by Natasha Carrizosa | Sep 15, 2026 | Classroom, ELL, Professional Development, Programming, Student Engagement, Students
At CoolSpeak, we believe every student has a story worth sharing. In this blog, creative writer and poet Natasha Carrizosa explores how educators can help young people find their voices and know they belong. What do you say to a student who believes their story “isn’t...
by Sam Brown | Sep 14, 2026 | Classroom, Professional Development, Programming, Student Engagement, Students
At CoolSpeak, we talk a lot about the power of relationships, especially during the moments when students are navigating change, uncertainty, and everything that comes with growing up. Few transitions bring all of those things together quite like the move from middle...
by Carlos Ojeda Jr. | Jun 24, 2026 | Career, Classroom, Professional Development, Programming, Student Engagement
Schools across the country are investing in speakers, programs, initiatives, technology, incentives, assemblies, and countless other strategies designed to increase student engagement. Yet many educators continue to ask the same question: Why aren’t students...
by Carlos Ojeda Jr. | Jun 22, 2026 | Career, Classroom, Professional Development, Programming, Student Engagement
For years, educators, administrators, and conference attendees have watched Carlos Ojeda Jr. connect with students and create moments that seem almost impossible to explain. Many have called it magic. In his upcoming book, Being Cool & Making It HIP, Chu...
by Ernesto Mejía | Jun 20, 2026 | Classroom, ELL, Professional Development, Programming, Student Engagement, Students
Why Caring Can Still Change Educational Outcomes In education today, there is a growing concern about teacher shortages, vacant positions, and classrooms led by educators who may still be working toward certification. Across the country, schools are navigating...
by Ernesto Mejía | Jun 17, 2026 | Family Engagement, Parents, Professional Development, Programming
Because collecting data means nothing if families never see change. Schools everywhere are asking an important question: How do we improve family engagement? The good news is that many schools are trying. Surveys are sent. QR codes are shared. Feedback forms are...
