The SchoolSims Library of Simulations

SchoolSims is an innovative educational platform that offers immersive, video-based simulations in a choose-your-own-adventure format. Designed specifically for educators, SchoolSims Simulations provide a unique and engaging learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. With SchoolSims Simulations, participants enter a virtual world of education where they face a series of linked scenarios, each presenting them with critical decisions and challenges. These simulations are powered by artificial intelligence, guiding participants down different paths based on their choices and showcasing the consequences of their actions realistically and interactively.

Scroll down or click to learn more about how to start implementing simulations into any of the below:

Learn How To Get Started Incorporating SchoolSims into Your Program


Simulations for K-12 Schools

SchoolSims provides a unique approach to education by leveraging experiential learning through simulations. Simulations allow your current and aspiring school leaders, teachers, and counselors to engage in realistic scenarios relevant to the events happening within the classroom.


School Leaders

SchoolSims simulations for school leaders in K-12 schools offer a transformative professional development experience that empowers current and aspiring leaders to enhance their leadership skills and decision-making abilities. Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your professional learning and principal preparation programs:

  • Develop Critical Decision-Making Skills:
    • SchoolSims offers immersive simulations that allow aspiring educational leaders to navigate complex scenarios and make critical decisions in a risk-free environment.
  • Practical Application of Theory:
    • Bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying leadership concepts and strategies to real-world situations within the simulation.
  • Collaborative Learning:
    • Engage in collaborative problem-solving and decision-making exercises, allowing students to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Reflective Feedback:
    • Receive feedback and debriefing sessions after each simulation, encouraging self-reflection, analysis, and continuous improvement.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Explore scenarios like managing budgets, handling personnel challenges, crisis management, and strategic planning.

Preview our Difficult Conversations: Race Simulation for School Leaders

 

Teachers

SchoolSims simulations for teachers in K-12 schools provide a groundbreaking professional development tool that supports teachers in honing their instructional skills and addressing various challenges within the classroom. Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your teacher’s professional learning programs:

  • Classroom Management Training:
    • Gain practical experience in managing classroom dynamics, addressing student behavior, and creating an optimal learning environment.
  • Differentiated Instruction:
    • Practice adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, including individualized instruction and group work.
  • Pedagogical Decision-Making:
    • Develop pedagogical decision-making skills by engaging with simulations that present various teaching scenarios and challenges.
  • Student Engagement Strategies:
    • Discover practical strategies to engage students, foster participation, and create an interactive learning experience.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Experience simulations focused on classroom management, lesson planning, parent-teacher conferences, and student assessments.

Preview our Facilitating Alignment (IEP) Simulation for Teachers:

School Counselors

SchoolSims simulations for school counselors in K-12 schools provide a transformative professional development tool designed to support counselors in honing their skills and effectively navigating students’ diverse and complex needs. Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your school counselor professional learning programs:

  • Counseling Skills Development:
    • Enhance counseling skills by engaging with realistic scenarios that simulate student counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
  • Ethical Decision-Making:
    • Explore ethical dilemmas and practice making sound decisions in challenging situations while adhering to professional codes of conduct.
  • Collaboration with Stakeholders:
    • Experience simulations that involve collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and other stakeholders to address student well-being and success.
  • Data-Driven Counseling:
    • Develop skills in analyzing data and using evidence-based approaches to inform counseling practices and student support.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Engage in simulations related to academic advising, college and career counseling, mental health support, and individual counseling sessions.

Preview our Data-Driven Counseling Simulation for School Counselors:

Simulations for Higher Education Courses

SchoolSims simulations can seamlessly integrate into higher education courses as case studies, practical exercises, or interactive assignments. They allow students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop critical skills, and foster collaboration.


Educational Leadership Programs

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your educational leadership programs:

  • Develop Critical Decision-Making Skills:
    • SchoolSims offers immersive simulations that allow aspiring educational leaders to navigate complex scenarios and make critical decisions in a risk-free environment.
  • Practical Application of Theory:
    • Bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying leadership concepts and strategies to real-world situations within the simulation.
  • Collaborative Learning:
    • Engage in collaborative problem-solving and decision-making exercises, allowing students to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Reflective Feedback:
    • Receive feedback and debriefing sessions after each simulation, encouraging self-reflection, analysis, and continuous improvement.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Explore scenarios like managing budgets, handling personnel challenges, crisis management, and strategic planning.

