Tom Berger
@tfberger.bsky.social
Managing editor for contributors at @edutopia.bsky.social. Posts will mostly be about pre-K to 12 education. Or coffee.
Reposted by Tom Berger
“New and exciting” is the wrong standard for successful schools, according to former principal Stan Stokley. “I think being really good at a few things is more important than having a new initiative every year.”
Read why 3 principals are picking the familiar over the new at their schools:
Read why 3 principals are picking the familiar over the new at their schools:
The Benefits of Being Predictable
Being calm, steady, and clear about their decision-making helps principals create a level of trust that strengthens the school community.
www.edutopia.org
September 16, 2026 at 6:07 PM
“New and exciting” is the wrong standard for successful schools, according to former principal Stan Stokley. “I think being really good at a few things is more important than having a new initiative every year.”
Read why 3 principals are picking the familiar over the new at their schools:
Read why 3 principals are picking the familiar over the new at their schools:
As always, @ddmeyer.bsky.social is worth a read: danmeyer.substack.com/p/your-kids-...
Your Kids Can Learn 10x Less in 10x Less Time!
Notes from a fifth grade classroom.
danmeyer.substack.com
September 16, 2026 at 8:13 PM
As always, @ddmeyer.bsky.social is worth a read: danmeyer.substack.com/p/your-kids-...
Reposted by Tom Berger
Tired of shuffling desks around every time you change the mode of learning from whole-class instruction to groups or solo work? Educator @mrrablin.bsky.social has found a solution—and it involves caves⚒️, campfires🔥, and watering holes🌴.
August 26, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Tired of shuffling desks around every time you change the mode of learning from whole-class instruction to groups or solo work? Educator @mrrablin.bsky.social has found a solution—and it involves caves⚒️, campfires🔥, and watering holes🌴.
Reposted by Tom Berger
Mapping Your Curriculum Like It’s a Road Trip: For all the teachers starting out on a brand new school year. Here is a way to look at curriculum that helps you reach all your important destinations. Here's to new beginnings and all that lies ahead. I hope it is an exciting journey! @edutopia.org
Mapping Your Curriculum Like It’s a Road Trip
Break down your year into important destinations, determine how long you should stay at each one, and know when to linger.
www.edutopia.org
August 26, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Mapping Your Curriculum Like It’s a Road Trip: For all the teachers starting out on a brand new school year. Here is a way to look at curriculum that helps you reach all your important destinations. Here's to new beginnings and all that lies ahead. I hope it is an exciting journey! @edutopia.org
Excellent look at student use of AI by @dtwuva.bsky.social: dtwuva.substack.com/p/students-s...
Students should only use AI for things they already know how to do well.
AI guardrails should protect important mental work
dtwuva.substack.com
August 25, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Excellent look at student use of AI by @dtwuva.bsky.social: dtwuva.substack.com/p/students-s...
This article also includes a free audit tool that educators can use to evaluate their buildings.
Your school is sending messages to students before a teacher says a word
.
Are they the messages you intend?
Nick Brousse and I share a simple exercise that changes how you see your building in our latest article for @edutopia.org
www.edutopia.org/article/stud...
.
Are they the messages you intend?
Nick Brousse and I share a simple exercise that changes how you see your building in our latest article for @edutopia.org
www.edutopia.org/article/stud...
What Is Your Building Communicating to Students?
It can be eye-opening to walk through your school with a student persona in mind, and the audit tool included here can help you find and fix friction points and improve students’ sense of belonging.
www.edutopia.org
July 22, 2026 at 9:35 PM
This article also includes a free audit tool that educators can use to evaluate their buildings.
"What brings you joy in your work?" @drracheledoho-eket.bsky.social at the National School Leaders Conference
July 13, 2026 at 8:11 PM
"What brings you joy in your work?" @drracheledoho-eket.bsky.social at the National School Leaders Conference
School leaders, who is heading to Orland for the National School Leaders Conference. I'll be there—would love to connect with folks!
