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Sandy Scragg

New York Teacher Reporter

Shedding light on a crisis

According to a 2021 survey of city educators, just slightly more than half of us teach students about climate change, and those who do only address it for about two hours per year. A group of dedicated educators is trying to shift that paradigm. These educators advocate for policies to integrate climate education across the curriculum and produce teaching resources to speed their adoption.

Mindfulness digital resources abound

Between the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of social media, many students are dealing with anxiety, lack of focus, tumultuous emotions or depression. There’s a proven strategy that can help: mindfulness. Here are some digital resources that can help teachers bring mindfulness practices into the classroom.

Attaining National Board certification

Officially known as the second differential (C6 + PD), most members achieve the salary differential with the highest pay scale by taking 30 course credits beyond their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. But a lesser-known path to the top differential is to receive certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

A graphic design tool for educators

Canva is a popular online graphic design platform that has made premium features available to K-12 teachers for free. Canva for Education offers sophisticated designs that are easily customizable with templates created expressly for educators.

Reimagining homework assignments

How often should we assign homework? How much homework should we give? How much should we weigh homework when we calculate grades? Or should we even assign homework? Hear educators who have grappled with these questions.

Powerful tools for special needs students

Assistive technology can be a game changer for special needs students. The following resources can supplement any assistive technology you may already use in your classroom.

Career options are just a click away

Middle and high schools may host career days or Junior Achievement speakers, but online resources can also help students discover where their skills and interests might one day lead them.

COVID death benefits extended

The New York State accidental death benefit for in-service UFT members and other public employees who have passed away due to COVID-19 has been extended through Dec. 31, 2024, thanks to the advocacy of the UFT and other public employee unions.

Exercising tech options for phys ed

Digital tools can be helpful additions to physical education classes to enhance student motivation, fine-tune form, accommodate differentiation and offer choices to students.

Student-created podcasts

Creating podcasts with your middle and high school students isn’t just a trendy project, it’s a task that teaches important skills and is fun and motivating for students.