Educational Dealer June 2024

FOR PEOPLE WHO SELL TO TEACHERS, PARENTS AND SCHOOLS

Something Magical is in Store

Taos, NM retailer marks 30 years

by Kevin Fahy

WTHE ISSUE

Time After Time

e started this company during a presidential election year. The economy was a little shaky, but we were told that election years were generally very favorable for new businesses, and we also had youthful exuberance on our side.

That was 40 years ago.

If I’m doing the math correctly, that means that this is the 11th election cycle during which we have published Educational Dealer. In each of the previous 10, I have devoted one column to a discussion of some aspect of the race for the White House. I have never endorsed a candidate, not because I don’t have an opinion, but because I don’t think it is any more valid than your own.

That hasn’t stopped some readers from thinking that I was favoring one candidate over another. I’ve learned that people can be extremely sensitive on the matter, and they can easily interpret the slightest criticism of their guy as an endorsement of the other, or vice versa. Just to be clear, as far as I’m concerned, you should vote for whomever you like.

One of the things I tried to do during every cycle was to check out the professed education plans of the two candidates. Generally speaking, the Republicans promised to return control of education to state and local authorities and parents, and to encourage private options such as charter schools.

Democrats were more likely to support federal initiatives such as public preschool, national testing standards and meal programs. Democrats have been supportive of teacher unions, while Republicans have not.

There have been exceptions. George W. Bush, a Republican, vowed that he would devote his administration to education through the “No Child Left Behind” Act, but events diverted his attention elsewhere. When it comes to

education, that often seems to be the case.

So, you may ask, “What do the two current candidates have to say on the subject?” I asked that question of Google, and here is what it replied.

Biden is pushing something called “The Biden-Harris Improving Student Achievement Agenda.” It purports to use accountability, reporting, grants and technical assistance “to increase attendance, provide high-dosage tutoring and increase summer and after-school reading.”

The Trump platform seems to be more about what it will stop doing. According to a press release, Trump will “cut federal funding for any school or program that includes critical race theory, gender ideology or inappropriate racial, sexual or political content.” Interestingly, it also calls for civil rights investigations into any districts that engage in race-based discrimination, particularly against Asian Americans.

It went on to state that the number of administrators should be reduced, tenure should be eliminated and men should be kept out of women’s sports. Each of those suggestions is probably worth an editorial on its own, but that will have to wait for another day.

As I was reading about the two education platforms, big red flags kept popping up in my head. The first one said, “Wait a minute, haven’t both of these guys already been president? If these initiatives were so important, why weren’t they addressed to begin with? Was it because there was some other mission that had to be accomplished first? If so, I’d like to hear about it.”

The second one said, “Where are you going to get the money to overcome the lingering effects of COVID in public schools?” The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which provided $190 billion to schools in remediation, is now winding down.

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• Everything you need to succeed from your first day!

• How to plan powerful learning experiences

• 22 step-by-step learning strategies for any grade and any subject

• Detailed guidance for developing formative and summative assessments

• 30+ classroom videos demonstrating the techniques and strategies in action

(continued from page 3)

Various studies have shown that public school students lost somewhere between a third to a half year of learning due to the pandemic. It may not sound like much, but if that gap is not closed, it will create a “lost generation” of American kids who have less education, less productivity, less earning power and poorer health than the rest of us.

The data also shows that efforts to address the situation have not been level across the board. As you might expect, wealthier school districts, and wealthier parents, have devoted more resources toward solving the problem. They have hired tutors, purchased software, provided transportation, etc., and have had considerably more success in closing the gap.

Given our occupations, you and I understand better than most that quality education costs money, but where is that money going to come from? I don’t hear either party rushing to answer that question.

My third red flag had just two letters: “AI.”

Perhaps I’m not giving them enough credit, but I seriously doubt that either presidential candidate could come up with a coherent answer to any question regarding AI, including what it is. I simply don’t think that their radar screens are pointed in the right direction.

Part of that is probably a generational thing. Older people tend to think of technological advancement in terms of automation, as if the goal is to replace all human function with machines. Their first thought is always about employment and how many jobs will be lost, but such thinking misses the point.

It’s hard even to imagine all the functions at which AI can make a huge difference in education. It could start by taking over office and administrative tasks from teachers, grading papers, managing information and communication with parents and sending personalized messages to students.

What’s more exciting, AI could evaluate each individual student’s progress, determine what specific content needs to be taught or remediated and decide what sort of tutorial or presentation would be most effective. It could then create a customized video, animation, lecture or whatever. The possibilities are mind-boggling.

Whatever the reason for the presidential candidates’ lack of interest in emerging technology, one thing is for sure. We are not about to turn the White House over to AI anytime soon, and that raises my final red flag.

I know this will offend many of you, but these two guys are both simply too old for the job. They have both shown signs of cognitive decline, and you know what? That’s perfectly normal.

As I wrote this column I turned 71, which is considerably younger than they are, but there is no question that I have lost a step in recent years. Words don’t come as quickly, I tire more easily and tasks that once seemed simple are now daunting. I’m not saying that I’m ready for the scrap heap, but I wouldn’t want my finger on the nuclear button either.

Of all the presidential elections I have witnessed from my perch in the school supply business, this one seems by far the trickiest. I just hope we all come out in one piece.

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Educational Dealer Magazine has supported the school furniture/classroom supply/teacher resource industry since 1976. Its profiles of people in our industry, education market updates, and product features strike a winning balance that meets the needs of retailers, catalogers, resellers and online merchants.

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FRONT

FA Unique

Boutique

by Victoria Ritter

or many years, Pam Bland knew she wanted to be involved in the education sector in some way. She earned her teaching degree and taught for a year before she realized that teaching wasn’t her calling. Instead, she pivoted to help equip teachers.

