Educational Outfitters
Equips Educators in Texas
Aarco Products Rite Wall® Floor-To-Ceiling Markerboard System is designed to integrate into your space seamlessly. Crafted with a magnetized porcelain writing surface and low-profile frame, or ClearVision™ Glass Markerboard panels with a decorative edge, Rite Wall® is a collaborative writing wall perfect for open-plan offices, meeting rooms, or classrooms.
Porcelain Rite Wall®
Model # H” x W” Panels
RW8448 84” x 48” 1
RW8496 84” x 96” 2
RW84144 84” x 144” 3
RW84192 84” x 192” 4
60” Glass Rite Wall®
Model # H” x W” Panels
GRW6048 60” x 48” 1
GRW6096 60” x 96” 2
GRW60144 60” x 144” 3
GRW60192 60” x 192” 4
84” Glass Rite Wall®
Model # H” x W” Panels
GRW8448 84” x 48” 1
GRW8496 84” x 96” 2
GRW84144 84” x 144” 3
GRW84192 84” x 192” 4
by Victoria Ritter
IThe ISSUE
Navigating Change
f you talk with practically any child psychologist or mental health organization, they will tell you that a crucial building block of children’s mental and behavioral health is a consistent routine and structured schedule. Routines regulate a child’s inner clock, improve focus, reduce anxiety, build independence and help make them feel secure and confident.
In a way, we never outgrow the need for the comfort of knowing what’s next. As adults, we make our own daily routines – waking up, preparing for the day, going to work, hanging out with friends, relaxing back at home and returning to bed. Then there are the larger routines of work schedules, the seasons – and the chores and activities/traditions that come with them – election cycles, and so on.
In the past few years, however, some of those routines have been upended. The COVID pandemic brought in-person education and business to a close. The recent tariffs have people questioning what the future of commerce (and their own businesses) looks like. The Education Department is being slowly dismantled, and DEI initiatives – which schools and businesses alike have sought to incorporate in their practices – are being curtailed. It’s understandable and ok to be confused, frustrated and perhaps dejected by these changes, these interruptions.
But I believe this is where learning and growth happens.
The key is to keep moving forward and realize that you are not alone. Everyone has gone, or is going through the same experiences. If we are going to get through with our financial and mental security intact, we need to work together, listening to other people’s experiences and offering solutions based on our own knowledge and insight. Plus, new situations allow us to look at life, our routines, through different lenses and at different angles. We might learn something along the way.
Speaking of new things, there are a few changes to Educational Dealer you might notice in this issue, some of which we hope to continue going forward (don’t worry, these are good changes). We have consolidated and rebranded the new product features Cool & Hot and New & True into one element called Industry Essentials. We are also re-introducing Retailers Recommend which we haven’t featured in a few years – our hope is to make this a more regular installment.
In the near future we’d also like to premiere a section dedicated to insights and knowledge from store owners called Retailer’s Toolbox. Here, retailers can share their tricks of the trade, so to speak, on a variety of subjects from attending shows, ordering supplies and hosting events. Keep an eye out for more information.
There are plenty of our regular features to offset the variations. This quarter, we talked with furniture manufacturer KI and learned how its multitude of options provide flexibility in learning spaces. Foot Fidget expounded how it transforms chairs and desks to fit the needs of students and teachers. Meanwhile, Jaime Williams of Educational Outfitters in Killeen, TX shared how she transitioned from a teaching career to saving a closing store, turning it into a valuable community resource.
These stories demonstrate how change is inevitable, for good and for ill – the real question is what we will take away from our experiences and circumstances. Let’s learn something new together.
Redefining the Standard
SERVING THE SCHOOL SUPPLY INDUSTRY SINCE 1976
A publication of Fahy-Williams Publishing
About Educational Dealer
Educational Dealer Magazine has been the trusted resource for the school supply industry since 1976. Covering everything from classroom furniture and teacher resources to the latest industry trends, we provide essential insights for retailers, catalogers, resellers, and online merchants. Through in-depth profiles, market updates, and product features, we connect businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
Publisher Tim Braden tbraden@fwpi.com
Editorial Director Victoria Ritter victoria@fwpi.com
Production Manager Mark Stash mstash@fwpi.com
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Educational Outfitters
is for Teachers, by Teachers
by Victoria Ritter
When an educational supply store in central Texas was in danger of closing, a family of educators sought to keep the business running. Today, Educational Outfitters in Killeen is a relevant and reliable resource for teachers, parents and homeschoolers.
Founded by Cindy and Randy Schoel in 1995, Educational Outfitters served area educators and families for 26 years from its original location in Harker Heights, TX. When the Schoels decided to retire in December 2021, Jaime Williams saw their notice on Facebook. She, along with her sister, Melissa Walcik, and their parents, were teachers and had frequented the store many times. Together, they approached the Schoels with an offer to buy their business.
Owning her own store had been Williams’ dream for many years. She recalled how, in her freshman year of college, she took a business program and was inspired to own an educational store. She was soon dissuaded after taking an accounting class and decided to become a teacher instead.
In December 2021, both of Williams’ parents had retired from teaching and Walcik was only a couple years from retirement. The timing couldn’t be better to take over Educational Outfitters. “By the time the store came available for sale, I was at a point in my career where I was feeling I needed a change,” Williams recalled. “It was at the right time.”
