Tennessee lawmakers just voted to advance a bill turning public schools into immigration checkpoints. The GOP-led Senate Education Committee approved a measure to verify students’ immigration status and bar those who can’t prove legal residency unless they pay tuition—despite warnings that it could cost the state federal funding and violate the Civil Rights Act.
At least three Republicans joined the lone Democrat in opposing it, but the bill still moves forward, setting up a legal and ethical disaster.
The term “PhD-level AI” is essentially a marketing term, though OpenAI’s o3 model has demonstrated impressive performance on several academic benchmarks, including:
2024 American Invitational Mathematics Exam: 96.7% (missed only one question)
GPQA Diamond (graduate-level STEM):
87.7%Frontier Math Benchmark: 25.2% (a significant jump over previous models)
The model utilizes “private chain of thought” reasoning, simulating internal dialogues before finalizing responses.
Despite these achievements, critics argue that hiring a real PhD student would be far cheaper than these AI agents’ $20,000 price tag. While the AI demonstrates high benchmark performance, its ability to replicate doctoral-level expertise in real-world research remains debatable.
The most likely answer is that they’re afraid of Trump, but the larger problem is that the MAGA movement—including its supporters in the military and the Defense Department—is based on fear and insecurity, a sense that American culture is hostile to them and that Trump is the protector of a minority under siege. Many members of this movement believe that the “left,” or whatever remains of it now, is engaged in a war on the traditional family, on masculinity, on American capitalism, on Christmas and Christians. They see DEI as one of the many spiritual and moral pathogens that threaten to infect fine young men and women (especially white ones) and turn them into sexually decadent Marxists.
Of course, the argument that some MAGAs will come back with as they want to purge the government of anything that could be misconstrued as ‘DEI’–which they don’t understand–will be this: “Well, you lefties wanted to rename all those military bases named after Confederate war heroes!”
A dark medieval fantasy infused with twisted folklore and macabre magic, Once Was Willum takes readers to 1100s England, where Willum, a man who once rose from the dead, faces an ancient evil. The novel promises deep secrets, monstrous battles, and an exploration of life, death, and destiny. If you enjoy atmospheric historical fantasy, this one should be on your radar.
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao (March 4, 2025)
This debut adult fantasy introduces a world at war with demons, where protagonist An Ying must enter a deadly ancient competition—the Immortality Trials—to save her mother’s soul. With dazzling magic, intense rivalries, and a treacherous path to eternal life, this novel promises an unforgettable start to a new dark fantasy duology. Fans of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night will definitely want to check this one out.
Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole (March 4, 2025)
The third book in the Everflame series, this novel continues the epic fantasy adventure that began with Spark of the Everflame. Self-published initially, the series has been picked up for traditional release, bringing more readers into its richly developed world. This is the perfect time to jump in if you want to binge a completed trilogy.
The Prince Without Sorrow by Maithree Wijesekara (March 11, 2025)
A prince who rejects his father’s brutal empire. A witch seeking revenge. The Prince Without Sorrow follows Ashaka, the youngest son of a ruthless emperor, and Shakti, a witch determined to dismantle the monarchy from within. With nature spirits, political intrigue, and a battle for power, this novel sets the stage for an exciting new fantasy series.
The Serpent Called Mercy by Roanne Lau (March 25, 2025)
Described as The Witcher meets Squid Game, this Malaysian-Chinese-inspired epic fantasy introduces an underground monster-fighting arena where the most dangerous beasts may not be in the ring. With breathtaking battles, intricate lore, and compelling friendships, this novel promises to be one of the standout fantasy releases of the year.
For fans of Practical Magic and Gone Girl, The Bane Witch follows Piers Corbin, a woman with a talent for poison who fakes her own death to escape a dangerous marriage—only to discover she’s part of a long line of poison-wielding witches. With murder, dark magic, and a flirtation with a suspicious sheriff, this book offers a fresh take on supernatural thrillers.