“I always liked the tools – the backgrounds stuff to present in a classroom,” she explained.

A small space to call her own

Bland comes from a business background, as her family owns and operates Randall Lumber & Hardware, a longstanding local business in Taos, NM. There, she learned the ins and outs of operating a store, from stocking to inventorying. When she approached her parents with the idea to open her

own school supply store, they fully supported her venture. Bland’s mom – who was the bookkeeper at Randall Lumber & Hardware – even helped her daughter learn about financial matters such as bill payments.

Bland opened Unicorn School Supply and Stationery in Taos in 1984. Her initial space was located on an industrial street. “It was actually set up for a couple offices, so it was only 800 square feet,” Bland said.

Two years later, Bland moved her store to a 1,200-squarefoot rental space at the end of her parents’ property. She stayed there for about a decade before moving to her current location at 311 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Her available space doubled to 2,400 square feet and is adjacent to her family’s business; it once served as a an uncle’s tool repair/model

airplane section off of the hardware area.

Throughout it all, Bland was determined to have a modest footprint. With no other employees to manage the store, the smaller space is more manageable and offers an intimate feel for customers.

“It’s small, but small is what I do,” Bland stated. “If a task doesn’t get done today, it’ll definitely get done tomorrow,” she added with a laugh.

Beyond teaching supplies

include items that customers are looking for and products that Bland likes.

“From the start, I didn’t want to sell just school supplies,” Bland said. “Taos is a small town and people look for variety.”

Bland carries about 12,000 SKUs that span across stationery, school and art supplies.

The store’s layout is a melting pot of products. Sections are organized by subject and then by age, though areas tend to meld into one another. Art supplies filter into the crafting products segment, which in turn melds into the science section.

When selecting a name for her business, Bland wanted to reflect the range of products the store would provide and capture customers’ imaginations. As she liked unicorns when she graduated from college, Unicorn School Supply and Stationery was a standout name. Bland later added the tagline, “If unique is what you seek.”

At the time of Unicorn School Supply and Stationery’s founding, the closest supply store was located in Albuquerque, approximately two hours away. Bland took inspiration from their business model and started establishing credit with manufacturers.

Bland supplements school supplies with stationery and greeting cards. The store’s inventory has grown over the decades to

“It all works so well together,” Bland observed. “Somebody comes in for a game for a kid, and then they realize they also like painting. So, they get little watercolor sets and brushes.”

Educational materials, which take up about half of the store, include supplies for kids such as pencils, erasers and glue sticks; bulletin board items; science and math resources; and puzzles and games. Popular items range from building sets to science kits and critical thinking toys, though Bland has seen kids use their allowance money for stickers, temporary tattoos and animal figurines. She stocks brands including

(continued on page 10)

Carson Dellosa, Evan-Moor, Learning Resources and Creative Teaching Press.

“I really like to find smaller companies that don’t have huge minimums,” she said. “I love small, quality companies that are unique.”

When looking for items to stock shelves, Bland turns to her customers for ideas, relies on the knowledge of sales reps and reads specialty magazines including Educational Dealer, Art Materials Retailer and edplay.

Bland also keeps abreast of recent trends; she is currently seeing an increased interest in building toys and STEM themes. “It’s more than just a toy,” she said. “People are looking for something they can teach with. Why does this magnetic latch work? What makes the marbles go down the marble run? They’re asking those kinds of questions.”

A special place for all

Although the majority of Unicorn School Supplies and Stationery’s customer base is teachers and school administrations, parents and students also use the

store as a resource. Bland caters to homeschooled students with a selection of activity books for supplementary lessons. Customers hail from across northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

The store’s collection of art supplies has grown over the years. Taos is an art community, Bland explained. When the town’s big art supply store closed in 2016, customers turned to Unicorn School Supplies and Stationery.

“Immediately, people started coming in and asking for art supplies,” Bland said, adding she stocks supplies that local art teachers require for their classes. “I realized I didn’t have to carry $45 brushes and $60 tubes of paint because I had students – that’s my focus – so I can have the student-grade art supplies. It’s almost neck-and-neck with educational supplies.”

Bland doesn’t have an online catalog, preferring to have customers shop in-store. Instead, she lists types of products on her website, unicornschoolsupplies.com – along with images – to give customers an idea of what is available.

Those who come into the store are greeted with a fun and imaginative atmosphere. One of the first fixtures that Bland bought Unicorn School Supplies and Stationery was a clawfoot bathtub. She filled it with pillows made by her sister and positioned stools around it to create a reading nook. Generations of kids have curled up inside that tub and read books.

Due to the store’s smaller size, Bland is unable to host community events. However, there is something special planned to mark the business’ 40th anniversary. This summer, Bland will host an art contest where people can draw or paint a unicorn-themed image to hang on the drop-tile ceiling. She held a similar event for the store’s 30th anniversary.

“We put the paper on the panels

– and they’re still on the ceiling now, decorating the store,” Bland said. “We’re going to have another contest in May to cover the rest of the tiles.”

Learning and growing

Bland looks back on the last four decades pragmatically, yet fondly.

“It takes your blood, sweat and tears 24/7,” she stated. “You go home at the end of the day, but there are still things that need to get done. It’s your life and it’s all up to you.”

Today, business is going well overall, though changed since the pandemic, Bland said. She reported that traffic was “flat” towards the end of last year, but things are starting to pick up. “There were really good days and some not so good days. It seems in the last six weeks or so, I’ve been getting more traffic in again. I’ve had several larger orders from school, so that’s encouraging.”