July 10, 2026 at 10:19 PM
School leaders, who is heading to Orland for the National School Leaders Conference. I'll be there—would love to connect with folks!
Reposted by Tom Berger
A Checklist to Evaluate Educational Apps for Distractions
www.edutopia.org/article/eval...
www.edutopia.org/article/eval...
A Checklist to Evaluate Educational Apps for Distractions
Many learning apps contain features that actually distract students from learning, and you can use this 15-minute routine to spot them.
www.edutopia.org
July 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
A Checklist to Evaluate Educational Apps for Distractions
www.edutopia.org/article/eval...
www.edutopia.org/article/eval...
Reposted by Tom Berger
Excited to be writing again! Really like writing from a coaches point of view now! Take a look!
www.edutopia.org/article/effe...
www.edutopia.org/article/effe...
Effective Elementary Special Education PLC Meetings
Even with limited time, teams can focus on data and discuss student progress to make meaningful action plans.
www.edutopia.org
July 9, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Excited to be writing again! Really like writing from a coaches point of view now! Take a look!
www.edutopia.org/article/effe...
www.edutopia.org/article/effe...
Reposted by Tom Berger
As a new teacher, I often created cumbersome class projects. I felt like the more tasks kids had to complete, the more I was challenging them. 💪🏾
However, my strategy was flawed. 👀
Here is my latest with @edutopia.org on a better way to create rigorous projects.
www.edutopia.org/article/incr...
However, my strategy was flawed. 👀
Here is my latest with @edutopia.org on a better way to create rigorous projects.
www.edutopia.org/article/incr...
Fewer Tasks but More Rigor
Adding more steps to a social studies project doesn’t necessarily make it more rigorous—there are better ways to appropriately challenge students.
www.edutopia.org
July 8, 2026 at 8:40 PM
As a new teacher, I often created cumbersome class projects. I felt like the more tasks kids had to complete, the more I was challenging them. 💪🏾
However, my strategy was flawed. 👀
Here is my latest with @edutopia.org on a better way to create rigorous projects.
www.edutopia.org/article/incr...
However, my strategy was flawed. 👀
Here is my latest with @edutopia.org on a better way to create rigorous projects.
www.edutopia.org/article/incr...
School leaders, @edutopia.org has a new email just for you: Principal Project. You can sign up now to get the next issue TOMORROW: www.edutopia.org/principal-pr...
Edutopia Newsletters: The Principal Project
If you’re working to support schools—whether you’re leading one or guiding many—we know you don’t need more noise in your inbox. That’s why The Principal Project newsletter cuts through it all—bringin...
www.edutopia.org
July 8, 2026 at 11:04 PM
School leaders, @edutopia.org has a new email just for you: Principal Project. You can sign up now to get the next issue TOMORROW: www.edutopia.org/principal-pr...
Reposted by Tom Berger
As a recovering administrator, I sure wish I had this resource when I began leading a school.
We know you don’t need more noise in your inbox. That’s why The Principal Project newsletter cuts through it all, bringing you relevant, personalized insights, plus stories from leaders who’ve found what works. It’s practical, focused, and totally free.
Subscribe! www.edutopia.org/principal-pr...
Subscribe! www.edutopia.org/principal-pr...
Edutopia Newsletters: The Principal Project
If you’re working to support schools—whether you’re leading one or guiding many—we know you don’t need more noise in your inbox. That’s why The Principal Project newsletter cuts through it all—bringin...
www.edutopia.org
June 12, 2026 at 1:48 AM
As a recovering administrator, I sure wish I had this resource when I began leading a school.
Reposted by Tom Berger
Are you an upper-elementary to high school educator who uses tech in your classroom? I’m writing about routines that ensure tech use remains intentional (e.g. making closed laptops the default until students are instructed to open them), for Edutopia & would love to chat!
June 5, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Are you an upper-elementary to high school educator who uses tech in your classroom? I’m writing about routines that ensure tech use remains intentional (e.g. making closed laptops the default until students are instructed to open them), for Edutopia & would love to chat!
Fascinating article on the impact of AI on student writing. As I editor who works with adult writers, I see similar issues: www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/o...