While these fantasy books generate the most buzz, don’t forget about the sci-fi/fantasy crossovers coming this March, including Flux and Luminous. Whether you’re into dark fantasy epics or genre-blending adventures, there’s plenty to look forward to!
What fantasy release are you most excited for this March? Let me know in the comments, and happy reading!
Artificial intelligence is not just a technological breakthrough—it is reshaping industries, redefining jobs, and transforming economies worldwide. Businesses and policymakers are grappling with AI’s immense potential and disruptive power. These books provide essential insights into how AI is influencing the global economy and business landscape.
The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity – Amy Webb
Amy Webb provides a compelling analysis of the nine companies dominating AI development: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and China’s BAT—Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent. She explores how these tech giants are steering AI in ways that could benefit humanity or lead to unintended consequences.
This book offers a stark warning about the lack of global AI governance and the risks of AI monopolies. Webb argues that the power concentrated in these companies could shape the future of economies and societies in ways that we are not fully prepared for. Her thought-provoking insights make this an essential read for anyone concerned about the intersection of AI, business, and policy.
AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order – Kai-Fu Lee
Kai-Fu Lee, a renowned AI expert and venture capitalist, compares the AI advancements in China and the U.S., illustrating how these two superpowers compete for AI dominance. He outlines how AI-driven automation will impact worldwide jobs, industries, and economic structures.
Lee’s background in Silicon Valley and China provides a unique perspective on how AI drives innovation and economic transformation. He also explores how AI will disrupt traditional employment structures, arguing that societies must rethink work and income distribution. This book is crucial for understanding the global AI arms race and its implications for the future.
288 Pages – 09/14/2021 (Publication Date) – Harper Business (Publisher)
Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence – Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, & Avi Goldfarb
This book uses an economic framework to explain AI’s impact on the economy. The authors argue that AI fundamentally lowers the cost of prediction, transforming decision-making in business and society.
By focusing on AI as an economic tool, this book makes the case that AI is not just a futuristic technology but a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. It provides actionable insights into how companies can integrate AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
The Age of AI: And Our Human Future – Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, & Daniel Huttenlocher
This book, written by a former U.S. Secretary of State, a former Google CEO, and an MIT professor, explores AI’s profound implications for global politics, economics, and society. The authors discuss how AI is changing business, governance, and international relations, making it a must-read for those interested in AI’s role in shaping the world order.
The book emphasizes that AI is not just a tool but a transformative force that will redefine industries and challenge traditional notions of leadership and strategy. Its broad perspective makes it valuable for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in AI’s long-term consequences.
220 Pages – 11/02/2021 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
Why These Books Matter
Understanding AI’s business and economic impact is essential for entrepreneurs, executives, and policymakers. These books provide a comprehensive view of how AI disrupts industries, reshapes economies, and challenges existing business models. Whether you are a business leader or just curious about AI’s broader implications, these books will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the AI-driven future.
Have you read any of these books? Do you have other recommendations on AI’s impact on business and the economy? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an integral part of our daily lives. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, but how do they work? If you want to understand the technology behind AI, deep learning, and LLMs, this post highlights essential books that provide the foundational knowledge you need.
Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans – Melanie Mitchell
A fantastic starting point, this book provides an accessible introduction to AI’s fundamental concepts. Melanie Mitchell explains key ideas in machine learning, neural networks, and AI’s current limitations, offering a balanced perspective on what AI can and cannot do. Through clear explanations and engaging storytelling, Mitchell demystifies AI and presents real-world examples to illustrate how these technologies function.
What sets this book apart is its focus on making complex AI topics understandable for general readers. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just curious about how artificial intelligence impacts our world, this book is an excellent resource. Mitchell also delves into the history of AI. He explores why human-like intelligence remains a challenge for machines, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of AI.
