Educators Blog

From Learners to Leaders: How to Build Tomorrow’s Skills in Today’s Classrooms

In today’s rapidly evolving world, educators play a vital role in helping students build the skills they need to thrive in the future — creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, innovation, and more. This blog explores how career-connected […]

Bringing the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate to Life Through Instructional Practice & Routines

As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, educators are called to prepare students not just with technical skills, but with the curiosity, creativity, and human-centered abilities to thrive alongside it. This article explores the Profile of an […]

Growing Resilient Learners: How to Balance Support & Autonomy

As a new school year begins, it's tempting to push for immediate progress—but true learning often happens when we step back and give space to grow. This article explores how both students and teachers thrive when given the safety, autonomy, and […]

From Classrooms to Careers: Building Future-Ready Learners in a Tech-Driven World

In today’s rapidly evolving world shaped by AI and emerging technologies, preparing students for an uncertain future requires more than traditional career readiness. This article explores the importance of career-connected learning, highlighting […]

Introducing Dr. Melvin J. Brown: Defined's New Superintendent in Residence

We're thrilled to announce that Dr. Melvin J. Brown has joined Defined as our new Superintendent in Residence! Dr. Brown brings decades of leadership experience in large K-12 systems. Drawing on his tenure as superintendent in districts such as […]

Building Bright Futures Through Career-Connected Learning in Elementary Mathematics

Connecting math instruction to real-world careers in the early grades helps students build confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose in their learning. This blog explores how career-connected learning not only deepens mathematical […]

Announcing the Defined Difference Makers Competition Winners!

We are excited to announce the winners of the Defined Difference Makers Competition — Heidi Casteel Bearden from Montgomery Public Schools (AL) and Laura Gray and Jennifer Sherman from Great Path Academy (CT)!

This past school year, we introduced […]

Empowering Young Mathematicians Through Real-World Performance Tasks

A former elementary school teacher shares how using Defined Learning’s Backpack Designer performance task transformed her math instruction by making learning relevant, engaging, and deeply connected to real-world applications.

As an elementary […]

Bridging the Gap Part 2: How Great Path Academy Revolutionized College and Career Readiness

Learn how two teachers at Great Path Academy in Connecticut adapted a college-level course to meet high school students' needs using resources from Defined, ensuring alignment with higher education objectives while supporting diverse learners.

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Lessons from the Teacher Next Door

What if the most influential professional development of your career happened not at a conference or in a book, but in the classroom right next door? In this post, educator Nili Bartley reflects on the early years of her teaching journey alongside […]