Teachers can help students engage with English literature by beginning with powerful images or ideas that are relevant to their lives, Carol Atherton, head of English at Spalding Grammar School in England, says in this interview. Atherton explains that she emphasises to students how studying English literature can support careers in law, management and media and highlights students' love of stories.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, fostering international interactions in education offers invaluable cultural understanding and language acquisition, writes Sarah Elia, who teaches at Saugerties Central School District in Saugerties, N.Y. Elia writes that educators can use technology to facilitate global exchanges, providing students with firsthand experiences of different cultures and perspectives.

Addressing teacher burnout involves recognising the overwhelming demands and change fatigue in education, requiring long-term solutions like reducing administrative burdens and providing appropriate support and training, rather than relying solely on teacher self-care, writes Shannon Hazel, an author and recently retired public-school teacher. In this blog post, Hazel writes that stakeholders must prioritise streamlining initiatives and improving working conditions to retain and empower educators.

Le Monde International School in Oklahoma was recognised last week by the French Consulate, which awarded the school an accreditation in recognition of its French immersion instruction. The international school was one of 66 schools in the US to receive the accreditation, with Le Monde executive director Lance Seeright noting that the school was unique in providing Francophone immersion through middle school.

Fictional stories have long mirrored today's AI dilemmas, prompting some educators to blend speculative fiction with AI lessons to offer diverse perspectives. Through literature, students can explore AI's societal shifts, from job automation to privacy concerns, fostering critical thinking and ethical inquiry, with educators sharing their approaches to using titles including "The Circle," a novel by Dave Eggers, and "AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future," a collection of short stories by Kai Fu-Lee and Chen Qiufan.

A study published in the journal PLOS One found that improvements in air quality, such as good airflow and filtration like MERV-13 air filters, in school classrooms may help children and teachers avoid COVID-19 infections. Researchers noted that many rooms reached moderate carbon dioxide levels that may indicate less-than-optimal airflow, highlighting that the number of COVID-19 cases recorded among people who spent time in a given room was linked to the amount of time that room had moderate carbon dioxide levels.

25-27 April, Windsor, U.K. Sponsored by NHL Stenden University and Pearson There's still time to register - don't miss our impactful and inspirational annual conference at the stunning De Vere Beaumont Estate, Windsor. We recognise that truly 'Living Your Mission' is a dynamic and transformative process, unique to each school. Join with us as we embark on our mission to lead purposeful school communities that make a meaningful difference and can shape a brighter future. Learn more about the schedule, our keynotes and presenters, plus how you can be part of it. Learn more.

ECIS School Membership is packed with incredible benefits for your professional development and learning community. Check out our recently updated packages, including discounts on cyber security training, child protection certification for your entire staff, the opportunity to join a Special Interest Group committee, and access to our exclusive mentoring platform - plus so much more. Join more than 40,000 educators in 80+ countries and become part of our diverse and positive collaborative. Learn more.