Over the last couple of centuries, technology in the classroom has transformed completely. In 1930, the overhead projector was introduced to the classroom to display images for the entire class to see. In 1972, handheld calculators made student’s lives easier to help quickly solve math problems, and in 1991, the first portable computer allowed users to have the world wide web at their fingertips. It is clear that technology plays a massive role in the way we navigate in and out of the classroom.

Back to school season is upon us, and with many teachers being back in the classroom for the first time in so long, educators may feel overwhelmed. However, this new school year brings opportunities to provide students with an education that supports each individual’s needs.

As new teachers enter the classroom, they will find themselves in a difficult environment where diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI), as well as antiracism and Critical Race Theory, are being questioned. This instills dread in our teacher candidates, limiting their ability to construct a culturally responsive and anti-racist curriculum.

If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that there is no script that we can follow on a daily basis, particularly in leading a school. As a result, the basic need to be able to ‘improvise’ effectively and thoughtfully is crucial.

If principals are proven to have the second-largest impact on student achievement, what can we do to set them up for success? The SchoolSims library of simulations for school leaders has been shown to assist in the development of diverse, successful principals who are knowledgeable about teaching, individuals, and organizations.

SchoolSims simulations provide an opportunity for current and aspiring school leaders to gain virtual experience dealing with situations before facing those same issues in real-life. School Leaders also have the opportunity to enhance their peer-to-peer and collaborative decision-making skills to help reduce the feelings of isolation and through shared simulated experiences increase communications.

The new era of, at a minimum, blended and hybrid learning requires visionary leadership more than ever. SchoolSims is equipped and ready to serve districts by providing personalized virtual professional development – and the stimulus funds & waivers provide both funding and flexibility for your district to participate in high-quality PD to truly prepare your educators for this new normal.

Work is often devoid of humor. If we’re trying to solve big problems or make money, jokes and laughter don’t always seem appropriate. We all know that humor can be beneficial, but the statistics were intriguing, particularly given how serious and difficult K-12 leadership can be.

School-based simulations provide authentic experiences for principal preparation programs equipping current and aspiring school leaders to meet future challenges. Simulations play a vital role in closing the preparedness gap by teaching through doing and offer a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer learning. Peer-to-peer learning is one of the most sought-after forms of principal preparation with more than 52% of principals stating that this is a key method for developing capacity1.  Simulations are an effective training tool when played asynchronously or can be completed online with a group. Online, facilitated sessions offer leaders, who might feel isolated during this COVID-challenged environment, an opportunity to collaborate and connect with others over a shared experience.

School-based simulations provide authentic experiences for principal preparation programs equipping current and aspiring school leaders to meet future challenges. Simulations play a vital role in closing the preparedness gap by teaching through doing and offer a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer learning. Peer-to-peer learning is one of the most sought-after forms of principal preparation with more than 52% of principals stating that this is a key method for developing capacity1.  Simulations are an effective training tool when played asynchronously or can be completed online with a group. Online, facilitated sessions offer leaders, who might feel isolated during this COVID-challenged environment, an opportunity to collaborate and connect with others over a shared experience.

Leadership matters and nowhere does consistent leadership matter more than within our schools.  Numerous studies have definitively concluded:  school leaders drive youth outcomes.  Without effective principals, school culture is lost, teachers become disenfranchised with changing priorities, and student achievement suffers.  When principals are prepared, feel supported, and have the skills necessary to establish and maintain highly effective school settings, students prosper.