Author: By Kseniia Begma, IB Educator

Key points: The demands of modern education often leave teachers and students feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. From juggling multiple responsibilities to meeting high expectations, burnout has become a significant challenge in schools. Social-emotional learning (SEL) offers a way to combat this issue, providing tools to build resilience, foster connection, and … Read More

Key points: Even before COVID-19, data revealed concerning trends related to youth mental health. Between 2011 and 2019, the number of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness increased nearly 10 percent, from 28 percent to 37 percent. COVID-19, and the isolation and uncertainty that accompanied it, … Read More

Key points: Chronic absenteeism remains a nationwide challenge, despite efforts to return to normalcy post-pandemic. And the data suggests we are far from solving it. Right now, one in four classroom seats sits empty–nearly double since the pandemic. This alarming trajectory could have a long tail for students, who will face not … Read More

Key findings: A national survey of educators and principals shows a record number of K-12 schools reporting social and emotional learning (SEL) implementation, according to new research from CASEL and RAND. By the 2023-24 school year, 83 percent of school principals reported that their schools used an SEL curriculum. That … Read More

Key points: At some point in their career, every teacher will find themselves having a difficult discussion with their students. My first took place not long after I began teaching. It involved one of my students coming up to me and (no joke) declaring that eating your boogers made you … Read More

Key points: In today’s diverse educational landscape, fostering a safe and inclusive environment isn’t just a moral imperative–it’s crucial for effective learning. As educators, we understand that students thrive academically when they feel safe, valued, and respected. By honoring and embracing our students’ cultural backgrounds, we not only create a … Read More