Bland attributes her store’s success to its consistency, ability to provide unique items and her connections with customers. Unicorn School Supplies and Stationery has become a local resource for people, whether it be travelers asking about local sites or regular patrons seeking a new and interesting product.

“If somebody comes in looking for something and I don’t have it, I try to find it for them – or help them find it somewhere else.”

Flipping Around Expectations

10 Questions with Flipside Products

Phil “Flip” Cohen established Flipside Products in 1990. Thirty-four years later, the company provides educational, office, arts and crafts supplies for schools, homes and offices.

Flipside has two facilities in Cincinnati, OH. Its 40,000-square-foot warehouse focuses on production, while the company’s new 40,000-square-foot building contains the corporate headquarters and distribution center. Between the two facilities and 55 employees, Flipside Products is able to manufacture and distribute innovative and high-quality products across all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and Canada.

Dealers and retailers can find more than 1,000 SKUs in Flipside’s catalog. Notable products range from professional easels and project display boards to dry erase boards and accessories and chalk and cork boards.

Those interested in seeing Flipside Products’ items and talk with representatives in-person can see them at trade shows throughout the year. The company has an ongoing presence at ECRM = Educational Supplies & Furniture, ECRM – School & Office and the ISG show.

Crystal Menner, marketing support manager and Debbie Garvey, vice president of sales, talk about the company’s inclusive culture and how it produces versatile learning tools.

Debbie Garvey Crystal Menner

What sets Flipside Products apart from other school supply manufacturers?

Similar to many other school supply manufacturers, we have an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality and service. We also believe we have a unique assortment of niche products that have tremendous value for our distribution partners and consumers.

What are some of the most unique ways your products are used?

We have been told that our black project boards have been used as a wall protector for litter boxes – to keep everything tidy – and for an engagement proposal by mounting lighted signs to the boards. We’ve also received feedback that our dark cork tiles have found homes in reptile habitats and added magical flair to a Harry Potter themed playhouse. Additionally, our dry erase paddles have been used by teachers to verify that their students are awake and for bidding at auctions.

What factors are considered when designing a new product?

When designing a new product, we carefully consider a range of factors, including customer needs and emerging market trends. We only proceed with designs if we believe we have an economical and quality solution for a welldefined need.

What trends have you noticed in educational materials, and how does Flipside Products keep current with trends?

In recent years, we have noticed a returned emphasis

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10 Questions with Flipside Products

on interactive learning tools and the growing demand for environmentally sustainable products. We stay informed by listening to our distribution partners, actively engaging with educators and attending educational conferences.

Overall, how’s business?

Business at Flipside is thriving. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and remain focused on providing value to our distribution partners with the goal of growing together.

Apart from the education industry, what other markets do you serve?

In addition to the education sector, Flipside also serves the office supply and craft/hobby markets. Our versatile product range caters to the needs of businesses, professionals and hobbyists.

What’s your most popular product and what do you ascribe to its popularity?

Flipside project boards stand as one of our most popular products. As one of our original products, they have stood

the test of time, consistently meeting the needs of our customers and earning a reputation for quality and reliability. Their popularity underscores their effectiveness as versatile tools for presentations, displays and creative projects across educational, professional and personal realms. With a commitment to excellence that spans decades, our project boards continue to be a cornerstone of our product line, embodying the enduring legacy of Flipside Products.

What’s your newest product? How often do you launch new items?

Flipside consistently launches new products annually and throughout the year, driven by both scheduled releases and responsive adaptations to customer needs. Our latest offerings include an 11- by 17-inch tabletop dry erase easel, ideal for compact spaces; a versatile 9- by 12-inch Numbers and Letters Learning Mat that features a double-sided dry erase surface for both number and letter tracing practice; and convenient packs of black dry erase markers equipped with eraser caps.

How can retailers and dealers most effectively sell your products?

We have worked hard to ensure our products are packaged effectively and priced competitively so our resellers are successful in marketing our products. We hope they will communicate with us if they have any questions about the product line. We want to help!

What are you most proud of about working for Flipside Products?

What we value most about working for Flipside is the sense of belonging and camaraderie that permeates throughout the company. Here, we’re not just colleagues; we’re family. Being part of a workplace where individuals are genuinely appreciated for their unique contributions fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. At Flipside, each person’s voice is heard, and their efforts are recognized, thus creating a culture where all individuals are valued members of the team. This sense of belonging and mutual respect makes coming to work each day a rewarding experience, and we are proud to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community.

Learning Spaces

for Everyone

Just as teaching methods and subjects have evolved through time, so must learning spaces. The traditional lines of desks are making way for various configurations and furniture types that cater to different learning styles.

Author, futurist and educational consultant David Thornburg identifies four learning spaces in his book, From the Campfire to the Holodeck. These spaces are campfires, watering holes, caves and life. Schools and libraries can utilize at least one of these unique environments with the help of furniture and educational materials manufacturers.

Campfires

This learning space is the closest related to the traditional classroom. Campfires offer a place where students gather to listen and learn. Still, educators can make the space fun and unique with seating choices.

For example, the FootFidget 2.0 Footrest can attach

FootFidget 2.0 Footrest

to the legs of conventional desks and provide an outlet for students’ excess energy. The footrest has shown to increase focus, attention, concentration, memory, posture and comfort. To learn more, visit footfidget.com

Watering Holes

Students need informal spaces to share in collective learning and brush up on their social skills. This is where watering holes come into play. Here, kids can hold conversations with peers and take a few moments to spend outside of the classroom. Watering holes can take shape in hallways and shared spaces.

