Top 10 K-12 stories of 2020; Reflections on the year that was

Plus: Recovery high schools adapt to remote learning

No. 464 | 12/31/20 | Subscribe to this newsletter This issue is sponsored by It might not have been the worst year in human history—historians grant that dispiriting title to A.D. 536—but it was likely the most challenging in living memory. Although we may be keen to forget it as quickly as we can, EdSurge is looking back to see what education learned from a year of upheavals, and how these lessons might shape the future.   As we do every year, EdSurge has compiled a series of reflections called "2020 Vision" from a diverse range of voices in the education community, including teachers, college professors, administrators and edtech execs. Here are the highs and lows they saw, and what gives them hope for the future. 💻 REMOTE POSSIBILITIES RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOLS serve a small but vulnerable population: those struggling with substance use dependence. In a pandemic, which can isolate and trigger substance use, teachers and school leaders across the country are getting creative to keep students engaged—even swinging by homes for outdoor chats. Here's why mental health and safety are still at the heart of the model.   2020 TOP 10: Remote learning, social-emotional wellbeing and forging human connections in a tech-centric landscape were a few of the major themes in our roundup of top stories from the past year. The pandemic and move to online learning was a big topic—but it wasn't the only thing you read. See what else made the cut.   🤔 END OF YEAR REFLECTIONS   HUMAN TOUCH: "As an educator of young children, my work life is populated by folks with vast imaginations and wondrous vision," says teacher Sherri Spelic. As a trying year ends, she implores educators to "hold onto humanity with both hands and a full heart." That means listening to students and letting them serve as guides. "Their eyes are open for miracles," she writes, "when all we see is destruction."   CLOSED DOORS, OPEN MINDS: While the pandemic has been horrific, Scott Muri, a district superintendent in Texas, writes that it forced his school system "to rapidly evolve into something that is better than it was before." In a year-end reflection, Muri lays out the six things his district "will not return to" and describes what he's learned about serving students during a year like no other.   📆 GOINGS ON IMMERSIVE INSTRUCTION Interactive 3D experiences are becoming more common, but how can this technology be used to teach core subjects and prepare students for a changing job market? Panelists will answer those questions and more in this panel discussion on real-time technology and interactive 3D in the classroom. Register now.   The following is a message from our sponsor The Education Essentials Company™ Cambium Learning® Group is an intentionally curated family of companies providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 markets. We focus on the elements that are essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a difference right now. 🎧 ON THE PODCAST   LONG LIFE LEARNING: The disruptions in the job market caused by COVID-19 mean colleges and employers will need to rethink the relationship between the workplace and the classroom. That's according to Michelle Weise, who's currently a senior advisor at Imaginable Futures. She makes the case in her new book, "Long Life Learning." We talked with her about the highlights. 📚 FROM THE ARCHIVES   THE HIGH PRICE OF ADVICE: To help teachers implement personalized learning, schools and districts are increasingly paying top -dollar for specialized consultants. But those investments don't always pay off. And now, some educators—and consultants—are calling for edtech consulting firms to be held accountable for whether or not their million-dollar advice translates into improved, measurable outcomes. 🐝 BUZZ ABOUT TOWN   Disadvantaged students are more likely to learn remotely, according to research, which could widen achievement gaps. (New York Times) Nearly 3 million students may have "dropped out of school learning since March." (NPR) Looking for a job in edtech? You've come to the right place. EdSurge has the leading edtech jobs board in the industry with openings from schools, nonprofits and companies.   Post a job | See all jobs Executive Director The Mission Preparatory School Seeking an experienced leader to continue the school's record of academic excellence & cultivate a deep sense of belonging for all. This individual will work with the board and school to develop/execute against a vision for the next ten years. C-Level Executive Leadership •    School   •    San Francisco, CA     Manager, E-Learning Peer Health Exchange PHE is looking for a Manager, E-Learning who will build interactive online modules and digital learning materials for PHE's program. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 yrs exp, including 1-2 years in designing and delivering training interventions. Curriculum Design   •    Non Profit   •    Multiple   Chief Information Officer Mary Institute and Country Day School MICDS seeks a chief information officer, starting July 1, 2021. Applications due January 18.  C-Level Executive Leadership •    School  •    St. Louis, MO   Curriculum Designer Next Gen Personal Finance We are looking for a passionate and energetic professional to expand our personal finance curriculum and resources to meet the needs of economics teachers. Curriculum Design  •    Non Profit   •    Palo Alto, CA or Remote   Senior Program Manager - STEM Classes and Camps Empow Studios Empow Studios is looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead a team of program manager(s), site directors, and dozens of instructors to deliver outstanding STEM classes, camps and other programs to thousands of local students. Operations  •   School   •    Lexington, MA   Middle School Computer Science Teacher The Blake School The Blake School seeks to hire a full-time, dynamic grade 6-8 computer science teacher for the 2021-22 school year. STEM Teacher  •   School   •    Hopkins, MN   Events Post an event   •   See all events and meetups   Pathfinders Winter Institute The Infosys Foundation USA is excited announce the second annual Pathfinders Winter Institute - virtually - from Feb 12-15, 2021! This 3-day event will offer K-12 teachers an engaging professional development experience in CS and maker education. Feb 12   •   Online   •   More than $250   THANKS FOR READING   ➔ Got any feedback? We love hearing from readers. Shoot us a note, critiques, a joke—whatever you've got! ➔ Interested in reaching our readers? Sponsor this newsletter. ➔ Event planners: Feature your in-person or virtual event on our calendar & newsletters. EdSurge covers and connects the people, ideas and technologies that shape the future of learning. We are an independent news and research initiative of the International Society for Technology in Education. International Society for Technology in Education, 621 SW Morrison Street, Suite 800, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA, 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 503.342.2848 (Int'l) Unsubscribe Manage preferences