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Learning Curve

Teacher holding book standing with students at desk following along the book and taking notes

The big lessons of smaller class sizes

Three teachers in Queens — the New York City borough with the most overcrowded classrooms — drive home the benefits of the state's class size law, which mandates smaller numbers of students per class, by sharing their experiences from the front lines.

Protect play

Protect play: an essential ingredient in early childhood success

Play fosters a lasting love of learning, and must be protected in early childhood classrooms. Research overwhelmingly reinforces the benefits of play-based instruction. Children who engage in cooperative play generally have higher self-esteem, and play fosters social skills like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. Active learning has been shown to boost academic achievement and retention compared to teacher-led instruction.
Partnering with paraprofessionals

Partnering with paraprofessionals

When teachers and paraprofessionals are on the same page, the classroom becomes a place of unity and students are the beneficiaries. Teachers across the city discuss the benefits of forging strong, healthy relationships with the paraprofessionals with whom they work.
Harnessing AI to support educators

Harnessing AI to support educators

As AI penetrates public education faster than policy can keep up, educators are being asked to navigate powerful new tools with little guidance. To help fill that void, the AFT has released a framework meant to ensure AI supports teaching and learning rather than undermines it.


Student journalism

Student journalism as ‘participatory civics’

A handful of New York City teachers, as part of the citywide Journalism for All initiative, are leading a revival: bringing back student journalism to public high schools.


Building rapport from the start

Building rapport from the start

As any seasoned teacher will tell you, it’s important to start the school year off on a good note. Along with essentials like reviewing classroom rules and units of study, ice breakers play a key role in setting the right tone and building rapport with a new group of students.