Academica Furniture Industries’ Re•Group Series is a versatile soft seating option schools can use to better foster connectivity and offer a place for kids to perch. These seats,

which come in a wide selection of patterns and colors, can be placed in various configurations. For more information and configuration ideas, visit academiafurniture.com.

(continued on page 18)

Introducing a new, dynamic assortment of classroom essentials and activity furniture. Designed to delight, engage and flow with the day’s activities, our complete classroom solutions offer everything you need from tables and chairs to STEAM walls and puzzles.

Re•Group Series

Indoor Framed Sensory Dark Den

Learning Spaces for Everyone

Caves

Sometimes students need a quiet, private space for reflective learning, contemplation or just to recharge. Cave spaces provide a safe space for kids, especially those who can become overstimulated.

The Indoor Framed Sensory Dark from Bouncyband is designed to provide a quiet, dark cool down spot for children to relax in. Its construction allows for sensory elements to be added, such as UV fiber optics, soothing mood lighting, glow-in-the-dark accessories, ribbons and plastic mirrors. To learn more, visit bouncyband.com.

Life

Considered to be the most neglected area in the classroom, life spaces are where kids can take what they’ve learned and apply them in practical ways. One way to incorporate life spaces into a class is to provide makerspaces and STEM-based activities.

The STEM Makerspace Table from Jonti-Craft encourages up to four kids to collaborate on projects. Plus, the storage areas with removable shelves can accommodate supplies of all sizes.

STEM Makerspace Table

EYE ON EDUCATION

Number of Book Bans Increase Across the Country

PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for and the promotion of the protection of free expression, released a report in April documenting the rise of book bans in schools. The organization documented 4,349 instances of book bans in the first half of the 2023-2024 school year; this not only represented a marked increase from last spring semester’s 1,841 book bans, but was also more than the total number of the previous school year’s bans.

The study aligns with findings from the American Library Association (ALA), which reported a 65 percent increase in the number of book challenges in 2023, compared to 2022.

Banning books is happening across the country. PEN America has recorded banning activity over the course of the last two and a half academic years in 42 states – in both Republican and Democratic districts.

From July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023, the four states with the most ban cases were Florida (3,135 bans across 11 school districts), Wisconsin (481 bans in three districts), Iowa (142 bans in three districts) and Texas (141 bans in four districts).

Common themes of book bans center around race and

racism, sexual violence and LGBTQ+ topics.

Several states are taking matters one step further as they consider penalizing libraries and librarians. For example, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a law in April that would make school and public libraries subject to civil lawsuits if they don’t restrict materials that are “harmful to minors.”

“School librarians are fearful about acquiring any book that might touch on sex or sexuality, including works that address gender identity, sexual orientation or address abuse or sex ed –including award-winning literary works and nonfiction,” said Shawnda Hines, a spokesperson for ALA in an interview with K-12 Dive. “The result is that students cannot find books that reflect their experiences or identity in the school library, and all students are denied access to books that provide understanding and factual information.”

CREATE THE SPACE YOU NEED

Hines went on to offer suggestions on how school leaders can support schools and school libraries:

• Acknowledge the expertise of school librarians.

• Support their professional development.

• Support their work to create book collections that serve diverse students.

• Adhere to policies and procedures to review books.

• Keep in mind that many claims made about books are false or inaccurate.

• Ensure that school board members are equipped with information needed to address curriculum censorship demands.

• Listen to their students.

On the flipside, pushback against book bans is on the rise, according to PEN America. Students have participated in activities including forming banned book clubs, leading walkouts over local censorship efforts and started funds to purchase new books for districts affected by bans, just to name a few. Parents, authors, larger organizations and state legislatures have also joined in the resistance.

“In standing firm in support of students’ rights to access a diversity of information, ideas and viewpoints, this pushback is ensuring that school libraries can fulfill their missions to make knowledge available to all—regardless of the political whims of politicians and censorship-minded school board members,” states PEN America’s website.

Record-Highs for Preschool Enrollment and State Spending

Early education professionals are encouraged after the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) and Rutgers Graduate School of Education released the State of Preschool 2023 Yearbook.

The Yearbook reported that enrollment in state-funded preschool programs surged during the 2022-23 school year.

There was a 7 percent increase in

pre-K participation in 2022-23 compared with the previous year. Enrollment of 3- and 4-year-olds reached an all-time high at 11 percent, and 6 percent growth, respectively.

Overall, 35 percent of 4-year-olds in the U.S. attended an early learning program in 2022-23. New universal pre-K programs in several states contributed to the growth, NIEER said.

NIERR reported another remarkable finding: state funding for pre-K programs in 2022-23 was at an all-time high. States spent $11.7 billion — including federal COVID-19 relief dollars — on state-funded preschool in 2022-2023, an increase of $1.17 billion, or 11 percent, from the previous year after adjusting for inflation.

NIEER recommends states take the lead in improving early education policies through commitments to funding, universal access for 3- and 4-year-olds, and full-day access, among other initiatives.

“The research is crystal clear that children who attend high-quality preschool are better prepared when they enter the kindergarten door, laying a foundation for later success,” said Steven Barnett, NIEER’s senior co-director and founder, in a statement.

Minnesota Teacher Makes Learning Fun Through Comics

At the height of the pandemic, Mercedes Yarbrough had just started her job as an intervention specialist at an elementary school in St. Paul, MN. Nevertheless, she was dedicated to forming connections with her students as they engaged in virtual learning.

In February, the school asked Yarbrough to create a lesson plan for Black History Month. Instead of turning to the standard curriculum, she created a lesson series about Black hairstyles and how people used cornrows to hide seeds and covertly pass along information in resistance to slavery.

