Saturday, May 30, 2015

MzTeachuh: Best Articles for Educators 5/31/15

MzTeachuh: Best Articles for Educators 5/31/15: Teaching Strategies: Mindfulness in the Classroom http://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies-mindfulness-classroom 8 ways to ...

Best Articles for Educators 5/31/15

Teaching Strategies: Mindfulness in the Classroom

http://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies-mindfulness-classroom

8 ways to redirect off-task behavior without stopping your lesson

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2015/05/8-ways-to-redirect-off-task-behavior-without-stopping-your-lesson.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCornerstone+%28The+Cornerstone+Blog%29

What I Learned This Year About Managing Student Stress

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/student-centric-strategies/

The Best Ways to Use Google In the Classroom

http://www.edudemic.com/best-ways-to-use-google/

Facing the New Realities of Special Education

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/05/facing-new-realities-of-special.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29

6 Ways To Use Reading to Prevent the Summer Slide

http://neatoday.org/2015/05/19/6-ways-to-use-reading-to-prevent-the-summer-slide/

Best Education Podcasts

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/best-education-podcasts-betty-ray?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

Teach Empathy With Digital Immigration Stories

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teach-empathy-digital-immigration-stories-sara-burnett?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

MzTeachuh: Yes, Claude, A Trip To The Beach Would Be Nice

MzTeachuh: Yes, Claude, A Trip To The Beach Would Be Nice: The Path at La Cavee, Pourville Monet Here's some Impressionist music to go with-- Claude Debussy - La Mer https://www.youtube....

Yes, Claude, A Trip To The Beach Would Be Nice

The Path at La Cavee, Pourville Monet

Here's some Impressionist music to go with--

Claude Debussy - La Mer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOCucJw7iT8

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box: Letter #9

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box: Letter #9: These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make s...

Principal's Suggestion Box: Letter #9

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Dear Principal,

Just thought I'd give you a progress report, and let you know I am so excited about the new schoolyear. The plans for teacher collaboration seem to be a reasonable amount of time, and very creative that some of the teams are based on areas of interest rather than only grade levels or teaching areas. Already, Mr. -- and Ms.-- and I have been emailing this summer for plans on the school garden. Mr.-- is so helpful, knows vegetables, and excited to be included on a GenEd team. He says his Special Ed. class will be very enthusiastic gardeners! Ms.-- is a Master Gardener in the community and is keeping us so organized. Mr.-- isn't on our team, but hopes to bring out his English class to the garden to sit write from time to time. Mrs. -- from the cafeteria staff. says she can use the veggies, and let the kids know what recipes they are going into. I've been able to get donations from Home Depot and Lowe's for equipment and supplies. Of course, I am also preparing for my incoming 9th grade math kids--I feel more invigorated with the garden being in the mix. So much math in gardening--even if we don't spent an inordinate amount of time there, the kids will love it. And we get to be outside once in awhile.

Thanks again for your innovation.

Teacher Enjoying A Break in the Monotony

School Garden Checklist

http://www.letsmove.gov/school-garden-checklist

The Benefits of a School Garden

http://www.myhealthyschool.com/gardens/benefits.php

Nature Deficit Disorder

http://www.education.com/topic/nature-deficit-disorder/

My suggestion: Principals, be flexible. Most of the staff time is preordained. No choice, really a huge, highly stressful sequence of tasks. Every day. If staff members have an idea that may relieve the monotony or tenseness--let them give it a shot. Poetry Reading Festival? Vincent van Gogh Chalk drawing on the quad? Sing Alongs at lunch? Learn a New Soccer (or Dance) Move before school? Prepare and give speeches at assemblies? A garden? Why not, if it isn't too expensive, it's safely administered, and sounds like a bit of fun. Let the staff and kids blow off a little steam. But the garden would be awesome.

Mr. Kashiwagi's garden at Jehue Middle School.

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: The Sky Is Cheap Entertainment

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: The Sky Is Cheap Entertainment: Perseid meteor shower. We lived in Hawaii at Hickam AFB for several years, and the list of advantages to that is long--but one that st...

Summer Activity: The Sky Is Cheap Entertainment

Perseid meteor shower.

