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Category: Education

Education | ReportWire publishes the latest breaking U.S. and world news, trending topics and developing stories from around globe.

  • American College of Education and Nonprofit Partners Celebrate Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

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    ACE honors teachers as builders of bright futures with a $10,000 sponsorship to Teachers’ Treasures and Treasures 4 Teachers for appreciation week activities


    INDIANAPOLIS, May 5, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, American College of Education (ACE) is proud to celebrate the educators who build bright futures for students and society. As part of its ongoing commitment to teachers, ACE pledges to sponsor $10,000 in Teacher Appreciation Week activities for Teachers’ Treasures and Treasures 4 Teachers, two of ACE’s nonprofit partner organizations dedicated to supporting educators with essential classroom resources.

    This May, Teachers’ Treasures (Indianapolis) and Treasures 4 Teachers (Tempe, AZ) will each host multi-day events featuring prize wheels co-sponsored by ACE. ACE hopes to honor these essential professionals through these gift card prizes by providing thoughtful rewards they can use to treat themselves – a small token of appreciation for their dedication. ACE will also co-sponsor with Heartland Film the Ramona at Midlife | Teacher Night Out with Teachers’ Treasures on May 22, a special event designed to honor educators with a night of entertainment, community and well-deserved recognition.

    “At American College of Education, we are proud to support events that celebrate the incredible work of educators,” said Geordie Hyland, ACE’s president and CEO. “Teachers give so much of themselves every day, and through these partnerships, we hope to offer a small token of appreciation that recognizes their dedication, passion and impact on our communities.”

    Teachers’ Treasures and Treasures 4 Teachers work year-round to equip teachers with the tools they need to foster thriving and engaged classrooms. The organizations help alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket spending that many educators face and empower teachers to create lasting impacts on the next generation.

    “Teachers’ Treasures strives to create a culture that celebrates and uplifts teachers every time they walk in our door. Thanks to ACE, not only can we do this during Teacher Appreciation Week/Month, but throughout the entire year,” said Margaret Sheehan, Executive Director at Teachers’ Treasures.

    Founded by educators for educators in 2005, ACE’s sponsorship reflects its deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Teaching is one of the most important professions in the world – we trust these incredible professionals to inspire individuals and shape the future of our entire society.

    “This generous support allows us to celebrate the incredible educators we serve in a meaningful way,” said Joy Klein, Executive Director at Treasures 4 Teachers. “Teachers are the heart of every classroom, and we’re thrilled to partner with ACE to honor their dedication with gratitude, excitement and a little extra fun during Teacher Appreciation Week.”

    While the impact of a teacher’s commitment is an ongoing endeavor and takes time to see its full realization, it is both inspiring and lasting. Through this support, ACE honors the dedication, passion and selflessness it takes to build bright futures every day.

    About American College of Education

    American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, fully online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 60 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master’s or bachelor’s degree, along with graduate-level certificate programs.

    About Teachers’ Treasures

    Teachers’ Treasures works to ensure teachers, educators, and students have access to free, vital resources for classroom success. Every day at public, private, charter and parochial schools located throughout Marion County, children of all ages attend class without the most basic supplies they need to get a good education. Dedicated teachers are often willing to pay for these much-needed supplies out of their own pockets to make sure the kids in their classrooms have the necessary tools to learn. On average, teachers spend $800-$1,200 a year on school supplies for their students.

    About Treasures 4 Teachers

    Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Tempe, Arizona, dedicated to equipping educators with the tools they need to inspire learning. Since 2003, T4T has tackled the critical shortage of classroom supplies by rescuing and repurposing donated materials from businesses and the community – keeping thousands of pounds out of landfills each year. Through its Teacher Resource Center and On-Wheels mobile outreach program, T4T supports over 8,000 educators and impacts more than 240,000 students annually across Arizona. By connecting surplus with need, T4T promotes sustainability, empowers teachers, and fuels creativity in classrooms.

    Source: American College of Education

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  • KnowAtom Launches SocraCircle+: A First-of-Its-Kind Social AI Tool Designed to Deepen Human Connection and Student Thinking Through Live Classroom Dialogue

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    New virtual student participant, SocraBot, helps K-12 students engage curiosity, build peer-to-peer understanding, and think more deeply – together


    IPSWICH, Mass., May 5, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    KnowAtom, a leading provider of hands-on, inquiry-driven core science curriculum for K-8, has announced the launch of SocraCircle+, a groundbreaking classroom discussion tool that uses artificial intelligence not to generate answers – but to cultivate deeper, more human conversations in real time.

    At the center of SocraCircle+ is SocraBot, a virtual student participant who models curiosity, reflects on peer contributions, and helps students explore, agree, disagree, and extend their thinking in meaningful ways.

    “In many of today’s edtech tools, AI is used to help teachers or students do more of the same – create faster, polish more, or extract content through Q&A interfaces,” said Francis Vigeant, CEO of KnowAtom. “But more of the same simply produces more of the same outcomes. SocraCircle+ asks a different question: How can AI help students become more authentic, connected, and curious humans in conversation with one another? That’s where learning lives.”

    SocraCircle+ supports live, student-centered discussion across any K-12 subject – including science, ELA, social studies, SEL, and more. Teachers can launch a discussion in seconds. As students contribute, SocraBot responds naturally in real time, offering thoughtful follow-ups, modeling high-quality reasoning, and prompting students to consider ideas from new angles – just like a reflective peer would.

    Unlike AI tools that replicate or automate teacher work, SocraCircle+ is designed to elevate student voice and reduce reliance on teacher-led prompts or curriculum scripting. It’s built on KnowAtom’s own research and long-standing classroom results: clients consistently rank among the top performers in state science assessments, thanks to a pedagogy rooted in decades of cognitive science, educational research, and practical implementation.

    “At KnowAtom, we understand that learning is the result of interplay between culture, problems, questions, and ideas – and dialogue is the nexus where they meet,” Vigeant said. “SocraCircle+ brings that dialogue to life at a deep level.”

    Built-in multilingual support allows students to participate in most native languages, with responses translated for the group, ensuring a voice for all students. SocraBot never provides links or external content, and student identities are anonymized within the platform to create a safe, focused environment.

    SocraCircle+ is now available at no additional cost to KnowAtom’s science curriculum customers. Educators can log in to their KnowAtom portal today to begin using the tool. For teachers who don’t have access to KnowAtom’s next generation science curriculum portal, free trials are available on KnowAtom’s SocraCircle+ page.

    For more information, visit www.knowatom.com or contact press@knowatom.com

    About KnowAtom
    KnowAtom is an award-winning K-8 education company committed to helping students think like scientists and engineers. Through fully integrated, 100% hands-on core science curriculum, professional development, and digital tools, KnowAtom supports schools in building classroom cultures of thinking around next generation science standards in adaptive and adoptive states. Grounded in research and proven through top-tier student outcomes, KnowAtom’s approach empowers educators to shift learning from passive recall to active, authentic engagement.

    Source: KnowAtom, LLC

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  • American College of Education Combats the K-12 Teacher Shortage with ROI-Driven Online Graduate Degrees that Boost Teacher Retention and Career Prospects

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    As an increasing number of educators leave the profession and fewer candidates enter the pipeline, the future of education depends on bold, practical solutions. ACE creates a sustainable path to address the teacher shortage by forming partnerships with schools and flexible, high-quality and affordable online certificate, master’s and doctoral degree programs.


    INDIANAPOLIS, May 1, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    The national teacher shortage continues to challenge U.S. public schools: Nearly three-quarters of K-12 schools reported difficulties filling positions with certified teachers this fall, as teachers leave the profession in increasing numbers. American College of Education (ACE) helps solve teacher shortages by partnering with school districts to create affordable degree programs that provide teachers with a pathway to career advancement, keeping them in the classroom and administration. These attainable career pathways also help to attract more teachers into the field.