The surrounding area was in need of Educational Outfitters to stay open. At one point, there used to be several educational supply stores about an hour south and north of Harker Heights. Now, there is only one left, which caters to the early elementary crowd. In contrast, Educational Outfitters provides supplies for elementary through high school.
The turnaround was quick. Williams and her family re-opened Educational Outfitters the following May. Williams and her family are a lean, mean team. “My dad comes in when we have big orders,” Williams said, adding her mom and sister work full-time at the store. “We have one other employee who is also a former teacher; she runs our homeschool classes and works part-time.”
Educational Outfitters
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available for kids to use as their parents shop.
Educational Outfitters seeks to be a one-stop shop for its customers. Its inventory includes decorations and supplies, books, workbooks, games, manipulatives, learning materials and STEM/STEAM kits.
“We sell Kindermats your round, which is a big seller around here because we’re the only ones who carry them year around,” Williams said. “Our daycares send parents over here all the time to get them.”
Additional big sellers include materials from Teacher Created Resources, mats and poly charts from Ashley Productions and Spectrum workbooks from Carson Dellosa Publishing. Other brands in stock include North Star Teacher Resources, Scholastic, Eureka, Pacon Creative Products and Musgrave Pencil Co. The store carries around 11,000 SKUS, but the list is expanding.
“We’re still growing,” Williams stated. “When we bought the business, a lot of the vendors Cindy had used had either gone out of business or merged with another company. We’re establishing those relationships and finding new vendors.”
Williams gets ideas for products through a Facebook group of dealers, by listening to customers – including local teacher friends – and searching the internet for what’s new and trending. A recent trend is an uptick in manipulative-based learning.
“We’ve noticed that with the increase of schools that are trying to go digital, students aren’t getting the foundation skills that they need,” Williams observed. “Parents and teachers are coming in constantly, saying they need hands-on manipulatives because they’re not getting it through this digital system anymore.” Products that help combat this issue include Unifix cubes, Base Ten blocks and graph papers.
When considering a new product to put on her shelves, Williams hones in on the “why” behind it, honing in on how it teaches a certain skill and why it’s important. She also wants products that are multi-functional and provide a good value for buyers.
“Our goal is to always try to show customers multiple ways that they can use each product for different skills,” she said. “For example, counters for early childhood, you can use it for counting, patterning, sorting and creating letters. There are different ideas for the same product – that way, customers feel like they’re getting a better deal out of it.”
Reaching beyond the classroom
Teachers and parents come from near and far to visit Educational Outfitters. The store is within half an hour of seven school districts. “We also have teachers who come all the way from Austin, Waco and Rockdale which are one to two hours away,” Williams said.
Apart from schools, Educational Outfitters also sells to daycares, churches and homeschoolers. While its online store sales pale in comparison to in-store purchases, the digital catalog is a handy resource for people out of the area.
“Because we’re in a military town, we have a lot of people come in while visiting family. They’ll shop while they’re here,
then they’ll take our brochure and say, ‘I’m going to order later,’ and ‘I’m going to share this with other teachers.’”
The store draws further attention by participating in community events. It partners with a local Realtor for an annual back-to-school teacher bash and attends new teacher orientations, homeschool events and parent nights. Educational Outfitters donates products to smaller school districts – as well as one school that was destroyed by a tornado – and passed out pencils during Red Ribbon Week, a drug prevention awareness campaign.
In the store, Williams hosts homeschool classes; these started out as free events, but now charge a small fee. “We now charge $5 per class because when the attendance was free, we’d have people not show up,” Williams explained. “Once we started charging, they all showed.” The homeschool classes started as a weekly science class divided by age – one session for ages 5 to 7, another for ages 8 to 12 – but in the past year they’ve included writing classes.
“The parents are encouraged to join in on the class,” Williams said. “Our teacher, Jayne, is wonderful. As she’s teaching, she’s also explaining to the parents, how they could do this at home, to give them that knowledge as well.”
Williams is proud of how her family has continued the store’s
legacy and welcomes every customer like family. “We thrive on giving that personal experience,” she said. “We want people to find what they need and enjoy their time here. We feel like this is our next adventure, and we’re enjoying it as we can.”
with KI UESTIONS Q Putting a Personal Touch on Furniture
KI was founded as Krueger Metal Products by Al Kreuger in 1941. It started out with metal folding chairs and tables, focusing on K-12 and higher education markets. The company grew its portfolio to now feature more than 300 product lines and tens of thousands of unique SKUs. Its furniture can be found in classrooms, board rooms, offices and healthcare spaces, while maintaining a main focus on educational spaces.
“We believe that learning is a part of the human experience regardless whether it in a school, a workplace or at home,” said Bryan Ballegeer, vice president of education at KI.
A majority of KI’s sales are in the U.S., but the manufacturer also distributes across the globe. It has substantial operations and distribution in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. “Even KI’s dorm furniture is in a base located on Antarctica,” Ballegeer added.
sets KI Furniture apart from other furniture manufacturers?
KI is an employee-owned (ESOP) organization which allows all employees a true stake in the company. This structure ensures quality and accountability from all members of the KI community.
In our 84-year history, we’ve had just three CEOs, and our average employee tenure is more than 25 years, which speaks to our ownership culture.
What is your most popular/ bestselling product, and what do you ascribe to its popularity?
