Teaching & Learning
Education propels change. Stay up to date on the latest educational developments near you and around the world from preschool to post-grad. Here, you'll find out why equitable quality education is essential for fostering healthy and resilient societies.
Cross generational friendships: how teens and elders are transforming their lives
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Andrea Levitt, 82, was feeling lonely when she met Angelo Williams, 16, at a cookies-and-tea gathering in New York City. Her son and his family had moved away, leaving her days quieter than she wanted. But Angelo's sense of humor instantly lightened her Read More...
Changemakers of the week: Third Act and HeartMath
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, the ones that emerge from our local communities often have the greatest impact. Welcome to the fifth round of The Optimist Daily’s Read More...
Resilient community-building: staying safe in times of uncertainty
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY TEAM Recent global and domestic developments have left many feminists and allies feeling uneasy, uncertain about their place in society, and even alone. Despite this turmoil, the need for community remains strong. Connection is vital not only for personal well-being, but Read More...
What is intellectual humility? How intellectual humility unlocks learning and understanding
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the records of Indian folklore, there is a timeless story about six blind men discovering an elephant for the first time. As each man touches a different part of the elephant – its trunk, tusk, or tail — they generate vastly different conceptions of Read More...
Native American Heritage Month and how to be an ally this Thanksgiving
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Native American Heritage Month begins in November, a month when many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. While this cultural month has excellent intentions, it is significantly more complicated for Native Americans. Thanksgiving is a difficult period for many Read More...
Goodwill's new store inside the Silicon Valley Jail offers hope and job skills
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Goodwill of Silicon Valley started an innovative venture by launching its first store inside Milpitas' Elmwood Correctional Facility. This innovative initiative offers hands-on retail training to incarcerated women, preparing them for future work Read More...
How to spot a moon ring: a guide to lunar halos and other moonlight phenomena
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The ring around the moon, also known as the lunar halo, is a breathtaking yet surprisingly common sight in the night sky. Unlike other unusual lunar phenomena, a moon halo can happen at any time of year, but it is most often in the winter. So, if you've seen Read More...
It's never too late: quitting smoking at any age can add years to your life, study finds
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A revolutionary study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that stopping smoking will increase your life expectancy regardless of your age. Thuy Le, PhD, David Mendez, PhD, and Kenneth Warner, PhD, led the study, which calls into Read More...
From pollution to progress: the recovery of the Cuyahoga River
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The Cuyahoga River, formerly associated with industrial trash and environmental negligence, is now a symbol of resilience and rehabilitation. Conservationists recently released a group of lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River, marking a significant turning Read More...
Everything you need to know for voting in the 2024 election
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The 2024 election is just around the corner, with Americans voting early next month. This historic election will feature a presidential campaign as well as races for federal, state, and municipal governments. Whether you plan to vote in person, by mail, or Read More...