Across North America, schools are feeling the strain of workforce shortages. But for many aspiring educators, the biggest hurdle isn’t passion—it’s access. Specifically, access to flexible, affordable, and supportive pathways that lead to educator certification. At Educate-WI, we’ve spent years refining an approach that meets today’s needs: fully online, cohort-based certification programs for professionals balancing career, family, and education.

Our programs are built on a simple idea: if you have a bachelor’s degree—no matter your field of study—you can take meaningful steps toward becoming a certified teacher or school leader. Educate-WI provides educator certification programs for prospective and practicing teachers and administrators through three core pathways: Project Teaching for general education, 10 Sped for special education, and WiscAd for those pursuing roles such as principal or superintendent.

All programs are asynchronous and fully online, allowing candidates to complete coursework on their schedule—ideal for paraprofessionals, mid-career changers, and others seeking a transition into education.

What makes our model different is the combination of structure and support. Students progress through each program as part of a cohort, building peer networks and learning alongside others on a similar path. Instructors are experienced K–12 educators who bring real-world insight to each lesson. Coursework includes graduate credit through our partnership with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and financial aid options are available for eligible programs.

We also align our course calendar to match school hiring cycles. Many participants begin working in classrooms while completing certification, gaining valuable on-the-job experience while meeting urgent staffing needs.

Project Teaching, our largest program, offers certification in 19 general education subject areas. 10 Sped prepares qualified special education teachers—one of the highest-need roles in education today. Both pathways are open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree. WiscAd, designed for educators stepping into leadership, requires a master’s degree by program completion.

While based in Wisconsin, our certification pathways support candidates in other states—and even other countries. Each state sets its own rules, but many graduates find they meet most or all criteria for certification elsewhere. Our team assists out-of-state candidates with documentation and guidance throughout that process.

Beyond certification, our EdNova workshop series helps currently licensed teachers remove stipulations from existing certifications and continue their growth in the field.

Thousands of individuals have used Educate-WI as a springboard into education. Some come from other careers. Others are support staff ready to take the next step. All bring valuable life experience to the classroom, and our job is to help them channel that into a successful teaching or leadership role.

Enrollment for our next semester is currently open, with cohorts beginning in September. For those considering a meaningful career move—into teaching, special education, or school leadership—now is a great time to take the first step.

The post Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Katerina Stojanovska

Teaching art history in an entirely online environment has brought a new set of challenges and opportunities that I’ve come to embrace with enthusiasm. For me, the core mission remains the same: to make art history an engaging, immersive experience where students don’t just learn about art but connect with it. However, online teaching demands a different approach—one that maximizes the power of technology, makes use of diverse digital tools, and addresses the shifting learning habits of today’s students.  

Embracing Technology

In this digital age, technology has transformed the way I teach art history. I no longer rely solely on textbooks or static images of famous artworks. Instead, I use an array of online resources that allow students to explore art in an interactive and visually rich way, which is essential for a subject like art history.

The post Teaching Art History Online: A Visual Journey in the Digital Age appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

The pandemic had a serious impact on our educational system—there is little dispute about this statement. The identified negatives are plentiful. Students have been struggling ever since, both academically and socially. Standardized test scores are down. Mental wellness has declined, for both students and teachers. Educators are leaving the field or retiring early. There has even been evidence of increased aggression between students, teachers, administrators, and families. 

During the pandemic I was training teachers and social workers, as well as hosting webinars and conducting workshops for educators alongside Edward Wang, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. Together we also ran, along with two other educators, the Virtual Teachers’ Lounge, a place where teachers could share and vent about their school experiences and garner suggestions and support.

The post Reshaping Education: Pandemic Positives and the Importance of Educator Voices appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Sarah Abbey

The height of the pandemic brought many moments of upheaval and uncertainty, but amidst the tensions, there were also moments of laughter, especially in a class of third grade students.

As time went on, I found myself recording the many unanticipated situations that COVID brought to teaching. Not only did this help keep me sane and provide an outlet for my thoughts and feelings, but I figured that one day I’d want to look back on the unique experiences of this time period, whether with laughter or tears—maybe even both.

The post Crazy COVID Chronicles: Reflecting on a Year of Pandemic Teaching appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Kelsey McCallum

Zoos can play an important role in teaching students all sorts of things about animals. From behaviour, to endangered species, to wildlife and habitat conservation, there’s plenty of learning (and excitement!) to be had on a trip to the zoo. Now, these fun-filled field trips have also been adapted to virtual learning environments. For a new twist on a classic school field trip, use these virtual zoo programs to take students on wild journeys through the animal kingdom—all from the comfort of the classroom!

