“Why are we learning this?” By Lauren Hurt-Ashwin From kinder through high school, students give us 20,000 hours of their lives. It’s no surprise they eventually start asking, “Why are we learning this?” That’s actually a valid question! Authenticity helps students find relevance in their... November 16, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
4 Best Practices for An Amazing School Culture Everybody wants to have a fun, positive culture. You can implement all the strategies you want, but at the end of the day, a strong culture trumps strategy. Culture enables teams to work more efficiently and produce higher quality results.... August 18, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
A Plate Full of Initiatives by Janet Mobley With the holiday season approaching, think of all of the food that will be prepared as families and friends gather together. Just for a second, envision how someone’s plate might look with turkey, ham, dressing (delicious), mashed... October 30, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
A Project Management Series | Skills Growth for the K-12 Learner As educators, we have an amazing responsibility and mission to prepare our children for college, careers, and life. We bring formal education and life experiences to the learning environment. While academic achievement around content standards is critical and necessary, we... November 14, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
A Project Management Series | Success Criteria By Albert Martinez We’ve all been involved in projects, whether in the workplace or at home. We’ve also experienced the much-dreaded project failure. Why does it happen to us and what did we miss? In K-12, schools not only need... September 29, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Badges? I want some stinking badges! Ever wanted to go back and relive your scouting days? Great news! You can earn badges through e2L Studio. You can save them on to your eStudio Profile or even print them out and put them on the walls of... May 22, 2018May 3, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Blended learning is everywhere! Too often blended learning is thought of as a one-off addition, or that it’s only for STEM and STEAM programs. Some believe only magnet schools and gifted and talented programs can make blended learning a reality. Fortunately, none of this... October 4, 2018October 3, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Building An Innovative Learning Environment On The Cheap Did you know that traditional classroom design comes from the Industrial Era? This outdated learning environment design pushes obedience over autonomy and recitation over actual learning. How many workplaces do you know of where the boss stands at the front... August 22, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Critical Analysis Best Practices Humans analyze almost constantly throughout our day. We ask ourselves numerous questions as we plan our actions. What time do I need to leave to get to work? How do I phrase something in a meeting? Adults aren’t unique in... March 15, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Dear Sage On The Stage: Alternatives to Direct Instruction Picture this: you sign up to attend a professional development program and you’re fired up about the speakers and topics. You’re eager to soak everything in and really get some great takeaways from the experience. But then the speaker comes... November 1, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Digital literacy and achievement Digital literacy is the key to navigating an uncertain but bright future. As the world continues to digitize in new, exciting ways, it’s clear that our students’ futures will be filled with screens. They need to not only understand technology,... June 19, 2018June 13, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Direct Instruction in a Small Group Environment By Teresa Tate As a teacher, I pondered how I could deliver direct instruction that my students needed if they were working independently or in small groups. I questioned, “How can my students learn if I’m not directly teaching them?”... May 1, 2018April 23, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
e2L Has A New Look! The world of education is in constant flux, and as a team of educators, so are we. Check out engage2learn’s new look, which we’ve updated to better reflect our mission. Why a rebrand? A vital part of e2L’s mission is... March 13, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
e2L is on fire with hot EdTech trends We firmly believe that education will continue to modernize thanks to the growing technology trends. EdTech promises to make our learning more efficient as it plays a central role in public schools. In fact, ISTE recently released a report on... March 20, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Education is Life Itself One classroom. One teacher. An average of 30 students per class. Deadlines. Curriculum. Pacing guides. Formal exams. Gaps. Grades and report cards. Add to that, the expectation that students must learn, “How to learn” in contrast to “What to learn”... January 25, 2019January 25, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
Engaging All Learners You know those students who sit in the back row of the classroom and are usually either asleep or otherwise oblivious to what is going on around them? The ones who avoid the front row like the plague? The ones... October 6, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Finding Meaning Admist Darkness By Christin Leggett As an educator and military spouse, I often find myself looking for an explanation for our life’s purpose. After all, those living a similar gypsy lifestyle are all too... June 5, 2018May 22, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
From Future Ready to Life Ready The e2L team is no stranger to Future Ready learning. But as our mission progresses, we find there’s sometimes a need to adjust our thought process, and thus change the terminology we use for that process. For this reason, we’re... February 13, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
How Buildings Influence Behaviors By Shannon Buerk You know how when you walk into a place and you get an immediate sense of the culture? Places have a feel to them. I remember my classroom when I was a first-year teacher. It was sterile.... October 24, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
How Campus Culture Influences Classroom Culture Leaders are the heart of their campus. A leader’s decisions can determine student outcomes, teacher success, and even the campus culture as a whole. A campus culture is a unique outlook or set of behaviors that defines a school–but did... August 17, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
How Communities Improve Student Performance We live in an ever-changing world. As our futures evolve, our approach to learning and teaching must also evolve to keep up with the economy of tomorrow. It’s our mission at engage2learn to make sure learners are prepared for this... August 8, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