    ACE, founded in 2005, is a national innovator in providing quality, affordable and accredited online graduate degrees. ACE is the third-highest conferrer of education master’s degrees in the United States1. ACE maintains low tuition which enables nearly nine out of 10 students to graduate debt-free2.

    “Every student deserves access to high-quality teachers, and every educator should have access to affordable, career-driven programming that provides a meaningful return on their investment,” said ACE President and CEO Geordie Hyland. “At ACE, we are committed to working with our partners to break down financial barriers and create practical, flexible pathways for educators to advance and thrive in their profession.”

    Studies show that U.S. public schools desperately need more teachers. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 74% of the country’s K-12 public schools said they had difficulty filling one or more vacant teaching positions with a fully certified teacher before the start of the school year. Teachers say that shortages create larger class sizes, which in turn contributes to teacher burnout that prompts many to leave – exacerbating the teacher shortage problem.

    A 2022 poll by the National Education Association found 67% of teachers said burnout was a serious problem, and that 55% planned to leave the profession due to stress from the pandemic and other causes. Citing federal data, the Wall Street Journal reported that 300,000 public school teachers and staff left the field between February 2020 and May 2022. And even after the pandemic receded, the teacher exodus continued: A RAND Corporation study in 2023 found that 23% of teachers planned to leave the field at the end of the school year.

    ACE counters those trends by offering affordable degree programs designed to help teachers advance to more satisfying and highly compensated positions, providing an incentive for them to remain in the profession. This, in turn, helps school districts strengthen their teacher pipeline and reduce burnout.

    ACE offers 25 master’s degrees in education, including master’s degrees in traditional fields like early child education, elementary education, literacy, and science education, and specialized areas such as educational leadership, educational business administration, instructional coaching and teacher leadership, and instructional design and educational technology. ACE also offers six doctoral degrees in education and a multitude of certificates, such as Transition-to-Teaching Licensure and Principal Preparation, as well as bachelor’s completion degree programs for aspiring educators.

    ACE ensures that cost is never a barrier for educators, by eliminating unnecessary expenses and focusing on high-quality, career-driven coursework. ACE’s faculty have real-world experience and the school’s curriculum is designed specifically for online education. ACE’s courses are continuously reviewed and revised for relevance and effectiveness.

    At its founding in 2005, ACE made the decision to forego federal funding to help keep costs and tuition low. In 2024, ACE marked its eighth consecutive year with no increase in tuition charges. The low costs translate into positive student outcomes: 86% of students graduate with no debt2, and ACE graduates receive $19.20 in future career earnings for every $1 spent on tuition.3

    ACE further reduces costs to students by partnering with districts by creating additional tuition discounts, credit for prior learning and direct billing arrangements which create shorter, more cost-effective paths to degree completion. More than 2,500 institutions nationwide collaborate with ACE to upskill their employees into positions of greater responsibility and value to their organizations.

    As the United States continues to face challenges in education, ACE remains dedicated to being part of the solution with programs that bring teachers into the field and provide powerful incentives to stay in the profession, strengthening the future of K-12 education for generations to come.

    For more information, please visit ace.edu.

    About American College of Education
    American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, fully online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 60 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master’s or bachelor’s degree, along with graduate-level certificate programs. In addition to being a leader in online education, ACE is a Certified B Corporation and part of a global movement to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

    1 Source: http://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS/datacenter

    2Source: Internal research completed in March 2025.

    3Source: Lightcast Study

    Contact Information

    Maria Penaloza
    Media & Content Strategy Manager
    maria.penaloza@issuerdirect.com

    Source: American College of Education

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  • American College of Education Highlights Solutions-Minded Mission in 2024 Impact Report

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    The report showcases the college’s unwavering position as a solution to various national challenges


    INDIANAPOLIS, April 30, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    Fully online college and Certified B Corporation (B Corp), American College of Education® (ACE), has released its annual Impact Report, reflecting and highlighting its difference-making efforts in 2024. A B Corp since 2016, ACE has continued to meet high social and environmental performance standards, transparency and accountability.

    Throughout the report are numerous examples of how ACE has positioned itself as a solution to various national challenges, including those specific to higher education. The college’s workforce collectively donated nearly $100,000 to nonprofits, spent over 4,700 hours volunteering and ensured that 86% of its students graduated with no debt.*Additionally, there were innovative partnerships, academic enhancements, employee experience awards and more.

    “Each year, I’m excited to see how ACE’s strong commitment to making a positive impact on society increases as we continue to grow,” ACE Chief Human Resources Officer KK Byland said in the opening letter of the report.

    Our status as a B Corp starts at the deepest level of our core as an organization, and it manifests in efforts ranging from fundraising for teachers and providing scholarships to nurses to ensuring our printed products honor the environment. No matter the scale, our team never stops finding ways to make our B Corp mission an embedded component of our operation, and 2024 only continued to showcase that.”

    The B Lab requires B Corps to meet rigorous standards and to recertify every three years. ACE’s most recent recertification was in 2023. ACE’s annual Impact Report showcases the power of unified employees and teams to make a difference globally.

    View the report here.

    *Source: Internal research completed in June 2024

    About American College of Education

    American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, fully online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 60 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master’s or bachelor’s degree, along with graduate-level certificate programs. In addition to being a leader in online education, ACE is a Certified B Corporation and part of a global movement to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

    Source: American College of Education

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  • Free Ebook “Transform Your Educator Superpowers Into a Rewarding Real Estate Career” Helps Educators Move From the Classroom to a New Career

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    Transferable teaching skills and classroom expertise create a natural fit for educators seeking more flexibility and income, without the need for another degree.


    DENVER, April 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    Every educator has transferable skills from their current role — whether knee-deep in the classroom or in the administration office — that can be leveraged to transition into a fulfilling new career within the real estate industry, an industry that contributes over $4.9 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Four types of roles serve real estate: real estate agents, home inspectors, mortgage loan originators, and appraisers. The CE Shop provides online education to these critically important industry roles that create consistent income for career-seekers.

    Get all the intel on why educators are a perfect fit for a role in the real estate industry and when visiting here, visitors also get the option of downloading a FREE step-by-step ebook created just for educators on why and how to make the career switch.

    For educators seeking better work-life balance and personal fulfillment, the income potential may be the most attractive. The four major real estate professions have average incomes between $88,000 and $141,000 annually (Indeed.com and Salary.com data, January 2025). These figures are also well above the national average income of $65,470 annually (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023).

    The FREE “Transform Your Educator Superpowers Into a Rewarding Real Estate Career” ebook from The CE Shop helps educators minimize the risk new career seekers face when leaping to a new career or finding success in a second or third career path.

    While real estate roles require licensing, the pre-licensing costs are affordable, can be completed in weeks not years, and testing the waters is risk-free. If educators are curious about the real estate careers that will fit them best, the Career Navigator Tool takes only 2 minutes and is free to try, as are the free trials offered for each of the different types of education provided by The CE Shop.

    About The CE Shop

    The CE Shop is the leading provider of real estate education with online mortgage, real estate, home inspection, appraisal, and professional development courses available throughout the United States. The CE Shop produces quality education for professionals across the nation, whether they’re veterans in their industry or looking to launch a new career. We believe the right education can truly make a difference. Visit TheCEShop.com to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    The CE Shop Press
    Press@TheCEShop.com
    720.822.5314

    Source: The CE Shop LLC

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  • This UCLA Graduate Reviewed 500 Med School Applications – Here’s What Makes or Breaks Acceptance in 2025

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    Med school applications look straightforward – until they aren’t. These four key lessons could be the edge you’ve been missing to get accepted.


    LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    After reviewing over 500 med school applications across seven years, UCLA graduate Michael Minh Le – founder of Premed Catalyst, a mentorship service for med school applicants – distilled four brutally honest lessons that separate accepted students from those who fall through the cracks.

