Introduction

Foreword

You will enjoy this summer edition of the Impact Journal! With every page turned, you will take away a tip or idea that will help you as you make instructional plans for the year. From classroom-level to district-wide considerations, there’s something here for everyone.

When thinking about lessons learned, you’ll find a goldmine of ideas in Pete Hall’s article, “Can We Reckon COVID as Schooling’s Reckoning?” Hear from practitioners who share strategies to make the best of the difficulties that were brought about by this challenging year.

From there, Andrea Honingsfeld and her co-authors talk about the support that teachers provided to ESL students, as these learners navigated through learning a new language and finding their way. It’s clear how important the supports offered to students are in “Building Resilience Through Shared Voices.” You’ll finish the article with a plan about developing your program practices.

Gisele Martin-Kniep touches upon a professional development approach that resulted in a lasting impact in the article “Professional Development that Lasts.” Participants talk about their experiences, and readers are provided with a list of questions that will help them think about their current practices.

We end with a building-level principal, Amanda Zullilo, who worked closely with her staff to meet their needs as they all navigated through the unknown. In “Looking Forward!,” readers get a close look at the big-picture practices that keep staff working together toward a common goal.

When you are met with a challenge, it is never easy to get to the other side—but it is possible. With the information shared in each of these articles, you will find comfort in knowing that you are not alone, along with some thoughts on how to move forward. It is possible!

Dr. LaQuita Outlaw has worked in school leadership for over a decade. Dr. Outlaw serves as a peer editor for Corwin Press and assists several local organizations with organizing professional development opportunities for educators across Long Island.