Teacher Handbook

What This Handbook Covers

Learning Paths • Classroom routines • Differentiation • Behavior support • Communication with families • Hard‑day strategies • Special contexts

Our Approach to Teaching & Learning

Zapz Academy is built on dignity, clarity, and connection. We believe every student deserves learning that feels safe, structured, and achievable — no matter their background, energy level, or emotional state. Zapz supports your professional judgment and helps you create predictable, supportive learning environments.

• Small, manageable steps that build confidence
• Clear Learning Paths for every grade and skill
• Flexible tools for whole‑class, small‑group, and individual learning
• Support for emotional regulation and real‑life challenges
• Partnership between teachers, families, and Zapz Academy

Understanding Learning Paths

Learning Paths show exactly what students are working on and what comes next. They remove guesswork and help you plan, differentiate, and communicate progress with clarity.

You can explore all Learning Paths anytime to see student progress and next steps.

What You Can Expect from Zapz Academy

• Clear, structured lessons and activities
• Age‑appropriate and skill‑appropriate content
• Flexible pacing — no pressure to rush
• Support for emotional and social growth
• Tools for both good days and hard days
• Consistent communication and updates

What We Ask of Teachers

You don’t need to overhaul your entire classroom. Zapz Academy is designed to fit into what you already do well. Your role is to integrate the tools where they make the most impact.

• Use Learning Paths to plan and track progress
• Assign activities that match student readiness and energy
• Use Zapz for centers, small groups, or independent work
• Communicate with families using shared language and tools
• Adjust pacing based on student needs, not pressure

Classroom Routines That Support Learning

Differentiation with Zapz Academy

Zapz makes differentiation easier by giving you clear steps, flexible pacing, and multiple entry points for students with different needs.

• Assign different steps to different groups
• Use Skill Paths for intervention or enrichment
• Let students move at their own pace within a path
• Use Life Skills or creativity tasks for students needing emotional support

Supporting Students on Hard Days

Every classroom has days when learning feels harder. Zapz Academy is built to support those moments with compassion and flexibility.

• Choose a shorter or easier activity
• Switch to creativity or life skills
• Use calming tools or sensory breaks
• Pause completely if needed
• Offer reassurance and connection

Communication & Family Partnership

Strong communication builds trust and keeps everyone aligned. Zapz Academy provides shared language and tools to make communication easier.

• Share Learning Paths with families
• Use consistent language around effort and growth
• Send home the Parent Starter Guide or Welcome Packet
• Communicate progress using simple, clear updates

Special Situations: Hospital, Stress, or Transitions

When students are experiencing medical care, stress, or major life transitions, Zapz Academy provides additional tools to support emotional safety and academic continuity.