We ascribe the popularity of our products to two things. The first is
identifying a problem the market is currently not serving, such as providing the ability for someone to sit in various positions. The second value is our belief in American manufacturing. We see this
approach drive the success of recent products like Cogni, current products like Ruckus and past products like Sway.
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UESTIONS Q
(continued from page 11)
Air Dry Modeling Clay
Sandtastik® Air Dry Modeling Clay offers a soft, pliable texture that’s easy to shape, mold, and sculpt—perfect for artists, crafters, and students alike. It dries naturally to a durable finish with no baking needed, making it a convenient choice for any creative setting. Available in white, extra white, terracotta, and black, it’s ideal for both detailed work and everyday projects.
Sandtastik Products Ltd. P. 905.734.7340 TF. 800.845.3845 E. info@sandtastik.com | sandtastikproducts.com
What factors do you consider when designing/creating a new product?
Fundamentally, human factors. From a research and development perspective, our team seeks to take the perspective of those whom we are designing for –whether they are a sixth grade student, second grade teacher or employee in a Fortune 500 company. We immerse ourselves in their literal world and then often incorporate other elements of design strategy; this allows our clients the opportunity for divergent creativity and innovation to express themselves. Throughout the development process we test our concepts and iterations against the actual user to ensure we are always working towards a truly human-centered product design.
Where do you source your materials from? How do you ensure quality end products?
Since our founding in 1941, KI has prioritized sourcing materials as locally as possibly. To date, 90 percent of our materials are from North America, and we have four manufacturing plants in the U.S. and one in Canada.
Our philosophy is to empower and ensure quality at the point of production. The vertical integration of KI’s manufacturing, rather than relying on tiers of suppliers, coupled with our employee ownership culture, ensures quality throughout our made-to-order process.
What trends have you noticed when it comes to educational furniture?
We refer to the main trend as the “f-word” in educational spaces: flexibility. Being such an all-encompassing term, it means something different to any given student, teacher or administrator.
The real focus of KI and faculty is supporting the personalization and handson curriculum our schools and teachers are working towards to provide unlock the passion for learning young minds have.
Overall, how’s business?
KI has continued to outpace the market and our own goals annually; all the while maintaining 99 percent on-time performance and less than 1 percent quality issues.
EDmarket’s
Bold Women Collective
Empowering Women Who Lead with Purpose
by Kelly Fisher
Leadership in education takes vision, heart and a deep commitment to growth. Whether you’re an educator shaping minds, a dealer connecting schools with essential resources, a manufacturer reimagining learning environment or a designer creating spaces that inspire – women across every part of the education ecosystem are leading change in bold, transformative ways. The EDmarket Bold Women Collective (BWC) was created to bring those women together.
Since 2019, the BWC has united women from across the education market: superintendents, learning designers, business owners, edtech innovators, architects and more. It’s a space for connection, collaboration and leadership grounded in real experience and shared purpose.
“Leadership is strengthened when we collaborate and learn from one another’s experiences,” said Dr. Deborah Kerr, superintendent of the St. Francis School District and founder of the BWC. “By
sharing both challenges and successes, we elevate the entire education community.”
Learning through stories and shared experiences
At the core of the BWC are eight one-hour virtual sessions held throughout the year. These conversations go beyond trends or tactics – they are a true community.
Each session highlights the personal stories, insights and lived experiences of women across education and industry. Members explore topics like mentorship, navigating change, building inclusive cultures and leading with purpose in high-impact spaces – from classrooms and boardrooms to design studios and manufacturing floors. These aren’t passive webinars; they’re rich, interactive conversations that offer both practical takeaways and space for reflection.
In-person connections
While virtual sessions provide consistent connection, in-person
events allow for deeper dialogue and community-building. In 2025, BWC members will gather at two major industry events: NeoCon at KI’s Showroom in Chicago and at EDspaces in Columbus, OH.
These are not just networking opportunities. They’re intentional gatherings designed to bring the energy and authenticity of the BWC to life. From leadership roundtables to informal meetups, attendees engage in conversations that span across roles and industries. Whether you’re designing products, supporting districts, implementing educational change or influencing policy, these in-person moments create space for meaningful collaboration and new ideas.
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Backstory podcast: Real conversations with real leaders
In 2025, the Bold Women Collective Backstory was launched – a podcast that brings honest, energizing conversations to anyone passionate about education and innovation. Each episode offers quick, impactful reflections from women across the sector. Recently BWC was on the road and recorded live sessions at CUE 2025; Backstory captures the voices of women tackling today’s biggest questions in education: How do create a true culture in today’s schools? What does AI mean for classrooms? How can space, tools, and curriculum reflect student voice? Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for on-the-go inspiration and insight.
A collective that spans the industry
One of the most powerful aspects of the BWC is the diversity of its members. Educators, dealers, manufacturers, architects and designers all bring unique perspectives but share a commitment to shaping the future of learning.
“Being part of the BWC has reminded me that I don’t have to lead alone,” shared a recent member. “It’s a space where women from across the education world can connect, learn and grow together.”
