Articles and Spotlights

Little Library, Big Mission

posted 3 hours ago
Little Library, Big Mission By Ellen DeLisi Students can recognize reflections of themselves when they are exposed to a variety of texts and examples that represent multicultural experiences and backgrounds (Sedita, 2022). This fosters a sense of belonging and boosts confidence. However, only 46% of children's books feature characters who are not white (CCBC, 2023). Books ...

Supporting All Students During Father’s Day Activities

posted 6 days ago
As teachers, you know that seemingly simple celebrations like Father’s Day can evoke complex emotions for many students. At KDP, we believe in equipping educators with practical strategies to support all learners, including those experiencing grief or navigating complicated family dynamics. As part of our ongoing partnership with the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, KDP is pleased to share ...

Member Spotlight: Gina Stevens

posted 11 days ago
Meet KDP teacher member Mrs. Gina Stevens, a dedicated educator who’s passionate about making every student feel seen and valued. Mrs. Stevens brings warmth and heart to her diverse classroom every single day. Thanks to a KDP Classroom Teacher Grant, she was able to bring bilingual books into her space—something her students truly value. Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive ...

Beyond Books: Reimagining Family Literacy for Today’s Learners

posted 14 days ago
Beyond Books: Reimagining Family Literacy for Today’s Learners By Rebecca Diaz Imagine a grandmother teaching her grandchild to read, not from a paper book, but from a tablet they hold together—while the child's parent records a video of them discussing the story to share with relatives overseas. This isn't just reading; it's a multi-generational, multimedia literacy event ...

5 Tips for Engaging Students in Multisensory Learning in the Classroom

posted 28 days ago
5 Tips for Engaging Students in Multisensory Learning in the Classroom By Brigid Utz and Megan Reister Have you ever pondered how you can use active learning in your classroom? Do you need multisensory activities to implement in the classroom? After teaching teenFEMM classes (a health and biology curriculum) to middle schoolers, we were excited to engage in not only implementing ...

5 Strategies to Boost ELs’ Joy in Learning

posted 04-01-2025
5 Strategies to Boost ELs’ Joy in Learning By Angélica Ribeiro Imagine your school recently received two new English learners (ELs) from Japan: Yochi and Mia (pseudonyms) . They are both in third grade and have intermediate English skills , sharing similar background s. For example, they attended school in Japan until second grade before ...

Using AI in the Classroom: 5 Simple Steps to Enhance Your Teaching

posted 03-18-2025
Using AI in the Classroom: 5 Simple Steps to Enhance Your Teaching By Kristen Smigielski Imagine you're starting your teaching career, eager to bring fresh ideas into the classroom. You're not just teaching; you're preparing to inspire a new generation. But where do you begin with the wealth of educational tools out there? This is where artificial intelligence (AI) ...

Member Spotlight: Lori Glavan

posted 03-10-2025
We’re excited to spotlight Lori Glavan, Communications Officer for the Omicron Pi Chapter at UNC-Charlotte. Lori found her calling in teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic when she saw students struggling with virtual learning. Now, she’s on a mission to build a classroom where every student feels known, loved, and celebrated. Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom? ...

Assessing and Evaluating with a Purpose: Three Tips for Using Standards-Based Assessment in the Classroom

posted 03-03-2025
Assessing and Evaluating with a Purpose: Three Tips for Using Standards-Based Assessment in the Classroom By Erin Klash, Tara L. R. Beziat, Shelly H. Bowden, Gilbert Dueñas, and Samantha Junkin Have you ever reflected on your assessment and evaluation practice within your classroom? If not, pause for a moment and consider the range of assessments you use within your classroom setting ...

Member Spotlight: Steven Crawford

posted 02-24-2025
We’re excited to spotlight Steven Crawford—educator, PhD candidate, and leader making a difference! With 10 years in the classroom, he finds joy in witnessing students’ “I got it!” moments. As President of KDP's Omega Beta at Mississippi Valley State University and Beta Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, he’s all about lifting others up. Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom? ...