    Every spring, thousands of students begin their application cycle armed with strong GPAs, high MCAT scores, and hundreds of hours in research or clinical work. Yet, most are filtered out long before interview season.

    From experience, Le’s conclusion is blunt: “The med school application process is designed to filter, not select,” he says. “If you don’t stand out in the first five minutes, you won’t get a second look – even if you’ve got a 3.9 GPA and 3,000 research hours.”

    The son of a Vietnamese refugee who rebuilt his life running a clothing shop in LA’s Chinatown, Le learned early how invisible stories shape opportunity. That became his edge – and helped him earn a spot at UCLA’s medical school.

    So what does it really take to make your first med school cycle the one that gets you in?

    The first of Le’s lessons is that stats aren’t enough. Too many students submit technically perfect, but emotionally flat applications. Le warns that AdComs are overwhelmed by sameness: that is, identical volunteering, generic research, and templated personal statements.

    Lesson two: being quirky or trying too hard to be unique won’t save you either unless it’s grounded in impact. “It’s not about being different,” Le says. “It’s about being undeniably relevant to the mission of medicine.”

    Lesson three: every story needs a frame. The most compelling applicants – like those Premed Catalyst has helped gain acceptances to UCSF, UCSD, USC, and UCLA – are easily described: community advocates, healthcare innovators, and educators. These are known as premed archetypes, and they give admissions readers a reason to believe.

    But that’s not all. Le’s last lesson is that clear writing always beats clever writing. “You’re not writing a legal brief,” he says. “Your values and experiences should come through without friction.”

    Yet most applicants lack that clarity. Many don’t even know when med school applications open (May, 2025) or when they’re due (early June for AMCAS primary). Others underestimate the med school application cost. And, without a med school application checklist, rushed secondaries and poor school choices can tank even high-scoring candidates. In fact, a mix of these reasons is behind the wave of med-school rejections Le sees every year.

    “Students ask me all the time: How do med schools filter applicants?” Le says. “They’re looking for coherence. Do your experiences match your values? Can they picture you on campus?”

    About Premed Catalyst

    Founded by UCLA graduate Michael Min Le, Premed Catalyst is a mentorship program that guides students through the med school application process with strategy, clarity, and impact.

    With an 83% acceptance rate – nearly double the national average- Premed’s tailored advice gives applicants more than just a shot: it gives them a story worth remembering.

    Source: Premed Catalyst

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  • PayMyTuition Launches Fully Integrated Expense and Spend Management Software for Higher Education

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    New AI-powered platform gives colleges and universities full control over expenses and institutional spend-seamlessly integrated into leading ERP systems for end-to-end automation and visibility.


    TORONTO, April 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    PayMyTuition, a leading provider of next-generation payment solutions for educational institutions, is proud to announce the official launch of its Expense and Spend Management Software, now fully integrated with Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, PeopleSoft, and Workday ERP systems.

    This groundbreaking software delivers a modern, AI-driven approach to expense and spend management, empowering colleges and universities to streamline operations, enforce policy compliance, and gain real-time visibility into spending-while delivering a seamless experience for faculty and staff.

    Redefining Expense and Spend Management for the Education Sector

    PayMyTuition’s latest solution is purpose-built for higher education, providing institutions with flexible, configurable tools that adapt to their specific policies and workflows-now with unbeatable ERP connectivity for a fully unified finance ecosystem.

    Key Features of the Expense Management Software:

    • Future-Ready Functionality
      Automate and simplify the entire expense lifecycle, from receipt capture to reimbursement, all while ensuring policy compliance and financial visibility.

    • Adaptable Expense Operations
      Easily configure multi-level approval workflows tailored to your institution’s spending rules and operating structures.

    • Instant Receipt Scanning with OCR
      Automatically extract critical data from digital or paper receipts using advanced optical character recognition (OCR) technology.

    • Robust Analytics & Reporting
      Drill down into spend data with intuitive dashboards and real-time reports to uncover savings, identify trends, and improve decision-making.

    • Effortless ERP Integration
      Fully integrated with leading systems like Ellucian, PeopleSoft, and Workday for seamless data synchronization across finance, accounting, and reimbursement platforms.

    • Fast, Secure Reimbursements
      Ensure timely and compliant employee reimbursements through automated and secure payment workflows.

    • Expert Support & Consultation
      Gain access to solution specialists who offer continuous support, custom configuration, and optimization strategies.

    Complete Spend Management – From Requisition to Reimbursement

    PayMyTuition’s Spend Management Software complements its expense solution with full-cycle capabilities that simplify spend approvals, and ensure operating and approvals alignment-helping institutions achieve up to 20% savings on spend programs.

    Spend Platform Highlights:

    • Requisition Approvals
      Enforce requisitions with approval workflows that align with department-level goals and spend limits.

    • Advanced Expense Controls
      Map dynamic rules to your organization’s spend policies with customizable auto-approval logic and compliance checkpoints.

    • Unified Spend Visibility
      Gain a holistic view of all institutional spend-payables, expenses, and receipts – in one centralized dashboard.

    A Future-Ready, Connected T&E Ecosystem

    “Our new Expense and Spend Management Software brings much-needed automation, control, and intelligence to higher education institutions,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at PayMyTuition. “By integrating directly into the ERPs that colleges and universities already use, we’re delivering a truly connected and future-ready solution that simplifies compliance, reduces spend, and improves operational efficiency.”

    With this launch, PayMyTuition continues to lead the transformation of financial workflows in higher education – equipping institutions with smart tools to streamline back-office processes and drive long-term value.

    About PayMyTuition

    PayMyTuition is a leading provider of global payment and financial technology solutions tailored for educational institutions. With cutting-edge solutions for tuition payments, accounts payable, expense management, and spend automation, PayMyTuition helps colleges and universities operate with efficiency, security, and transparency.

    Media Contact:
    Media Relations, PayMyTuition
    media@paymytuition.com
    www.paymytuition.com

    Source: PayMyTuition

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  • Announcing the “Understanding the School Food Workforce Subgrants” Awardees

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    Press Release
    •

    Apr 24, 2025

    Four research projects have been funded to better understand the current state of the K-12 school food workforce and how developing this workforce could improve the quality of school meals


    BOULDER, Colo., April 24, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Food Insight Group, and the Chef Ann Foundation have collectively awarded $800,000 across four research projects to study the U.S. school food workforce, which is responsible for feeding and nourishing approximately 30 million K-12 students on an average school day. The funding for this research has been provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    “For years, school districts across the country have reported ongoing challenges with hiring, training, and retaining school food workers, resulting in pervasive labor and skill shortages that can impact the quality of meals served to students,” said project lead Dr. Jennifer Gaddis. “These worker-centered research projects will examine the common challenges schools and school food workers face, recommend solutions for strengthening the school food workforce and, in turn, improve and protect children’s health while fostering more resilient community-based food systems.”

    The funded research projects are:

    • Eliciting Perspectives of the U.S. School Food Workforce Using a Worker-Centered, Mixed Methods Approach (Hannah Lane, Duke University) – $249,999
      Researchers will collaborate with the School Nutrition Association to field a national survey of U.S. school food workers to evaluate associations between working conditions, burnout, and perceived capacity for best practices. They will then conduct focus groups to explore strategies for improving working conditions, job satisfaction, and the quality of K-12 school meals.

    • Exploring Structural Factors Associated With Turnover Among the School Food Service Workforce (Bonnie Solomon, Child Trends) – $150,870
      Researchers will collaborate with the School Nutrition Association to field a national survey of U.S. school food directors to examine the extent of turnover among school food workers and the structural factors influencing it, as well as promising strategies school food authorities are using to reduce turnover.