For the A&D community, it’s a chance to better understand the lived experiences of the educators and leaders you’re designing for. For manufacturers and dealers, it’s an opportunity to engage directly with changemakers and decision-makers shaping the future of schools. For educators, it’s a place to be heard, supported and inspired. If you’re a woman working in any part of the education ecosystem, there’s a place for you in the Bold Women Collective. Lead Boldly. Together. Learn more at edmarket.org/bwc
Kelly Fisher is the marketing director for EDmarket.
Back to Basics
Learning opportunities are all around us – aided by handy teaching materials. Check out these products that impart lessons in art, history, math and more.
History, Music, Language Arts
Classical Composers from Red Chair Press is a biography series highlighting eight notable composers: Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Handel, Mozart, Price, Schumann and Tchaikovsky. Each book is 32 pages, providing a unique blend of education, inspiration and entertainment. For ages 7 to 10.
Arts and Crafts
Classic Colored Sand from Sandtastik is a vibrant, non-toxic material ideal for educational crafts, sensory exploration and classroom art projects. With more than 45 brilliant colors to choose from, it brings creative versatility to a wide range of school activities. For ages 4 and up.
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Flexible, dynamic, and designed for the future of learning, Cogni seating from KI redefines student engagement.
Back to Basics Support Education and Make a Profit
Missouri-Based Education Retailer for Sale
An exciting opportunity to own a well-established, recession-proof business that has served educators, parents, and students for many years. This unique business specializes in hand-selected, affordable products designed to meet today’s classroom needs.
With more than 40,000 active customers across the U.S., this profitable retailer is structured for absentee ownership. Don’t miss this chance to support education while generating consistent income!
Contact Lou DeLone (713) 839-5239 • ldeLone@IBEXbeyond.com
The Seller or its agents have provided all information in this document to International Business Exchange, Inc. (“IBEX”). This information, while believed to be correct, has not been verified. Accordingly, IBEX and its associates make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy and truthfulness of such information. The recipient acknowledges that IBEX and its associates shall not be held liable for any loss or injury suffered by said recipient in any way connected to the delivery of information given in this document. At all times, IBEX is an agent for the seller and not for the buyers unless a specific agreement exists for IBEX to act as the buyer’s agent.
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Rigid Wrap from ACTÍVA is a fast-drying plaster cloth perfect for sculpting, mask making and school projects. Simply wet, wrap, and shape – this versatile material dries quickly to a strong, durable finish ready for decorating. It is well-suited for school art projects that explore sculpture and creative techniques. For ages 6 and up.
The Carolina Connections Collaborative Easel from Kaplan Early Learning Company provides a oneof-a-kind art experience that accommodates all children. A clear acrylic art surface encourages children to interact and create together while maintaining a comfortable distance that avoids overstimulation. Adjust the height to accommodate standing or seated children. For ages 3 and up.
Science
The Time Timer MOD is a visual timer designed to help students understand and manage time through a simple, colored disk countdown. Available in 10-, 30-, 60- and 120-minute durations, it helps students stay focused during hands-on science
Retailers Retailers Recommend
“We have been selling a series of three games that we just love. The ‘Games of Visual Connection’ from OuiSi include OuiSi Original, OuiSi Nature and OuiSi Getty Museum. Each game contains visually stunning photos that lend to endless games and activities. We’ve sold sets to families, schools as well as our senior care facility and recently as an icebreaker activity for a group of high school exchange students. The company is wonderful to work with, and orders are shipped quickly.”
Pamela Bland, Unicorn School Supply in Taos, NM
“Krumples from Smart Toys and Games is currently our number one seller for fidgets of all ages! It has a wonderful texture and easy to clean with being dishwasher safe, so it’s great for the classroom or home. It’s a personal favorite at my house, too!
“Learning is endless with Learning Mats from Teacher Created Resources, as they have something for all subjects and ages. They make a great quiet activity for the kids to learn while working on homework with the older kids or cooking dinner. They are reusable with the dry-erase crayons, so kids have the opportunity for repetition doing something they enjoy while learning.”
Julie Burczyk, Tools 4 Teaching in Evansville, IN
“Play Tab from Fat Brain is a new and innovative sensory product for toddlers. I actually have this product for my grandkids, and they love it.
“The Meta Morph fidget from Geddes is a new fidget toy that is flying out the door. It’s very different because you open and close it; it stretches out and has a great feel to it.
“Sight Words Wheel from Learning Resources offers a new and different way to learn sight words to make it fun.”
Scott Gurley, The Teachers’ Lounge in St. Louis, MO
“As far as what’s selling now, it’s books that get students prepared for the EOG’s Spectrum has great math and reading comprehension work books
Also popular are any decoration that goes along with the VBS themes this year –Eureka has a new western theme, and it has been popular.
“We recently received our Learning Resources back-to-school order, and some of the hands-on games look great. One in particular is Let’s Spell S’mores! I have already sold two of these. Another one of their games is Brainometry Cubed; it has more than 40 fidget puzzles for you to solve. Anything hands-on is a winner.”
Susie Key, Teacher’s Pet in Morganton, NC
Where learning meets motion!
