Don Sturm is 🤔

One of the most powerful gifts we can give students isn’t just knowledge…it’s the ability to think about their own thinking. #edusky

I just submitted my session today! Can’t wait!! #EduSky #IDEACon

IDEAcon Super Saver Registration Closing August 1

Tomorrow’s the final day for #IDEAcon 's Super Saver rate, our most discounted way to invest in staff PD.

You don’t need names now. You just need to commit to educator growth, even while federal Title II funding remains in limbo.

📅 Deadline: Aug 1 @ 11:59 PM CT ideail.org/IDEAcon26sup... #EduSky

The Civics Curriculum vs. American Reality How do we teach civics honestly when the system we're supposed to explain feels broken?

I don't usually drop by Substack posts here, but this one is definitely related to education. #EduSky #civics

If you are an educator, regardless of your state or country, this is the organization that can help connect you with other educators. The best part is that it is 100% free! #EduSky @ideaillinois.bsky.social

www.ideaillinois.org

It is that kind of night!🤬

I found the book really interesting and informative.

It is always a pleasure to talk with @mandyfroehlich.bsky.social. @edumatch.bsky.social #EduSky @ideaillinois.bsky.social

Get ready to redefine what play means in your life and to laugh along with @mrscford.bsky.social and @sturmdon.bsky.social as they sit down with @mrdearybury.bsky.social to discuss the importance of getting in the flow, finding joy, and embracing play in your life.

ideail.org/ThatsTheIdea...!

🎙️New episode🎙️

In Part 2 of our Educator Emotional Engagement series, @caeddleman.bsky.social and I explore what emotional engagement looks like from a teacher's perspective—why it matters, how it shows up, and what it costs (and gives back).
#EDUsky

⬇️Listen Here⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/0GTK...

I would love educators to weigh in on this question.

In a public school setting, would you allow a student to give an argumentative speech about a topic like the world is flat or vaccines cause autism? In other words, topics that are settled science. More than a yes or no would be helpful. #EduSky

I did not see it. Thanks for sharing!

Our newest episode has dropped. @caeddleman.bsky.social and I introduce the topic of teacher engagement. In this episode, we ask @mandyfroehlich.bsky.social to offer her thoughts about the topic. We would love for you to give it a listen. #EduSky #podcast @ideaillinois.bsky.social

Join @mrscford.bsky.social and @sturmdon.bsky.social as they sit down with @jehehalt.bsky.social from Common Sense Education and Dr. Sonal Patel to discuss AI and how our approach and attitudes toward AI can shape the landscape of AI use in education.

ideail.org/ThatsTheIdea...

#IDEAil #EduSky

I thought I would share my Substack with any of you who are interested.

I use this space to unpack the tensions of this current political and cultural moment. I know that many here have the same types of thoughts, and I thought it might be of some interest. #EduSky

No, but I will be sure to give it a watch. Thanks!

A quote from My Pencil Made Me Do It by Carrie Baughcum reads: “That means to shift from this ingrained thinking we need to give our learners words, give them new experiences, and take them on a new journey with their learning.” The right side of the image shows part of the book cover, featuring hand-drawn arrows, doodles, and pencils.

Learning isn’t just about absorbing information—it’s about experiencing, creating, and discovering. When we give students the tools to explore, we open the🚪 to deeper learning.

How do you help learners take ownership and agency in their journey?

#EduSky #IHaveQuestions @carriebaughcum.bsky.social

I am so excited for this new opportunity to do what I love...podcast! #EduSky

It is a good one. He makes you think about so many things that we think are just “normal.”

A quote from The End of Average by Todd Rose is displayed on the left, stating that human potential is less limited than the systems we create. The book cover is partially visible on the right, showing the title and author’s name.

Are our systems limiting human potential more than they should? Education often caters to the “average” student, but real learning happens when we recognize individual strengths.

How can we design classrooms that break free from one-size-fits-all thinking? #EduSky #IHaveQuestions

A quote from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig is displayed on the left side, discussing how deep thinking and listening to the radio don’t mix. The book cover is partially visible on the right, showing the title and author’s name.

Do students really focus better with music, or does it just make work more enjoyable? This quote from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance makes me wonder: Are we thinking deeply, or just “twiddling wrenches”?

How do you handle multitasking in your classroom? #EduSky #EduCoach

An image featuring a quote from Hacking Homework by Starr Sackstein and Connie Hamilton. The quote discusses the importance of direct instruction in teaching students time management, accountability, and organization. Part of the book cover is visible on the right, showing a notebook, a wrench, and the Hack Learning Series logo.

How often do we assume students already know how to manage ⏰, track deadlines, or stay accountable? I know I overlooked direct instruction on these skills as a high school teacher. Explicit teaching of habits is key!

How do you help build these needed skills? #EduSky @mssackstein.bsky.social

@mrscford.bsky.social and I would love for you to give the @ideaillinois.bsky.social official podcast a listen. #EduSky

I am so excited about this journey that we have talked about for over a year! #EduSky

The Henry Puffer Podcast Education Podcast · 4 Seasons · Updated Daily

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

Our new episode is out. We just love talking with this great group of kids from the Henry Puffer Podcast Club. This is another episode that we recorded at #IDEAcon. @caeddleman.bsky.social @ideaillinois.bsky.social

⬇️Listen Here⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/1Y8v...

A quote from the book All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson is displayed on a brown background. The quote reads: “The interesting thing about studying history is how much it starts to change based on the school setting and who is teaching it. And it’s not always about how those teachers view history, but how they view you. And your place in history.” Part of the book cover is visible on the right, showing the title and an illustration of a person with dark skin and a crown of yellow flowers.

History isn’t just facts. It’s perspective, identity, and belonging. The way it’s taught shapes how students see themselves and their place in the world.

This isn’t about indoctrination; it’s about humanity. How do we ensure all students feel seen in the history they learn? #EduSky

A new episode of CareU is out. In this episode, we help caregivers navigate the stressful topic of Assessments. Join Stephanie, Courtney, and me as we discuss this important topic. #CareU #assessment #education #edusky

⬇️Listen Here⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/1xE2...

Alt text: A quote from the book What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry. The quote reads: “With a safe and stable relational foundation, thousands of moderate doses of stress help create flexible stress-response capabilities.” Part of the book cover is visible on the right side.

A supportive learning environment helps students thrive—not by eliminating stress, but by teaching them how to navigate it. With the right foundation, challenges become opportunities for growth.

How do you create that balance in your classroom? #EduSky #EduCoach

The paragraph provides feedback on Don’s reflection about the challenge of knowing when to reflect. It acknowledges his insight and suggests setting specific times during the day for consistent reflection rather than waiting for the right moment. It encourages visualizing a routine, such as reflecting in the morning or during breaks, to integrate the habit into daily life. A concrete next step is to schedule reflection time on a calendar as a non-negotiable part of the day. This consistency will help track growth in thinking through regular feedback. Over time, this practice will deepen self-awareness, improve reflective habits, and identify trends that contribute to both personal and professional growth.

@meaganmacdonald.bsky.social and @erikainka.bsky.social I want to thank you for the @mirrortalk.ai reflection challenge you started at #IDEAcon. I just completed day 7.

I would love to keep this going…let’s chat!
@scandela9.bsky.social