COVID 19

Two students from very different points in their education tell tales of pandemic learning & we're joined by the Illinois Teacher of the Year!

Destiny Hudson was in 5th grade when COVID-19 shut down schools back in 2020. Now, she’s finishing up 7th Grade. Devin Snow was a sophomore when it all went down and now he’s graduating high school. They’ve both been through this weird learning experience, but at very different points in their education journey.

Two students, one high schooler and one middle schooler, sit down to talk about what school's been like the past two years

50% of staff at schools in the state’s trauma-responsive pilot program say they had little to no training on supporting youth experiencing traumatic stress.

For teachers and students, with spring comes spring break. But spring also means something less fun…state standardized testing. Illinois is considering making big changes to how and when students have to take these stress-inducing exams.

Right now, people aren’t interested in large mass vaccination events or even school-based clinics.

We love to say how Teachers’ Lounge brings you conversations with teachers, students and everyone in education in-between. How about spending some time with elementary school therapy dogs?

University of Illinois education policy professor Paul Bruno helps us explain the legal battle on school masking

Mark Klaisner tells us how the teacher shortage became personal for many families this year.

Even in schools sticking with the current rules, many are still confused.