Flux Mobile Glass Writing
Surfaces from Aarco Products keeps ideas flowing and collaboration rolling for users everywhere – from classrooms to faculty lounges. aarcoproducts.com
These height-adjustable, mobile stools from Moore Co. are ergonomically designed to mirror the body’s natural contours, reduce pressure points and improve circulation. moorecoinc.com/elate
Cogni Classroom
Seating from KI is a new, comprehensive seating solution designed for one purpose: boosting student engagement. It delivers on choice, movement, mobility, sensory engagement, and more. ki.com/products/ families/cogni
The illumi Mite Table from Childbrite helps children experience how the color of light interacts with other colored objects. The table can be set to white in addition to several other colors. childbrite.com
Essentials Industry
Re•Group Rocker Chair from Academia Furniture is a comfortable, durable and soft rocking chair. It features a streamlined modern shape with rubber strips on the base for smooth, safe and easy gliding. academiafurniture.com
With the Storage and Seating Unit from Wood Designs, watch your little ones dive into a world of imagination and cozy comfort. It’s the perfect spot for them to read their favorite books, chat with friends, or simply relax. wooddesigns.com
Footfidget 2.0 for classroom desks from FootFidgets is designed by physical therapists. Its new snap-on design to all four desk legs leaves hands free for learning. Improves focus, memory, attention and comfort. footfidget.com
Learning Materials
With the Everyday Heroes Mini Poster Set from Eureka, meet the heroes behind the scenes! Bright, bold posters celebrate real-life champs—perfect for classrooms that love learning and fun. MRSP: $9.49
Contact Amy Cullum, National Sales Manager, amy.cullum@dgamericas.com
Essentials Industry
The Go-To-Guide for Classroom Management from Scholastic is packed with tips, strategies, planning tools and step-by-step advice from real teachers. This short guide helps teachers build a classroom environment where students thrive. scholastic.com/ tsmarketing
Go beyond the standard ruler with the Folding Meter Stick from Learning Advantage. It measures inches, centimeters, millimeters and meters and collapses to fit inside backpacks, desks or pockets. learningadvantagedealer.com
Magnetic Push Pins from Miller Studio are made with neodymium magnets and can hold up to 16 sheets of 20-pound paper. Features a user-friendly plastic design for easy gripping. magicmounts.com
Fidget Bands from Bouncy Band are stretchy, high quality soft bands that give kids an outlet for excess energy. Helps kids concentrate and be more in control of their emotions. bouncyband.com
Corwin: Corwin: Teaching Foundational Skills to Adolescent Readers from Corwin provides classroom practices to integrate reading support seamlessly with gradelevel content learning. $39.95 corwin.com/books/teachingfoundational-skills-287896
2.0 for Classroom Desks
focus and attention while sitting!
Industry NEWS
• Students exercise and fidget with their legs and feet
• Leaves hands free for learning, burns more calories
• Improves circulation, focus, memory and attention
• Only ergonomically correct device on the market
• The foot rest is in the middle of the desk space = comfort & good posture!
Manufactured in the USA by a Women-Owned, Physical Therapy company info@footfidget.com • www.footfidget.com
Whitney Brothers’ elevatED Collection, a line of furniture for young learners, received a Best of 2024 award from Design Journal. A panel of 2,400 internationally renowned interior designers, architects and facility managers cited the collection’s contemporary style and inventive adaptation across 46 individual pieces in the collection.
The elevatED Collection comprises 46 individual and modular pieces for young learner activities including art, STEM/sensory, literacy development, play, tables, seating, lockers and storage. Each piece is flexible, mobile or modular to enable furnishing a dynamic learning environment for young learners.
“The Design Journal BEST of 2024 award recognizes how a fresh, modern expression of furniture can play a central role in creating a dynamic learning environment for our youngest learners,” said Mike Jablonski, president of Whitney Brothers. “The elevatED Collection is another great example of our brand’s innovation and commitment to furnish learning environments that inspire and engage young children.”
Meteor Education has joined on as a premier sponsor of the Education Market Association (EDmarket) Bold Women Collective.
Launched in April 2024, the Bold Women Collective is a year-round forum for connecting, sharing and learning for women in the education market. The collective provides a platform for female professionals to connect, find mentorship and build relationships that foster both personal and professional growth.
“Meteor Education’s decision to sponsor the EDmarket Bold Women Collective aligns with our core values of inclusivity and empowerment, epitomized by our own Meteor Women’s Movement,” said Pam Dempsey, director of partnerships. “By supporting the Bold Women Collective, we aim to extend these values beyond our organization, helping to advance the professional and personal growth of
women across the industry. This partnership not only enhances our commitment to developing future-ready educators and students but also supports our broader goal of impacting educational experiences positively and inclusively.”
The collective provides opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions on topics relevant to professional success in a supportive environment. In addition to monthly virtual meetings, the collective will meet in person at NeoCon in June and EDspaces in November to discuss challenges and opportunities among female professionals.
Membership in the EDmarket Bold Women Collective is open to all EDmarket female members. Learn more about EDmarket’s Bold Women Collective at edmarket.org/ bwcollective.
leadership, Flipside became a trusted name in the industry. While he is stepping away from day-to-day leadership, Cohen will remain the owner of Flipside Products and its affiliated brands.
Flipside Products announced a significant leadership transition. Founder, Owner, President and CEO Phil Cohen concluded his executive role. Chief Operating Officer Chuck Mix succeeded him as president and CEO.
Cohen founded Flipside Products in 1990, growing it into an enterprise renowned for its high-quality products, long term partnerships and multiple brand acquisitions. Under his
“The Flipside Team is so fortunate to have Chuck assuming the leadership role.” Cohen stated, “He has a special blend of operational, financial and people skills that will propel us to new levels.”
