*What’s working* in classrooms around the country

As AI-driven technologies and automation become more prevalent, employers seek professionals whose skills can help society adapt and advance in a changing world. These in-demand skills — such as creativity, collaboration and problem-solving — align with the types of attributes that educators have found conducive to students’ academic and career success.

Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation continues to be among the Top 20 graduate colleges of education in the United States, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report ranking of graduate colleges of education.

In public schools across the country, districts face increasing resource constraints while student needs continue to intensify. From declining enrollment to the sunsetting of federal relief funds, these pressing conditions make it more critical than ever for leaders to prioritize the most effective strategies for improving student outcomes.

When students explore the world beyond their classroom walls, whether it’s a canyon, a coral reef or their own neighborhood, they connect more deeply with what they’re learning. That’s the idea behind place-based education, which grounds academic content in real places to foster engagement and understanding.

General education teachers are often the first point of connection for students whose learning and behavioral needs represent a wide spectrum, including those with disabilities. While many of these educators are eager to offer individualized support, they may lack the real-time insight and practical strategies needed to respond effectively.

Service-learning, which blends community service with academic instruction, can be an effective way for K–12 educators to encourage deeper student engagement with subject areas. To expand access to these approaches, Youth Service America and Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation have collaborated to design a professional learning course called Designing and Implementing a Service-Learning Experience.