Preview our Disruptive Teacher Simulation for Aspiring School Leaders: 

Teacher Candidates

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your teacher candidate programs:

  • Classroom Management Training:
    • Gain practical experience in managing classroom dynamics, addressing student behavior, and creating an optimal learning environment.
  • Differentiated Instruction:
    • Practice adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, including individualized instruction and group work.
  • Pedagogical Decision-Making:
    • Develop pedagogical decision-making skills by engaging with simulations that present various teaching scenarios and challenges.
  • Student Engagement Strategies:
    • Discover practical strategies to engage students, foster participation, and create an interactive learning experience.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Experience simulations focused on classroom management, lesson planning, parent-teacher conferences, and student assessments.

Preview our Parent-Teacher Conference Simulation for Teacher Candidates:

Aspiring School Counselors

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your aspiring school counselor program programs:

  • Counseling Skills Development:
    • Enhance counseling skills by engaging with realistic scenarios that simulate student counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
  • Ethical Decision-Making:
    • Explore ethical dilemmas and practice making sound decisions in challenging situations while adhering to professional codes of conduct.
  • Collaboration with Stakeholders:
    • Experience simulations that involve collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and other stakeholders to address student well-being and success.
  • Data-Driven Counseling:
    • Develop skills in analyzing data and using evidence-based approaches to inform counseling practices and student support.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Engage in simulations related to academic advising, college and career counseling, mental health support, and individual counseling sessions.

Preview our Data-Driven Counseling Simulation for Counselor Candidates:

Simulations for Independent Schools

SchoolSims Simulations provide a valuable tool for professional development in independent schools. Heads of Schools, aspiring school leaders, teachers, and counselors can use simulations individually or during professional development meetings to enhance their skills, practice decision-making, and engage in reflective discussions.


School Leaders

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your school leader’s professional learning programs:

  • Strategic Decision-Making:
    • Engage in simulations that allow school leaders to practice strategic decision-making, such as resource allocation, budget planning, and enrollment management.
  • Crisis Management:
    • Develop crisis management skills by navigating simulations that simulate various emergencies, such as natural disasters, security incidents, or public relations crises.
  • Team Collaboration and Leadership:
    • Foster collaboration and leadership skills among school leaders through simulations that require teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communication.
  • Professional Development:
    • Utilize simulations for professional development meetings, encouraging discussions, analysis, and reflection among school leaders.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Experience simulations focused on strategic planning, crisis response, board meetings, and staff evaluations.

Preview our Dealing with the Aftermath of a Disciplinary Event Simulation for Independent School Leaders:

Teachers

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your teacher’s professional learning programs:

  • Classroom Management Strategies:
    • Enhance classroom management skills by engaging in simulations replicating challenging student behaviors, disciplinary situations, and classroom dynamics.
  • Differentiated Instruction:
    • Explore simulations that require teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students, fostering inclusive and engaging classrooms.
  • Pedagogical Innovation:
    • Practice implementing innovative teaching methods, integrating technology, and promoting student-centered learning through simulations that present cutting-edge educational scenarios.
  • Professional Learning Communities:
    • Utilize simulations for collaborative professional development sessions, where teachers can share experiences, strategies, and best practices.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Engage in simulations related to lesson planning, parent-teacher conferences, student assessments, and student interventions.

Preview our Parent-Teacher Conference Simulation for Independent School Teachers:

 

School Counselors

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your school counselor’s professional learning programs:

  • Counseling Skills Development:
    • Enhance counseling skills using realistic simulations that simulate student counseling sessions, career guidance, and social-emotional support.
  • Crisis Intervention and Mental Health:
    • Develop skills in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and addressing mental health concerns through simulations that mirror real-life scenarios.
  • Collaborative Partnerships:
    • Engage in simulations that involve collaboration with teachers, parents, and administrators to provide comprehensive student support and foster partnerships.
  • Professional Growth and Reflection:
    • Use simulations for professional development and reflective practices, allowing school counselors to analyze their decision-making, techniques, and strategies.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Experience simulations related to individual counseling sessions, college and career counseling, behavioral interventions, and exceptional education support.
Simulations for Associations & Support Entities

Associations can incorporate SchoolSims simulations into their professional development offerings by providing access to the simulations as part of their membership benefits or by organizing training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs focused on utilizing simulations for skill development and knowledge enhancement.


Simulations for School Leaders

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your school leader’s professional learning programs:

  • Strategic Decision-Making:
    • School leaders can enhance their strategic decision-making skills by engaging in realistic simulations that mirror the challenges faced in educational leadership positions.
  • Leadership Development:
    • Utilize SchoolSims simulations as a professional development tool for school leaders to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective decision-making.
  • Scenario-Based Training:
    • Experience simulations that cover a wide range of scenarios, including financial management, personnel issues, strategic planning, and crisis response.
  • Networking, Collaboration, and Mentoring:
    • Associations can use SchoolSims simulations as a platform for school leaders to network, collaborate, mentor each other, and share best practices within the association’s community.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Explore simulations focused on school management, resource allocation, community engagement, and policy development.