Mix joined Flipside as COO in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across various industries. During his tenure as COO, Mix spearheaded initiatives that positioned Flipside for significant growth. His engineering expertise and strategic vision have had a transformative impact on the company’s operations.
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Dry Erase Learning Board
Industry NEWS
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”I am extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to continue the growth of Flipside Products started by Phil Cohen over 30 years ago.” Mix said, “Phil’s entrepreneurial DNA is interwoven throughout the company, giving us a distinct advantage in creativity, responsiveness and customer focus. We’ve spent the past two years strengthening our core and we are now poised for growth. The team at Flipside is one of the best and I am so excited to continue in this pursuit with them!”
Kaplan Early Learning Company and Alive Studios, an early edtech innovator with over a decade of success in boosting literacy, are joining forces to address the nationwide literacy crisis, beginning with pre-K. The collaboration introduces the Interactive Zoo Panel, a 55-inch Android TouchPanel preloaded with engaging, research-based early literacy and math instruction enhanced by 3D augmented reality zoo animals.
The Interactive Zoo Panel provides classrooms with a comprehensive solution – hardware, software, and
manipulatives – designed to captivate children ages 3 to 6. Preloaded with the award-winning and research-backed Alive Studios Zoo Learning Experience, featuring Letters alive, Math alive, six Zoo Crew apps and popular Android Classroom apps, the panel brings lessons to life with 26 engaging zoo animals. This approach supports foundational reading skills and aligns with the increasingly adopted Science of Reading.
“For me, ensuring strong literacy skills for all students nationwide is absolutely crucial,” said Cynthia Kaye, CEO of Alive Studios. “That’s why we poured our hearts into creating the Interactive Zoo Panel. I’m particularly excited for early educators for these reasons: it’s truly affordable, equitable and accessible to students from every background. Plus, it’s designed to be hassle-free – no internet needed, no student data collected and no subscriptions. We even made sure it aligns with NAEYC’s guidelines for technology. Our goal was to make it so easy to use ... like a reliable appliance you can always count on.”
The Interactive Zoo Panel, available for sale at Kaplan, is currently at an introductory pricing of $5,995. Early adopters of the Zoo Panel have reported immediate increases in student engagement and understanding.
“The new Zoo Panel has been a game-changer for my
Business NOTES
Tips on Navigating Tariff Challenges
It’s only a few months into 2025, but it’s a sure bet that one of the year’s buzzwords is tariffs. Although politicians claim that tariffs protect and promote domestic manufacturers, they can have a significant impact on smaller businesses, retailers and customers. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) reported that its Small Business Optimism Index decreased in March.
Here are a few strategies outlined by Small Business Exchange on how business owners can help mitigate the impact of tariffs.
• Diversify supply chains. Smaller retailers can work with suppliers from countries not subject to tariffs or partner with domestic manufacturers.
• Negotiate with existing suppliers. Explore possibilities for cost-sharing or flexible payment terms. Strong, collaborative relationships between retailers and suppliers can make room for negotiation and help ease short-term financial strains.
• Invest in operational efficiency. Streamlining operations can help combat rising costs and even yield long-term savings. Measures can include investing in process automation, revising workflows and eliminating inefficiencies.
• Reevaluate pricing models. Offer special bundles, loyalty discounts or promotions to soften passing costs to customers.
Retailers can keep informed and connected to resources by taking the following steps:
• Review your supply chain and look for diversification opportunities.
• Stay updated on tariff news and industry-specific developments.
• Work with trade associations or local chambers of commerce to advocate for small business interests.
Retail Sales Forecast to Hit $5.42 in 2025
In April, the National Retail Federation forecast 2025 retail sales to grow between 2.7 and 3.7 percent over 2024, reaching between $5.42 trillion and $5.48 trillion.
“Overall, the economy has shown continued momentum so far in 2025 – bolstered by low unemployment and real wage gains –however, significant policy uncertainty is weighing on consumer and business confidence,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Still, serving customers will remain retailers’ top priority no matter what the economic environment.”
The 2025 sales forecast compares with 3.6 percent annual sales growth of $5.29 trillion in 2024. This year’s forecast is also in line with the 10-year pre-pandemic average annual sales growth of 3.6 percent.
NRF expects GDP growth to decline just below 2 percent this year, down from 2.8 percent in 2024 and below the trend of the past few years.
“Any way you look at it, a lot is riding on the consumer,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “While we do expect slower growth, consumer fundamentals remain intact, supported by low unemployment, slower but steady income growth, and solid household finances. Consumer spending is not unraveling.”
Kleinhenz added that even though consumer confidence is
declining, due largely to lingering inflation and consumers’ anxiety over tariffs, that doesn’t mean there will be an immediate drop in consumer spending.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season. To learn more, visit nrf.com
The Emergence of Omnichannel Shoppers
The average U.S. household shops across 39 unique retailers annually, with omnichannel shoppers spending nearly twice as much as brick-andmortar or e-commerce shoppers, reports Circana’s Complete Consumer data. This shift highlights an evolving consumer landscape where value, convenience and occasion-based spending impact buying
behavior, according to recent research by Circana.
While overall consumer spending remains strong, shifting trade-offs and an increasingly omnichannel approach are reshaping the retail and foodservice industries.
