Nothing But Education April 2024 Newsletter
The Vision from our CEO:
As a Woman-owned organization, our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative educational solutions that empower learners of all ages to reach their full potential and succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Welcome to our newsletter community!We're thrilled to have you onboard, and we want to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and share our vision with you.
Our newsletter is more than just a series of emails you'll receive in your inbox. It's a platform where we hope to build a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for leadership in education and industry. Our goal is to provide valuable insights, resources, and updates that will enrich your journey and peak curiosities about the latest developments.
Through our newsletter, we aspire to inform you on the latest trends, news, and breakthroughs in industry and educational research. We will learn from experts, thought leaders, and practitioners through insightful articles, interviews, and curated content. We will also inspire and uncover success stories, innovative ideas, and actionable tips to fuel your own aspirations and endeavors.
And finally, we will connect and engage with a community of fellow enthusiasts, share experiences and exchange ideas.
As we embark on this journey together, you can expect regular, and diverse, content and interactive engagement. We encourage you to actively provide feedback, share your insights, and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore further. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the direction of our newsletter.
Keep an eye out for special announcements and opportunities that are exclusively available to our newsletter subscribers.
Also, stay tuned for virtual meetups, webinars, and other events where you can connect with fellow subscribers and industry professionals.
We are excited to have you join us on this journey, and we can't wait to encourage each other along the way. If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for being a part of our community!
Jennifer Taylor Boykins
CEO, Nothing But Education
Innovative Pathways to Excellence and Equity Summit
This past month, we had the honor to work alongside Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Superintendent of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), to host their first Innovative Pathways to Excellence and Equity Summit. With educational leaders across 11 states and 24 districts, we engaged in deep learning and reflection from experts in the field. Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, author of Cultivating Genius and Unearthing Joy, grounded our time together with her keynote focusing on Culturally & Historically Responsive Education.
Daniel Burrus, expert in technology-driven trends and innovation, gave us a deep dive into the latest developments in AI and key strategies for maximizing its use in our classrooms. Attendees toured multiple innovative schools in WCPSS, heard from student leaders on school reform and shared best practices across their districts with one another. We thank Dr. Robert P. Taylor and his team for their vision and spirit of innovation and share gratitude for the nationwide leaders who joined in the learning.
Story of Impact
A cooperative agreement named "Level Up" introduced at a school board meeting by Centennial School District Superintendent Dr. Dana T. Bedden and Metro Esports CEO Shaon Berry aims to transform high school students' gaming passion into a competitive sport and career path.
Centennial District explores confluence of gaming, education
How Nothing But Education Can Support You
Equity and Inclusion: NBE prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its approach to supporting educational organizations. This likely includes offering resources, training, and guidance on creating inclusive learning environments that honor the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of all students and educators.
Collaborative Partnerships: NBE serves as a strategic thought partner, working closely with educational leaders and organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation. By fostering partnerships and sharing best practices, NBE helps drive positive change and improvement within the education sector.
Thoughtful Purchasing: NBE works alongside schools districts to ensure they receive the greatest value in their purchasing decisions. This involves evaluating the effectiveness, relevance, and appropriateness of various options available in the market.
Elevate Literacy with Take-Home Book Packs: Special Offer Inside!
Kaylee Jackson,
Vice-President
With a commitment to equity, Kaylee has successfully overseen the teaching and learning of over 50 schools and is most passionate about creating equitable literacy experiences for all students. Kaylee joined Nothing But Education in July of 2023. With her rich background in education, a passion for equitable learning environments, and her strategic vision, she hopes to continue to impact literacy outcomes across the nation
Educators Embrace AI Integration
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education, as highlighted by a Forbes Advisor survey of U.S. educators in October 2023. Despite concerns about cheating and reduced human interaction, over half of the teachers surveyed recognize AI's positive impact on teaching and learning, with younger teachers embracing it more enthusiastically. Common AI applications in education include educational games, adaptive learning platforms, and chatbots for student support. However, educators stress the importance of addressing ethical concerns such as academic dishonesty and algorithmic bias, advocating for a transparent and human-centered approach to AI integration. Despite challenges, most educators remain optimistic about AI's potential in education, envisioning a future where it complements traditional teaching methods.
Artificial Intelligence In Education: Teachers’ Opinions On AI In The Classroom
A District’s Role: Combatting Book Deserts
A book desert is defined as a “geographic area with limited access to age-appropriate books, print materials and reading culture” and most often exists in lower socio-economic areas. Districts, however, are addressing the dangers of book deserts by providing books for students to own, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. When districts procure books for students, it not only fosters literacy but also confronts systemic inequalities in education. Districts are prioritizing diverse book selections and ensuring that every child sees themselves represented in what they read. Collaboration among educators, families, and community partners is essential to tailor book choices effectively. By combating book deserts, districts affirm their commitment to equitable education and the future well-being of all children.