Opinion | What 370,000 College Essays Tell Us About A.I.’s Effects on Creativity
www.nytimes.com
June 5, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Fascinating article on the impact of AI on student writing. As I editor who works with adult writers, I see similar issues: www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/o...
Reposted by Tom Berger
Probably the best article I've seen yet about the edtech backlash. Very balanced. @edutopia.org www.edutopia.org/article/shou...
Should Laptops Really Go the Way of Cell Phones?
Having won the battle on phones, some public intellectuals are calling for laptops to disappear from classrooms, too. Many teachers say that would be a mistake.
www.edutopia.org
May 21, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Probably the best article I've seen yet about the edtech backlash. Very balanced. @edutopia.org www.edutopia.org/article/shou...
Reposted by Tom Berger
What if student memory is not the problem but our design is?
Students do not forget because they cannot learn.
They forget because learning is not built for the brain.
Three ways to make learning stick:
www.edutopia.org/podcast/help...
Students do not forget because they cannot learn.
They forget because learning is not built for the brain.
Three ways to make learning stick:
www.edutopia.org/podcast/help...
https://www.edutopia.org/podcast/helping-students-overcome-the-forgetting-curve
April 16, 2026 at 7:39 PM
What if student memory is not the problem but our design is?
Students do not forget because they cannot learn.
They forget because learning is not built for the brain.
Three ways to make learning stick:
www.edutopia.org/podcast/help...
Students do not forget because they cannot learn.
They forget because learning is not built for the brain.
Three ways to make learning stick:
www.edutopia.org/podcast/help...
Reposted by Tom Berger
This middle school science teacher introduced the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning method in her classroom—and it fell apart.
Here’s the 5-day scaffolding plan she used to save CER in her classroom and turn it into the powerful tool she thought it could be! 🧰
#EduSky
Here’s the 5-day scaffolding plan she used to save CER in her classroom and turn it into the powerful tool she thought it could be! 🧰
#EduSky
Teaching CER in Middle School Science With a 5-Day Structure
The claim, evidence, reasoning framework is a lot of thinking all at once for middle school students. Here’s a way to break it down.
www.edutopia.org
April 9, 2026 at 12:37 AM
This middle school science teacher introduced the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning method in her classroom—and it fell apart.
Here’s the 5-day scaffolding plan she used to save CER in her classroom and turn it into the powerful tool she thought it could be! 🧰
#EduSky
Here’s the 5-day scaffolding plan she used to save CER in her classroom and turn it into the powerful tool she thought it could be! 🧰
#EduSky
Reposted by Tom Berger
Big news! My next book with @solutiontree.bsky.social is available for preorder!
March 20, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Big news! My next book with @solutiontree.bsky.social is available for preorder!
Reposted by Tom Berger
Navigating tough conversations with care can ultimately strengthen your school culture.
This three-step process from @edutopia.org offers a guide for moving forward with Ss' families in challenging moments:
www.edutopia.org/article/hand...
This three-step process from @edutopia.org offers a guide for moving forward with Ss' families in challenging moments:
www.edutopia.org/article/hand...
March 5, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Navigating tough conversations with care can ultimately strengthen your school culture.
This three-step process from @edutopia.org offers a guide for moving forward with Ss' families in challenging moments:
www.edutopia.org/article/hand...
This three-step process from @edutopia.org offers a guide for moving forward with Ss' families in challenging moments:
www.edutopia.org/article/hand...
If students use trips to the bathroom to avoid starting a task, try responding with "can you first...?" (e.g. Can you first write three sentences?) Often that's all they need.
Plus 10 other tips from @mrrablin.bsky.social: edutopia.org/article/classroom-management-tips-not-taught-teacher-prep
Plus 10 other tips from @mrrablin.bsky.social: edutopia.org/article/classroom-management-tips-not-taught-teacher-prep
11 Classroom Management Tweaks You Don’t Learn in Teacher Prep
Over time, every teacher makes small changes that have a big impact on how their classes run. A veteran teacher shares the hacks that work for him.
edutopia.org
January 30, 2026 at 4:06 PM
If students use trips to the bathroom to avoid starting a task, try responding with "can you first...?" (e.g. Can you first write three sentences?) Often that's all they need.