336 Pages – 11/17/2020 (Publication Date) – Picador Paper (Publisher)
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values – Brian Christian
This book tackles one of AI’s most pressing issues: how do we ensure machine learning models align with human values? Brian Christian explores the ethical and technical challenges in training AI systems, making this a must-read for anyone interested in AI safety and ethics. He takes readers through a journey of how AI learns, the biases it inherits, and the moral dilemmas that arise when machines make decisions on behalf of humans.
Christian does an excellent job of breaking down complex topics while maintaining an engaging narrative. By incorporating real-world case studies and interviews with AI researchers, he thoroughly examines how we might shape AI to be more ethical and beneficial for society. The book raises critical questions about responsibility, bias, and the future of AI regulation, making it a thought-provoking read.
496 Pages – 10/06/2020 (Publication Date) – W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World – Cade Metz
For those curious about the history and key players behind AI’s explosion, Genius Makers provides an engaging narrative about the pioneers of deep learning, including Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, and Demis Hassabis. It’s a fascinating look at the competitive race to develop AI, covering breakthroughs in neural networks and the intense competition between tech giants to dominate the AI space.
Metz tells the story through the lens of individual researchers and innovators who made AI what it is today. He captures the excitement, the scientific rivalries, and the ethical dilemmas involved in AI’s development. The book offers an insider’s view of how AI became one of the most sought-after technologies and what that means for the future.
Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust – Gary Marcus & Ernest Davis
Rebooting AI critically examines AI’s limitations and argues that current machine-learning approaches fall short of true intelligence. The authors propose alternative strategies for developing AI systems that are more reliable, transparent, and capable of real-world reasoning. They highlight the pitfalls of deep learning and emphasize the need for hybrid models that integrate traditional AI techniques with modern advancements.
What makes this book particularly valuable is its practical approach to AI criticism. Instead of merely pointing out flaws, Marcus and Davis suggest ways to improve AI to work more effectively in real-world applications. Their insights are crucial for developers, researchers, and anyone interested in AI’s long-term impact on society.
AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future – Kai-Fu Lee & Chen Qiufan
Blending fiction with expert analysis, this book envisions how AI will shape various aspects of society by 2041. Kai-Fu Lee, a leading AI researcher, and Chen Qiufan, a science fiction writer, craft ten compelling narratives illustrating AI’s potential future. Each story is followed by an analysis explaining the technological principles behind it, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.
This unique format makes AI 2041 both an entertaining and educational read. The authors explore AI-driven healthcare, automation, and geopolitical challenges, providing a well-rounded view of AI’s possibilities. Whether you enjoy science fiction or want to glimpse what AI could mean for our world, this book offers a fascinating perspective.
Deep Learning – Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, & Aaron Courville
This textbook is considered the bible of deep learning for readers who want a deep technical dive. It covers neural networks’ mathematical and theoretical underpinnings and is widely used in AI research and academia. This book provides an extensive foundation in deep learning algorithms, optimization techniques, and model architectures, making it an essential reference for those who want to understand AI at an advanced level
While this book is more technical, it remains one of the most comprehensive resources available for deep learning. It’s ideal for students, engineers, and researchers who want to master the principles that drive AI today. This book is a must-have if you’re serious about AI and ready to tackle the mathematical aspects.
It ensures you get the best usage for a longer period
Hardcover Book
Goodfellow, Ian (Author)
Why These Books Matter
Understanding AI isn’t just for computer scientists—it’s essential for anyone interested in technology’s impact on society. These books provide a comprehensive view of how AI models are built, how they learn, and what challenges they present. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with technical expertise, these reads will deepen your knowledge of AI and LLMs.
What are your thoughts on these books? Have you read any of them, or do you have other recommendations? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Your mindset shapes every aspect of your teaching. It influences how you handle classroom challenges, connect with your students, and even how much you enjoy your career. A positive mindset isn’t about ignoring difficulties—it’s about seeing growth opportunities where others see obstacles. As Henry Ford wisely said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
For teachers, how you think about yourself and your work directly impacts your effectiveness. But how can you cultivate a positive teaching mindset when the job demands feel overwhelming? The answer lies in small, intentional practices that rewire your thinking and keep you focused on the possibilities rather than the problems.
