At Next Scholar Up (NSU), we spend a lot of time talking about access—access to learning, opportunity, mentorship, and pathways that help students see themselves as capable and prepared for what’s next. But recently, I was reminded that access isn’t only something students need. It’s something adults—educators, parents, and mentors—sometimes forget to claim for themselves. In education, access is often framed around systems: curriculum, accommodations, technology, or programs. Those things...

A reflection on care, clarity, and classroom boundaries One of the most challenging parts of being an educator isn’t managing behavior—it’s managing the emotions that come after we do the right thing. There are moments in our work when we realize that being a safe space has slowly turned into being a detour. When support, offered with the best intentions, unintentionally begins to interfere with a student engaging in the very structures designed to help them grow. Recently, I had to reflect...

Winter break is an important time for students to rest, reconnect with family, and recharge. However, long breaks can sometimes lead to what educators call winter break slide—when academic skills weaken simply because they aren’t being practiced. The good news? Keeping students on track during winter break doesn’t require worksheets, strict schedules, or pressure. With a few intentional habits, students can maintain momentum while still enjoying their break. At Next Scholar Up!, we believe...