Opinion

DA guest columnist Jeff Babbitt shares how the supportive (and flexible) faculty and staff at Genesee Valley Central School District are ensuring that the essential needs of students and families are met—from instruction and technology to meals and even virtual lunchtime gatherings.

While it's imperative we teach children to be competent learners and users of technology, we must also emphasize social-emotional learning, says DA guest columnist Michelle VandyBogurt, who uses coding and robotics to teach problem-solving and perseverance at Northwest Community Schools in Michigan.

To help teachers succeed now, administrators need to reestablish relationships, develop work schedules and set expectations, says DA guest columnist and FETC featured speaker Matthew X. Joseph, who is director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for Leicester Public Schools.

Many educators and special education staff go online expecting to focus immediately on the students. In reality, educators are becoming coaches for parents as well as online educators, says DA guest columnist Sharon Soliday.

DA guest columnist and FETC featured speaker Jacie Maslyk shares how to connect with and motivate your team—and students—effectively during school closures. She is assistant superintendent of Hopewell Area School District in Pennsylvania.

Students, including top learners, may have trouble adjusting to virtual schooling due to personality-derived preferences for learning, working and socializing, say DA guest columnists John Hackston and Chris Mackey. Here's how educators can help all succeed.