Reframing Classroom Challenges
Teachers face tough days—students acting out, lessons falling flat, and mounting to-do lists. In these moments, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But reframing challenges can make all the difference. Instead of thinking, “This student will never improve,” shift to, “This student is showing me where they need the most support.” Reframing doesn’t ignore the problem—it changes how you approach it.
To reinforce this practice, try using affirmations such as:
“I am a resourceful and adaptable teacher.”
“I see challenges as opportunities to grow.”
“Every student has the potential to succeed, and I am part of their journey.”
Write these affirmations down or repeat them in moments of frustration to reset your mindset.
Visualization as a Teaching Tool
Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Visualization is a powerful technique often used by athletes and leaders, and it can be just as effective for teachers. Take five minutes each morning to picture your ideal day—students engaged, lessons flowing smoothly, and yourself responding with patience and confidence. This simple practice helps you enter the classroom with a clear vision of success.
Pair this practice with positive affirmations to strengthen its effect. For instance, while visualizing, repeat statements like, “I am confident and capable of handling any situation today.” Visualization, combined with affirmations, primes your brain to approach the day with clarity and focus.
Modeling Positivity in the Classroom
Your mindset impacts you and influences your students. When you approach teaching with optimism and confidence, your students are more likely to mirror those attitudes. Start the day with a positive affirmation for the class, such as “Today is a great day for learning.” Encourage students to create their own affirmations, fostering a classroom culture of positivity and growth.
Go Beyond Words With Tools That Amplify Your Efforts
While affirmations and visualization are powerful, tools like MindZoom Affirmations Software can take your mindset work to the next level. MindZoom integrates subliminal affirmations into your daily life, effortlessly reinforcing positive thoughts as you work, plan, and teach. It’s an easy way to stay consistent and ensure your mindset aligns with the success you envision.
Your Next Step: Invest in Your Mindset
Teaching is challenging, but your mindset can make all the difference. Integrating affirmations, visualization, and tools that support positivity into your routine can transform how you approach your classroom and your career. Ready to take the next step in becoming the teacher you’ve always wanted to be?
Click here to learn how MindZoom Affirmations Software can help you unlock your full potential and thrive in 2025.
Burnout is one of the biggest challenges in education today, especially for teachers balancing endless tasks, demanding classrooms, and a profession that asks so much while offering so little time for self-care. The result? Exhaustion, frustration, and even questioning whether you can keep going. But the truth is, you don’t have to feel stuck. By shifting your mindset with affirmations and positive practices, you can regain control, restore your energy, and rediscover the joy in teaching.
Burnout isn’t just about working too hard—it’s about feeling like your effort doesn’t matter. But as Marcus Aurelius wrote in Meditations, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This quote is a cornerstone for battling burnout. You may not have the power to change your curriculum, your students’ behavior, or the expectations placed on you, but you can change how you react to these challenges. Affirmations are a simple yet effective way to begin this shift.
Start Each Day With a Positive Mindset
The way you start your morning often determines how the rest of the day unfolds. Instead of diving into stress the moment you wake up, take five minutes to ground yourself with affirmations like:
“I am calm, capable, and prepared for today’s challenges.”
“I am making a difference, even when it feels invisible.”
“I have the energy to meet this day with enthusiasm.”
These statements, repeated silently or aloud, prime your brain to approach the day positively. Writing them in a journal amplifies their impact. Pairing affirmations with deep breathing or mindful stretches can make the practice even more restorative.
Use Visual Cues to Reframe Your Mindset
Eleanor Roosevelt famously said:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Visual affirmations can help you reclaim your sense of self if external pressures drag you down. Post uplifting statements where you’ll see them regularly—on your desk, computer, or even in your classroom. Every time you see them, pause and take a deep breath. This simple act reminds you that you can choose your thoughts and feelings.
