Education Revolution Association

01/27/2026

This , we’re shouting out the winner of the 2026 RISE Award: Donella Wagner!

For the past six years, the U.S. Department of Education has honored outstanding school professionals with the National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. This year’s recipient is Donella Wagner, the Head Custodian at Raintree Elementary School in Baldwin, Louisiana.

Over her 27-year career, Ms. Wagner has worked in multiple different roles, from driving buses to greeting students to volunteering at after-school programs. Through every position, she’s been dedicated to serving and leading others in her community.

“Education support professionals like Ms. Wagner are the backbone of our schools and local communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. “It was a joy to learn about Ms. Wagner’s dedication not only to Raintree Elementary School, where she greets every student with a smile, but also to the entire Baldwin community.”

Every role in education has the power to make a positive impact! You can learn more about Ms. Wagner's story and the RISE award here: https://loom.ly/AS-giio.

Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon named Donella Wagner, Head Custodian at Raintree Elementary School in Baldwin, Louisiana, as the 2026 National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award honoree.

01/24/2026

Happy !

Today, we celebrate the transformative power of education and its vital role in all our lives. We also wanted to send out a huge thank you to all of ERA's Life Discovery pilot schools, teachers, and students who are helping us make our dream of accessible and valuable life skills education come true!

01/22/2026

Education should prepare students for not just life but their careers—which is why Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act is so important.

Passed in 1984 (and named for a major education advocate), this law helps increase the amount and quality of technical education in high schools and beyond. That means funding can support things like more job discovery programs, more internship opportunities, and more access to certifications, so students can be ready for their careers right after graduation.

The Perkins Act has changed over the years, with recent updates focusing on equality, accessibility, and workforce alignment. These efforts ensure resources and funding are used effectively so students benefit from current, high-quality CTE programs.

At ERA, we’re working hard to help tie education to life after school as well. Let’s follow the trend and continue to help students feel fully prepared for success in the 21st century workforce!

01/21/2026

One of the most important but often least-discussed skills in the classroom is personal finance—which is why, for this week’s series, we’re doing a crash course on Roth IRAs and 401(k)s!

Swipe to find out their differences and why understanding investing is important to know early on!

(Disclaimer: This content is for high-level educational purposes only. For guidance tailored to your individual situation, please consult a licensed financial advisor.)

01/20/2026

We all learn in different ways, but experiential learning is often cited as the most effective strategy to retain information and build skills! Discover the power of “learning by doing” and the impact of hands-on education in our new Insights article here: https://loom.ly/PlLuCjw

01/19/2026

“The time is always right to do what is right.” —Martin Luther King. Jr.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to a more compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful world.

01/16/2026

This week for , we’re putting a spotlight on ERA’s students!

At the beginning of our pilot program, we asked students taking ERA’s Life Discovery course what life skill they were most excited to learn.

Over 28% of students were eager to know more about negotiation and handling difficult conversations—timeless skills that are relevant in school, work, and life.

We’re proud to be able to support students in this area of growth—and truly respond to what students want to learn. We can’t wait to continue collaborating with our incredible pilot schools and keep helping students become the best version of themselves!

Want to learn more about our program? Check out our website to learn all about ERA’s curriculum and our philosophy for quality life skills education: https://loom.ly/yK_fnqM

01/08/2026

Did you know school wasn’t always required?

Before 1852, mandated-by-law requirements for school attendance didn’t exist. Instead, class was either informally taught at home, in one-room schoolhouses, or not at all, with many children working on family farms or as apprentices for various trades. Things quickly changed after Massachusetts began to require formal education, with other states following over time. By 1918, every U.S. state had established compulsory education laws.

Though the specifics vary by state, compulsory education marks a shift in the standardization of education in the U.S. These laws contributed to some other significant shifts as well. Child labor gradually diminished and students were guaranteed a right to education, helping to lay the foundation for our modern school system today. 🏫

01/07/2026

Have you ever had someone change your life? Mentors—whether family members, friends, or teachers—often make a powerful difference by offering guidance, wisdom, and a listening ear. This , take the time to reflect on the people who have shaped your journey. Thank someone who’s positively impacted you—and consider becoming a mentor for someone else! Even a little support can have a lasting impact.

01/06/2026

Some skills are specific to an industry, while others show up in everything we do. In this week's new Insights article, we take a closer look at durable skills—what they are, why they’re important, and how they can empower students to succeed in any path they choose!

Read the article: https://loom.ly/me9TZ8c

01/05/2026

Want to stay on top of your New Year’s resolutions? For this week's series, we’re diving into practical strategies to help you stick to your goals long-term! Swipe through for some quick tips!

(And check out our Insights article for even more advice on goal-setting—plus a free downloadable SMART goals checklist! https://loom.ly/O05vUbQ)

01/01/2026

New year, same mission: helping students build the skills that shape their futures—and empowering the teachers who guide them every step of the way.

from the ERA team—looking forward to seeing what 2026 brings!