Denver Zoo
Denver, CO
Grade Level: K–6

The Denver Zoo’s virtual Classroom Safari programs offer several options for various age groups. Younger students can learn how to use science skills to discover animal characteristics and adaptations for survival. Older grades can explore the life cycles of insects, birds, mammals, and more! Several all-ages programs are available as well, along with free resources for students and teachers.

Minnesota Zoo
Apple Valley, MN
Grade Level: K–12

These 30–45 minute virtual classes are a fun and engaging way to teach students about wildlife and the environment. Topics range from penguins, coral reefs, or animal adaptations, to designing a successful zoo exhibit. Educators can also browse through free online resources in the zoo’s Learning Corner.

Omaha’s Henry Dooly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha, NE
Grade Level: K–12

Choose from a wide selection of distance learning programs offered by the Henry Dooly Zoo. From 60-minute programs that focus on ocean life, endangered species, the rainforest, or nocturnal animals; to 30-minute programs all about animal sounds, zoo babies, or camouflage, there’s sure to be a good fit! The zoo has free educational resources available as well.

Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix, AZ
Grade Level: K–8

The Phoenix Zoo’s interactive presentations include a combination of live discussions, pre-recorded guided tours with animals, and accompanying worksheets. Topics include: food webs, survival adaptations, human impacts, genetics, and more. Note that Title 1 schools may qualify for the ZooReach Scholarship Program.

Toronto Zoo
Toronto, ON
Grade Level: K–12

The Toronto Zoo offers two types of virtual field trips: a shorter “Meet & Greet,” which involves a special appearance from an animal ambassador; and a longer “Workshop” that focuses on a curriculum-related topic of your choice. Workshops also include a Q&A session and an additional video and activity package. Be sure to check out the zoo’s online resource page as well.

The post Distance Learning: 5 Virtual Zoo Field Trips appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Kelsey McCallum

Play has been shown to have many socio-emotional and cognitive benefits for children. It is through play that children develop important skills such as communication, problem solving, and critical thinking. It is also how they learn to interact with the world and with others, explore their interests, and try out different ideas.

Children’s museums can be excellent environments to foster this creativity and curiosity through hands-on, multi-sensory environments. Check out the following selection of children’s museums to find a mixture of online and in-person experiences, complete with plenty of unique and engaging exhibits.

Note: the information below was current at the time of writing. Please confirm specific availabilities with each location.

Glazer Children’s Museum
Tampa, FL
Grade Level: K–5

Currently offering:

• in-person field trips
• virtual field trips
• online resources

The GCM’s many imaginative play exhibits give kids the chance to try out different roles. Whether they’re caring for animals at the Vet Clinic, saving the day at the Firehouse, or creating something extraordinary at the Engineer’s Workshop, students are sure to have a blast as they discover and connect to the world around them. Note that the museum also offers sponsored visits for Title 1 Schools in nearby counties.

Kohl Children’s Museum
Glenview, IL
Grade Level: K–3

Currently offering:

• virtual field trips
• online resources

While in-person field trips are not available at this time, the museum offers six different virtual field trip topics, from science and engineering, to animals and machines. Several of the field trips are narrated in both English and Spanish. Take a look at the teaching resources for STEAM lesson plans, classroom activities, and more!

London Children’s Museum
London, ON
Grade Level: K–6

Currently offering:

• in-person field trips
• virtual field trips
• online resources

In-person field trips to the London Children’s Museum include extended learning opportunities where children can participate in one of three 45-minute curriculum-connected programs. Students can dissect seeds and investigate root systems through the Natural Investigators program; build their own structures in Explore Engineering; create constellations and see a real meteorite with the Soar into Space program; or make their own fossil impressions during Dinos Rock!

Nutrien Wonderhub
Saskatoon, SK
Grade Level: K–5

Currently offering:

• in-person field trips
• virtual field trips

Wonderhub offers several different in-person field trips that focus on a range of subjects, from plants and animals, to mining and minerals, to culture and machines. The museum also provides two virtual field trips: a STEAM-based program and a creative storytelling program.

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Escondido, CA
Grade Level: K–3

Currently offering:

• virtual field trips
• online resources

Students can design a sustainable work of art, grow their own plant, build a model of a museum exhibit, or even create a suncatcher through the virtual workshops offered by this children’s museum. (Title 1 and low-income schools can apply for scholarship support to cover workshop fees.) Educators can also browse a series of free STEAM, art, and culture activities for implementation in the classroom. Note that in-person field trips are unavailable at the moment.