How e2L helps IR campuses All schools have their challenges. But an “Improvement Required” campus faces additional challenges and pressures. Where does a campus turn to find help in facilitating an IR turnaround? What’s the best way to get a school out of IR status... September 7, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
How One-on-One Meetings Changed the Way We Do Business by Shannon K. Buerk People often ask me if I had always planned to own my own business. The answer is surprisingly no! I thought I would be a classroom teacher until our children graduated and then become a professor.... January 15, 2019June 24, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
How to conduct an amazing facilities assessment Learning doesn’t happen without an effective environment. Even if we coach and train teachers and leaders to the best of their abilities, they still rely on an amazing environment to facilitate learning. That’s why public schools often find themselves evaluating... October 11, 2018October 5, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
How to implement badging and micro-credentialing for innovative learning It’s a new year, and it’s a fresh chance to make and meet new goals. As we dive headfirst into 2018, one thing is for sure: technology will continue to play a huge role in education. Although tech can’t replace... February 1, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
If You Build it…They Will Learn When building a house, one of the key components is the framework. It starts with a vision, a solid blueprint plus a plan for implementation. Once construction begins, the team works together to bring the vision/call to action of the... February 1, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
Introducing the Game Changers 2017 – 2018 Cohort I’m so excited to start our Game Changers series again this year! This is one of my favorite things that we have ever done. I love to learn from other people so much, and being able to learn from the... October 3, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Invest in educational equity to show students how much you care for them Classrooms are sacred places for our youth. This is where the foundational skills needed to graduate and reach their personal goals are established. Students who have solid foundations easily stand out in a crowd. Their Life Ready Skills speak loudly... February 15, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
It’s not luck. It’s focus. “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.... April 3, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Learning to Design Inspiring Educational Environments “Having a safe space to imagine and dream and (re)invent yourself is the first step to being happy and successful, whatever road you choose to pursue.” ~ Ashley Bryan Every fall teachers begin the ritual of decorating their classrooms and... February 12, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
Linking Learning Environments and Culture Culture is critical in producing the results you want from your educators and learners. While leaders can take a starring role in building a school culture, the learning environment itself influences culture as well. Here’s how you can help create... August 29, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Motivating Students Before and After Testing By Dr. Luz Martinez Since the publication of “No Child Left Behind,” high-stakes testing has become a current reality in our educational environments. In this reality, students of various grade levels are required to take standardized tests in specific areas and in specific... April 26, 2018April 19, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
My “Why” for Choosing Public Education By: Shannon Buerk, Founder and CEO of engage2learn I have always loved memorials that serve as reminders of pivot points in our history. When our path is challenging, we need reminders of why we do what we are doing, especially... February 5, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
Non-Traditional Learning and Life Ready Skills (LRS) By Amanda Stephens My path to a college education has been non-traditional at best and glacial at worst. Working a full-time job, combined with financial and family obligations, have occasionally reduced me to taking only a course or two per... January 16, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Nurturing A Growth Mindset By Shannon Buerk Driving back home to the coast after Hurricane Harvey, I was so moved by the scene at every turn. Images of irreparable damage: flattened homes and businesses, metal buildings cut up like paper through a shredder, power... September 5, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
On Winning A Stevie By Shannon Buerk I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has so graciously congratulated me on winning the Stevie Award for Most Innovative Woman of the Year in Technology in 2017. In the post-awards ceremony interview, I... March 29, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Out Of The Norm: How Norms Influence Culture Norms aren’t something we always think about, but they’re everywhere. Norms are the reason we wait in lines at the grocery store, make eye contact while chatting with a friend, and brush our teeth before work. A norm is simply... August 10, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Preparing Students to be Ready for Life The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be challenging. Imagine how difficult it would be to transition without the skills necessary to function in today’s society. Skills such as Communication, Collaboration, and a healthy Growth Mindset are just a few... January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
Small Group Instruction is No Small Feat By Christin Leggett According to Time Magazine, “When we free ourselves from the notion of one person delivering information at the front of a classroom at a set pace, it allows us to completely rethink our assumptions of what a... April 19, 2018April 19, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Social emotional learning makes schools safer School is back in session, and campuses are abuzz with activity. Safety and security is always a concern in public schools, especially after many acts of violence in our schools last year. Educators, leaders, community members, parents, and students are... September 4, 2018August 27, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Spring Break Reading List For Educators Happy almost spring break, educators! We’re sure you aren’t short of ideas of how to spend the week. It’s a great time to relax and recharge before finishing the school year strong. One great way to relax and practice self-care... March 5, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The 5 Love Languages in the Classroom By Lauren Hurt-Ashwin I’ve always been obsessed with the psychology of relationships, and as a newlywed, it was no different. As many do, my husband and I read and implemented “The 5 Love Languages” book to ensure that the love... February 14, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The A,B,C’s of (Real World) Success By Ryan Pflughaupt It was a chilly January evening in a small, rural district in South Texas where community stakeholders gathered to provide district leaders with valuable feedback concerning the expectations they had for their children’s school experience. Also assembled... November 21, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The Art of Feedback with eGROWE No matter what field one is in and even in personal relationships, providing feedback and learning or developing new habits is an important and delicate process. These conversations should always result in growth. This can be difficult, however, without a... January 18, 2019January 21, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