Preview our Difficult Conversations: Race Simulation for School Leaders

Simulations for Teachers

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your teacher’s professional learning programs:

  • Pedagogical Skills Enhancement:
    • Teachers can develop and refine their pedagogical skills through simulations that allow them to practice instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and differentiated instruction.
  • Personalized Professional Growth:
    • Associations can provide teachers access to SchoolSims simulations as a self-paced professional development tool, enabling them to enhance their teaching practices at their convenience.
  • Collaboration, Peer Learning, and Mentoring:
    • Encourage collaboration, peer learning, and mentoring by incorporating simulations into professional development meetings or online platforms where teachers can share experiences and insights.
  • Innovative Teaching Approaches:
    • Simulations offer opportunities for teachers to explore innovative teaching approaches, adapt to changing educational trends, and incorporate technology into their instruction.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Engage in simulations related to lesson planning, classroom management, student assessments, and technology integration.

Preview our Facilitating Alignment (IEP) Simulation for Teachers:

Simulations for School Counselors

Here are some key benefits of implementing SchoolSims Simulations into your school counselor’s professional learning programs:

  • Counseling Skills Development:
    • School counselors can enhance their counseling skills by engaging in simulations that simulate various counseling scenarios, crisis interventions, and student support strategies.
  • Professional Development and Networking:
    • Associations can offer SchoolSims simulations as a professional development resource for school counselors, allowing them to develop their practice, gain insights from peers, and expand their professional network.
  • Ethical Decision-Making:
    • Experience simulations that present ethical dilemmas specific to school counseling, encouraging counselors to practice making sound decisions while adhering to ethical guidelines.
  • Collaborative Partnerships:
    • Associations can facilitate collaborative partnerships among school counselors through simulations that involve working with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success.
  • Simulation Examples:
    • Engage in simulations related to academic advising, college and career counseling, mental health support, and individual counseling sessions.

Preview our Data-Driven Counseling Simulation for School Counselors:

FAQ - Why SchoolSims?
Why Simulations?

Professional development needs to be more than “sage on the stage,” telling school district staff what to do, but instead providing them practice and experiences that will prepare them for the job and make them confident in their decisions and leadership. SchoolSims Simulations provide a safe space to practice dealing with challenging scenarios. Simulations can be used in group meetings, asynchronously, or both and are proven to improve judgment and decision-making so that district staff can be better prepared for the challenges of the job.
What is a Simulation?

A simulation places you in the role of a school leader, teacher, or counselor, where you will have to navigate the many challenges that you are faced in this role on a daily basis. For example, our Disruptive Teacher simulation places you in the role of a school leader, where you must navigate issues with a teacher not being a team player. In a choose-your-own-adventure using artificial intelligence to direct you down the appropriate path based on your choice selection, you will decide the best course of action, implement it, and experience the consequences, all within the same exercise. 

 

Is SchoolSims Aligned With Professional Standards?

SchoolSims are designed to align with PSEL, NELP, CAEP, and InTASC professional standards. Because simulations immerse participants in school-based scenarios like those that occur in real-life, they provide an opportunity to practice evaluating context and applying the appropriate standards in a risk-free environment.

SchoolSims NELP Standards AlignmentPSEL alignment

How Do I Implement SchoolSims?

SchoolSims will help you select the appropriate titles for each course or topic. You can then utilize the simulations synchronously, asynchronously, or in a blended fashion. 

See our best practices here.

Who Should Use SchoolSims?

SchoolSims simulations are an excellent experiential learning opportunity for current and aspiring school leaders, teachers, and counselors.

How Much Does It Cost?

SchoolSims pricing is based on the number of participants in the cohort that will utilize the simulations.

  • Program or participant pay options are available.
  • Click the form below to get your personalized, no-obligation price quote.

Request a quote here.

Download our Simulation Overviews


Simulation Categories
  • Equity-focused
  • Social Emotional Issue
  • Difficult Conversation Focused
  • Instructional & Operations Leadership
  • Leading Change
  • Student Safety & Security
  • Counseling
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Simulation Research

Our clients have used our simulations to explore a topic essential to present and to aspire school administrators and teachers. They have discovered the value of simulations and have published papers based on their findings. You may read a preview of their research by clicking below.

Read Client Research