Every year, the United Nations recognizes April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day. It is a day we all participate in making our air clean, water fresh and land unlittered rather than accepting the trash-filled oceans, the smoggy skies, and the debris-laden land that is becoming the norm.

Despite the questionable health of our world, we have made progress. Back in 1970, when Earth Day was first celebrated, trucks spewed black smoke as they drove down the highways, toxic waste was dumped into oceans with no repercussions, and the general opinion was that the Earth took care of itself. That changed when U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day’s founder, witnessed the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara California and decided it was time to do something. He started with a “national teach-in on the environment” with a simple goal: Encourage people to recognize the importance of protecting the Earth:

“It was on that day [Earth Day] that Americans made it clear they understood and were deeply concerned over the deterioration of our environment and the mindless dissipation of our resources.”

(more…)

As a working technology teacher, I get hundreds of questions from parents about their home computers, how to do stuff, how to solve problems. Each Tuesday, I’ll share one of those with you. They’re always brief and always focused. Enjoy!

This week’s tip: I’m supposed to find a tool on the toolbar, but there are so many and I have no idea what they are for? It’s just as bunch of pictures to me. Is there an easy way to figure this out?

A: To figure out what a tool does on the toolbar, hover your mouse over the tool (place the mouse above it without clicking). A tool tip will appear with a clue as to what it’s for.

This works in any program with a toolbar or ribbon–MS Office, the internet, Photoshop, and more.

If you’d like to add screentips (tips that appear when you hover over a word in a document), check out this video:

Click here to accept Marketing cookies and load this content

(more…)

Financial Literacy Month is recognized annually in Canada in November, and the United States in April. It’s purpose: to teach how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits.

When kids read America’s almost $40 trillion debt (update by clicking image):

is ‘business as usual’ for many, I wonder how that news will affect their children. Do they understand the consequences of unbalanced budgets? The quandary of infinite wants vs. finite dollars? Or do they think money grows on some fiscal tree that always blooms? The good news is: Half the nation’s schools require a financial literacy course. The bad new is: Only half require a financial literacy course.

If your school doesn’t teach personal economics but would like to, there are many online sites that address the topic as mini-lessons. Some are narrative; others games. Here are some I like. See if one suits you (check here for updates on links):

1. BizKids–games to teach business and finance
2. Cash Crunch–games for youngers and olders (HS and college)
3. Financial Literacy Games for Students
4. Financial Literacy Quizzes–in a variety of financial topics for high schoolers
5. General Financial Literacy Course
6. Living Wage–what’s it cost to survive–by state, cities, counties
7. Personal Finance for MS
8. Personal Finance Lab–stock market game
9. Practical Money Skills
10. Spent
11. Stock Market Game

Curriculum

1. Banzai
2. Budget Challenge
3. EverFi–course in financial literacy for high schoolers
4. Financial Literacy for High School Students–a course
5. General Financial Literacy Course–an online course in meeting financial literacy needs
6. Next Gen Personal Finance

Copyright ©2026 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

---

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Here are the most-read posts last month:

It’s a little short this month because I was out of town for a few weeks:

1. 16 Tech Problems Every 5th Grader Can Solve
2. 40+ Visual Learning Options for your PBL
3. Celebrate Pi Day and Maths Day

Here’s a preview of what’s coming up:

(more…)

A lot of teacher-authors read both my Ask a Tech Teacher education blog and my writer’s blog, WordDreams. In this monthly column, I share a popular post from the past month: 

Casey, my beautiful, beloved Labrador is finally four, out of the Terrible Twos and the Threatening Threes. He’s our fourth lab, and by far our most problematic. Here’s what I mean:

At two, he was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia which is like hip dysplasia but in the arms. That requires ongoing treatment which should be mild until he’s older. Then, we’ll see.

At three, he developed broken ACLs in both legs. This required four surgeries, big metal plates in both legs, bone grafts in the left, a special diet, a panoply of medications (to treat that and related symptoms), and a whole lot of personalized help with every part of Casey’s day. (more…)

One lesson I’ve learned in my long teaching career is that students benefit when teachers and parents work together. They achieve more, get better grades, and experience greater success upon graduation. Not only that, their behavior overall is better, their attendance more reliable, their self-esteem higher, and their social skills soar.

