LINKS FOR YOU
🌱 Teaching ELA Outside in Springtime Getting restless high schoolers outdoors for English class can breathe new life into springtime learning.
💭 New research explores why students have become hesitant to engage in classroom discussions. Is Classroom Discussion a Dying Art?
🚀 Scaffolding Like a Pro: Powerful Ways to Support Learning Master the art of scaffolding with powerful strategies that transform how students climb the ladder of learning.
⏱️ Strategies to optimize prep time and focus on what matters most: mastering essential standards. Strategies That Help Teachers Make the Most of Time Spent Planning for Essential Standards
📚 Relationships Are Key to Kids’ Growth — And They’re in Crisis, Expert Says Research reveals an alarming focus on testing while neglecting the vital role of relationships in student development.
GRANTS FOR PD
👩🏫 2025-2027 Grow Your Own High School Education & Training Grant Empower your district to build their own teacher pipeline through high school education programs.
💻 Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Grant FY25 Grant funding available to advance digital-age teaching and learning innovations across North Carolina.
📚 Ohio’s K-12 Comprehensive Literacy State Development Subgrant Literacy funding supports K-12 teachers in boosting student reading and writing skills across Ohio.
🎓 Supporting Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship (CTRA) Program FY25 Innovative pathway to develop and retain high-quality educators through this apprenticeship program in Pennsylvannia.
📊 Golden Leaf Schools Initiative New initiative in North Carolina targets enhanced math instruction and school management systems to build stronger educational outcomes.
JOBS
🧪 Join Caliber Public Schools as a Middle School Science Teacher shaping young minds in Richmond, CA.
🏃♀️ Teacher - Physical Education (Grades K-8) Build healthy foundations and active lifestyles as a K-8 PE teacher in Cochiti, NM.
👶 Lead early childhood education innovation as Director of Early Learning in Austin, TX.
🏫 Shape young minds as an Assistant Elementary School Principal at Highlands SD, Tarentum, PA.
🎓 School Counselor Guide students toward bright futures at Shenendehowa Central School District in Newark, NJ
ONE BIG IDEA
Open Google Classroom at any moment and you'll see learning in action.
Students collaborating on projects across different class periods, teachers providing real-time feedback on essays, and class discussions continuing long after the bell has rung.
That's the power of Google Classroom in action.
Because let's be honest - education isn't confined to classroom walls anymore.
Learning happens everywhere, at any time, and needs to work for every student.
Google Classroom isn't just another tech platform. It's the digital bridge that connects students to learning opportunities, no matter where they are or how they learn best.
Think of it like a well-organized digital backpack. Everything students need is right there - assignments, resources, feedback, and conversations with their teachers and peers.
Standard learning management systems can leave gaps in the learning experience.
Some platforms focus solely on assignment submission without supporting real interaction.
Others overwhelm users with complex features that rarely get used.
And many lack the seamless integration with daily tools that teachers and students actually need.
The solution isn't about adding more features – it's about making the right ones work better for everyone.
Research shows that when students have a platform like Google Classroom, they:
Most importantly, Google Classroom prepares students for real life, where success depends on being able to learn and adapt in any situation.
When Google Classroom truly shines, it transforms everyday teaching moments into powerful learning experiences.
Let's dive into what makes it special:
Magic in the Making: AI Integration
The integration of Gemini AI brings a whole new dimension to learning.
Gemini acts like a digital teaching assistant, helping students develop ideas, refine their work, and explore new perspectives - all within the familiar Classroom environment.
Where Everything Flows
Smart Tools, Smarter Learning
Learning Without Limits
Whether students are working from their laptops in class, tablets at home, or phones on the go, Google Classroom keeps them connected to their learning journey.
This isn't just about accessing assignments - it's about maintaining those vital connections between students, teachers, and their work.
These aren't just features on a screen - here's how teachers are using Google Classroom to transform their teaching in practical, powerful ways:
The Writing Coach
Making Math More Accessible
Project-Based Learning Amplified
These features don't just save time - they create richer, more engaging learning experiences that work for everyone.
Making the most of Google Classroom doesn't mean changing everything overnight.
Here's how teachers are leveling up their digital classroom game, one feature at a time:
Start with What Works
Already using Classroom for assignments? Try adding more detailed rubrics or enabling peer reviews. Using it to share resources? Start organizing materials into topics for easier navigation. Each small step builds confidence and creates better learning experiences.
Add AI to Your Toolkit
Begin with simple ways Gemini can help - like generating writing prompts or creating practice problems. As you get comfortable, explore how it can help differentiate learning or provide additional explanations for complex topics. Think of it as having a teaching assistant ready to help whenever you need it.
Build Better Connections
Move beyond just posting assignments to creating more interactive experiences. Use the stream for class discussions, try collaborative documents for group work, or use question banks for formative assessment. The more students engage with the platform, the more powerful their learning becomes.
Remember - the goal isn't to use every feature, but to find the tools that work best for your teaching style and your students' needs.
Start small, experiment often, and watch your digital classroom transform.
Google Classroom isn't just about making teaching easier - it's about making learning better for everyone.
When we combine its core features with new AI capabilities and thoughtful implementation, we create learning spaces that work for all students, wherever and however they learn best.
The platform will keep evolving, bringing new tools and possibilities.
But at its heart, Google Classroom remains focused on what matters most: connecting teachers and students, making learning more accessible, and helping everyone achieve their best.
Ready to take your next step with Google Classroom? Start small, think big, and remember - every feature you master opens up new opportunities for your students.
Alludo - we have helped district leaders across the country increase capacity in thousands of schools by successfully delivering millions of evidence-based professional learning lessons to their educators and staff members.
See you next Saturday!
Rebecca