Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

@mssackstein.bsky.social

1.7K followers 880 following 450 posts

Reimagining education, COO, Ed Rising, PDK distinguished fellow, Career Confidential columnist, advocate, lifelong learner, assessment nerd, author, mom, partner, animal enthusiast- amplifying voices of all learners. You can learn more at Mssackstein.com

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · 22d

Are you an educator? What are you currently struggling with in or out of the classroom? I'd love to help. I write a column called Career Confidential for the Kappan Magazine, and I'm always looking for challenges to give advice on (It's like Dear Abby for educators)
forms.gle/Dq73wF2rVbgV...

Career Confidential Needs Your Help!

Please fill in this form to share your current career and/or education concerns that you'd like some advice on. Your name and any identifying information will be removed so you can't be identified.

forms.gle

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · 1d

We can help students internalize it by using learning targets and success criteria as more than things we put on a board. We use language they can use to talk about their own learning and advocate for their own growth.

1 1

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · 1d

Thanks for sharing!

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Teachers on Fire Podcast @teachersonfire.bsky.social · 1d

"It’s not enough just to tell students the standard or place it on an assignment sheet. Students must be able to internalize it."

from Hacking Assessment
by @mssackstein.bsky.social

2 1 2

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Alfie Kohn @alfiekohn.bsky.social · 14d

Can schools be used to defend support for democracy at a time of rising authoritarianism? (Hint: Not by subjecting students to traditional civics classes!) In the latest episode of Kohn's Zone, released today, I talk with an expert on this very topic, Joel Westheimer: www.alfiekohn.org/podcasts/

Podcast

The Work Of Alfie Kohn

www.alfiekohn.org

1 2 8

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · 14d

Sometimes it takes everything to not feel like we are just one day ahead of our students when we are teaching a new subject. Here's some ideas on how to prepare. kappanonline.org/how-teachers...

How teachers can prepare to teach a new subject - Kappan Online

Columnist Starr Sackstein advises a teacher on how to prepare to teach a new subject with no experience in the subject.

kappanonline.org

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · 22d

Career Confidential Needs Your Help!

Please fill in this form to share your current career and/or education concerns that you'd like some advice on. Your name and any identifying information will be removed so you can't be identified.

forms.gle

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

wandering but not lost @ejroberts.bsky.social · 22d

Delighted to have been able to chat with @mssackstein.bsky.social and @crystalfrommert.bsky.social about learning and using AI as a tool. #Edusky podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...

Elaine Roberts teaches AI as a tool.

Podcast Episode · Learner-Centered Spaces · 09/21/2025 · 24m

podcasts.apple.com

1 2

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · 25d

All Learners Can... mssackstein.com/so/4aPbeKPJb... #edusky

All Learners Can...

Let's partner to foster a culture of learning.

mssackstein.com

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Sep 2

Proud to share this week's Career Confidential - Starting the new year right

kappanonline.org/classroom-te...

What do you do to ensure a successful start? #Edusky

Classroom teacher asks, “How can I ensure a successful start to the school year?” - Kappan Online

Career Confidential columnist Starr Sackstein advises a teacher who wants to create a welcoming classroom for students.

kappanonline.org

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 26

Are you getting ready to interview for your first job in education? This could help!

kappanonline.org/how-to-prepa...

Do you have any tips you'd add for someone applying for their first teaching position?

How to prepare for your first teaching position interview - Kappan Online

Columnist Starr Sackstein gives advice on how new teachers can prepare for their first teaching position interviews.

kappanonline.org

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 22

Do you want to make an impact OUTSIDE the classroom? Check this out www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFr8...

Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom Book Review

YouTube video by Ryan Read, Host of the Pixel Classroom

www.youtube.com

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 20

Excited to share my latest column about how we can make new teachers feel welcome and supported - kappanonline.org/helping-new-...

How do you help new teachers?

Helping new teachers succeed - Kappan Online

When we invest in our new educators, we’re investing in our students, our school culture, and the future of our profession.

kappanonline.org

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 18

I used to keep those handwritten notes and emails in my desk for the same reason. Now I keep them in a folder to keep me grounded in the why!

