School Gardens

Springtime is the perfect time for planting a new garden. If you’ve been dreaming of bringing a garden to your school, check out these funding opportunities to get started.

Feb 12, 2021

What My Online Students Taught Me

I have been working 24/7 since this pandemic began in my role as superintendent, just like all of my educator friends across the state and country have as well. I have searched every resource, looked at every model, and tried to emulate the best of the best. But I forgot one major resource: my students.