back to school Archives - Nearpod Blog

Icebreakers for high school students that will actually engage them

July 16, 2025 Darri Stephens

Explore effective ice breakers for high schoolers that build classroom community and boost student engagement throughout the school year.

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.
What’s new with Nearpod: Back to school 2025

July 14, 2025 Bridget McKnight

Discover Nearpod’s newest AI tools and features for back-to-school 2025, designed to enhance teaching and save educators valuable time.

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 Tips for using Nearpod’s AI Lesson Generator in the classroom

July 11, 2025 ErikaTepler

Explore tips for using Nearpod’s AI Lesson Generator to create engaging, interactive lessons faster while maintaining educational quality.

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.
8 Engaging Back-to-School Night ideas to connect with parents

July 10, 2025 Darri Stephens

Explore Back-to-School Night ideas to connect with students’ parents and build classroom community for a successful school year.

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.
3 Efficient ways to lesson plan for back to school with Nearpod

June 27, 2025 Bethany Petty

Back to school season is here! Explore teacher tips to help you prepare and lesson plan for back to school with Nearpod’s interactive lessons.

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.
Back to school icebreakers and first week of school activities with Nearpod

June 24, 2025 Darri Stephens

Planning for back to school? Explore these first week of school activities and icebreakers to use with your students.

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.
Back to school free lessons and activities to build classroom community

June 23, 2025 Nearpod Team

Explore the perfect lessons for building relationships and learning more about students in your classroom this back to school.

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.