We lived in Hawaii at Hickam AFB for several years, and the list of advantages to that is long--but one that stands out is the clarity of skyviewing. The Honolulu newspaper had a wonderful weekly section on astronomy, and what to look for in the nightsky. I was hooked. Now we can check out earthsky.org

EarthSky’s meteor shower guide for 2015

http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide

Watch the great race of Venus and Jupiter in June 2015

http://earthsky.org/?p=212674

Best photos of Apollo 11 and first footsteps on moon

http://earthsky.org/space/this-date-in-science-first-human-footsteps-on-the-moon

Buzz Aldrin becomes the second man on the moon, July 20, 1969.

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/30/15

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/30/15: MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/30/15 : Teach Empathy With Digital Immigration Stories http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teach-empathy-digital-i...

Let's Read These Books This Summer

Book Review Newbery Award Winner: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2013/02/newbery-award-winner-roll-of-thunder.html?spref=bl

Book Review: Song of the Swallows

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2013/02/book-review-song-of-swallows.html?spref=bl

White Fang by Jack London: Great Summer Read

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2014/05/white-fang-illustration-by-kako-white.html


The She-Wolf leads the pack; One-Eye close behind.

Lederstrumpf: Iconic American Fictional Hero

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2012/06/iconic-american-fictional-hero.html

Read! Classic Adventure, Romance, Mystery http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2013/02/read-classic-adventure-romance-mystery.html

Book Review 'King of the Wind' Newbery Award

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2013/01/book-review-king-of-wind-newbery-award.html

Let's Read! Current Trends in Little Kid Books http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2012/01/lets-read-current-trends-in-little-kid.html

Books to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2012/03/book-review-martins-big-words.html

Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-review-martins-big-words.html

Teaching Is Leading The Adventure To Middle Earth Tweets of the Morning 11/ 7/12

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2012/11/teaching-is-leading-adventure-to-middle.html

Rosy-fingered Dawn Ὀδύσσεια

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2012/07/rosy-fingered-dawn.html

Summer Bump Not Slump: Summer Reading

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/summer-bump-not-slump-summer-reading.html

Summer Activity: Way Too Hot? Read These

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2014/07/summer-activity-way-too-hot-read-these.html?spref=bl

'Call of the Wild,' from 1938 movie with Clark Gable

Friday, May 29, 2015

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/30/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/30/15: Teach Empathy With Digital Immigration Stories http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teach-empathy-digital-immigration-stories-sara-burnett?utm_...

Educational Links 5/30/15

Teach Empathy With Digital Immigration Stories

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teach-empathy-digital-immigration-stories-sara-burnett?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe in the Water

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/05/from-masspac-federation-for-children.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29

How to Create the Learning Community Vital to Project-Based Learning’s Success

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/05/06/how-to-create-the-learning-community-project-based-learning-demands/

Sleep Disorders, Truancy and Student Needs: A Complicated Mix - See more at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=386&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWrightslawWay+%28The+Wrightslaw+Way%29#sthash.5K1e5ymr.dpuf

Sleep Disorder, Truancy, and Student Needs: A Complicated Mix

http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=386&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWrightslawWay+%28The+Wrightslaw+Way%29

Grant Wiggins, Champion Of Understanding

http://www.teachthought.com/interest/grant-wiggins-champion-of-understanding/

3 must-dos for caring for your mobile devices

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/05/29/mobile-devices-209/

Schools Accused Of Forcing Out Special Education Students

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/05/29/schools-accused-forcing-out/20344/

Reading Rockets: Research, Guides and Resources

http://www.readingrockets.org/reading_research_guides_resources

4 Steps to a Useable and Used LMS

http://www.edudemic.com/4-steps-useable-used-lms/

Planning for the next school year together

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Helpful Hints for When Teacher Is Overwhelmed

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Helpful Hints for When Teacher Is Overwhelmed: Time Saving Tips for Teachers http://www.educationoasis.com/resources/Articles/time_saving_tips.htm Replacing Classroom Chaos with ...

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #5

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #5: These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make som...

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Helpful Educational Websites

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Helpful Educational Websites: Educators have resources online both infinite, and interesting . Here is a sampling. General Education Edutopia | K-12 Educatio...

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Recipe for Learning

MzTeachuh's Classroom: Recipe for Learning: Naturally Learning https://www.facebook.com/NaturallyLearning We could develop a tawte for this!

