Introducing EdTech Innovation Hub: your gateway to the future of education

Written By emma stokes

Hello everyone! 

I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates with you all. For those of you who have been following my journey on EmmaCateTeaching, you know how passionate I am about education. 

Today, I want to talk about a new chapter in my life and introduce you to EdTech Innovation Hub, a project that's been close to my heart for close to a year now. 

A Bit of Backstory

I’ve always felt like teaching has always been my calling. However, due to some health issues, I had to make the difficult decision to step away from the classroom. While this was a tough choice, it led me to explore other ways to contribute to the field I love so much.

In collaboration with a fantastic partner who shares my enthusiasm for education and technology, we launched EdTech Innovation Hub. Our aim? To bridge the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving world of educational technology.

What is EdTech Innovation Hub?

EdTech Innovation Hub is a platform dedicated to discovering, showcasing, and nurturing the latest advancements in educational technology. Over the past six months, we've worked tirelessly to create a space where educators can find the resources, tools, and inspiration they need to integrate technology into their teaching practices effectively.

Here’s what you can expect from EdTech Innovation Hub:

  • Cutting-Edge Tools and Resources: We explore and review the latest educational technologies, from gamified learning platforms to AI-driven personalised learning assistants.

  • Expert Insights: Our team of educators, tech enthusiasts, and industry experts share their knowledge and tips on integrating technology in the classroom.

  • Success Stories: We highlight real-life examples of schools and educators who have successfully implemented EdTech solutions, offering inspiration and practical advice.

Visit ETIH to stay informed. Education is evolving rapidly. Our hub keeps you up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in EdTech. We offer practical tips and strategies that you can implement in your teaching right away.

Reflecting on the Journey

As many of you know, I’m a massive, unapologetic geek. My love for writing and technology made the transition to EdTech Innovation Hub a natural fit. Over the past few months, I haven't written much here on Emma Cate Teaching because I’ve been so busy with our new website. But now, I’m excited to share all the amazing things we’ve been working on.

Leaving the classroom was a heart-wrenching decision, especially due to health reasons, but it has allowed me to channel my passion for education into something new and impactful. 

EdTech Innovation Hub has been a labour of love, and seeing it grow over the past six months has been incredibly rewarding. My partner and I are committed to making this platform a valuable resource for educators everywhere.

Thank you for being a part of my journey on Emma Cate Teaching. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope you’ll continue to join us at EdTech Innovation Hub as we explore the future of education together.

With love and gratitude,

Emma Cate

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Introducing EdTech Innovation Hub: your gateway to the future of education
Introducing EdTech Innovation Hub: your gateway to the future of education
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Life After Lesson Plans: Exploring the Transferable Skills Teachers Bring to New Careers
Life After Lesson Plans: Exploring the Transferable Skills Teachers Bring to New Careers

since I've said to the wonderful world of teaching, I've found myself reflecting on all the skills I've acquired during my time in the classroom. And what's truly fascinating is how seamlessly these skills have translated into my current endeavours. It seems that, like a chameleon, I've adapted and evolved in surprising ways. 

Let’s have a look at some of the key skills that can be transferred into other job roles.

RWI Pocket Chart Organisation
RWI Pocket Chart Organisation

This is how I like to organise pocket charts. It works a bit like a lesson plan for the teacher with the speed sounds lesson on top and book part of the lesson underneath.

Top Tips For Middle Leaders
Top Tips For Middle Leaders

Being a Middle Leader in school is an amazing job. You get the best of both worlds. Elements of leadership whilst still being firmly placed in the classroom. However, it can be a tricky role too. Being ‘in the middle’ can mean potential pressures from above whilst also leading a team. 

Here are my top, practical tips for being an effective middle leader.

Using parameters in maths to scaffold and adapt
Using parameters in maths to scaffold and adapt

Here is a method I use regularly in my maths lessons to ensure that I am meeting the needs of all pupils whilst allowing them access to the same learning.

A way this can easily be done within maths lessons is by using parameters. The original task is open-ended, it can be completed quite procedurally without providing challenge for higher attaining pupils so this is where we can start adding parameters. You could also begin to add parameters that are impossible and allow the pupils to investigate and reason as to why that is the case. 

We can also use parameters to make the task more accessible so it is another level of scaffold and allows them to engage with the task. They can also be used to guide a pupil’s thinking and allow them to think in a particular way e.g. systematically. 

Top tips for combatting teacher stress
Top tips for combatting teacher stress

I recently wrote a piece for Tes discussing the ways in which schools can help teachers with anxiety. When I shared the piece I was slightly taken aback by the response from teachers. Whilst anxiety disorders are very different from feeling stressed (and should be treated as such) what quickly became apparent is there are lots of teachers who are suffering from stress-related issues within their job due to external factors.

In general, stress levels (especially in the current climate) within the profession are running high. We all want the best for the pupils that we teach. In order to give them the best, we need to look after ourselves. There is only one of you. With that in mind, here are some top tips for managing stress and well-being. 

Silence can be golden in the classroom
Silence can be golden in the classroom

Children’s working memory has a limited capacity and due to this when taking part in a demanding task or handling lots of information, the working memory can be overwhelmed for lots of pupils. With cognitive overload in mind, silent modelling works well with younger students as it allows their working memory to narrow down its focus and doesn’t overwhelm it. 

Pupils say the most wonderful things
Pupils say the most wonderful things

During my time as a primary school teacher, I have had some wonderful interactions with children. From the sweet to the hilarious, children really do say the most wonderful things. Here are some of my experiences! 

#PrimaryEssentials Conference
#PrimaryEssentials Conference

I am thrilled to announce the #PrimaryEssentials conference will be held on Saturday 8th May! We have the amazing

@Teacherglitter

@_MissieBee

and

@MissNewton91

speaking!

Live and recording only tickets available

Talking Deeply about Art
Talking Deeply about Art

One of the most enjoyable things about art is how subjective it is. No two opinions on a piece of artwork will be the same. Teachers often talk of Reading for Pleasure. I am a strong advocate of Viewing Art for Pleasure. Responding to art is one of life’s great joys. The key here is discussion. Discussions around artworks need to be planned well within a broader curriculum that emphasizes vocabulary, language, and the value of talk. In its simplest form, this could just be as simple as a pupil saying what they can see in front of them but with careful modelling and the right school culture, it can lead to powerful discourse in the classroom. 

Depth for all in maths
Depth for all in maths

I recently delivered a session titled, ‘Primary Maths: Differentiation through scaffolding and adaptation’ at the #PrimaryEssentials conference on Saturday 8th May. Recordings of the event are still available for purchase here.

The talk focussed on the importance of high-quality differentiation that allows the vast majority of children within the classroom setting access to the same content with tangible real-life examples of how to do so. Instead of creating 30 different tasks/lesson plans for the 30 children in the class teachers should instead use strategies to ensure children are accessing age-related curriculum expectations. 

Artwork of the week assembly
Artwork of the week assembly

I have created an entire term’s worth of artwork of the week class assemblies. There is a mixture of artworks throughout history with a little bit of art history and some reflective questions to get pupils talking and experiencing art. They could easily be used across primary and secondary.

emma stokes
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Supporting Language Development in EYFS & KS1: The Power of Words is Out Now!
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