October 2025

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The role of Mentorship in Teacher Retention

Teacher mentorship is crucial for addressing alarming teacher attrition rates, especially among early-career educators, because connection and support are powerful motivators for staying in the profession. Effective mentoring programs require intentional matching, protected time for observation and collaboration, and sustained support that extends well beyond a teacher's first year.

 

Did you know that OKSTE is the CoSN State Chapter leader?

For more information, contact the OKSTE Chair for CoSN: Scott Mosby at smosby@sallisawps.org 

Read the CoSN Monthly article here

Tim Needles: How to instill 'creative advocacy' in your students

Creative advocacy encourages students to use technology and storytelling skills—like designing social media posts or using AI for meaningful prompts—to champion causes they believe in, mirroring real-world projects that demand collaboration, creativity, and resilience in the face of failure. This approach emphasizes student choice and prepares them for a dynamic future workplace by modeling authentic, project-based learning.


FCC removes school bus Wi-Fi, hotspots from E-rate

The FCC voted to eliminate school bus Wi-Fi and internet hotspot services from the E-rate program, reversing a previous expansion intended to close the homework gap. This sudden decision denies $57.9 million in requested funds and forces districts to find alternative sources to cover the costs of these services.

Have you looked at all these sessions?

OKSTE 2025 Sessions

Code.org Reinvents Hour of Code as Hour of AI 

Code.org is evolving its popular "Hour of Code" during Computer Science Education Week into the "Hour of AI," a global initiative designed to ensure all learners understand, explore, and create with artificial intelligence. The program will feature self-guided activities that encourage students to use coding and AI tools to design dancers, remix music, and choreograph routines, preparing them for the AI era.


40 Discussion Questions for Students to Spark Conversations 

Effective discussion questions are a versatile tool for building classroom community and encouraging student reflection, whether used for whole-class conversations, writing prompts, or even quick video reflections. These conversation starters can be easily customized, often with the help of AI, to suit specific grade levels or subject areas, promoting deeper engagement and connection among students.


Digital literacy starts at home--but schools can help

While the foundation for digital literacy and well-being begins at home, schools are crucial partners in the effort, offering comprehensive and free curricula to help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and safe online habits. These educational resources emphasize that the key is not specific technology, but instilling the foundational mindset needed to navigate the ever-evolving digital world responsibly.