As your children begin to transition back into the classroom, life will yet again change for your family. Routines, either altered or dropped as we moved into the COVID online learning world, will need to be re-established and tailored to fit the new reality of our kids going back to school. It can seem overwhelming to think about the logistical problems to solve, especially if in-person is only for a fraction of a day. Maybe we can use this time as a learning opportunity for our kids. We all want to raise critical thinkers who can break down a complex [...]

Many schools are transitioning back to hybrid and in-person education, inviting students back into the halls and classrooms that have stood empty for over a year. The logistics are daunting. Despite all of the safety precautions required to accomplish this move, the transition also offers us a chance to reimagine how our education system operates. It gives us a powerful opportunity to begin to create more equitable, engaged, trauma-responsive school communities, where everyone feels as though they belong and they matter. Now is the time to create structures and practices that better serve all of our students. All students have [...]

Education is undergoing another major transition. There are voices of power from state governments, districts, and school administrators attempting to balance pandemic safety needs and the learning needs of youth. All stakeholder voices should be heard in the planning and reimagining of education, including students' voices. Students have a unique perspective on classrooms, schools, and the education system. If we actively seek their contributions to both identify problems and offer potential solutions, we can tap into creative ideas and empower students in the process. Providing opportunities for meaningful student input requires adults in education to prioritize asking rather than telling, [...]