    • Labor Market Well-Being of School Food Service Workers and the Return on Investment of their Workforce(Eunice Han, University of Utah) – $150,870
      Researchers will generate a comprehensive assessment of the K-12 school food labor market using nationally representative data combined with school district financial information, as well as students’ educational outcomes, to conduct nationwide, state-, district-, and individual-level analyses of the school food workforce.

    • Fair Employment and Economic Dignity (FEED): A Study of School Food Labor Practices in Los Angeles and New York City (Nevin Cohen, CUNY) – $248,261
      Researchers will use participatory methods to assess school food labor practices and different approaches to school meal programs (like scratch cooking and farm-to-school initiatives) in America’s two largest school districts – Los Angeles Unified School District and New York City Department of Education – which together employ 10,900 food service workers serving 2.23 million students.

    Learn more about these projects here.

    Source: Chef Ann Foundation

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  • During National Financial Capability Month in April, A.D. Banker Reminds Financial Professionals of Their Resources to Help Educate and Pass Along Knowledge to End Users

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    Finance Professionals Can Help Educate the General Population on All the Ways to Feel Empowered and It Starts With Understanding the Current Threats and Opportunities


    OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 22, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    A.D. Banker promotes financial education and awareness all year long, but April, which is recognized as National Financial Capability Month, is the perfect time for finance professionals to freshen up on educational resources, facts, and tips for use with their clientele.

    It is up to financial professionals to relay information about financial products to their clients, such as how to manage savings, access and use credit, and safely complete transactions, as suggested in various ways on MyMoney.gov.

    Here are some other facts and figures:

    Financial professionals can increase awareness of vulnerable investors to prevent financial exploitation, such as from cryptocurrency scams, which have been on the rise year over year. This also highlights the need of educating clientele on how to identify, prevent, and report fraudulent activities and scams.

    Revenue from pig butchering scams, where perpetrators cultivate relationships with individuals and convince them to participate in fraudulent schemes, increased nearly 40% in 2024 from the previous year, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

    Banks and their staff can promote financial capability through high-quality financial literacy education or simple reminders through ongoing email programs that aim to build foundational knowledge in a metered way, without being overwhelmed. They can also offer financial services for all types of consumers, especially those who are underserved, those in life transition like those who have children leaving for college, experience divorce or death, or minority groups with possible language barriers.

    “Here at A.D. Banker, it’s always Financial Capability Month as we educate the professionals helping our communities feel secure and supported,” says Kimberly Flewelling, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, National Securities Expert at A.D. Banker. Education isn’t a one-and-done type of mentality. Especially with financial and securities education, market conditions and regulations provide an opportunity to not just check the box with education, but to be able to learn something that is valuable to your entire clientele portfolio. The more our communities are educated, the more they’re empowered and the more we can eradicate fraudulent behaviors, the more we stabilize our financial futures.”

    About A.D. Banker

    For more than 44 years, insurance and securities pre-licensing candidates have trusted A.D. Banker to provide them with the information needed to pass insurance and FINRA licensing exams. Courses are cross-referenced with the exam content outline to assure candidates receive what they need to know to produce outstanding results for Life & Health, Property & Casualty, Adjuster, and Securities exams. Content is presented through multiple, specialized modes of learning, online multimedia courses, and live webinars. As students progress through the material, the customer care team provides friendly, responsive support to make the road to licensing easier. Once licensed, producers can meet their continuing education requirements while satisfying state-specific requirements via classes, webinars or online self-study courses. Learn more at ADBanker.com. A.D. Banker is part of the Career Certified family of educators. Learn more at CareerCertified.com. 

    Media Contact: 
    Career Certified Press 
    Press@CareerCertified.com 
    720.822.5314 

    Source: A.D. Banker

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  • Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Congressman Byron Donalds of Florida Visits FuturEdge Charter Academy and Future Home of Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy of Nevada, Spotlights AI-Powered Learning Innovation

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    (Release updated on 8/18/25 to update title in contact information.)

    Alpha 1 (A1) AI Tutor Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy


    LAS VEGAS, April 18, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits FuturEdge Charter Academy and Future Home of Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy of Nevada, Spotlights AI-Powered Learning Innovation

    (PTAA Nevada – STEAM-Focused Charter School) U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Future Edge Academy today, joining students and educators for a special event at the charter school campus. The visit – hosted at Future Edge Academy (the future home of Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy Nevada) – featured a student-led assembly and a live demonstration of a cutting-edge AI tutoring platform. During the assembly, PTAA leadership officially announced the launch of Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy (PTAA) Nevada this coming August, highlighting a groundbreaking educational model centered on artificial intelligence and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Secretary McMahon’s presence underscored federal support for innovative approaches in K-12 education, as the Future Edge campus – a STEM-designated school known for integrating emerging technologies like AI into learning (Home – FuturEdge Charter Academy) – prepares to become PTAA Nevada’s first location.

    PTAA Nevada to Launch in August 2025 with AI & STEAM Focus

    PTAA Nevada will open for the 2025-26 school year as a tuition-free public charter school, bringing PTAA’s successful tech-driven curriculum to Nevada. Part of a national network of PTAA campuses operating in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, the North Las Vegas school will emphasize project-based learning, coding, robotics, and creative arts alongside core academics. “Our mission is to empower and engage students through an inquiry-based STEM/STEAM curriculum that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and innovation,” said Shubham Pandey, Founder of PTAA and incoming Executive Director of PTAA Nevada. “By infusing AI and advanced technology into the classroom, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators.” PTAA Nevada’s launch in August 2025 marks the organization’s latest expansion and a bold step toward redefining how students learn in the digital age.

    Alpha 1 AI Tutor Platform Demonstrated by PTAA Founder

    A highlight of the event was the live demo of the new Alpha 1 (A1) AI Tutor platform, led by its Founder Shubham Pandey – who is also PTAA’s founder. Pandey showcased A1 Tutor’s real-time, interactive capabilities by engaging with students in a mock tutoring session. The AI tutor responded to questions, worked through problems on a digital whiteboard, and conversed using both voice and text, demonstrating the potential of multimodal AI in education. “The A1 Tutor can think, listen, talk, and draw in sync with our students,” Pandey explained, emphasizing how the system provides instant feedback and step-by-step guidance tailored to each learner’s needs. Key features of the A1 AI Tutor demonstrated include:

    • Real-time multimodal learning: The AI can simultaneously utilize a virtual whiteboard for visual illustrations while interacting through natural voice and text, creating an immersive 1:1 tutoring experience.

    • Interactive problem-solving: Students can ask questions out loud or via chat, and the A1 Tutor adapts its explanations on the fly-drawing diagrams, highlighting concepts, and adjusting the difficulty of problems in response to student input.

    • Personalized support: Powered by advanced generative AI, A1 analyzes each student’s progress and misconceptions in real time, providing immediate clarifications and personalized hints. This adaptive approach mimics the attentiveness of a human tutor, boosting student confidence and engagement.

    The demonstration captivated attendees as the AI solved math and science questions with the students, exemplifying how such technology can supplement classroom learning. Secretary McMahon observed the session and even interacted with the A1 Tutor herself, remarking on its potential to support teachers and differentiate instruction for diverse learners. “This is an inspiring example of innovation in education,” Secretary McMahon said. “Seeing students work with an AI tutor that can cater to their individual learning pace is truly remarkable. Technology like this holds great promise for leveling the playing field and empowering our educators nationwide.”

    Nationwide Rollout and Vision for U.S. Students

    Following the Nevada pilot showcase, PTAA announced that the A1 AI Tutor platform will launch across all PTAA campuses nationwide in August 2025, aligning with the start of the new school year. Students at PTAA’s existing schools in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado will gain access to the AI tutor as part of their regular learning resources. According to Pandey, integrating A1 Tutor throughout PTAA’s network will provide thousands of students with on-demand help in various subjects, both during school hours and for homework support. In the long term, PTAA’s goal is even more ambitious: to make the A1 Tutor available free for every student in the United States. “Our vision is to ensure every child – not just those at PTAA – can have a personal AI tutor,” Pandey said during the presentation. “By harnessing AI, we can provide personalized learning support at scale, potentially bridging gaps for underserved communities. We are working toward a future where A1 Tutor is a free resource for all American students, enabling equal access to quality tutoring.” This long-term commitment drew enthusiastic applause from the audience, which included local parents and community members eager to see Nevada at the forefront of AI-driven education.

