Klingbrief

In The Last Human Job, Allison Pugh argues that connective labor “involves ‘seeing’ the other and reflecting that understanding back” and is crucial to the practice of teachers, doctors, chaplains, hairdressers, and many others whose work is often invisible, yet vital, to the lives of humans. The book is based on hundreds of interviews with workers who take on the emotional burden to make others feel seen and who often feel the dual sense of tremendous fulfillment and exploitation. Pugh places their labor in the context of the rise of AI, the pressure to document and collect data on such connective labor, and the rise of what she calls the “depersonalization crisis,” which includes the rise of tech solutions to mental health (think AI-driven therapist apps) and the use of technology to meet the education needs of students in under-resourced schools or students without access to good teachers. If you’ve ever wondered how we might build a social architecture of connection and support, while navigating the challenges that come with these spaces being de facto places of privilege (i.e., independent schools who value the connective labor of teachers), then this is the book for you.

In the “You 2.0: Remember More, Forget Less” episode of Hidden Brain, host Shankar Vedantam engages in a thoughtful discussion with cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham about the complexities of memory. Host and guest reveal insights that can significantly aid educators in boosting student retention and recall. Among the key strategies highlighted are active engagements – where students actively retrieve important concepts – and spaced repetition, a method that reinforces learning over time. The episode also underscores the vital role of emotional connections, suggesting that more emotionally profound experiences leave a lasting imprint on memory. This deeper understanding of the nuances of memory equips educators to design learning opportunities that foster stronger connections and enhance retention. By implementing these memory-enhancing strategies, educators can create enriching learning environments, ultimately increasing the confidence and skill with which students navigate a world overflowing with information. As we face the challenges of an information-saturated culture, the tools discussed in this episode serve not only to improve academic performance, but also to cultivate resilient, engaged learners who can thrive amidst the noise.

On the surface, Eyes Up! provides a roadmap for soccer players to improve their skills using the Vision Training methodology. Vision Training encourages athletes to persist through adversity, plan with purpose, and shift their mindset. These principles not only create value for athletes, but can also be applied in schools to help students maximize their wellbeing and discover meaning in their lives. Kostecky is the head coach of the Bard College Men’s Soccer program, and has worked with international superstars such as Claudio Reyna and Julie Foudy. Instead of overcoaching through difficult moments, he encourages players to scan the field so that they can anticipate challenges and formulate appropriate responses. Educators are also tasked with teaching students the necessary skills to become independent problem solvers and develop self-accountability as they work toward their goals. The authors remind us that you cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can control your response. To counteract increasing student anxiety and mental health concerns, young people need effective approaches for navigating life. Eyes Up! offers a novel framework for students to find deeper meaning in their academic pursuits and lead lives filled with joy and purpose.

In a new book, Salman Khan, the founder behind Khan Academy, explores the power of artificial intelligence and GPT technology. He provides a compelling vision of how this technology will transform education and provides awe-inspiring examples of how AI could be used to make education accessible, individualized, and engaging to students. With AI, educators can create interactive and immersive learning experiences for students, such as having students “talk” to literary characters like Jay Gatsby or historical figures such as Rosa Parks. Additionally, Khan makes the case for how AI has the capacity to enhance teachers’ effectiveness and make teaching more sustainable by helping teachers design creative lessons, assess student learning, and provide individualized feedback. Furthermore, as exemplified by his AI-powered Khanmigo platform, he showcases how AI has the ability to provide a responsive and world-class tutor for every student. Khan emphasizes the importance of embracing AI as a tool for good. He encourages us to shift the focus from what AI can do for us to what we can achieve working alongside AI. Khan’s Brave New Words is a thought-provoking, inspiring, and essential read.

In a revised and expanded edition of Choosing Leadership, Dr. Linda Ginzel tells us that “leadership is a choice.” To help readers make more informed choices on their leadership journeys, she shares two important resources: a workbook with activities to develop leadership skills through personal reflection and a series of modules designed for group leadership development. While Ginzel presents her definition of leadership early on, she guides readers in developing their own leadership point of view based on personal experiences. Ginzel tells us that “Self-understanding is a key skill for choosing leadership – for deciding when to manage and when to lead.” Readers can then take their work a step further in the group leadership modules, engaging in deep reflection while teaching or learning with others. The book serves as a companion along the way and into the future, reminding readers of their "why" and encouraging their leadership point of view to develop as they do. For educators looking to refine their leadership skills, grow the leadership capacity of their team, or develop programming for students, Choosing Leadership, Revised and Expanded is a must-have resource.

Do you want to maximize your school's online visibility to attract prospective parents effectively? In a digital age where users focus on top search results, prioritizing search engine optimization (SEO) is potentially transformative. This episode of The Private School Leader Podcast by Mark Minkus underscores the importance of appearing credible and trustworthy by securing higher search engine rankings through strategic optimization. He provides five ways to increase traffic for school websites. Schools should create quality content frequently, such as blog posts containing parenting tips and videos of student or alumni testimonials. By including top keywords on the homepage, schools can also improve their search results ranking. Engaging local media to build backlinks (i.e., links on other websites that point to the school’s website) and updating the school’s Google business profile further bolster search visibility. Last, a good user experience on the school’s website, including a mobile-friendly interface and clear call-to-action buttons, will ensure parents stay on the website longer. By embracing these recommendations, schools can amplify their online presence and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.

Immortality, knowledge, fallen worlds, and mythical creatures; fearless children, complicated adults, and hidden lands – these are the ingredients of some of the most beloved children’s books, one of which Katherine Rundell’s new middle-grade novel, Impossible Creatures, is sure to become. The story follows Christopher, a boy from the known world, who crosses into the magical realm of The Archipelago to help a new friend figure out what is causing the landscape to wither and the animals to die. Along the way, he meets some truly fantastic beasts and comes to understand the intricate connection among all living things. Rundell’s book is both an important contribution to the growing genre of climate change literature and a captivating story of the power of observation, friendship, and resilience. It highlights Rundell’s respect for the intellectual and emotional capacity of children, reflecting her belief that “stories should not just offer a moral to children, but also explore complex ideas like politics, power, and care.” Appropriate for readers as young as 9 or 10, Impossible Creatures will surely make its way to library and classroom bookshelves everywhere.