A practical example for teachers: After a challenging class, instead of telling yourself, “This is impossible,” reframe it with, “I am learning from this experience and growing stronger.” It’s a slight mental shift, but over time, it rewires your brain to respond to stress with resilience rather than defeat.
Recharge With Affirmations Throughout the Day
Burnout often creeps in during quiet moments—during lunch breaks, planning periods, or the drive home—when the weight of the day sinks in. Combat this by integrating affirmations into these moments. Repeat statements like, “I release what I cannot control,” or “Every challenge I face makes me a better teacher.”
Consider using a tool like MindZoom Affirmations Software for an even more powerful recharge. MindZoom allows you to automate affirmations, seamlessly integrating positive messaging into your daily routine. Whether you’re at your desk, grading papers, or planning lessons, subliminal affirmations can work in the background to reinforce your resilience and optimism.
Reflect and Renew
At the end of each day, take five minutes to write down three positive moments from your day, no matter how small. This practice rewires your brain to focus on gratitude rather than stress. Pair this with evening affirmations like, “I am proud of what I accomplished today,” or “I am capable of handling whatever tomorrow brings.”
Your Next Step: Take Control of Your Mindset
If burnout feels like it’s winning, it’s time to take action. Reclaim your peace, energy, and joy with the power of affirmations. Tools like MindZoom Affirmations Software make it effortless to stay consistent and amplify the positive messages you’re sending yourself. Don’t let burnout define your year—equip yourself with the mindset tools to thrive.
Click here to discover how MindZoom can transform your teaching and your life.
Teachers are masters of crafting lesson plans, designing engaging activities, and aligning instruction to standards—all skills in high demand beyond the classroom. Freelance curriculum development allows educators to use their expertise to create learning materials for publishers, tutoring companies, or online platforms, often from the comfort of their homes. If you want to explore this rewarding and flexible career path, here’s how to start.
Why Curriculum Development Is a Great Fit for Teachers
Curriculum development is an ideal freelance niche for teachers because it leverages the skills you’ve already honed in the classroom:
Standards Alignment: Teachers understand how to create lessons that meet state or national standards, a key requirement for educational publishers and e-learning companies.
Engaging Instructional Design: Your experience designing lessons that captivate students translates perfectly to creating engaging, effective curriculum materials.
Subject Matter Expertise: Whether you teach math, science, history, or language arts, your deep knowledge of the subject makes you a valuable asset to clients.
Freelance curriculum development allows you to monetize these skills while contributing to student education on a larger scale.
Types of Curriculum Development Projects
As a freelance curriculum developer, you can work on a variety of projects, such as:
Lesson Plans and Activities: Design detailed lesson plans, hands-on activities, and project-based learning experiences for different grade levels.
Assessments: Create quizzes, tests, and performance-based assessments that measure student learning effectively.
E-Learning Content: Develop interactive online lessons, videos, and tutorials for e-learning platforms.
Textbook Supplements: Write teacher guides, student workbooks, and additional resources for educational publishers.
These projects can range from short-term assignments to long-term contracts, allowing you to choose what works best for your schedule.
How to Get Started in Freelance Curriculum Development
Getting started in freelance curriculum development doesn’t require a massive overhaul of your career. Here are some steps to help you transition:
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your best work by repurposing lesson plans, classroom activities, or assessments you’ve already created. Organize them into a professional portfolio that highlights your expertise.
Network with Educators and Companies: Reach out to former colleagues, join online communities of educators, and connect with companies specializing in educational content.
Search for Opportunities: Platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs list freelance curriculum development jobs tailored to educators. These listings provide a direct path to finding clients who value your teaching experience.
Polish Your Skills: Consider learning tools like instructional design software or e-learning platforms to expand your capabilities and appeal to a broader range of clients.
