For years before the pandemic, teachers in specialized roles — like foreign language instruction, advanced math, or special education — were already struggling. Especially in rural America, many schools are still experiencing shortages of these educators. So how can we bridge the gap?
The answer lies in meeting educators where they are, and providing them with the support they need to feel empowered and appreciated. For many, this includes:
Ensuring that compensation reflects the value educators are creating,
Being mindful of workloads,
Not overburdening teachers, and
Allowing educators the autonomy to shift away from standardized teaching and testing, and instead use whatever methods they know suit their students best.
For instance, longtime educator Kenneth Nelson Jr. found himself boxed into traditional teaching methods and longed to use more creative learning methods that he knew would meet his students’ unique needs. That drive led him to found E.P.I.C. Academy, where he empowers teachers to think innovatively about their teaching practices. Teachers are more fulfilled and energized as a result. What’s more, students are reaping the benefits.
“They’re looking for an opportunity to make an impact,” Nelson Jr. said of his students. “Not only in their own lives but for somebody else in the classroom. They come to me giving me encouraging words like, ‘Hey, we’re doing a great job. We have so much fun here, we’re learning.’”
Many educators are overworked, overwhelmed, and understimulated. They devote countless hours to making sure their students feel supported and uplifted — but who is watching out for them?
The nonprofit Empowered has teachers’ backs. The organization works to surround educators with a supportive community and resources for professional development. With a striking 98% of its participants reporting enhanced drive and energy, Empowered could be a game changer in tackling teacher burnout.
Empowered provides resources, training, and community support to K-12 educators, enabling them to offer individualized, experience-based learning opportunities. This approach can invigorate a teacher’s sense of drive and purpose, making education a more fulfilling and rewarding career.
“It gave us all the resources, all the ideas. I mean, everything,” said Nelson Jr. “And I said, ‘What better way to start? You have all of the backing and the resources. What better time to start than now?’”
Teachers and students only make up one-half of a school. What is often overlooked are the families, parents, administrators, and community members who can make or break a school’s success.
Community is critical in how supported, fulfilled, and driven educators feel. Many educators may feel like they’re working in a silo — but they don’t have to. School administrators can foster a culture of mutual support and collaboration among teachers. By connecting educators with their wider community, these networks can provide emotional support, share resources, and collectively address challenges.
Community partnerships can also play a vital role in education. Schools can collaborate with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community members to enhance learning experiences, provide additional resources, and address local issues.
At AdventureMe, an outdoor school in Colorado, educators are far from alone. Community members offer critical support and ideas that keep the school’s curriculum fresh and exciting. The school routinely reaches out to local community organizations for resources, empowering educators to continually offer new and engaging opportunities for students. Everyone pitches in, from local beekeepers to farmers to parks department workers.
“Some people don’t think they can build a program from the ground up because they don’t have the resources,” said founder Tamara Wineland. “You don’t have to own every resource yourself. In fact, it’s probably better if you don’t.” These partnerships can drive home a crucial point: Education isn’t just the responsibility of teachers. It’s a collaborative effort of communities, parents, teachers, and students working together.
Many students made the shift to online learning during the pandemic — and many aren’t going back. As the demand for online education grows, new technologies are advancing, geared at making online learning more innovative, engaging, and exciting. Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize learning for both teachers and students.
Programs like Khanmigo, developed by Khan Academy founder Sal Khan, can provide personalization, one-on-one focus, and quick feedback. Khan is mastery-based, which means all students learn at their own pace as they master skills and progress toward learning goals. This allows students to develop individualized learning paths, taking into account their unique learning styles, pace, and progress.
At the same time, it can also help teachers. By automating administrative tasks, Khanmigo frees up educators’ time for more meaningful interactions with students.
The tool provides a win-win that leaves teachers and students feeling more empowered, supported, and seen — no matter what their classroom looks like.
It’s no longer just public vs. private. Increasingly, families can choose between a host of educational models, each offering different benefits to meet their children’s unique strengths, styles, and interests.
Microschools are small-scale educational establishments that are more personalized and flexible than traditional schools. They often employ innovative teaching methods and provide a more intimate, community-oriented learning environment.
For instance, at Prenda, students design and direct their own curriculum using whatever learning style suits them best. Rather than one-size-fits-all, students choose individualized learning plans. The school caps out at 10 learners in a classroom, allowing students and educators more opportunities for intimate, supportive sessions.
“If you think about the history of education, tens of millions of kids in America being educated in a class of 20 to 30 students, there’s a model that’s not tailored to individual learners,” explained Prenda founder Kelly Smith.
The goal isn’t just for students to ace tests — it’s for them to develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. By offering students the ability to be in the driver’s seat of their education, “I saw the difference between a child who makes the decision to learn and one who’s just kind of along for the ride,” said Smith.
