Teacher PD Launchpad

A Free Resource Hub Created for Elementary Teachers by Elementary Teachers

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Welcome to the Teacher PD Launchpad– a free, resource hub where elementary educators share tips for new teachers and school leaders. Here you will find a collection of podcast-style interviews, classroom resources, and best practices written and crafted by educators just like you!

Engagement refers to the level of effort, motivation, and curiosity our students and families show towards learning. Engagement includes how we, as teachers, create intentional opportunities for students to connect to their learning. It encourages us to examine when they’re really involved and getting messy with their work. Are students simply listening to you talk about the objective or are they responding in a collaborative Google Slide with partners?

Equity questions how we are meeting the individual needs of our students. How do we ensure ALL children receive what they need regardless of current circumstances and distance? Equity is ensuring all students have access to high-quality enrichment opportunities. It also encourages us to audit our curriculum to ensure all students see themselves in the stories they read and have opportunities to embrace other cultures throughout the school day.

Empathy requires us to teach with an open heart. We give grace to ourselves, to families, and to our students because we know everyone is doing their best. A virtual world limits our social interactions and leaves many of our emotional needs unmet. Empathy is how we care for each other given the uncertainty of the times. Empathy could be starting the day with a quick moment to see how everyone is feeling or with a social emotional lesson.

Back In The Classroom

First Year Teacher? Here are Five Mistakes to Avoid.

Jeremiah David, Paraprofessional, Rocketship Dream Community Prep | November 1, 2024

See what mistakes most first year teachers make and how you can get ahead this school year with some simple tips from a fellow educator.

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3 Classroom Systems New Teachers Swear By

Rocketship Public Schools | Sept. 30, 2024

As a first year teacher, establishing a smooth and productive classroom environment can feel a tad overwhelming. Thankfully, these simple strategies can go a long way.

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How Co-Teacher Collaboration Can Benefit Your Classroom

Featuring Alejandra Chavez, Education Specialist at Rocketship Mosaic Elementary | June 10, 2024

Hear from Ms. Aly about how a small team of educators can make a big difference in student outcomes through thoughtful planning, focused collaboration, and personalized accommodations. Ms. Aly was one of our highest-performing educators in California for the 23-24 school year.

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How to Spark Joy in ESL Classrooms with a Multilingual Learning Clubhouse

Featuring Ms. Amy De La Rosa, Multilingual Specialist, Nashville Northeast Elementary | June 1, 2023

Listen in to an audio interview with Amy De La Rosa, a Multilingual Specialist who has worked as an educator for over 14 years and found an innovative way to help her students learn English in a more accelerated, playful way.

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Supporting Parents of Multilingual Students in Family/Teacher Conferences

Emma Volpe, Rocketship United Academy | June 1, 2022

Get thoughtful insight on how to create a more inclusive family-teacher conference environment.

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5 Ways to Strengthen Relationships in the Classroom

James Cross, Assistant Principal, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary | February 20, 2022

A new age of education calls for a new level of connection. Here are some key tips to strengthen relationships in your classroom this school year.

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5 Ways School Leaders Can Coach and Support Teachers

Eesir Kaur, Director of Professional Development | October 15, 2020

Are you a school leader looking to coach your teachers more effectively? Here's what works for us.

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