FAQs

  • How much does it cost to join?

    It’s free for individuals to join and access all features. Organizations seeking a dedicated learning community for their team can contact info@sideby.ai for enterprise pricing.

  • How do you reeeeally make sure I won't be surrounded by bots?

    Community members have to verify their realness via a live, opening reflection video to earn the verification “eraser” mark.

  • What's up with the pink eraser everywhere?

    We want to build a learning community here at sideby and with educators around the world. This means mistakes are ok. Incorporating new ideas, trying out promising practices, and sharing that you need help or inspiration are all important. The eraser reminds us of this.

  • Is this another app to check? I can't do another app.

    Right now, we’re a web-based app. Bookmark us. Keep it simple.

  • Do you actually know how teaching works?

    Our founding team has combined experience of about 40 years teaching and leading in schools every day, and about 30 years supporting them in various ways. We get it. We get that you want to be around people who get it.

  • When am i supposed to log on to connect with people?

    There are preset times for specific learning pathways (AI, Illustrative Math). You can set your availability to connect on your time. You can engage in solo reflections and share those back and forth with folks “marco polo” style.

  • Y'all seem to love AI. You know it's bad right?

    We see AI as a powerful tool and resource. It should be consumed with a critical lens and we practice this approach. We know it can scale bias, it impacts the environment, and it is not a replacement for human expertise and interaction overall. We also know we use the internet, search engines, smart phones, etc. on a daily basis already and consider AI a next step in technology development, not a flash and crash fad. We also interpret and use all technology with this critical lens and encourage education professionals to do the same. We want educators to know how to navigate this technology with equity and impact in mind.

    Also, students are already using it whether we agree or not. We need educators to be prepared to help them navigate this emerging technology too. If educators can be lead learners here, we can help shape how this innovation can get better for and with our students and our schools.

    If you want to learn more, check out our sideby’s Responsible AI Policies and Practices.

  • How does this help me if I'm already overwhelmed with my responsibilities and new initiatives and and and...?

    Imagine walking into the teachers’ room and instantly clicking with someone who gets it. They share a tip, a mindset tweak, or a nugget of wisdom, and suddenly your day feels lighter and your planning feels sharper.

    We’re here to offer you the opportunity to give and get quick, actionable insights through connections with other amazing educators. It’s not about adding to your plate—it’s about making what’s already there easier to carry (or sometimes helping you toss the stuff that doesn’t serve you).

    Think of us as your go-to crew for inspiration, learning, sharing, and making your life as an educator better. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or just someone to say, “Yes, I’ve been there too,” Sideby is your network, ready to support, cheer, and empower you every step of the way.

Why do educators need sideby?

Purpose-Built for Educators
Unlike LinkedIn, which is a general professional network, or Facebook groups, which can be unstructured, sideby is intentionally designed for educators to connect, learn, and grow through meaningful, focused conversations tailored to their teaching practice and challenges.

Facilitated, Not Just Hosted
Sideby doesn’t just host a space for groups; it actively facilitates learning pathways and conversations, using AI to surface relevant topics, insights, and connections that matter most to educators at various stages in their careers.

A Learning Network, Not Just Social Networking
The primary goal of sideby is professional growth and collaboration in education—not job hunting (LinkedIn) or casual interactions (Facebook). It’s about actionable learning and shared problem-solving among educators.

Equity-Centered and Aligned with Educator Values
Sideby emphasizes equity-centered learning, mirroring the values and mission of its community. This is not just about tools but also about creating conditions where educators can thrive and innovate together.

Focus on Conversations, Not Content Overload
While LinkedIn or other platforms often emphasize content (articles, posts, etc.), sideby emphasizes connection through conversation. It’s a place for educators to have meaningful exchanges—not just scroll through a feed.

Verified educators, real connections
Sideby ensures that every member is a verified educator, creating a trusted space for genuine, professional collaboration. Unlike broader platforms where bots and anonymous users can dilute the experience, sideby uses robust verification processes to ensure that every interaction is meaningful and authentic, keeping the focus on real people working together to advance education.

amplifying educators as valuable experts
Sideby is built to help educators see and position themselves as the professionals they are. It amplifies their expertise, perspective, and voice—creating a space where they can direct their own professional learning, collaborate with peers, and share their knowledge outwardly. Sideby values the agency of educators, equipping them with the tools and connections to lead their own growth and broadcast their contributions on a professional platform.