“It ended up going viral in a sense within St. Paul Public Schools because other schools [asked to use it] and they loved it,” Yarbrough said in an interview with Arts Midwest. “That really inspired me because I’m like, ‘You know what, I’m about to start making learning fun.’”

Yarbrough went on to create a series of vibrant, culturally relevant comic books and animated videos “that empower kids of color through their history, through a positive lens.” She distributes her self-published books at community events, her website mizzmercedez.com and at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.

Her projects include “Black to the Future,” which showcases Black inventors including Madame C.J. Walker and Thomas J. Martin; and her latest venture, a trilogy based on the history of Rondo (a Black community in St. Louis) that dates back to 1846.

Yarbrough’s curriculum based on the stories and characters in her comics and animations have been used by local summer and after school programs and the St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation.

BUSINESS NOTES

How Educational Insights Uses TikTok to Drive Sales

Last Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Educational Insights placed 250 of its SKUs on TikTok Shop. By early 2024, the company had held

45 livestreams on TikTok, featuring influencers like Danny Padilla and Arlene Resendiz playing puzzle games and interacting with viewers.

According to TikTok Shop, Educational Insights has sold more than 45,000 toys on the app and has collaborated with more than 8,000 affiliates. Since the brand started hosting live shows in 2022, its viewership has grown from a couple hundred to more than 32,000 people at its peak. Every time Educational Insights goes live, sales for the featured product jumps three to five times the typical amount across its various retail partners.

Educational Insights produces educational toys and games and is known for its Kanoodle puzzle game and sensory Playfoam.

In an interview with ModernRetail, Lee Parkhurst, senior brand manager for Educational Insights, explained TikTok

users are drawn to watching live shows because it makes creators seem accessible. “Getting that instant interaction and the link between brand and fan is so strong through this type of content,” he said. “As much as I yell at my television, it’ll never talk back.”

Educational Insights employs an inhouse studio that’s specifically dedicated for livestreaming. While the company has four accounts on TikTok dedicated to different product lines, it mainly posts live shows on its Kanoodle Official and Playfoam Official accounts.

From October to December, the Playfoam account help a weekly live show featuring its own set and dedicated host called The Playfoam Show with Brady Smith.

Meanwhile, the live shows on the Kanoodle account continue. These hourlong segments feature hosts who showcase a puzzle or two – they even try to solve

them. Audience members can interact via comments and more.

Brands have invested in livestreaming over the last four years, but many have scaled back their efforts. TikTok offers a unique platform as it has a built-in audience and influencer network, said Christopher Douglas, senior manager of strategy at influencer marketing agency Billion Dollar Boy.

There are challenges, however.

“One of the challenges is making it entertaining and making it for a larger audience that’s used to an experience that’s much more individualistic and self-tailored,” Douglas said.

Parkhurst said that the company has made adjustments to the formats of its live shows and even camera angles to attract viewers. He added that the company plans to do more regular live shows across its other channels.

“As a brand, we thought [our TikTok live] has to look perfect, we have to create this beautiful studio and have the best lighting and all this stuff,” Parkhurst said. “And actually, when we go that route, people are turned off and tune out because they want that real authenticity.”

Protecting Workers from Retail Theft

From big box stores to independent businesses, retailers have seen an increase in theft over the past year or two. While this is a troubling trend, there are a few steps retailers can take to protect their products, their workers and their businesses.

In December, Forbes Advisor released a report that highlighted some insights, as follows:

• Eighty-five percent of small business retailers said they experience theft at least once a year, and just 5 percent of small business retailers report never experiencing theft.

• Seventy-nine percent of small business retailers said their monthly losses from theft were between $500 and $2,500, and 10 percent said theft losses accounted for more than $2,500.

• Theft mitigation is common amongst small business retailers, with 98 percent saying they’ve put measures in place to prevent it.

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With Educators Resource, you can focus on growing your business and delivering great products without the hassle of warehousing, packing and shipping.

Concerning preventative measures, small businesses that participated in the survey favored practices such as increasing prices on goods to make up for losses and installing security cameras. Other practices included placing motion sensors on products, reducing store hours, hiring additional staff to monitor shoplifting and conducting background checks on hires to avoid internal theft.

A couple states have stepped in with proposed legislation to protect retail workers. The union-supported Retail Worker Safety Act in New York would require ongoing training programs around violence prevention plans and de-escalation. Last July, a California established a law requiring employers to have a workplace violence prevention plan, provide annual trainings around the plan and hold onto records of workplace violence.

AI Gives Retailers a Competitive Edge and Powers Personalization

Raydiant, the leading in-location Experience OS for retailers, announced in April the findings from its first annual “The State of AI in Retail.”

www.ergoergo.com

Drawing from a survey of 172 retail technology leaders, the report explores the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence in retail, with a focus on competitive advantages, operational efficiency and the different use cases retailers are experimenting with.

“AI has arrived, and it’s critical for retailers to get ahead of the curve,” said Bobby Marhamat, CEO of Raydiant, commenting on the findings. “Consumers are increasingly seeking out enriched, personalized shopping experiences, and AI stands as the most effective tool for delivering these experiences at scale. Our findings highlight AI’s profound impact across retail, underscoring the necessity for retailers to leverage AI not just as a technological advantage, but as a fundamental expectation of modern consumers.”

Key insights from the report include the following:

When the body moves, the mind is stimulated. Students who sit on ErgoErgo often improve significantly in concentration, participation, and behavior. They build core strength

body awareness.

• A competitive edge through AI: 76 percent of retail leaders believe that AI can offer a substantial competitive advantage to businesses that embrace it.