    Local and state officials also attended the assembly in a show of support. Rudy Pamintuan, Chief of Staff to Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor and Vice Chair of PTAA Nevada’s board of directors, was on hand for the event . Pamintuan praised the collaboration between Future Edge Academy and PTAA, noting that such partnerships “expand educational opportunities for our students and attract innovative programs to North Las Vegas.” The presence of Secretary McMahon and state leadership at the Future Edge campus signifies a strong public-private commitment to advancing education through technology in Nevada.

    Quotes from the Event

    • Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education: “PTAA Nevada and the A1 Tutor platform are proof that innovation in education is alive and well. I was excited to see AI technology being used to engage students in real time. When we empower educators with these kinds of tools, we give every student a better chance to succeed. “

    • Shubham Pandey, Founder of PTAA and A1 Tutor Creator: “We are honored to have Secretary McMahon visit and witness our vision for the future of learning. Today’s demonstration is just the beginning. Come August, PTAA Nevada will lead the way in showing how AI can personalize education for each child. Our long-term dream is to offer the A1 Tutor free to every U.S. student, because personalized learning should not be a privilege, but a right.”

    Distinguished Guests

    The event was also attended by Congressman Byron Donalds of Florida and his wife, Erica Donald, who is involved in several education initiatives nationwide. Congressman Donalds spoke about the potential of tools like A1 AI Tutor to support educators by giving them better insights into student progress and tailoring growth plans. He noted that performance tracking and AI-powered feedback loops could make education more strategic and individualized than ever before.

    Erica Donald emphasized the opportunity for personalized learning, stating that platforms like A1 are key to meeting students where they are – academically and emotionally – and giving them the support they need to move forward confidently.

    Media Contact and Further Information

    Media Contact:
    Israel Alvarado- Lead AI Developer & Founding Software Architect
    Email: ialvarado@ptaa.org

    Further Resources:

    (End of Press Release)

    Contact Information

    Israel Alvarado
    Lead AI Developer & Founding Software Architect
    ialvarado@ptaa.org

    Source: PTAA.org

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  • The FAFSA® Form is Working—and Getting Better Every Day – ED.gov Blog

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    By: James Bergeron, Deputy Under Secretary and Acting Federal Student Aid Chief Operating Officer

    Each year, more than 17 million students complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, unlocking access to more than $120 billion in federal student aid and billions more in school, state, and private funding. The FAFSA form is a critical tool that helps students and families across the country pursue higher education and build better futures. 

    The U.S. Department of Education (Department) understands the importance of the FAFSA form, and we are committed to delivering an experience that is simple and reliable.  

    A New Era of Simplicity and Support 

    The FAFSA Simplification Act and FUTURE Act, signed into law by President Trump during his first term, were landmark, bipartisan efforts to streamline the federal financial aid process. These laws laid the groundwork for a FAFSA form that is easier to complete and more aligned with the needs of students and families. 

    The launch and rollout of the redesigned form in December 2023 faced significant challenges. Students experienced delays, colleges could not package aid offers on time, and more than 2 million calls to our help center were dropped before reaching an agent between January and August 2024. 

    Progress in 2025: An Improved FAFSA Experience 

    Today, the FAFSA form is in a much stronger place. Our ongoing investments are making a real difference in the lives of American students and families. As of April 11, 2025: 

    • 92% of users report satisfaction with the FAFSA experience 
    • 10 million 2025–26 forms have been submitted since the form launched in fall 2024 
    • 2.7 million more forms have been submitted this cycle compared to last year (39% growth), as well as 400,000 additional applications (4.3% growth) over the 2023–24 cycle, last time the form launched on Oct. 1 
    • 85% of questions are now resolved by our newly improved virtual assistant, Aidan.  

    These gains are a direct result of listening to the people who rely on the FAFSA form and responding with targeted, meaningful improvements. 

    What’s Next: Building Toward a Better Experience 

    Our goal is a FAFSA form that takes minutes—not hours—to complete. To get there, we’re investing in key areas based on feedback from students, families, and financial aid partners: 

    • Simplifying parent invitations: The most common frustration we hear about is the process of inviting parents to complete their portion of the FAFSA form. The Department is redesigning this process for clarity and speed, with improvements set to launch this fall. 
    • Fixing identity verification: The Department is working with the Social Security Administration to implement a real-time verification of identity, which will streamline data imports directly from the IRS starting this fall. 
    • Strengthening FAFSA stability: The dedicated civil servants behind the FAFSA form have worked tirelessly over the past several years to get to this stage. To support their efforts and improve our oversight of vendors and infrastructure, we are adding engineers and technical product managers to ensure long-term stability and responsiveness. 

    Continued Improvements for the FAFSA Form 

    The future is bright for the FAFSA form. Ten million students have already submitted a 2025–26 form. Last Thursday (a typical day with normal activity), 48,500 submitted a FAFSA form and 226,000 FAFSA records were sent to institutions of higher education and states. These numbers reflect a simple truth—the FAFSA form is working, and we are committed to making sure it keeps working for students and families. 

    Education changes lives, and the FAFSA form is the gateway. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and remain focused on the road ahead. 

    James Bergeron is the Department’s Deputy Under Secretary and Acting Federal Student Aid Chief Operating Officer. He is a proud University of Louisiana at Lafayette alum, and a first-generation college student. 

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    U.S. Department of Education

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  • ACE Awards Four Full Tuition Scholarships to Ivy Tech Community College Nursing Faculty

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    The scholarships represent a collaborative effort to provide accessible education opportunities


    INDIANAPOLIS, April 17, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, American College of Education® (ACE) has awarded four full tuition scholarships to Ivy Tech nursing faculty and staff. The collaboration furthers a shared commitment to provide accessible, high-quality education for healthcare professionals and to support the urgent need for qualified nurse educators.

    The recipients of nearly $56,000 worth of scholarship funding are:

    • Breeze Peele, Ivy Tech Sellersburg

    • Danielle Chiaro, Ivy Tech Lake County

    • Brooke Irzyk, Ivy Tech Valparaiso

    • Heather Lunsford, Ivy Tech Richmond

    Lunsford will enroll in ACE’s Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at ACE, while Peele, Chiaro and Irzyk will pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN program.

    “Partnering with Ivy Tech is opening up door after door to offer accessible nursing education pathways that address national nurse and nurse educator shortages,” ACE President and CEO Geordie Hyland said. “We are excited to welcome our scholarship recipients to ACE and to support them on their journeys to earning an MSN.”

    These scholarships aim to support the development of more qualified nursing faculty, a vital step in solving the growing nursing shortage. According to national data, thousands of prospective nursing students are turned away each year due to a lack of qualified instructors. By investing in the professional growth of current educators, ACE and Ivy Tech aim to expand faculty capacity, enabling more students to pursue nursing careers and strengthening the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals across Indiana.

    Additionally, the scholarship initiative builds on an ongoing partnership between ACE and Ivy Tech, which is designed to create more affordable healthcare education and training pathways for both Ivy Tech students and employees. Through this collaboration, Ivy Tech employees and students are eligible for reduced tuition at ACE, while Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) students can enroll concurrently in ACE’s BSN program, allowing them to accelerate degree completion.

