We’re celebrating the power of community and connection this week on the planning period. When we focus our energy on creating positive things, we can create a lasting impact on students’ lives – and our own!  

Teach and Revel in Good News with Wild Hope 

One of our favorite shows for environmental education and for feeling empowered is Wild Hope. Science educators love these videos for teaching conservation and biology. Or, take a writing and rhetorical lens to these videos and think critically about the stories that get told about our planet. With a bunch of 15- and 30-minute segments, the opportunities are endless! 

But the best part? With educator guides and two fully built lessons, it has never been easier to bring environmental optimism to your classroom.  

Student Voices and Michigan’s State Symbols  

During this week in 1897, the crabapple blossom officially made Michigan’s state flower. This anniversary is full of ways to tie in student-led education opportunities. Take time to see what signs of spring have been popping up, or hold debates on what the newest state symbol should be. Dive into Michigan history and natural science all while giving students a chance to be heard.  

Communities as Resources for Learning 

We love hosting events across the state to create places for educators to connect with each other. But it’s not only great for us. Research from the Learning Policy Institute and the National Endowment for the Arts has shown that community partnerships lead to better academic performance and higher college attendance.  

Building these relationships doesn’t have to be daunting. Start within your school or district. You might be surprised to see just how many connections are waiting for you to discover through faculty, parents, and organizations in your neighborhood.