• Personalization is at the forefront: Retailers are capitalizing on AI to enhance personalization, with 57 percent using it for customer behavior analysis and 47 percent for chatbots and customer service automation. This focus on tailored experiences – from product recommendations to dynamic interactions – showcases AI’s role in delivering more personalized and engaging customer journeys.

• Operational efficiency and customer experience: The primary drivers behind AI adoption include the enhancement of customer experience, cited by 72 percent of respondents, and the quest for operational excellence.

• Navigating challenges: Retail leaders face several hurdles in AI adoption, with the top challenges including finding the right tools and platforms (18 percent) and securing budget approval from leadership (15 percent tied). Additionally, integrating AI with legacy systems (15 percent tied) and finding skilled developers (10 percent) are significant obstacles. These challenges underscore the complexity of implementing AI solutions and the need for strategic planning and support at all levels of the organization.

The survey results detailed future directions and growth of AI, including increased AI experimentation. The report indicates a strong inclination among retail leaders to expand their AI initiatives, with 65 percent planning to increase the volume of AI projects.

Additionally, essential factors for successful AI integration include enhanced AI education and training, better data quality, and improved integration tools.

Reflecting on the survey, Marhamat said, “As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative for retailers to embrace and experiment with AI. Personalization, powered by AI, is not just a trend but a strategic imperative that can significantly differentiate brands in a crowded market.”

To access the full non-gated report, visit insights.raydiant.com/state-of-ai-retail

Baseball Buddies from Red Chair Press explores the power of working together, what it takes to build a team and the lasting friendships that form on the baseball field. lernerbooks.com

Magnetic Push Pins from Miller Studio are heavy duty neodymium magnets that adhere to most metal surfaces. Each magnetic pin holds up to 20 pieces of paper – great for home, office and school. magicmounts.com This set of 16 tactile balls with a “hide and find’ sack from Get Ready Kids helps kids identify matching textures, develop counting and sorting skills and color matching. For ages 12 months and up. getreadykids.com

In Teaching Reading Across the Day from Corwin, Jennifer Serravallo provides nine effective, predictable and researchbased lesson structures. These structures help teachers save planning time and focus their teaching—and student attention—on content. corwinpress.com

Imagine your own story with the Once Upon A Dream collection from Eureka. Elements from fairy tales and literary classics are combined to encourage students to use their imagination. Contact Brian Roberts at brian.roberts@ gamericas.com

the best in instructional materials

The Ombre E-Z Grader from E-Z Grader features the same qualities as the original slide chart, but is printed in a beautiful graduated color – starting with byzantine, a rich purple and toning towards magenta.

ezgrader.com

Happy Hugs

Sensory Bulldog from Bouncy Bands is a weighted 2-1/2 pound plush that provides comfort for children in times of stress and when relaxing. The deep pressure calms and helps increase focus in the classroom and home. bouncyband.com

The Hand in Hand puzzle from Learning Advantage opens conversations about diversity. The wooden base fits six hand pieces in different skin tones and sizes. Supports logic and spatial reasoning. learning advantagedealer.com

Re-Write and Re-Write Max

Writing Tablets from Boogie Board are the #1 alternative to dryerase boards. Also, new Sketch Pals Fidgety Friends are perfect for sensory rooms. wholesale. myboogieboard.com/ education

With Phonics

Bingo from Scholastic, use these fun bingo games to build a strong foundation in phonics, phonemic awareness and decoding skills. scholastic.com/ tsmarketing

INDUSTRY NEWS

It’s time to start thinking about registering for Edspaces, set for November 12-14 in Houston, TX. The annual show will once again coincide with the Campus and Safety Conference.

EDspaces offers three days filled with tours, educational sessions, networking opportunities and vendors. Before the show opens, there is a chance to participate in two K-12 EDfacility Tours and the EDchannels Symposium, both scheduled for November 11.

Attendees can further their educational and professional development through nine EDsessions – four segments on Tuesday and Wednesday, one on Thursday. Learning options vary, including lectures, panels and hands-on workshops. More educational opportunities abound in the exhibit hall, where smaller sessions in specialty spaces will take place.

Networking events are spread throughout the show, kicking off with an opening plenary session with a keynote speaker on Tuesday. Exhibitors will also host cocktail hours at their respective

booths from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bold Women, Bold Conversations will offer an opportunity to mingle with fellow female industry professionals on Tuesday night. The highlight of the show, the EDfest All Industry Party, will take place Wednesday evening.

The show also offers scholarships for educators. Applicants must be employees of PreK-12 schools, community colleges, vocational schools or colleges/universities with decision making/specifying/recommending roles. The scholarship covers one full conference registration, up

to three nights’ stay (plus tax) at an EDspaces hotel, membership in the SchoolNetwork through April 30, 2025 and EDmarket individual membership – for new members only – through December 31, 2025. For more information and to apply for the scholarship, visit ed-spaces.com/theshow/scholarship-program

To learn more about the show, see a full schedule, learn which vendors will be exhibiting, register and more, visit ed-spaces.com

TREND enterprises, Inc., creator of Scratch ‘n Sniff Stinky Stickers and motivational education products, announced that Scratch ‘n Sniff Stinky Stickers from the ‘80s are back! The company is re-releasing 46

iconic stickers.

The release began last year with TREND’s Retro Scratch ‘n Sniff Stinky Stickers. These stickers, printed on matte paper, are based on the original vintage designs from the late 1970s and early 1980s. They include scented stickers such as Popcorn, Strawberry, Pizza, Dill Pickle, and more – plus five Sticker Collector Albums.

The throwback comes after years of

fans asking for the return of the iconic stickers. TREND received requests from passionate fans asking for the return of these iconic stickers.