Plus 10 other tips from @mrrablin.bsky.social: edutopia.org/article/classroom-management-tips-not-taught-teacher-prep
Plus 10 other tips from @mrrablin.bsky.social: edutopia.org/article/classroom-management-tips-not-taught-teacher-prep
Reposted by Tom Berger
It has been my pride and joy to steward @edutopia.org's free tech newsletter, The Wired Classroom, w/ @tfberger.bsky.social:
This week we hit *60 thousand subscribers* 🥳
This newsletter would NOT go out every month without the hard work and dedication of each and every educator who writes for us.
This week we hit *60 thousand subscribers* 🥳
This newsletter would NOT go out every month without the hard work and dedication of each and every educator who writes for us.
January 28, 2026 at 4:13 PM
It has been my pride and joy to steward @edutopia.org's free tech newsletter, The Wired Classroom, w/ @tfberger.bsky.social:
This week we hit *60 thousand subscribers* 🥳
This newsletter would NOT go out every month without the hard work and dedication of each and every educator who writes for us.
This week we hit *60 thousand subscribers* 🥳
This newsletter would NOT go out every month without the hard work and dedication of each and every educator who writes for us.
Reposted by Tom Berger
We sometimes ask students to “do better” without ever teaching them how.
This piece explores why explicit instruction in learning habits matters and how level-setting helps students become stakeholders in their own success.
#EduSky #TeacherSky
🔗 www.edutopia.org/article/guid...
This piece explores why explicit instruction in learning habits matters and how level-setting helps students become stakeholders in their own success.
#EduSky #TeacherSky
🔗 www.edutopia.org/article/guid...
Helping Middle and High School Students Cultivate Habits That Support Learning
Through explicit instruction, teachers can help students develop the skills necessary to do well in school.
www.edutopia.org
January 26, 2026 at 11:15 PM
We sometimes ask students to “do better” without ever teaching them how.
This piece explores why explicit instruction in learning habits matters and how level-setting helps students become stakeholders in their own success.
#EduSky #TeacherSky
🔗 www.edutopia.org/article/guid...
This piece explores why explicit instruction in learning habits matters and how level-setting helps students become stakeholders in their own success.
#EduSky #TeacherSky
🔗 www.edutopia.org/article/guid...
Reposted by Tom Berger
Want to share your story?
I'm writing an article for @edutopia.org about the memorable mistakes we make in teaching that ultimately pave the way for greater inspiration and success.
If you'd like to contribute, message me or comment below!
I'm writing an article for @edutopia.org about the memorable mistakes we make in teaching that ultimately pave the way for greater inspiration and success.
If you'd like to contribute, message me or comment below!
January 18, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Want to share your story?
I'm writing an article for @edutopia.org about the memorable mistakes we make in teaching that ultimately pave the way for greater inspiration and success.
If you'd like to contribute, message me or comment below!
I'm writing an article for @edutopia.org about the memorable mistakes we make in teaching that ultimately pave the way for greater inspiration and success.
If you'd like to contribute, message me or comment below!
Reposted by Tom Berger
In my TEDx talk, What If Hope Is the Key to a Meaningful Life?, I explore why hope isn’t just a feeling—but a measurable, teachable skill that drives motivation, resilience, and long-term success.
youtu.be/QdWRUF3OKMg?...
youtu.be/QdWRUF3OKMg?...
What if hope is the key to a meaningful life? | Cathleen Beachboard | TEDxCulpeper Women
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
youtu.be
December 10, 2025 at 10:13 PM
In my TEDx talk, What If Hope Is the Key to a Meaningful Life?, I explore why hope isn’t just a feeling—but a measurable, teachable skill that drives motivation, resilience, and long-term success.
youtu.be/QdWRUF3OKMg?...
youtu.be/QdWRUF3OKMg?...