The Best Free Back-To-School Apps School is almost back in session! As teachers decorate their classrooms and prepare for a new school year, it’s the perfect time to find new tools and resources to help make this year even better than the last. Here’s a... August 3, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The e2L Blended Framework: A Journey of Growth By Samantha Parker If you have read my fellow eGrowe coach, Robyn Scott’s, blog post on “Using the School Design Framework as the One Thing” you already understand how the engage2Learn Blended Framework incorporates the facilitation of 21st Century Life... November 30, 2018November 30, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The Four Tendencies and Training By Jamie Zertuche and Ashley Guadarrama You are about to embark on a training journey! This training will be different. It will not be as teacher-directed as most training environments. You will be asked to self-assess, set goals, take risks, and... June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The Importance of Culture Or: Striving for a Mickey Mouse Operation by Amanda Stephens Long before I had ever heard of organizational culture or began to consider its importance in developing an innovative workplace, I saw a sign on my college campus: the distinctive shape of... February 8, 2019 by engage2learn Read More
The Importance of Formative Feedback By Kammi Green Why Formative Feedback? This summer I set a goal to run a half-marathon in 2 hours this coming December 2017. This is a big goal for me, considering my fastest time is 2 hours and 15 minutes.... October 17, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The importance of self-reflection for learning Reflection is more than your face in the mirror. Self-reflection has a vital role to play in learning, both for adults and young learners. See why self-reflection is a big deal in education, and how you can actionably bring it... May 17, 2018May 7, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The Magical Power of Goal Setting If you ask any teacher what he or she desires for their students, be ready for a heartfelt response. You might hear something like, “I want my students to be self-directed, have great communication skills, master the content and grow... September 26, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The meaning of growth mindset – and how to develop one We talk a lot about growth mindset at e2L. But what exactly is a growth mindset? And how do you accomplish the more daunting task of developing a growth mindset? What is a growth mindset? Author and professor Carol Dweck... May 24, 2018May 8, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
The Science of Small Group Instruction By Sonia Delgado The task of meeting the needs of students with varying abilities, attitudes, learning styles, perceptual modes, multiple intelligences, diverse languages and multicultural backgrounds is often our biggest challenge in the classroom. Planning and implementing small group instruction... April 12, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Time to learn! The e2L YouTube channel Did you know that engage2learn has a YouTube channel? Our team regularly uploads videos that show the work of our great partners, who change the lives of students every day. Our channel also features interviews with superintendents, classroom tours with... May 3, 2018May 3, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
To Be or Not To Be An Entrepreneur By Chris Everett It is interesting that in today’s society we have significantly elevated the idealism of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial capacities. Ultimately, there seems to be this assumed association between entrepreneurialism and all of the great thinking and doing qualities... November 30, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Using the School Design Framework as the One Thing by Robyn Scott Is this just one MORE thing or the ONE thing? It’s no secret classroom teachers feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted by their daily workload. I remember how excited and naive I was about becoming a teacher. I... November 13, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
Welcome to e2L Studio! Welcome to e2L Studio! We hope that it will help make your job easier and more engaging! So here’s a question for you: what do you need from e2L Studio? Do you need a library of resources to bring in... May 8, 2018April 27, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
What A Bright 2017! As 2017 draws to a close, it’s important to reflect and celebrate. It was a banner year for e2L, but more importantly, it was a great year for our partner districts and their learners! In honor of educators’ hard work,... December 12, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
What do I do now? You logged in to e2L Studio, and now you’re staring at the screen. So many options. So much stuff. Where should you even start? Today, we’d like to introduce the Learning Library in e2L Studio, your home for finding and... May 15, 2018April 27, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
What exactly is coaching and why is it so important? We’re all humans, and that means we have the potential to learn and grow. Growth takes shape in so many forms, whether it’s as simple as remembering a traffic shortcut or as amazing as curing a deadly disease. Sometimes we’re... August 1, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
What is a High Performance Culture? When e2L partners with a district, we strive to create a High Performance Culture. But what exactly is a High Performance Culture (HPC)? Is all this talk about culture just fluff, or is there a measurable return on HPCs? Too... March 1, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
What is social emotional learning (SEL)? Education is a complex system. We want learners to emerge from public school with both hard facts and the Life Ready Skills that prepare them for both present and future challenges, inside and outside of the classroom. As we talk... March 27, 2018April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More
What kind of learner are you? Everyone processes information differently, but there are three main categories of learners. The most common learner types are visual, auditory, and tactile. Your learner style will influence how you break down information as well as the best way to absorb... November 1, 2017April 12, 2018 by engage2learn Read More