“One of the very enjoyable parts of working on our Retro designs has been hearing the stories and memories these stickers evoke,” said Dave Myers, creative director at TREND. “For many, the designs and scents bring back fond memories and reflections of happy times

when they collected them all!”

Customers can collect Retro Scratch ‘n Sniff Stinky Stickers, host sticker trading parties, motivate students, decorate cards, use them as party favors, and so much more. Join the “smell-abaration” on social media by sharing your stories, memories and favorite Retro Stinky Stickers with @trendenterprises on Instagram and Facebook. Sticker lovers can find Retro Scratch ‘n Sniff Stinky Stickers on trendenterprises.com/pages/retro and at select retailers.

After a successful launch of the NexGen Rising Stars, the Education Market Association (EDmarket) has opened nominations for this year.

EDmarket’s NexGen Rising Stars Awards program recognizes outstanding young professionals ages 40 and under for the contributions they bring to the education field. The recipients are chosen based on their exceptional dedication to the industry, innovative thinking and positive impact on student achievement and success.

“There is nothing more exciting than being a part of a program that encourages the next generation of incredible innovators and contributors to the education space,” said EDmarket Board Chair Jolene Levin. “The landscape of education is changing rapidly, and the contribution that these young stars are set to make will no doubt have deep impacts for generations to come.”

NexGen Risings Stars receive invaluable mentoring, press recognition, professional development and inclusion in a network of EDmarket award winners. Winners will be celebrated at the annual EDspaces conference in Houston, TX, this November, recognized on the EDmarket website, Essentials magazine and social media, and interviewed on the Better Learning Podcast.

“We look forward to welcoming the newest generation of captains in our industry,” stated EDmarket NexGen Committee Chair Mark Hubbard. The program supports their leadership development by pairing each NexGen Rising Star with an EDmarket leader giving them a seat at the table with the school market’s top talent.”

Registration for 2024 NexGen nominations is now open and available at edmarket.org/nexgen. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2024.

Cool Hot

innovations in the furniture and equipment category

1. The Synco Series from Academia Furniture is a collaborative student desk that can be configured in groups of four or five. It features a trapezoid-shaped top and contoured legs. academiafurniture.com

2. Premium Corrugated Plastic Dry Erase Marquee Easel from Flipside Products is the perfect solution for displaying announcements, menus and messages on a non-ghosting doublesided dry erase surface. Easy to transport and folds flat for storage. orders@flipsideproducts.com

3. Footfidget 2.0 for classroom desks from FootFidgets is designed by physical therapists. Its new snap-on design to all four desk legs leaves hands free for learning. Improves focus, memory, attention and comfort. footfidget.com

4. Gumdrops removable vinyl covers from One Up Innovations are highly durable and designed to withstand the rigors of a school environment. They can be easily wiped clean and feature a breathable bottom. jaxxbeanbags.com/school.html

5. With Straightflex Sliding Dividers from Vesare/ Screenflex, adapt and optimize your facility in minutes. These portable partitions open and close in a straight line with sliding hinges and are easy to expand to the desired length. screenflex.com 2 3 4 5

6. Kids Adjustable Wobble Chairs from Kore Design/Eco Harmony are available in three new calming colors. They’re great for classrooms that require neutral tones. korestool.com

7. Euroflex Chair Stools from USA Capitol offer comfort and support with convenient footrests! Available in more than 25 colors and three different heights, these chairs are perfect for alternating from sitting and standing with raised desks. usacapitol.com

8. ErgoErgo is proudly made in the USA and is the safest and most robust active seating for the classroom. We were made to move! ergoergo.com

9. Soft seating that ships in just 10 days! MooreCo offers dozens of its newest and most popular models now available in 35 vibrant QuickShip fabrics. moorecoinc.com

10. The Sonik Soft Seating Flower Set from Marco Group offers flexible, creative seating for classrooms, libraries and common areas, thus providing a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. madebymarco.net

Cool Hot

innovations in the furniture and equipment category

11. The Visual Scheduler from Time Timer can help elevate visual schedules. It includes a whiteboard face, picto cards, card clips and a whiteboard marker. Available with or without timer. support@timetimer.com timetimerwholesale.com/vs

12. AWT World Trade has been a trusted name in screen printing supplies for more than 30 years. From screen-making and safety products and hundreds of other items, you’ll find whatever supplies you need. sales@awtworldtrade.com awt-gpi.com

13. Bright Beginnings Mobile Storage Cart from Flash Furniture is beautifully designed with a natural finish. This cart boasts lots of storage and space for holding blocks, books, toys, art supplies and more. flashfurniture.com

14. This outdoor picnic table from Wood Designs perfectly blends natural charm and lasting quality. Its acetylated wood construction ensures superior durability and resistance to the elements and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. wooddesigns.com

15. Innovate STEAM Table from Jonti-Craft keeps materials organized and within reach. This four-station table features heavyduty, locking casters for quick and easy movement. jonti-craft.com

Function Meets Fashion

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supplemental items for classrooms.

Early product lines included materials for primary and intermediate learning levels; Learning Centers workbooks, which students could work on as they waited for classmates to finish their lesson; dozens of titles for Story Starters; and Math Games That Teach. Creative Teaching Press sets itself apart by providing materials that are designed for grade ranges rather than a specific grade.

“The founding premise of the company was textbooks at the time were designed for the median child at the middle of the bell curve,” Jim said. “There were always going to be kids who were moving faster or slower than the pacing of the textbooks. We developed products that teachers could easily integrate into their lessons to help kids who were moving faster or slower.”

Jim eventually became involved in the educational supply industry, making connections along the way. He helped his parents throughout his college years; and in the 1980s, they asked Jim if he wanted to come back to work at Creative Teaching Press. Jim likened his return to coming home.

