If you were in Washington, D.C. during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup championship matchup between the Washington Capitals (“Caps”) and the Vegas Knights, you could not help but feel the excitement in the city. It was palpable. Whether the Caps were playing at home or away, it was common to see people of all ages in the Washington, D.C. area wearing their Caps jerseys, signaling their support for the team.
When students learn English in the classroom, a gateway opens that provides them with a greater awareness and understanding of cultures that extends well beyond the classroom, reaching across the globe. Not only does English influence the literature, music, and art of other cultures, but it is the language used in the study of science, technology, business, and many other disciplines here and abroad.
Learning a new language is so much more than grammar and vocabulary. It is about learning to communicate and use language in real-world contexts. English is an important global language, so learning English can mean learning to communicate with the world!
Imagine a student walking into the classroom. Their palms are sweaty, their heart rate is rapid, their breathing is shallow, and their thoughts are racing. These kinds of responses are typical of how a person might react if they think they are in danger or perceive a threat. This is known as the “fight or flight” response. For some students, the mere act of taking a test can trigger this response, and sometimes it can be severe.
“Learning to read, Reading to Learn” is a saying that is known to many professionals in the education community. Its meaning centers on how the development of strong literacy skills such as reading, writing, and comprehension can provide a foundation for learning and building knowledge across core subject areas. Some people think that developing literacy proficiency takes place only within an English language arts classroom. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Long before much was known about psychology or how cognition controls our actions, certain aspects of human behavior were linked to superstitious beliefs. For example, during the Middle Ages people wore “charms” like talismans and amulets to ward off “evil spirits” and bring good luck. Some behaviors fueled by superstition continue even to this day.
The way in which ballet dancers and football players move while performing looks very different. Ballet dancers use their bodies to tell a story through graceful and artistic movements. In contrast, football players rely on the physical force of their bodies to make contact with opponents in executing defensive and offensive plays.
Whether you are interviewing for a job, applying for an internship, or developing professional contacts through networking, first impressions matter. A person’s mannerism and the way they conduct themselves can influence how they are perceived by a potential employer, client, or business contact. The ability to “read” social cues and maintain a civil, pleasant, and respectful demeanor is essential when navigating the complexities of professional and corporate settings.
Politics can impact many aspects of a school leader’s job. Whether it involves staffing, budgets, the curriculum, student conduct, or any other matter relevant to learning or school operations, leaders in education will encounter forces lining up on both sides of the issues they handle.
The right of every child with a disability to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment—this guarantee is at the core of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). On November 29, 2025, special education teachers, service providers, families, and advocates celebrated the 50-year anniversary of this landmark statute which has benefited millions of young children with disabilities since it was first enacted.