    “We’re thrilled to see four of our outstanding nursing faculty and staff members awarded full scholarships through our partnership with ACE,” Ivy Tech Assistant Vice President for Nursing Kimberly Weigand, DNP, RN, CNE, added. “This collaboration provides our faculty with meaningful and flexible opportunities for professional growth that ultimately benefits our students, communities and healthcare systems. By equipping more nurse educators with advanced degrees, we’re actively tackling one of the most pressing challenges in nursing education.”

    Ivy Tech is the largest community college nonprofit awarder of ASN degrees in the county, producing more than 1,500 nursing graduates each year. More than one out of every three registered nurses in Indiana are Ivy Tech graduates.

    About American College of Education

    American College of Education® (ACE) is an accredited, fully online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 60 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master’s or bachelor’s degree, along with graduate-level certificate programs. In addition to being a leader in online education, ACE is a Certified B Corporation and part of a global movement to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

    About Ivy Tech Community College

    Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.

    Source: American College of Education

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  • Over One-Third of Parents Have Enrolled Their Students in Supplemental Learning Programs; Over Half Name the Pandemic as a Disruptor

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    New Nationwide Survey Reveals Middle Schoolers Most Likely to Seek Extra Learning Resources to Close Foundational Skills Gaps and Build Confidence


    ORADELL, N.J., April 17, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    More than half of parents (57%) agree that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their child’s education and/or academic success, and more than a third (35%) now have their child enrolled in a supplemental learning program, according to a new nationwide survey* of parents of children ages 10-18 conducted by Huntington Learning Center and YouGov. The percentage of students receiving supplemental academic support is particularly high among middle schoolers: 41% among parents of 12-year-olds, 42% of 13-year-olds, and 46% of 14-year-olds.

    While parents identified several academic areas where they would expect to see improvement in their children from a supplemental learning program, such as GPA (37%) and specific skills like reading comprehension and writing (37%), the top potential improvement cited was increasing their child’s confidence (45%). Improving study habits (43%) might also lead parents to turn to supplemental programs.

    “Not only have children experienced academic setbacks, but their confidence in their abilities has taken a significant hit,” said Anne Huntington Sharma, President and Board Member of Huntington Learning Center. “Families are seeking support beyond the classroom, and this survey confirms that the demand for accessible, personalized academic help is greater than ever.”

    These results also reflect a deeper, more concerning trend: Students currently in middle school are seeking help at the highest rates. Today’s 12, 13 and 14 year olds were in the earliest, most foundational years of their education when COVID-19 shutdowns began. In other words, students who were 7-9 years old, typically in first through third grades, five years ago, may be further behind than other age groups. These are the years when critical reading and writing skills are developed, and according to parents surveyed, many students are still struggling to catch up.

    To help address these challenges, Huntington Learning Center has expanded its partnerships with school districts and public entities nationwide. In the 2023-24 school year alone, Huntington operated 124 programs funded by state and federal sources across 17 states (with 4 more in progress), serving more than 7,500 students through over 300,000 hours of instruction.

    To learn more about how Huntington Learning Center is helping students bridge learning gaps, visit huntingtonhelps.com

    About Huntington Learning Center

    Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. We offer customized programs in person, online, and hybrid options. Our certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. We prep for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington’s programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com

    *All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 843 adults with children from ages 10 to 18 years. Fieldwork was undertaken between the 3rd and 12th of March 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US parents with children from ages 10 to 18 years (aged 18+).

    Contact Information

    Huntington Learning Center
    hlc@mbpconsultants.com

    Source: Huntington Learning Center

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  • Learn Spanish the Fun Way! Spanish for You! Launches Engaging New Practice Videos

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    Watch, Listen, Learn! Spanish for You! Unveils a Fun and Interactive Video Series for Kids


    CHICAGO, April 16, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Spanish for You! is excited to announce the launch of a new collection of Educational Spanish Practice Videos designed to make learning both fun and effective for students of all ages and levels. These engaging, interactive videos complement our highly-rated themed curriculum and help students master key Spanish language skills.

    The new video collection covers essential topics such as Spanish pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and everyday phrases. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills, these videos make learning Spanish both enjoyable and accessible.

    What Sets Spanish for You! Videos Apart?

    These videos allow students to apply what they learn in each themed lesson. Featuring clear explanations through graphics and voice recordings, the videos support pronunciation learning and improve comprehension. This interactive approach helps students reinforce their understanding and solidify language skills in an engaging, real-world context.

    “We believe that listening and watching Spanish in action is one of the most effective ways to improve language skills,” said Debbie Annett, Founder of Spanish for You! “With our new practice videos, students will boost their pronunciation confidence, enhance their listening comprehension, refine grammar knowledge, and develop conversational abilities.”

    In addition to the new practice videos, Spanish for You! offers a variety of practice videos on its YouTube channel, giving students an engaging and structured way to reinforce their learning.

    Here’s What Teachers Are Saying:

    “As a teacher at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran School, I love the Spanish for You! curriculum. The theme books, practice audios, and engaging activities help students learn and enjoy the material. After just two weeks, students are grasping concepts well, and the flexibility to adjust the pace is a huge benefit. Spanish for You! is truly excellent!” – Ketih H., St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran School in Wauwatosa, WI.

    Ready to explore Spanish in a fun, practical, and effective way?

    In addition to the new educational videos, Spanish for You! offers a highly-rated, theme-based curriculum for grades 3-8, simplifying Spanish learning for students and educators alike. Used in hundreds of schools nationwide, our program is aligned with ACTFL National Standards and provides unparalleled support for teachers.

    Perfect for schools, after-school programs, and homeschools, our curriculum includes step-by-step lesson plans, interactive activities, and audio resources, all with no prior experience required. With our structured approach, 95% of students gain confidence and fluency with beginner concepts in just two weeks! Each course provides a full year of materials at an affordable price. Plus, we offer a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee for your peace of mind.

    Visit https://spanish-for-you.com to discover our theme-based curriculum for ages 8+.

    Contact Information

    Ana Quinones-Milic
    Marketing Director
    anaq@alqomarketing.com
    773-501-1429

    Source: Spanish for You!

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  • PayMyTuition Launches AI-Driven Accounts Payable Module for Higher Education

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    New embedded solution streamlines AP workflows, boosts financial control, and delivers intelligent automation for faster, safer vendor payments across domestic and international channels.


    TORONTO, April 15, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    PayMyTuition, a leader in transformative payment solutions for the education sector, today announced the launch of its next-generation, AI-powered Accounts Payable module, now fully embedded within Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, PeopleSoft, and Workday ERP platforms.

    Built to meet the evolving needs of colleges and universities, this fully integrated solution automates the full accounts payable lifecycle-simplifying complex workflows, enhancing visibility, and delivering unmatched flexibility for both domestic and international payments.

    A Game-Changer for Higher Education Finance Teams

    With rising vendor expectations and increased pressure on finance departments to deliver faster, more secure payments, PayMyTuition’s new module sets a new standard with features designed to:

    • Eliminate manual inefficiencies

    • Enhance financial control

    • Reduce risk and human error

    • Improve supplier satisfaction

    Feature-Rich Capabilities That Make a Difference

    FOR DOMESTIC PAYMENTS:

    • Seamless Bank Flexibility: Institutions can work with any bank of their choice for low-cost, fast reimbursements – with full control over payment timing and tracking.

    • Real-Time Payment Tracking: Gain full visibility from initiation to completion, ensuring no payment falls through the cracks.

    • Bulk & On-Demand Recipient Management: Add or update multiple payees with ease – no delays, no complexity.

    • Automated Risk Controls: AI-backed fraud mitigation and top-tier security protocols ensure payments are accurate and secure.

    FOR INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS:

    • Global Currency Payments: Pay vendors on time and in their local currency, enhancing relationships and maintaining compliance.

    • Smart Remittance Tools: Access best-in-market FX rates while simplifying global payments across borders.

    • Exchange Rate Optimization: Leverage real-time automation to maximize savings on international transfers.