Mid-Year Makeover: Transforming Your Classroom with Effective Strategies

posted 02-18-2025
Mid-Year Makeover: Transforming Your Classroom with Effective Strategies By Kristina Cerling It’s halfway through the school year. I am startled awake from a nightmare that the principal dropped by my classroom just as I noticed my students escaping through a secret passage . Others were engaged in off-task behaviors, and some were sleeping ...

Member Spotlight: Keanna Valenzuela Cobos

posted 02-10-2025
We’re excited to spotlight Keanna Valenzuela Cobos, a dedicated educator-in-the-making who is driven by a passion for shaping young minds both in the classroom and on the field. Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom? A: My KDP community has helped me thrive in the classroom as I am beyond motivated to finish college strong and with a GPA exceeding 3.5. ...

From Burnout to Balance: Understanding and Preventing Teacher Burnout

posted 02-04-2025
From Burnout to Balance: Understanding and Preventing Teacher Burnout By Alison Jones American teachers are burned out. The 2022 Gallup Panel Workforce Study sought to identify the burnout experienced by working professionals across various industries. K-12 education had the highest rate of job burnout, with 44% of employees reporting burnout. Additionally, 52% of surveyed teachers ...

Member Spotlight: Nick McCoy

posted 01-27-2025
Member Spotlight: Nick McCoy We’re excited to spotlight Nick McCoy , a future teacher whose KDP community at Vanderbilt has strengthened his passion for education through supportive mentorship and a true sense of belonging. Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom? A: My KDP community has helped my thrive by fostering supportive spaces of belonging ...

One Size Does Not Fit All: Differentiating Instruction for Success

posted 01-21-2025
One Size Does Not Fit All: Differentiat i ng Instruction for Success By Tabitha Smith, Grace Kibe, and Felicia McGowan Customizing your teaching to suit each child makes eminent sense (Arnesen et al. , 2019). No single instructional method can meet the diverse needs of all students. Differentiating instruction is essential for fostering ...

KDP Wins ISAE STAR Award for Innovation of the Year – Thanks to You, KDP Members!

posted 01-16-2025
KDP Wins ISAE STAR Award for Innovation of the Year – Thanks to You, KDP Members! We're excited to announce that KDP has been honored with the ISAE STAR Award for Innovation of the Year ! Presented by the Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE), this award celebrates groundbreaking achievements that enhance operations, member services, and overall impact. ...

Member Spotlight: Christina Sluyter

posted 01-13-2025
Member Spotlight: Christina Sluyter We’re excited to spotlight Christina Sluyter , a passionate educator and mother of nine who transforms challenges into triumphs with the support of her KDP community. Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom? A: KDP significantly enhances my teaching journey by providing a wealth of resources and opportunities. KDP ...

Unlocking Literacy with the Power of Names

posted 01-07-2025
Unlocking Literacy with the Power of Names By Denise M. McDonald Literacy instruction is complex and a significant challenge in meeting the diverse needs of learners (Gunning, 2013). Educators are constantly searching for effective strategies and tactics that support learners’ acquisition and proficiency of reading skills. Although not every learner may find this ...

Programming Excitement: Educational Robots in an Elementary STEM Classroom

posted 12-10-2024
Programming Excitement: Educational Robots in an Elementary STEM Classroom By Adam Finkle My fifth - grade mathematics and science classroom is always abuzz with different activities and content-based games designed to make the curriculum come alive . As a result , students are highly engaged and motivated to learn. I'm always looking ...

KDP Spotlight: Calvalyn Day

posted 12-02-2024
KDP Spotlight: Calvalyn Day, MsEd, TICC Meet Calvalyn Day, MsEd, TICC: the inspiring host of The Rooted Teacher Podcast by KDP ! With a passion for supporting personal well-being and growth, Calvalyn is a nationally published author, coach, and speaker. Renowned for her trauma-informed and culturally competent approach, she’s a go-to expert in staff development, especially ...