That’s a lot to take in. The Ask a Tech Teacher team breaks this down into bite sized goals:

How Teachers and Parents Can Work Together to Support Student Well-Being

Student well-being is not shaped by one person alone. It grows through daily support, small conversations, and the feeling that the adults in a child’s life are paying attention. When teachers and parents work together, students are more likely to feel understood, supported, and safe. That matters not only for emotional health, but also for learning. The CDC notes that students who feel connected at school are less likely to face certain mental health risks, and that sense of connection can have lasting effects on health and well-being.

It helps to remember that student well-being is not just about preventing crises. It is also about helping children feel steady enough to learn, ask questions, recover from setbacks, and build confidence over time. Some students show stress openly. Others do not. A student may still be getting good grades and quietly feel overwhelmed. That is why strong communication between home and school matters so much. (more…)

Every month, subscribers to our newsletter get a free/discounted resource to help their tech teaching.

20% discount on school curricula

Code: KZJ8MBNV

4-22-26 through 4-27-26

(more…)

Ask a Tech Teacher discussed school counselors a few years ago–their importance in a student’s career-college choices, how the profession has changed over the years, and more. Their seminal place in the life of students preparing to leave school for their future is more important than ever.

Why School Counseling Is Essential in Modern Education Systems

Modern education systems face constant pressure to support academic success, emotional well-being, and social development at the same time. Students deal with stress, identity challenges, peer pressure, and digital distractions every day. Schools cannot rely only on teachers to handle these complex needs. School counseling fills that gap with structured guidance and personal support. Counselors help students build confidence, manage emotions, and make informed decisions about their future. Strong counseling programs improve school culture and student outcomes. A well-supported student performs better in class and handles challenges with resilience. That reality makes school counseling an essential part of modern education systems.

1. Addressing Emotional and Mental Health Needs

Students today experience rising levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional pressure. School counselors step in to provide direct support through conversations, coping strategies, and structured interventions. They help students understand emotions and respond in healthy ways. This support prevents small struggles from turning into serious issues. Counselors also create safe spaces where students feel heard and respected. When students trust someone in school, they open up more easily. That trust improves emotional stability and focus in class. Strong mental health support leads to better academic performance and fewer behavioral problems. Schools benefit when students feel balanced and supported. (more…)

Those interested in a life of Christian ministry must be prepared to:

• build a godly character
• serve faithfully
• be patient and accountable
• pursue training.

If this seems like the right path for your college-career goals, here are suggestions from the Ask a Tech Teacher team for what you can expect:

What to Expect When Studying for Christian Ministry

Studying for Christian ministry shapes both the mind and the heart. It calls for discipline, reflection, and a willingness to grow in faith while serving others. Many enter this path with passion, yet the journey demands more than enthusiasm. It requires steady commitment, intellectual curiosity, and emotional maturity. Coursework stretches thinking, while real-life ministry experiences challenge comfort zones. Growth happens through study, prayer, and community engagement. Expectations should remain realistic, since the process takes time and effort. A clear understanding of what lies ahead helps students stay grounded, focused, and ready to embrace both the challenges and the rewards of ministry training.

1. Academic Rigor and Theological Depth

Students often expect spiritual discussions, but the academic intensity surprises many. Courses require critical reading, structured writing, and deep analysis of biblical texts. Professors expect engagement with historical context, language nuances, and theological debates. Assignments push students to form well-supported arguments rather than simple reflections. Time management becomes essential, since reading loads grow quickly. Students must balance intellectual growth with spiritual insight. This combination creates a demanding yet rewarding environment. Consistent effort builds confidence and sharpens understanding. Those who stay disciplined find that their knowledge expands in meaningful ways that support long-term ministry goals and practical leadership. (more…)

I’m off to visit my two military children and then my sister. My son is returning from overseas to his next duty station (which I won’t yet mention) while my daughter does what she can to keep the world safe.  After time with them, I’ll go see my sister in rural Marion, Indiana for a recentering and needed family time. As a result, I won’t be around much–a bit, but forgive me if I seem to be ignoring everyone! 

See you-all in a few weeks!

–Comments are closed because I may be on a plane!