[EduMatch] Back to School with Purpose, Power, and Possibility

It’s that time of year again: fresh notebooks, recharged energy, and an open door to make this school year unforgettable. Whether you're planning a PD series, leading a district initiative, or just looking for the right spark to kick things off, here are five opportunities designed to meet this moment and move it forward.

EduMatch Connect: Where Are They Now?

Register now for free to join us Sunday, August 10 at 6 PM ET for a special reunion episode of EduMatch Connect. We're bringing back some of your favorite voices from the original Tweet & Talk series to see where they are now and how their journeys have evolved. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re brand new to EduMatch, this event is a powerful reminder of the growth, impact, and community we’ve built together.

This free event is open to all educators. Sign up to attend or participate at events.edumatch.org/edumatch-connect. You can also subscribe to add all upcoming EduMatch events directly to your calendar here: addevent.com/calendar/Ks886019

EduMatch Keynoter Showcase Premieres August 12

Looking for bold, inspiring speakers to headline your back-to-school kickoff or upcoming PD series? The EduMatch Keynoter Showcase gives you a preview of three impactful educators who are available now to energize your next event.

In this short video, you'll meet:

• Dr. Salandra Grice-Johnson, an equity strategist helping schools move from awareness to action

• Dr. Matt Rhoads, a classroom expert equipping new teachers with 50+ strategies to thrive from day one

• Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth, a global leader introducing the THRIVE Framework to build future-ready, human-centered schools

Watch the showcase on Tuesday, August 12 at 2 PM ET: youtube.com/watch?v=wXCZawHSDE4

Want to stay up to date on all our EduMatch events? Subscribe to our calendar here: addevent.com/calendar/Ks886019

(Partner News) Google Gemini: New AI Tools for Educators

Google’s new Gemini tools for education are now available across Google Workspace for free. These include over 30 new features designed to help educators save time and increase impact. With tools like Gemini Canvas, personalized quiz generation, vocabulary builders, NotebookLM for students under 18, and even custom AI assistants, educators now have powerful supports for planning, instruction, and differentiation.

Importantly, student data is never used to train Gemini, and protections are built in. Learn more at blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/gemini-iste-2025

Did you know? Your district may qualify for free Gemini PD, or free Google Workspace for Education Plus IT or PD services through EduMatch.

(Partner News) Book Creator’s Back-to-School Hub

Book Creator is offering a full collection of templates and resources to help educators start the school year strong. The hub includes editable books for SEL check-ins, digital citizenship, welcoming ELL students, and introducing AI literacy. It's a great way to encourage student voice while getting to know your learners.

Explore all the tools at bookcreator.com/back-to-school

(Shared with us via Dr. Adam Phyall): Support Families as Digital Navigators

This year, All4Ed is expanding its Digital Navigator initiative to help schools support families with the digital skills needed for success. Educators can sign up to become trained guides who help caregivers with device use, online safety, and digital access. If you’re looking for ways to strengthen family partnerships, this is a meaningful place to start.

Learn more and apply at all4ed.org/future-ready-schools/become-a-digital-navigator-helping-families-thrive-in-a-digital-world

We’re stepping into a new school year with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a strong sense of purpose. Whether you’re joining us for an event, exploring new tools, or bringing in speakers to inspire your team, we’re glad to be in this work with you.

Thanks for being part of the EduMatch community. Let’s keep learning and growing together.