The first day back to school can be a struggle for teachers and students alike: Students would rather be at the beach or sleeping in, and teachers need to find ways to bring their students’ minds back into the classroom. Is it possible to beat this new-school-year slump and reengage students so soon after summer vacation has ended?

This month’s #ILAchat host, Don Goble, will answer these back-to-school questions and more Thursday, August 11, at 8:00 p.m. ET. In addition to his roles as international speaker, published author, and video producer, Goble is a full-time multimedia instructor at Ladue High School in St. Louis, MO, so he knows the new-year woes. During the August chat, he will be touching on topics such as back-to-school classroom prep, first week routines, and how to use technology as a tool for engagement.

As a Lead PBS Digital Innovator (2014), the National Journalism Education Association’s Broadcast Advisor of the Year (2015), and most recently, the International Society for Technology in Education’s “Making IT Happen” award winner (2016), Goble combines technology with literacy perhaps more than the average teacher. Not only is he a recognized Apple Distinguished Educator (2011) and avid Apple user, Goble is also published through Apple Education, with three iBooks—Six-Word Story, Six Unique Shots: Enhancing Writing Through Multimedia; Interview an Expert; and Gateway2Change.

Be sure to follow #ILAchat and @ILAtoday Thursday, August 11, at 8:00 p.m. ET to join the conversation and discuss ways to reinvigorate students after three long months out of school.

Samantha Brant is ILA’s communication intern.