    • Streamlined Cross-Border Workflows: No more manual uploads or file transfers – everything flows directly from your ERP system.

    Transforming Finance Operations with Embedded Intelligence

    “Higher education institutions need scalable solutions that match the complexity of their payment ecosystems,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at PayMyTuition. “By launching an accounts payable module that’s AI-driven, ERP-integrated, and globally capable, we’re enabling finance teams to operate faster, smarter, and with total peace of mind.”

    This launch reinforces PayMyTuition’s commitment to empowering educational institutions with frictionless financial technology, designed to drive operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction.

    About PayMyTuition

    PayMyTuition is an award-winning provider of global payment solutions built specifically for the education sector. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with major ERP systems, PayMyTuition simplifies the way institutions manage tuition, non-tuition, and vendor payments – domestically and globally.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Media Relations, PayMyTuition
    media@paymytuition.com
    www.paymytuition.com

    Source: PayMyTuition

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  • What the Department of Education Doesn’t Do – ED.gov Blog

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    By: Jim Blew, Co-founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute

    Over its 45-year history, the U.S. Department of Education has persistently increased its power over American K-12 education. Then, on March 20, 2025, President Trump ordered the end of Education Department dominance, issuing an executive order entitled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.” As Secretary McMahon has said, it is time for the Department to begin its final mission and shift power back to states, local communities, and families.

    Many Americans have expressed concern that eliminating the cabinet-level bureaucracy will strand K-12 teachers and students without resources or support. But these worries are based on misunderstandings about what the Department actually does for K-12 education, and what it doesn’t do. As the bureaucracy gets dismantled, it’s worth unpacking the Department’s role—and why American education will be better off when it’s gone.

    The Department Doesn’t Control School Curriculum

    One common misunderstanding is that the federal Department determines academic standards, curriculum, and instruction in public schools. That is not the case. Those are state and local responsibilities. In fact, federal law explicitly prohibits the Department from any “direction, supervision, or control” of curriculum or instruction.

    Americans might understandably think the Department does set curriculum, because they remember how the Obama Administration nudged states to adopt the Common Core State Standards using financial and regulatory incentives. Those standards regrettably led many districts to adopt unpopular curriculum and instructional methods. The resulting outcry led Congress to reinforce its prohibitions against the Department influencing curriculum.

    While the Department does not influence curriculum and instruction, it does supplement the money spent on local schools, targeting economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. Even after Congress eliminates the Department, it will certainly continue to appropriate funds for those students.

    The Department Doesn’t Recruit or Pay Teachers

    Another misconception: teacher shortages are the federal government’s fault. But the federal Department plays no role in certifying teachers, hiring them, or setting their salaries and benefits. All of that is done by states and local districts; they make the everyday rules for K-12 educators and staff.

    Congress has asked the Department to manage one program aimed at raising teacher quality and effectiveness, costing about $2 billion annually. Most of this ESEA Title II-A money has gone toward typical professional development programs, even though Congress does allow districts to use the funds in other ways. Sadly, Title II-A programs have not improved teacher effectiveness much, if at all.

    If Congress wants to get better results for its Title II appropriation, they could roll it into a block grant and let states use the funds to improve student outcomes as they think best. Or, if they want to continue sequestering some funds for addressing teacher effectiveness, Congress could divide the amount among every teacher in the country as a stipend and, treating them like professionals, let them decide for themselves how to invest in professional development. We don’t need an Education Department bureaucracy for either of those approaches.

    It Doesn’t Mandate Vaccines

    A persistent misunderstanding is that the Department of Education mandates health policies such as vaccines for students and educators. Recently, for example, CNN’s Dana Bash, in an interview of Secretary McMahon, implied that the Secretary was somehow in control of whether schools and colleges require certain vaccines for students with special needs.

    Vaccine requirements are a state and county matter and are set by boards of health, not the Department of Education. Other federal agencies do provide advice to state and local governments, but they rely on those local agencies to manage health responses. This is good practice, both governmentally and epidemiologically, given that local context matters and diseases can impact various regions differently.

    Again, prior Department officials might have caused misunderstandings about their role in health policy. President Biden’s Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, for example, vocally advocated for state mandates compelling COVID-19 vaccines for all children. His heavy-handed approach mirrored President Biden’s sweeping executive order on COVID-19 vaccines, which required 100 million Americans to get vaccinated, while he pressed governors to mandate vaccines for all teachers. These aggressive tactics sowed confusion about the statutory role of the Education Department.

    If students need a vaccine or other type of health intervention, local health officials can make that determination. It is not, and should not be, the job of the Department of Education to set vaccine schedules.

    Why Dismantle the Department?

    Even when we clarify what the Department doesn’t do, we are still left with the question of what it does do, and whether it is needed or helpful.

    Like most education reformers, I was once hopeful that a muscular federal Department might help improve American education. I clung to that hope through Democrat and Republican administrations. But none of my hopes ended up improving student performance or life outcomes. Whatever hope I had for a constructive federal role vanished as the Biden Administration weaponized the Department to pursue political goals—ones that had little or nothing to do with improving student outcomes or preparing students for fulfilling careers.

    In retrospect, it is easy to see why the Department became a counter-productive force in K-12 education. Over time, Congress and the Department tied more and more strings to funding, burdening our varied states, 14,000 school districts, and more than 100,000 schools.

    These strings have become a costly distraction from the core purpose of educating students. States and districts hired more non-instructional staff to satisfy the federal requirements, and the Department scaled up to monitor states and districts. The underlying assumption was that district and school leaders cannot be trusted to use the funds as intended.

    As President Trump moves toward dismantling the federal Department of Education, he is expressing trust in states and local educators. The President, Secretary McMahon, and I believe our local educators will do more as the federal government does less. Let’s give states and local communities the chance to prove it, for the sake of our students.

    Jim Blew is co-founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute, which promotes education freedom, civil rights, and a limited federal role in education. He formerly served as Assistant Secretary of Education for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development.

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    U.S. Department of Education

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  • Essential Education Launches Fully Expanded GED Academy for the GED Test in Spanish

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    Press Release
    •

    Apr 1, 2025

    New Course Empowers Spanish-Speaking Learners With Authentic, Culturally Relevant GED® Test Prep


    CORVALLIS, Ore., April 1, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Today, Essential Education announced the official launch of its fully expanded GED Academy® for the GED® Test in Spanish-a complete, online Spanish-language course designed to help adult learners confidently prepare for and pass the GED® test in Spanish. Covering Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies the course delivers the same award-winning features educators and students know and trust-now with culturally and linguistically responsive instruction tailored for Spanish-speaking learners.

    The expanded course builds on the success of Essential Education’s initial release last year, which introduced Spanish-language instruction for Reading and Language Arts. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from educators and its certification from the GED Testing Service for its strong correlation with GED test objectives, the company moved to complete the course with the remaining subject areas-making it one of the most comprehensive Spanish-language GED prep programs available.

    “We created this course with one goal in mind: to meet Spanish-speaking students where they are-with clarity, cultural respect, and powerful instruction,” said Dannielle Doyle, President of Essential Education. “This course isn’t just a translation. It’s a thoughtfully designed program built from the ground up in natural, neutral Spanish by educators who understand the unique needs of adult learners. It’s about giving every student the chance to succeed-confidently and authentically.”

    Developed by a team of expert curriculum designers fluent in Spanish, GED Academy for the GED Test in Spanish features engaging Latin American voices, culturally relevant content, and real-world examples that resonate with learners across Spanish-speaking regions. The result is an inclusive, intuitive learning experience that supports deeper comprehension and lasting success.

    To learn more about GED Academy for the GED Test in Spanish-or to schedule a demo with your dedicated representative visit go.essentialed.com/educators/hse-spanish.

