25 Years of Educational Innovations


Ted Beyer, Educational Innovationsby Ted Beyer

For some of us, 1994 does not seem that long ago.  For others, 25 years is a lifetime or more ago.  1994 was the year that Ron Perkins—a high school AP Chemistry and Physics teacher in Connecticut—realized that he might have hit upon a great idea.  Ron was well known in science educational circles for his creative and engaging science workshops for teachers.  It was common for educators captivated by his presentations to ask where they, too, could get the materials he demonstrated.  Why not provide them a source?  Partnering with a former student, Ron founded Educational Innovations.

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Why I LOVE Working at EI


Tami O'Connor, Educational Innovationsby Tami O’Connor

There are plenty of reasons I love my job.  I think it’s important to enjoy what you do, but I more than enjoy working at Educational Innovations—I just love it!  There are some simple benefits like breakfast on Fridays and the ever-filled candy bowl (much to my doctor’s dismay), but one awesome thing is that people bring their dogs to work.

As of today, we’re up to four.   It’s been scientifically proven that having dogs at work is a health benefit. (I guess that cancels out the candy bowl.)

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EI’s Pick-and-Pack Customer Service Crew


Ted Beyer, Educational Innovationsby: Ted Beyer

I am sure that many of you reading this have ordered materials from Educational Innovations in the past.  You might not pay any attention to the packing list that comes with your order, but I’ll let you in on a little secret—that piece of paper can tell you something about the inner workings of Educational Innovations.

There should be at least two rubber stamps on that sheet.  One, in green, says “Picked by” and a name; the other is red and says “Packed by” and another name.  The names for “Picked By” and “Packed By” will always be different—that way, at least two people have looked at the order to make sure you get exactly what you ordered.

Okay—let me jump in here with a word of explanation.  When your order arrives here at EI, it is processed by our customer service team, and put into our computer system.  The paperwork then goes to our picking department.  Picking is pretty much what it sounds like—the items on your order are “picked” off the shelves in our inventory area and put into a bin that then goes to the shipping department to be checked, and packed, labeled, and eventually handed off to the carrier—usually UPS or the Postal Service.

Anyhow, it’s the names that I thought you might find of interest.  You see, at EI, everyone pitches in wherever and whenever they are needed—from the very top on down.  Lately, we have been very busy indeed, so you will see a few names that you don’t see all the time.

If you recently got an order, snag your packing list and follow along so you can meet the team!

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I Was a Science Convention Newbie


Donna Giachetti, Educational InnovationsBy: Donna Giachetti

 First Day of School Jitters

Heading to LaGuardia airport for my first science convention, I was reminded of my first day of kindergarten.  Instead of a shiny new lunchbox, I toted a battered old suitcase but otherwise, it felt much the same.  My first convention!  Would I make friends?  Would there be name tags?  Bathroom breaks?  Worst of all, would I get lost?

When I joined Educational Innovations in September 2014, my new colleagues tried to describe the magic and mayhem that occurs at science conventions.  “You’ll see,” I heard more than once.  They tossed around terms like “regionals” and “nationals” as if they were talking about March Madness.

I listened to their stories wondering when I would get my turn to become part of the larger-than-life Educational Innovations convention crew.  And then, in mid-November, my moment arrived.  CAST—the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching—would be my initiation into the world of science teachers.

Dallas, Here We Come!

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What It Means to Be a Teacher


Donna Giachetti, Educational Innovationsby:  Donna Giachetti

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a teacher.

If you spend more than an hour a day with kids—from 1 to 100 (in age and quantity)—chances are you’re a teacher.

If you’ve grinned at our Facebook comics or said “I need that!” while clicking through our website, chances are you’re a teacher.

But what is a teacher?

Here’s what the dictionary says:

Source: Merriam-Webster dictionary online

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