Thought leadership Archives - Nearpod Blog

Thought leadership

TPACK model explained with examples for the classroom

August 11, 2025 Jenna Townsend

The TPACK model is a framework to integrate technology into teaching. Learn practical TPACK examples you can use in the classroom.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
- Leadership
- Thought leadership
How to make interactive professional development activities for teachers

June 23, 2025 Shane Saeed

Learn how how to create fun interactive professional development for teachers! Use Nearpod to engage your staff in important new content.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
- Leadership
- Thought leadership
10 Ideas for redesigning a new teacher orientation

June 23, 2025 Darri Stephens

Facing a teaching shortage crisis, school and district administrators are redesigning their new teacher orientations. Use these Nearpod tips!

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
- Leadership
- Thought leadership
How to design fun teacher in-service days that support school goals

May 23, 2025 Darri Stephens

Transform your teacher in-service days with engaging ideas. Discover strong professional development strategies that support school goals.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
22 Tips I wish I’d known as a first year teacher

May 16, 2025 Darri Stephens

Experienced educators share what they wish they would have known as a first year teacher. Explore tips in this cheat sheet for new teachers.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
- Leadership
- Thought leadership
6 Effective training presentation tips for conferences

May 14, 2025 Nearpod Team

Explore training presentation tips for effective trainings and conferences! These tips create an interactive and fun experience.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
7 Essential strategies for designing effective instruction

May 13, 2025 Darri Stephens

Planning and designing effective instruction is crucial for student learning. Explore effective instructional strategies and resources.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
5 Summer professional development opportunities for teachers

May 12, 2025 Carol Chinea

If you’re looking for summer professional development for teachers, explore opportunities and resources for attending summer programs.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
5 Essential steps to building a positive school culture

May 12, 2025 Katie Micallef

Positive school culture is inclusive and student-focused. Explore the importance of positive school culture and 5 essential steps to build one.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.
5 Essential lesson planning tips using instructional design

May 1, 2025 Darri Stephens

Learn how to write a lesson plan using instructional design strategies to create engaging learning experiences in your classroom.

Darri Stephens
Darri Stephens is a dedicated LX (learning experience) designer, passionate about creating quality content and programs for kids, families, and educators. With MAs in Education from both Harvard and Stanford, and work experience at best-in-class ed tech organizations including Wonder Workshop, Nickelodeon, and Common Sense Education, she is steeped in the design thinking process and committed to agile and iterative project management, which has resulted in multi-award-winning programs and products.