    Source: Essential Education

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  • CAST Opens Nominations for 2nd Annual UDL Awards to Celebrate Inclusive Education Excellence

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    BOSTON, April 1, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    CAST, a global leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), proudly announces that nominations are now open for the 2nd Annual UDL Awards, to be presented at UDL-Con: International 2025 in Washington, DC. This year’s prestigious ceremony will take place on July 22, 2025, at the historic Capital Hilton and aims to honor individuals and organizations making extraordinary contributions to inclusive and innovative education.

    Nominations are open from March 17 to April 18, 2025, and CAST encourages educators, researchers, and changemakers around the world to submit names of those who exemplify the power and promise of Universal Design for Learning.

    “These awards shine a spotlight on trailblazers who are reimagining what’s possible in education,” said Lindsay E. Jones, President & CEO of CAST. “Their work not only inspires us, but also drives meaningful change in classrooms, communities, and institutions around the world.”

    The 2025 UDL Awards will recognize excellence across three categories:

    • Anne Meyer UDL Design Award – Celebrating visionary achievements in inclusive design and environments that reflect UDL principles.

    • David Rose UDL Research Award – Honoring groundbreaking research that advances UDL theory and practice.

    • UDL Innovative Practice Award – Recognizing educators and practitioners who bring creativity and commitment to implementing UDL in real-world learning environments.

    Last year’s inaugural winners were celebrated for their remarkable leadership in inclusive education:

    • Anne Meyer UDL Design Award: Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D. – “I am deeply honored to receive CAST’s inaugural Anne Meyer UDL Design award. I will joyfully continue to champion the application of UDL everywhere I go.”

    • David Rose UDL Research Award: Kavita Rao, Ph.D. – “I’m honored and grateful to be selected for this award. As UDL’s relevance has been increasingly recognized worldwide, it has been a privilege to be part of this journey.”

    • UDL Innovative Practice Award: Dara Ryder – “This award is a testament to the idea that we are better together and that UDL requires us to build community, share practice, and collaborate.”

    CAST invites national and international nominations that reflect the creativity and leadership at the heart of UDL.

    Submit your nomination by April 18, 2025 at https://udlcon.cast.org/udl-awards.

    The 2nd Annual UDL Awards will be held on July 22, 2025, during UDL-Con: International, a premier global convening of educators, researchers, and advocates passionate about inclusive learning design.

    To delve deeper into CAST’s mission and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), visit our website at www.cast.org. Explore how we are dedicated to creating a world where every learner can thrive, regardless of

    variability.

    For nomination guidelines and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kisha Barton, Senior Director of Communications, at kbarton@cast.org.

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    About CAST:
    CAST is a nonprofit education organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines, now used the world over to make learning more inclusive. At the foundation of UDL is accessibility and accessible educational materials, as such, CAST runs Accessibility & Inclusive Technology and The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES).

    Source: CAST

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  • In Push to Keep Texas Schools Safe, SaferWatch Announces Partnership With North Texas Collegiate Academy

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    The Tuition-Free Public Charter School is Latest to Fortify School Safety Tech & Operations Using Exclusive SaferWatch Alert & Reporting Tools


    DENTON, Texas, April 1, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    In a powerful move to strengthen campus safety and empower staff, North Texas Collegiate Academy has partnered with SaferWatch, a leading safety and security platform, to give all school personnel instant access to emergency alert and reporting tools-because when it comes to school safety, every second counts.

    With SaferWatch now active across North Texas Collegiate Academy campuses, staff members are equipped with real-time tools to handle a wide range of emergency situations. Whether it’s an emergency drill, a campus evacuation, the need to report suspicious activity, or a real-time threat, SaferWatch ensures immediate communication with school leadership and emergency responders. The platform enables faster, more coordinated responses when it matters most. SaferWatch also adheres to all of the guidelines required of Alyssa’s Law.

    “The safety of our staff and students is my most important priority,” said Dr. Lisa Stanley, Superintendent of North Texas Collegiate Academy. “I’m happy to partner with SaferWatch to allow all staff instant access for reporting any emergency situation. During times of crisis, seconds matter so this instant reporting feature is paramount.”

    SaferWatch empowers schools with advanced safety features, including mobile panic buttons, anonymous tip reporting, mass notifications, and integration with local 911 centers. These tools help streamline response efforts, improve situational awareness, and keep everyone on campus informed and protected.

    “We are proud to support North Texas Collegiate Academy in creating a safer learning environment for everyone,” said Geno Roefaro, CEO of SaferWatch. “When schools invest in proactive safety technology like SaferWatch, they are investing in peace of mind for students, families, and staff alike. We’re honored to be part of that commitment.”

    With safety at the forefront, North Texas Collegiate Academy is setting a strong example for other schools across the state – demonstrating that preparedness, communication, and technology can save lives.

    About North Texas Collegiate Academy
    North Texas Collegiate Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Denton, Little Elm, and Lewisville. With a commitment to academic excellence and student-centered support, the academy equips learners for success in college, career, and life. https://www.ntxca.org/

    About SaferWatch
    SaferWatch is a robust safety platform used by schools, government agencies, and organizations nationwide. Designed to improve emergency response and enhance communication, SaferWatch provides the tools needed to keep communities informed, connected, and protected – especially when it matters most. To learn more or schedule a live demo please visit SaferWatchApp.com.

    Source: SaferWatch

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  • Compass Academy Network Announces New Program Location in Altamont, Kansas

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    JOPLIN, Mo., March 20, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    Compass Academy Network (CAN) is happy to announce its expansion to Altamont, Kansas for the summer of 2025. The new location complements three existing CAN locations in the state (Alma, Columbus, and Pittsburg, KS), as well as two in Missouri (Joplin and Neosho, MO).

    Offered free to students entering grades 6 through 9, the Altamont CAN summer program will be hosted at Labette County High School, and will run on weekdays from June 2 through June 27, 8:00 AM to 2:30. The program is designed to supplement the education students receive during the school year, helping them to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prevent summer learning loss.

    Excitement for the program is building across Labette County. “Through this collaboration, students will have access to hands-on learning experiences that promote academic growth, creativity, and personal development,” said Chris Kastler, Principal of Meadow View Elementary School. “Our goal is to ensure that every student has the support and resources they need to succeed while making learning fun and meaningful during the summer months. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our students and their future success!”

    “Labette County Schools will be a great partner for Compass as we’ve been inspired by the success we’ve seen in other rural communities,” noted Debra Humphreys, founder and CEO of Compass Academy Network. “Bringing Compass Academy Network to Altamont is a significant step in expanding our mission to support education in rural communities through transformative enrichment experiences and to develop a robust pipeline for future Kansas educators.”

    About the CAN Program

    CAN’s mission is to support education in rural communities by providing free summer enrichment programs for middle school students, with continued year-round support, to foster a love of learning, promote intellectual curiosity, develop engaged citizens, create a foundation for academic success, and cultivate a strong moral compass, and to provide college students who are aspiring educators paid internship opportunities to work with veteran rural school teachers to create a strengthened network of inspirational rural educators who become leaders in their classrooms and communities.

    The 4-week Compass Academy Network program is free for eligible students, including all materials, supplies, healthy lunches and snacks, and transportation to and from a central location. Upon successful completion of the program, students also receive a $45 Walmart gift card for school supplies. School districts with 15 or more students who complete the summer session may be eligible to receive a CAN Partner Grant of up to $5,000 for middle school needs.

    To qualify for the program, students must have a grade point average equivalent to a “B” average (3.0) or better as well as a recommendation from a current teacher or administrator. Preference is given to students whose families qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program.

    Applications for Compass Academy Network’s summer programs are currently open online. Space is limited, so interested students and families are encouraged to apply soon. For more information, please visit www.compassacademynetwork.org.

    Contact Information

    Gabriel Hershewe
    Director of Marketing and Technology
    ghershewe@compassacademynetwork.org
    417-540-7198

    Source: Compass Academy Network

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