“Our study shines a light on the trade-offs consumers face daily, whether it’s choosing value at dollar stores or splurging on small indulgences like gourmet coffee,” said Michelle Bennett, executive vice president of consumer and shopper insights at Circana. “By understanding these moments, companies can align their offerings to what really matters to today’s shoppers, driving loyalty and long-term growth.”
Key findings include the following.
Low-income households are increasing trips to value retailers and dollar stores, while high-income households are driving growth in club stores and e-commerce.
As consumers get squeezed, “everyday
indulgences” play a key role in consumer spending, with notable growth in small luxury purchases, such as gourmet coffee, prestige beauty products and premiumpriced candles.
Consumers are becoming more selective with what they buy, shopping more often but buying fewer categories.
“Consumers’ behaviors and expectations continue to evolve rapidly, and businesses must stay agile,” said Stephanie Epperson, vice president of consumer and shopper insights at Circana. “The Complete Consumer research allows companies to anticipate these shifts and meet consumers where they are, whether it’s offering personalized solutions or meeting demand for convenience and quality.”
To learn more about Complete Consumer, visit circana.com/solutions/ complete-consumer.
Eye on EDUCATION
Teachers Need Movement Breaks, Too
In an increasingly stressful teaching environment, exercise can be crucial to teachers’ health and well-being, and more teachers are building physical activity into their teaching practice, according to an article by Education Week.
In a nationally representative survey conducted this fall, nearly two-thirds of teachers and administrators said they use digital fitness trackers to monitor how many steps they take each workday. Across the last two years, educators logged on average more than 8,500 steps (about 1.6 miles) per school day.
According to federal health guidelines, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, and musclestrengthening activity two days a week. For a teacher, that might mean leading students in movement breaks or simply counting the steps they take across campus. Teachers who stay physically active tend to have lower rates of anxiety and depression, and some studies have found that consistent, school-based support for exercise can reduce teacher stress.
Women Lead Only 30 Percent of Nation’s Largest School Districts
According to an annual insight survey from Women Leading Ed, just 30 percent of women lead the largest school districts in the U.S. This number has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade. The survey, conducted between November and December last year, included more than 140 women across 37 states.
Those who were surveyed detailed several challenges that their male colleagues have not face.
• Fifty-five percent stated they often felt external pressure to dress, speak or behave a certain way because they were a woman in a leadership role.
• Twenty-two percent reported how they were asked explicit questions about having children or family/elder care responsibilities.
• Seventy-six percent felt their decisions and capabilities were questioned more frequently than those of their male colleagues
• Sixty-five percent were asked to take on extra, unpaid responsibilities such as taking notes, working late and organizing office celebrations.
• Ninety-three percent report that burnout is a major problem.
To learn more and read the full survey, visit womenleadinged.org.
Women Leading Ed is the nation’s largest nonprofit network for women committed to transforming education leadership.
NEA Files Brief with Supreme Court to Ensure Inclusive Education
On April 9, the National Education Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Mahmoud v. Taylor. The Court will rule on parents’ religious objections to inclusive education that reflects the diversity of identities in public schools and communities.
At issue in Mahmoud is whether parents have a constitutional right to force public schools to provide advance notice, opt-out procedures and alternative learning arrangements to deny their children access to books with LGBTQ+ characters or any other content that may offend their religious beliefs. NEA’s brief argues that doing so would hamstring efforts to provide students with a full, engaging and inclusive education.
“An inclusive education is fundamental to public education
no matter where students live, who they are, or the language they speak,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Public education is founded on the core educational principle of engaging students on a broad range of ideas will bring together disparate elements in our society, prepare them for citizenship, and allow them to become productive members of an increasingly interconnected world.
“Students deserve nothing less than to feel supported and valued on that journey. Denying them exposure to diverse perspectives robs them of the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation, develop empathy, and understand the lived experiences of others. Schools should be a place where students connect, collaborate, and expand their worldview. When that’s taken away, we only limit their creativity, ability to grow, and discover who they are.
“The Mahmoud case is looking to ignore the expertise of trained professionals in the classrooms and have federal courts insert themselves into day-to-day educational decisions about what students can learn and what educators can teach. This would have a chilling effect on public education. As a result, educators will self-censor, face book bans and, more importantly, prevent some students from being seen and acknowledged.”
Make the most of this school year with Scholastic!
Back-to-school season is here and it’s time to get classrooms ready, organize lessons, and get all the materials needed for the first days of school! Set teachers and students up for success for the upcoming school year with must-have supplies and resources.
Contact your Scholastic sales partner for more information.
Educational Dealer Welcomes
Five New Advertisers
Kaplan Early Learning Company
For more than 50 years, Kaplan has sought to transform lives through play. Leon and Renee Kaplan founded the company to provide resources that foster cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. Today, Kaplan, headquartered in Lewisville, NC, serves school systems, childcare centers and federally supported programs. Product categories include furniture, outdoor play equipment, art and craft supplies, technology and more.
For more information, visit kaplanco.com.
KI Furniture
KI is a 100 percent employee-owned company that not only manufactures furniture, but listens and learns from customers. Starting in 1941 with a metal folding chair, KI has expanded to provide a wide spectrum of seating options, tables, workspace solutions, storage and more. Online resources for the education sector include case studies, blogs, white papers and a square foot calculator.