“It’s really fulfilling,” he said. “One of the reasons I came back to the industry was the educational dealers. I really felt a warmth from that part of the market.”

As the owner and CEO of Creative Teaching Press, Jim upholds the company’s mission of providing affordable and valuable resources for teachers.

The smell of success

Business took off in 1976 when 3M came to Creative Teaching Press with their Scratch ‘n Sniff products.

“They were trying to get Scratch ‘n Sniff into books,” Jim said. “They felt the sensory experience of having a smell along with the text would help.”

However, the companies weren’t able to produce Scratch ‘n Sniff books in an affordable way. One day when Luella was talking with a representative from 3M, she noticed samples of Scratch ‘n Sniff stickers. Together, they produced packs of 72 and 12 stickers in four scents.

“It just blew up,” Jim recalled. “We had a year exclusive on Scratch ‘n Sniff reward stickers from 3M from 1977 to 1978 and we couldn’t keep them in stock.” Between 1977 and 1984, Creative Teaching Press sold between 50 and 60 million stickers, according to Jim.

Creative Teaching Press’ experience with Scratch ‘n Sniff opened them to other product areas. In the 1980s it started to provide classroom décor including bulletin board materials, calendars and posters. As the 1990s began, an educational dealer expressed a desire to compete with larger book publishers such as McGraw Hill and Wright Group Publishing. In turn, Creative Teaching Press produced a 72-book Learn to Read series that was half the price of competitors’ products. Now the company is on its third version of the series, among other book titles.

“We refresh the illustrations and the text every few years,” Jim said. “We have about 400 titles now. We sell those

globally. The last I knew, we’ve sold over 50 million copies.

“There’s a fun aspect with the illustrations and the story, but there’s always some kind of instructional message, too,” he continued. “They serve a dual purpose.”

Evolving with the times

Even after creating a robust offering of individualized learning resources, consumables for the classroom and books, Creative Teaching Press continues to look for ways to improve.

Over the years, the Creative Teaching Press team heard that teachers tended to set up their classroom décor at the beginning of the school year, making small changes through the following months. In the mid-2000s, team member Sue Lewis developed graphic designs to align with their needs.

“Her idea was that teachers were in their classrooms as much as they were at home and a lot of them wanted to make their classroom comfortable,” Jim said.

Top: Luella and Pat Connelly

Bottom left: Creative Teaching Press 1978 catalog

Bottom right: The first rendition of Scratch ’n Sniff designs

to use than stickers. And they’re not just letters – there’s a design element to them.”

Creative Teaching Press has new products coming out this summer. Decodable Books – available in English and Spanish – are designed to help students improve reading accuracy, gain reading confidence and empower independent reading. Meanwhile, the Jungle Friends and Star Bright series will add pops of color to classroom walls.

“Every design has an educational purpose behind it –whether it’s a border or a cut-out,” said Suzie Slope, sales and marketing manager.

Educators and other consumers are finding more creative uses for Creative Teaching Press’ products. Teachers turn adhesive name tags into labels for bins and file cabinets. Bulletin board borders have become headbands and crafting supplies for students.

“Teachers are pretty creative,” Jim said. “They always find different ways to do things. It’s fun to stay in touch with them and get feedback.”

Currently, Learn to Read and workbooks are the most popular educational products while borders and punch-out letters are stand-outs in the classroom décor segment.

“They can be used universally,” Jim said. “We find them in high schools and retail stores. Anyone who wants to create a sign can buy our punch-out letters. They’re fun, cute and colorful.”

“Hospitals, day care centers, college departmental offices, anybody can use these letters,” Slope added. “They’re easier

“Every year we come out with new décor items and every year we’re either revising or coming out with new books,” Slope said.

Buyers can find these and more items on Creative Teaching Press’ online catalog. Jim explained that the company, in an effort to support educational dealers, offers products online at retail prices. Additionally, the company participates at various trade shows including CSI, ECRM, homeschooling shows and educational shows in Dallas and Las Vegas.

“We have a multi-pronged approach – not just marketing to our dealers, but also marketing to our users – which is very important,” Slope said.

Looking ahead to the next 60 years

With Creative Teaching Press’ 60th anniversary approaching next May, Jim is dedicated to the survival of his family’s company. In 2019, the company underwent a big change, outsourcing its production and distribution centers to Cincinnati and consolidated operations to about 20 employees in California, most of which are focused on sales and marketing.

With a “great culture” and a diverse product offering, Jim hopes operations will remain strong over the next few years.

“It’s very rare for a company to be in business with the same owner for 60 years,” Slope stated. “It demonstrates a lot of what Jim’s parents started and what he’s been able to carry on for all these years. We’re excited for what the future holds and we’re ready for another 60 years.”

ENDCAP

Generations of Learning Creative Teaching Press Celebrates 60 Years

by Victoria Ritter

Founded in 1965, Creative Teaching Press has become a staple in the educational industry. The company has grown to provide resources in the forms of individualized learning, classroom décor and workbooks. Today, the second-generation family business is celebrating its history and looking to the future.

A recipe for business

Founder Luella Connelly taught at the elementary level for 17 years before taking master’s program classes. During a creative writing class, she conceptualized a collection of

writing ideas called “Recipes for Creative Writing,” which became the first product of Creative Teaching Press.

“My parents literally launched it from the basement of our home. I was in middle school at the time,” said Jim Connelly, Luella’s son and current owner and CEO of Creative Teaching Press.

After a couple years, Luella and her husband Pat moved their business out of the basement and set up operations in Huntington Beach, CA. Soon after, Creative Teaching Press expanded its offerings to include individualized learning resources; it became one of the first companies to offer

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