Many in the education world see September as a fresh start as a new academic year begins. However, after all the end of calendar year reflection we do in December, the first quarter can be a time for a refresh, a renewal of our routines and habits after a school break, and a time to look forward to what is ahead and plan for growth, improvement, and connection. UAlbany’s School of Education has ways to help you energize by keeping connected with the education community to learn, share, and grow. Did you know that in addition to our full- or part-time graduate programming there are a range of opportunities to uncover new ideas and engage with others? Here are some possibilities that may inspire you as you begin a new calendar year or a mid-academic year reset, however you see it.

• edTrends is a series of weekly webinars—created by and run through the School of Education’s Academy for the Advancement of Teaching, Leadership and Schools (AATLAS)—that take place Wednesdays from 4-5 pm and engage participants in timely and significant dialogs in education. edTrends has touched on and more closely examined a myriad of topics including but not limited to equity in remote schooling; mental health and well-being; stress and trauma; coping, self-care, and mindfulness; digital tools and resources; HyFlex learning; and grading for equity. Visit the edTrends video library to find some inspiration and find upcoming sessions at @aatlased.
  

• Stephanie Affinito has a deep love for literacy coaching and supporting teachers’ lifelong learning as readers and writers through technology. Prior to joining UAlbany as a faculty member in Literacy Teaching and Learning, Stephanie taught in elementary schools as a classroom teacher and a reading specialist. She is the author of Literacy Coaching: Teaching and Learning with Digital Tools and Technology and Leading Literate Lives: Habits and Mindsets for Reimagining Classroom Practice and spends her days helping teachers reconnect with their reading and writing lives. Engage with Stephanie at @AffinitoLit and learn about her favorite teaching tools and practices.
  

• The NYKids blog addresses a range of important topics and makes connections to NYKids research. Catch up on what you’ve missed in 2021 with the recap and year in review posts and bookmark the blog to stay tuned for what comes next in 2022.
  

• Capital District Writing Project (CDWP) makes space for teachers to breathe, to write, and to share. If those words sound refreshing, join the welcoming CDWP community for an upcoming event this spring. “Entering the ‘Ungrading’ Conversation” is a collaborative inquiry into how we assess student writing. Discuss how an ‘ungrading’ lens can shift writing instruction. Get outdoors and join a “Hike and Write” using nature and art as inspiration for writing. Enjoy an all-levels spring nature walk at Art Omi with multiple writing spots along the way, followed by a share out at the end. Find out more about CDWP upcoming events and how to register.