To learn more, visit ki.com or read their article on page 10.
Lesro
With a factory and headquarters in Bloomfield, CT, Lesro has provided quality furniture at modest prices since 1973. The familyowned manufacturer provides fully upholstered, steel, wood, café and conference furniture made with internationally sourced materials and produced in the U.S.
For more information, visit lesro.com.
Moto Sign and Media Group/HandMoto
HandMoto offers a screen-free alternative to learning and play. Its catalog of activity sheets, Learning Boards and are engaging, robust, environmentally-friendly and battery-free. Topics span from coloring and puzzles to spelling, science and math, plus more. Each board comes with an eraser pad, dry-erase pens and activity sheets – just place the activity sheets beneath the transparent plastic cover and draw/write.
To learn more, visit handmoto.com
Whippoorwill Advisors
Whippoorwill Advisors specializes in facilitating smooth transitions for trade-based business owners looking to sell. Target industries include HVAC, contract plumbing, electrical, food service and retail.
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Movin’ and Groovin’ with FootFidget
“two o’clock fog”), keep alert, activate their core and increase their ability to focus.
Today, Classroom Seating Solutions has six products: FootFidget 2.0, the Standing Desk Conversion Kit, FootFidget Portable, FootFidget Office, Foot Fidget Professional and FootFidget Traveler. Its potential uses extend beyond the classroom and into homes, offices, therapist and medical spaces, nursing homes and when traveling by plane.
FootFidget products are all based on the “x” shape, but come with various bands. The bungees are military-grade bands, extension legs are chrome-plated steel and the frame is powder-coated black steel. “Everything on the 2.0 is made in America,” Singer said. “The only part so far we haven’t been able to source here are the metal parts.”
Classroom Seating Solutions distributes across the U.S. Customers can order the FootFidget through its website at footfidget.com
Stand apart, stand proud
FootFidget’s main market is schools, but there is a strong following among private companies. The products’ widespread attention is due to several factors. FootFidget was the first fidget for the feet on the market, according to Singer. They also stand apart with the signature “x” shape, which is patented.
“We have the only fourpoint attachment,” Singer stated. “Competitors can attach theirs to the front or two back legs so it’s horrible, ergonomically speaking. Ours is ergonomically correct.”
Looking back, Singer is proud of her and Spinabella’s journey from
physical therapists to inventors and entrepreneurs. Together, they have seen kids transform from unfocused, overenergetic students to performing well in school and honing their personal skills.
“As a physical therapist, I’ve made a difference in people’s lives, oneon-one,” Singer reflected. “But this is something where we can make a difference in so many more kids’ lives –it’s not one-on-one, but our products are out there doing it.”
End CAP
Movin’ and Groovin’ with FootFidget
by Victoria Ritter
Excess energy needs a good conduit, whether you’re a student sitting for long periods of time, a teacher or administrator staving off the mid-afternoon blues or older adult wanting a low-stress exercise. Classroom Seating Solutions’ FootFidget line can help.
Founders Robin Singer and Kathy Spinabella came up with the idea of the Foot Fidget 15 years ago when they were working as physical therapists in an Illinois school district – Singer focusing on early childhood and elementary grades while Spinabella served middle and high school students. They came to realize that kids were having trouble with focusing and the ability to sit still, so they sought a solution.
“As other therapists of our time, we would try things like wrapping a THERABAND around the desk leg for students to push up and down on to try to get some of that excess energy out,” Singer said. “The band wasn’t designed for that – it would rip immediately, and it really didn’t give enough resistance. Kids who have high energy or low tone needed a pretty significant amount of resistance without fatiguing them.”
After some trial and error, Singer and Spinabella also figured out an more ergonomic solution. Rather than wrapping a band around the back legs of a desk, they would cover all four legs, creating an “x” shape. That way, users could keep their knees and hips at 90-degree angles, encouraging them to sit up straight and push directly down.
Thus, the FootFidget was born.
Set up for success
As physical therapists, Singer and Spinabella sought to fine-tune their product to meet various needs. They altered their original design to replace clamps with polyurethane sleeves that attach to furniture legs.
“Instead of it taking 45 minutes or more to install the FootFidget, now it literally takes five minutes,” Singer said. “You can pop it on the four legs of a chair, slip on the bungee with the loops and you’re done. The design has been really well received.”
They also knew from experience that kids with high energy did better standing up. They talked with their
teacher colleagues and convinced them to put a standing desk at the back of the room. What started as a two-week experiment led to more requests for standing desks. Singer and Spinabella then designed a more affordable alternative with a standing desk conversion kit which includes leg extensions for desks along with the FootFidget 2.0.
“We, as adults, don’t sit all day,” Singer explained. “It’s not normal for kids to be sitting that long.”
Teachers quickly caught onto the benefits of the FootFidget and were soon asking for their own version. As a result, Classroom Seating Solutions came up with a portable version. “We wanted to make the portable big enough to be stable, but small enough that it could fit under a desk,” Singer said.
The benefits of FootFidget products are plentiful as kids and adults can move their legs in safe and productive way. By doing so, users can not only burn off excess energy but also maintain good posture, improve their circulation throughout the day (thus staving off the
Together we can create an enriching, educationally sound Transitional Kindergarten program that is an investment in the success of young children, their families, and your community.