Even More Children’s Museums:

The post 10 Children’s Museum Field Trips for In-Person and Online Learning appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Kelsey McCallum

Music education has been shown to improve memory and focus, literacy skills, creativity, and empathy, as well as overall academic achievement. And what better way to get students interested in learning to play an instrument than by letting them see those instruments in action? These virtual concerts, workshops, and accompanying resources are great opportunities to show students all the joys and wonders that music can bring.

Carnegie Hall
New York, NY
Grade Level: K–12

Introduce students to music from around the world with the help of these digital programs. Each K–5 program includes videos, audio tracks, lessons, and activities, while the 6–12 courses are more student-led for independent learning. Be sure to take a look at the toolbox of additional resources for music educators as well.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
New York, NY
Grade Level: K–6

The Lincoln Center’s at-home series, #ConcertsForKids, was designed to provide diverse musical performances to kids and families. Several of the concerts also include activity guides, which can easily be adapted for use in the classroom: check out Music from the Sole, Soul Science Kids, Nobuntu, 123 Andrés, as well as many others.

National Arts Centre
Ottawa, ON
Grade Level: K–12

The National Arts Centre is offering a variety of virtual music workshops and performances. Students can learn about Cree music and culture, explore beat-making and lyric-writing, discover different types of body percussion, and more! Additional free music resources are also available.

New York Philharmonic
New York, NY
Grade Level: K–12

Educators can browse through a video library of pre-recorded concerts and instructional videos on the New York Philharmonic’s Learning @ Home page. This digital collection also includes educator resources, curriculum guides, and activities to help students explore their own musical creativity.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Vancouver, BC
Grade Level: K–7

By subscribing to the Music Room, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s virtual learning platform, educators can gain access to all kinds of music education content. Send students on a journey through Spanish rhythms and culture with España!, or take a walk on the wild side and watch animals come to life through Carnival of the Animals. With plenty of interactive musical experiences to choose from, there’s no shortage of fun to be had!

The post 5 Virtual Concerts and Music Workshops to Share with Students appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Kelsey McCallum

When we look up at the night sky, we can see stars, planets, and entire worlds beyond our own. But what are we really looking at? What’s really out there in space? From constellations to solar systems, astronomy to astronauts, these virtual field trips introduce students to important discoveries that humans have made about the universe, our part in it, and the countless mysteries and complexities still to be explored. With the help of field trips like these, it’s now possible to take students on journeys that are out of this world without ever having to leave the classroom!

Let’s Learn About the Solar System!
By Joyful Learning

• Resources for Grades K–3

RVCC Planetarium Virtual Field Trips
By Raritan Valley Community College

• Virtual field trips for Grades K–12
• Check out the videos on the RVCC Planetarium YouTube channel as well

Slime in Space: A Virtual Field Trip
By Nickelodeon

• Virtual field trip for Grades 3–5

Stellarium

• Virtual planetarium for Grades K–12

Virtual Field Trips
By the Manitoba Museum

• Virtual field trips for Grades K–12

Virtual Planetarium Shows
By the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

• Virtual experiences for grades K–8

The post 6 Virtual Field Trips About Space and the Night Sky appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

There’s no time like the present to reconsider the future of education. But when thinking about what schools of the future will look like, it’s hard to imagine them without grades, exams, or even subjects. Yet that’s just what the School of Humanity has done.

This recently-launched online high school has reshaped the idea of what it means to learn, as well as how, why, and where learning happens. The school’s mission is to “reinvent high schools in order to better serve humanity.”

The post Reinventing Education, Serving Humanity appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Kelsey McCallum

Almost 80 percent of flowering plants around the globe need the help of pollinators. One of every three bites of food we eat is due to their pollinating efforts, and honey bees alone are responsible for adding nearly $6 billion to the Canadian economy each year. But bee populations are rapidly declining due to pesticides, parasites, and habitat loss. In some areas, up to 90 percent of bees have disappeared.

It is important to teach students about the essential role bees play in food production and how they contribute to healthy ecosystems. Celebrate the complex and fascinating world of honey bees—and learn what steps can be taken to protect them—with these virtual field trips.

Beekeepers: How Honey is Made
By Kidvision

• Video for Grades K–3

Bees
By PBS Learning Media

• Resources for Grades K–12

Honey Bees
By Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom

• Virtual field trip for Grades 3–5
• A virtual field trip for Grades 6–8 is also available

Virtual Beehive
By Arizona State University Bee Laboratory

• Virtual tour for Grades 4–6

Virtual Field Trips About Bees
By Gees Bees

• Virtual field trips for Grades K–6
• (Also available in French)

Virtual Honeybee Centre Classes
By Honeybee Centre

• Virtual presentations for Grades K–6

The post 6 Virtual Field Trips to Teach Kids About Honey Bees appeared first on TEACH Magazine.