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 18

I'm so glad I saved emails like this from former students. On hard days, it is important to remember the impact of our work and that we are working with real people. Please don't stop doing what you do - #YouMatter

1 3

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

The Worthy Educator @theworthyeducator.bsky.social · Aug 12

@mssackstein.bsky.social puts the learner at the center and promotes educator impact, AND she is available to work with you and your staff on a range of practical topics! Learn more at The Worthy Educator Speakers Bureau! www.theworthyeducator.com/featured-edu... #EduSky

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 11

Check out the latest Career Confidential about summer learning for educators... kappanonline.org/creative-sum...

Would you love to know what you enjoy most about summer learning? #edusky

Creative summer learning for teachers - Kappan Online

Career Confidential columnist Starr Sackstein offers ways for teacher to remain engaged in learning during the summer.

kappanonline.org

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Aug 7

Check out my latest email chock-full of new blogs and information. I'm eager to be in conversation!
mssackstein.com/so/0ePY4LSNZ...

Check out the latest podcasts

I've been updating the blog with recent appearances and webinars. Make sure to check back regularly!

mssackstein.com

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Out of the Trenches podcast @outoftrenchespc.bsky.social · Aug 5

View the latest #podcast episode with @mssackstein.bsky.social @danagoodier.bsky.social where we discuss #standardsbasedgrading #assessment
youtu.be/qoOdMKzAD78

"Out of the Trenches podcast episode #365: Starr Sackstein

YouTube video by Dana Goodier

youtu.be

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Jul 31

I am excited to share my most recent Career Confidential Column in Kappan Magazine. This column supports a Superintendent trying to align his leaders around common goals. I hope you find it useful! I would love to hear your thoughts.

kappanonline.org/superintende... #EduSky

Superintendent wants to align team and lead with purpose - Kappan Online

Career Confidential columnist Starr Sackstein advises a superintendent who wants to help his administrative team align.

kappanonline.org

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Out of the Trenches podcast @outoftrenchespc.bsky.social · Jul 31

Check out this #snippet from the latest #podcast episode with #speaker #author and #assessment enthusiast @mssackstein.bsky.social @danagoodier.bsky.social & listen to the full episode here: open.spotify.com/episode/1dP8...

2 1

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Out of the Trenches podcast @outoftrenchespc.bsky.social · Jul 30

Listen to the latest #podcast episode with @mssackstein.bsky.social @danagoodier.bsky.social as we talk about #standardsbased #grading, #assessments, #culturallyresponsiveteaching & more! outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-36...

Episode # 365: Starr Sackstein | The Out of the Trenches Podcast

Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Starr just started her role as Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising and is the COO of Mastery P...

outofthetrenches.podbean.com

2 2

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · Jan 1

🎙️ Excited to host Mike Rutherford on the GBG podcast! Join hosts @davefrangiosa.bsky.social & @themcw.bsky.social as we explore how @gotlearning.bsky.social is transforming student-teacher interactions—without grades! 📚 #EdTech #LearningInnovation growbeyondgrades.org/blog/01-25ru...

Where the Learning Happens w/Mike Rutherford — Grow Beyond Grades

In his innovative teacher-designed platform, gotFeedback, Mike Rutherford has created a centralized space for communication and documentation, helping students and teachers record, reflect on, and sha...

growbeyondgrades.org

6 6

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Jul 11

Awww. Thanks Chris. This means so much to me and it’s the best I could hope for when sharing ideas with the world!

Reposted by Starr Sackstein, (she/her)

Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · Jul 10

A4: assessment:
@achiaravalli.bsky.social
@humanrestorationproject.org
@covingtonedu.bsky.social
@leeannjung.bsky.social
@mssackstein.bsky.social
@davefrangiosa.bsky.social
@stacieoliver.bsky.social
@jessifer.bsky.social
🎢:
@cossettej.bsky.social
@joemilliano.bsky.social
#T2Tchat #EduSky

Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · Jul 10

Q4: Drop the handles of educators and leaders you love to learn from!

#T2Tchat #EduSky

Question 4: Drop the handles of educators and leaders you love to learn from!

2 1 6

Starr Sackstein, (she/her) @mssackstein.bsky.social · Jul 11

Thanks!

1 1