Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Starr & Connie | edufriends Connie Hamilton is a true innovator and mentor. Although she will say that I am these things to her, over the years, I have grown accustomed to our easy communication and care. We started as strangers...

It's #Heart Month at The Worthy Educator! Read @mssackstein.bsky.social 's tribute to her #edufriend -ship with Connie at www.theworthyeducator.com/edufriends?p... and then add your own story to this wonderful testament to the importance of professional relationships! #EduSky

As a practitioner committed to authentic, learner-led assessment, I'm so excited to dialogue with leaders in MA at MassCUE & MSAA Spring Leadership Conference on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the College of the Holy Cross. Learn more and register: www.masscue.org/event/spring...

From the Top: Tiny Desk Concert A trio of amazing young musicians, from ages nine to 18, give jaw-dropping performances that will bolster your faith in the future of great music making.

A trio of amazing young musicians, from ages nine to 18, give jaw-dropping performances that will bolster your faith in the future of great music making. n.pr/4pGSSYh

Getting Students Ready For Portfolio Conferences — Grow Beyond Grades Learning shouldn't leave the learner out. Empowering students to share their learning through portfolio conferences shifts the dynamic of who's responsible for the learning and highlights what student...

Moving away from traditional conferences shifts the focus from grades and scores to what students know and can do. @mssackstein.bsky.social growbeyondgrades.org/blog/portfolio-conferences

10 Tips for Offering Excellent Feedback — Grow Beyond Grades Feedback is teaching—an opportunity to foster student growth. Whether we are looking to prevent mistakes from becoming ingrained or to build on skills students already have, feedback provides the le...

When a person says ‘excellent’ or ‘way to go,’ they may mean well, but they aren't achieving anything beyond a momentary ego-stroke that later results in a lower low. @mssackstein.bsky.social growbeyondgrades.org/blog/10-tips-on-feedback

Gratitude isn't just about showing care for what we have to thankful for - it also has incredible impact on our mental health and well-being. We can teach students and ourselves to harness this powerful emotion and act. Check out my latest Career Confidential column

lnkd.in/e-8jCnJv

Such a great conversation. Thanks for sharing, Arthur- #edusky

Arthur Chiaravalli grows beyond grading. https://growbeyondgrades.org/ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-chiaravalli-0903a51/] On today's episode, we're joined by Arthur Chiaravalli, House Direc…

It was a joy to talk going gradeless with the O.G. @mssackstein.bsky.social & @crystalfrommert.bsky.social for Learner-Centered Spaces.
www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/show/learner...

Our Recycled Romance, a "Modern Love" Rejection After listening to Modern Love on NPR for years, I got up the courage to write our unique love story. Although rejected I'm still proud.

Celebrating 8 years of love, joy and adventure

www.mssackstein.com/post/our-rec...

Career Confidential Needs Your Help! Please fill in this form to share your current career and/or education concerns that you'd like some advice on. Your name and any identifying information will be removed so you can't be identified.

Are you an educator? What are you currently struggling with in or out of the classroom? I'd love to help. I write a column called Career Confidential for the Kappan Magazine, and I'm always looking for challenges to give advice on (It's like Dear Abby for educators)
forms.gle/Dq73wF2rVbgV...

6 Ways to Maximize Turn and Talk When a few simple structures are put into place, teachers can bring this staple activity for classroom collaboration to the next level.

Set students up for success in their peer reflection with these 6 ways to make your turn and talks shine! ☀️

#EduSky

Loved this piece. So glad to see that it was written by you!

CAfLN members, register for tomorrow’s virtual convo at 5PT/8ET and we’ll be chatting about how to nurture safe classroom spaces where AfL will thrive. No prep needed. Visit www.cafln.ca/events to receive the link.Not a member? Visit the website to join the network (& convos like these) #EduSky

Use learning targets for classroom clarity - Kappan Online Career Confidential columnist Starr Sackstein advises an instructional coach on how to help teachers use learning targets.

My latest Career Confidential Column has posted. It's all about #clarity #edusky #learningtargets #successcriteria

kappanonline.org/use-learning...

We can help students internalize it by using learning targets and success criteria as more than things we put on a board. We use language they can use to talk about their own learning and advocate for their own growth.

Thanks for sharing!

"It’s not enough just to tell students the standard or place it on an assignment sheet. Students must be able to internalize it."

from Hacking Assessment
by @mssackstein.bsky.social

Can schools be used to defend support for democracy at a time of rising authoritarianism? (Hint: Not by subjecting students to traditional civics classes!) In the latest episode of Kohn's Zone, released today, I talk with an expert on this very topic, Joel Westheimer: www.alfiekohn.org/podcasts/

How teachers can prepare to teach a new subject - Kappan Online Columnist Starr Sackstein advises a teacher on how to prepare to teach a new subject with no experience in the subject.

Sometimes it takes everything to not feel like we are just one day ahead of our students when we are teaching a new subject. Here's some ideas on how to prepare. kappanonline.org/how-teachers...

Career Confidential Needs Your Help! Please fill in this form to share your current career and/or education concerns that you'd like some advice on. Your name and any identifying information will be removed so you can't be identified.

Are you an educator? What are you currently struggling with in or out of the classroom? I'd love to help. I write a column called Career Confidential for the Kappan Magazine, and I'm always looking for challenges to give advice on (It's like Dear Abby for educators)
forms.gle/Dq73wF2rVbgV...

Elaine Roberts teaches AI as a tool. Podcast Episode · Learner-Centered Spaces · 09/21/2025 · 24m

Delighted to have been able to chat with @mssackstein.bsky.social and @crystalfrommert.bsky.social about learning and using AI as a tool. #Edusky podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...

All Learners Can... Let's partner to foster a culture of learning.

All Learners Can... mssackstein.com/so/4aPbeKPJb... #edusky

Classroom teacher asks, “How can I ensure a successful start to the school year?” - Kappan Online Career Confidential columnist Starr Sackstein advises a teacher who wants to create a welcoming classroom for students.

Proud to share this week's Career Confidential - Starting the new year right

kappanonline.org/classroom-te...

What do you do to ensure a successful start? #Edusky

How to prepare for your first teaching position interview - Kappan Online Columnist Starr Sackstein gives advice on how new teachers can prepare for their first teaching position interviews.

Are you getting ready to interview for your first job in education? This could help!

kappanonline.org/how-to-prepa...

Do you have any tips you'd add for someone applying for their first teaching position?

YouTube video by Ryan Read, Host of the Pixel Classroom Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom Book Review

Do you want to make an impact OUTSIDE the classroom? Check this out www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFr8...

Helping new teachers succeed - Kappan Online When we invest in our new educators, we’re investing in our students, our school culture, and the future of our profession.

Excited to share my latest column about how we can make new teachers feel welcome and supported - kappanonline.org/helping-new-...

How do you help new teachers?

I used to keep those handwritten notes and emails in my desk for the same reason. Now I keep them in a folder to keep me grounded in the why!

I'm so glad I saved emails like this from former students. On hard days, it is important to remember the impact of our work and that we are working with real people. Please don't stop doing what you do - #YouMatter

@mssackstein.bsky.social puts the learner at the center and promotes educator impact, AND she is available to work with you and your staff on a range of practical topics! Learn more at The Worthy Educator Speakers Bureau! www.theworthyeducator.com/featured-edu... #EduSky

Creative summer learning for teachers - Kappan Online Career Confidential columnist Starr Sackstein offers ways for teacher to remain engaged in learning during the summer.

Check out the latest Career Confidential about summer learning for educators... kappanonline.org/creative-sum...

Would you love to know what you enjoy most about summer learning? #edusky