The Benefits of Freelance Curriculum Development
Freelance curriculum development offers several benefits, including:
Flexibility: Work on your schedule and choose projects that fit your interests and availability.
Diverse Opportunities: Collaborate with various clients, from large publishers to niche online platforms.
Professional Growth: Stay connected to the world of education while developing new skills in writing, design, and technology.
Financial Rewards: Monetize your teaching expertise and potentially earn more than you would in a traditional classroom setting.
Find Your First Opportunity Today
If you’re ready to turn your teaching skills into a thriving freelance career, explore opportunities for Paid Online Writing Jobs. This platform connects educators with clients looking for curriculum developers, making finding projects that align with your expertise easily.
Final Thoughts
Freelance curriculum development is a natural extension of your teaching career. By leveraging your skills in lesson planning, instructional design, and subject expertise, you can create impactful learning materials while enjoying the flexibility of freelance work. Visit Paid Online Writing Jobs today and take the first step toward building a fulfilling new career in curriculum development.
Teachers have a treasure trove of creativity and unique experiences that make them ideal bloggers. From managing a bustling classroom to crafting engaging lessons, you already possess the storytelling and communication skills to write blog posts that capture attention and resonate with readers. Here’s how you can channel your classroom creativity into crafting engaging blogs that stand out and pave the way for paid opportunities.
Harness the Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is at the heart of effective teaching and is just as powerful in blogging. Use real-life classroom anecdotes to draw readers in and make your posts relatable. For example, share a funny or heartwarming moment from your day that ties into a larger theme or lesson. Stories help readers connect emotionally, making your blog posts more memorable and engaging.
When writing, think about:
The challenges and triumphs you’ve experienced as a teacher.
Unique perspectives or situations that your audience can learn from.
How to weave a compelling narrative that leads to actionable advice or insights.
Use Engaging and Accessible Language
As you adapt your language to reach diverse learners, you can use the same strategy to craft accessible and engaging blog posts. Avoid overly academic or jargon-heavy language; write in a conversational tone that feels approachable to readers. Use humor, analogies, or rhetorical questions to entertain your audience while driving your point home.
For example:
Instead of “pedagogical strategies,” say “teaching techniques that work.”
Use metaphors like “classroom chaos is a symphony in disguise” to paint vivid pictures.
Your ability to simplify complex ideas will help your readers feel informed without being overwhelmed.
Share Classroom Anecdotes as Lessons
The classroom is filled with stories that can become powerful blog content. Write posts that reflect on lessons you’ve learned, strategies that worked (or didn’t), or ways you’ve overcome challenges. These stories provide valuable insights and build trust with your readers, showing them that you’re authentic and relatable.
For instance:
“How I Used Art Projects to Foster Collaboration in My Classroom”
“What a Disastrous Lesson Plan Taught Me About Adaptability”
These posts resonate with educators, parents, and anyone interested in education, making them highly shareable and impactful.
Focus on Practical Tips and Takeaways
Readers love actionable advice. Whether you’re sharing classroom management techniques, lesson plan ideas, or tips for balancing work and life, always provide practical takeaways. Use bullet points, numbered lists, or subheadings to make your content easy to skim and reference.
Example tips:
“Three Creative Ways to Encourage Critical Thinking”
“How to Turn a Difficult Topic into an Engaging Lesson”
Practical posts position you as a valuable resource, encouraging readers to return to your blog for more.
Promote Blogging Opportunities
If blogging sounds like the perfect creative outlet, you can turn it into a source of income by writing for established blogs or creating your own. Platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs make it easy to find paid blogging opportunities tailored to educators. Whether writing guest posts for education websites or building your portfolio, these resources can help you take your blogging to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Your classroom creativity is a powerful tool for crafting blog posts that inform, inspire, and engage readers. By using storytelling, accessible language, and relatable anecdotes, you can create content that stands out in the crowded blogging world. And with platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs, you can turn your passion for writing into a rewarding side hustle or career. Start blogging today, and let your voice be heard!
