Getting new teacher onboarding right is one of the most persistent challenges schools face. So often, the focus lands on welcome kits and HR paperwork. While important, that’s not what truly makes a difference. The real goal is to prevent…
In my work with school districts, I often hear a common concern from curriculum directors: puberty education feels inconsistent and, all too often, it’s taught too late. It makes sense that this is a challenge. By the time many schools…
It’s understandable why a finance department might see ‘free’ curriculum as a budget win. On the surface, it seems like a fiscally responsible choice. But that free puberty curriculum you found online isn’t a savings. It comes with significant hidden…
Last week, our team had a conversation with a curriculum director who felt caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, she was responsible for ensuring the district’s new, evidence-based curriculum was being taught consistently. On the…
Last week, a 5th-grade teacher told me, “I’m more nervous about the parent emails I might get than I am about teaching the actual puberty lessons.” It’s a feeling I hear all the time from dedicated teachers who are worried…
Why some questions make a teacher’s heart stop In my 35+ years of working with schools, I’ve learned that teachers answer hundreds of questions a day. But there are a few that can make even the most experienced educator’s heart…
Teaching puberty to 5th graders can feel like one of the most stressful parts of the school year. I’ve spoken with so many dedicated teachers who worry about saying the wrong thing, getting a question that completely stumps them, or…
In my work with districts across the country, I keep hearing a common theme: trying to keep up with evolving state health mandates feels like trying to hit a moving target. Just last year, Oregon adopted entirely new K-12 standards…
In my work with school districts across the country, I hear a common refrain: adopting a new health curriculum in today’s political climate can feel like navigating a minefield. With more than 22,000 book bans logged since 2021 and a…
In my work with district leaders, I see a common tension that lands on every desk in 2025: the pressure to accelerate student learning has never been greater. Recent reports, like the one from Curriculum Associates showing a stall in…
You’ve invested in high-quality materials. Now comes the hard part. Here’s a strategic framework to ensure your curriculum is used with fidelity in every classroom. Your district just invested significantly in a high-quality, evidence-based curriculum. The materials have been delivered,…
Last week, our team had the opportunity to meet with a school district that was preparing to implement the Puberty: The Wonder Years curriculum. During our discussions, one of the curriculum directors raised an important concern that resonated with everyone…