AN EDUCATIONAL CUP OF TEA

Understanding a Support Stack

The idea of stacking isn’t a new one. Here is a great post from Medium sharing the origins of a Tech Stack and how that has evolved into stacking other concepts. In this post, I want to share the concept of a “support stack” specifically for new teachers as we approach the school year. For the purposes of this post, a support stack is a diversified portfolio of supports you can build yourself. Additionally, a support stack includes finding those marigolds mentioned in the intro and referenced in the previous blog post.

The AI Assistant (Your 24/7 First Responder)

This is the foundation of your stack. It’s for the “right now” problems—the questions you have at 10 p.m. when you can’t ask a colleague. This layer saves you critical time and mental energy.*

• What it is: On-demand AI tools that can draft materials, brainstorm ideas, and answer concrete questions.
• When to use it: When you need a first draft, a template, differentiation ideas, or a quick explanation.
• Examples & Resources:
  • MagicSchool: An AI platform built specifically for educators with tools like a Rubric Generator, Lesson Plan Generator, and a tool to create assignments based on YouTube videos.
  • ChatGPT / Google Gemini/ Microsoft Copilot: Excellent for drafting parent emails, creating exemplar paragraphs, generating quiz questions, or acting as a thought partner (“Give me 5 ways to make the water cycle more engaging for 4th graders”).
  • Canva Magic Write: Integrated into Canva, this tool is perfect for quickly generating text for presentations, newsletters, or classroom posters.

Additional Ideas

Brainstorming Routines & Procedures

According to Wong & Wong in The Classroom Management Book, “A well-managed classroom is task-oriented and predictable. The #1 problem is not discipline, it’s the lack of procedures and routines.”

In the AI chatbot of your choice, you can generate a series of questions to consider when developing routines and procedures. Additionally, you can ask it to generate examples of routines and procedures by content or grade level or age group.

Designing Day One

Wong & Wong in The First Days of School (can you tell I’m a fan of their work) take you step-by-step through designing the first day of school. This day should include a script for the teacher, start of class routine, agenda, and opening activity for students. Partner with your AI chatbot to help generate ideas for any or all of these.

Designing a Syllabus

In a tool like Gemini, a sample syllabus could even be created in the Canvas feature. Then you can highlight different parts for elaboration or examples. When done, you can share it to a Google Doc which makes it ready to go!

Communication – Emails, Newsletters, etc.

AI as a brainstorming partner is helpful here too when it comes to what to include or ideas for designing formats. Additionally, you can use AI to help with the professionalism of communication. One of my favorites is Goblin Tools‘ Formalizer can help adjust the tone of a communication.

The Asynchronous Network (On-Demand Human Intelligence)

This is your Connectivist layer—tapping into the collective knowledge of the network when you need it. It’s the wisdom of the crowd, available on your own time. Additionally, the Asynchronous Network is a great way to find your marigolds in a digital world.

• What it is: Digital communities, blogs, and resource hubs where you can post a question or search for an answer without needing an immediate response.
• When to use it: When you have a non-urgent but specific problem, are looking for a tried-and-true resource, or want to see how others are tackling a similar issue.
• Examples & Resources:
  • Professional Organization Forums: Join an organization like TCEA and gain access to their Community which is a prime example of a space where you can ask questions and get answers from educators. 💡 – Use AI to help you find the right organization for you.
  • Social Media Groups: Search on Facebook for groups like “Texas Teachers,” “New Teacher Support,” or groups specific to your grade level, content area, state, etc. On X (formerly Twitter), you can follow and post questions using hashtags like #TxEd, #NewTeacher, #EdTech or #EduTwitter. Bluesky started a whole movement with #EduSky.
  • Blogs and Resource Sites: Search iconic blogs for articles and videos on nearly any educational topic. 💡 – Use AI to identify blogs and videos that would be the most beneficial to you.

The Synchronous Squad (Real-Time, Targeted Support)

This is the human-to-human connection layer. This is when we start moving from a digital support system to a more personal one. This is your core group, your true marigolds. It requires more investment but provides the deepest support.

• What it is: Live, real-time interactions with colleagues, mentors, or Professional Learning Networks (PLNs).
• When to use it: When you need to talk through a complex problem, co-plan a lesson, or get emotional support and encouragement from people who “get it.”
• Examples & Resources:
  • Your PLN/Grade-Level Team: This is your first stop for synchronous support. Use collaboration tools like a shared Google Doc to make these meetings hyper-efficient. Also connect with these teams from other campuses during district wide learning. It can help to hear a fresh perspective from another location.
  • Virtual “Coffee Chats”: Alice Keeler created #CoffeeEDU for this very purpose. The #CoffeeEDU I attend meets the third Saturday of every month. Sometimes it is in person, and sometimes it is virtual. The August meetup will be virtual. If you are interested in attending, complete this form.
  • Google Educator Groups: Google Workspace for Education is my jam, and I encourage you to join a GEG. My local GEG meets in person and online, if you are in the North Texas area and interested in joining, feel out this form. Now I know not all districts are Google districts. If your district uses a different system, find their educator group and check to see when they meet.
  • Mentorship Programs: Check with your district to see if they offer mentorship programs that connect new teachers with veterans. Additionally, mentorship can take the shape of something less formal. Invite another new teacher to go and have a cup of tea with you to share ideas and successes.These structured relationships can be invaluable.

Not all synchronous meetups have to be formally hosted. Identify a “marigold” from your asynchronous network and invite them to a 20-minute Google Meet or Zoom call to connect. One of my favorite things is to meetup with my Google Innovator group who affectionally call ourselves The Sparkle Squad. We live all over the world but make time to be marigolds for each other.

The “Deep Work” Dive (Scheduled, Intentional Growth)

This is the top of your stack, representing a commitment to your own long-term professional expertise. This layer may take a while to build to as you work on learning the basics of teaching. However, it is worth it.

• What it is: Formal, structured professional learning that you intentionally choose for yourself.
• When to use it: When you want to develop a deep understanding of a new instructional strategy, technology tool, or pedagogical framework.
• Examples & Resources:
  • Self-Paced Online Courses: Explore platforms like the Google for Education Teacher Center to become a Google Certified Educator at your own pace.
  • Webinars and Workshops: Keep an eye on the TCEA schedule for webinars on cutting-edge topics that align with your professional goals.
  • Reading Professional Books: Start a book club (synchronous squad!) or simply read on your own. Some lists with book options:
    • 2025 Teacher Summer Reading List: Books for Growth, Joy & Escape
    • 14 Essential Reads for New Teachers
    • Must Read Books for Every Teacher

Eventually, you may even want to venture to a conference or convention. These are fantastic ways to keep learning and most importantly connect and find those marigolds.

By intentionally building and using your own support stack, you move from a place of dependency to one of empowered self-direction, ready to meet the demands of teaching in 2025 and beyond. And please, share any helpful resources or connections in the comments.

* I am recommending tools and communities I have experience with. There are many to choose from, so start where you are comfortable. The idea of trying the tools is what matters not the actual tools themselves.