MzTeachuh's Classroom: The Excellent Effect of Music In All Classrooms

MzTeachuh's Classroom: The Excellent Effect of Music In All Classrooms: Can Music Education Enhance Brain Functioning and Academic Learning? http://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2000/05/15/can-music-education-re...

MzTeachuh's Classroom: How Does Your Classroom Grow?

MzTeachuh's Classroom: How Does Your Classroom Grow?: Eggshell Seed Starting Pots http://www.pallensmith.com/index.php?id=1052 Growing plants in your class brings health and l...

MzTeachuh: All-American Music To Grill To

MzTeachuh: All-American Music To Grill To: This is mostly for Americans. And maybe you wish to grill in quiet--that's okay, too. Multi-generational fun. But for us in the S...

All-American Music To Grill To

This is mostly for Americans. And maybe you wish to grill in quiet--that's okay, too.

Multi-generational fun.

But for us in the States, these might be fun tunes.

1. Born in the U S A Bruce Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4

A traditional song sung with soul.

2. Ray Charles - "America, the Beautiful"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg

Maybe this is Juneteenth.

The History of Juneteenth
http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm

This includes some good ole America poetry with the music.

**3. Ragged Old Flag * Johnny Cash * USA**

Johnny makes non-verbal comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIHYNPjUd50&feature=related

While we're on Johnny Cash and poetry, the lyrics began as a poem by Julia Ward Howe

4. Johnny Cash sings The Battle Hymn Of The Republic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQhyWv-PeVE

Friends can have a cook out, too.

5. Simon & Garfunkel - American Tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCmgKSUXH18

6. Bob Dylan "With God on our side"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAgAvnvXF9U

7. Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Fortunate Son"

Good field for football later, soccer, or baseball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU7H--USv6Y

Here's classical based on the Quaker tune, "Simple Gifts." Another poem.

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.^[2]

Earliest American Bar B Que: Jamestown

8. Aaron Copland - "Appalachian Spring"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U7hPHSkNJo

9. God Bless The USA (Lee Greenwood)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWC8liHX_G8

Little known fact about Jimi Hendrix--he served in the U S Army as a paratrooper.


Jimi in the 101st

10. Jimi Hendrix - "The Star-Spangled Banner"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKAwPA14Ni4

And just a little homage to my home state--

11. The Beach Boys California Girls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmIsdMWzdaE

Beautiful place for a picnic

I've heard many folks say, who were from other nations on the continents of North and South America, that they, too, could claimed to be Americans.

America the Multicultural.

So, here is Celine, our Canadian friend, to sing God Bless America.

12. God Bless America - Celine Dion (With Lyrics & History)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXLQ2RPLO78

Don't forget the marshmallows and s'mores.

Here's a Youtube link to all this music from my Youtube site:

All American Music To Grill To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4&list=PLA2SFaAnpsdCjuzPEaokU_1-0cP6jH-Ce

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: Go Outside!

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: Go Outside!: Nerf baseball sounds good! Doctor's Orders: More Outside Time for Kids http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/doctors_order...

Summer Activity: Go Outside!

Nerf baseball sounds good!

Doctor's Orders: More Outside Time for Kids

http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/doctors_orders_more_outdoor_time_for_kids/

Connecting Kids and Nature: Working Towards 10 Million Kids Outdoors

http://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Kids-and-Nature.aspx

50 Outdoor Summer Activities For Kids

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/05/50-outdoor-summer-activities-for-kids.html

7 Outside Activities for Kids This Summer

http://workathomemoms.about.com/od/Summer-Activities-For-Kids/tp/Outside-Activities-For-Kids.htm

8 Garden Projects for Kids

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/garden-activities-for-kids.html

Doctor’s Orders: More Outdoor Time For Kids

Outdoor Games

http://www.fungameskidsplay.com/outdoorgames.htm

10 Water Play Activities for Children of All Ages

http://www.4nannies.com/blog/10-water-play-activities-for-children-of-all-ages/

Super Fun Water Balloon Games!

http://familyfuninomaha.com/2012/06/26/super-fun-water-balloon-games/

Tips for Easy Picnics With Kids

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Asking the Right Question

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Asking the Right Question: 1. Socratic Questions http://changingminds.org/techniques/questioning/socratic_questions.htm 2. Plan Classroom Discussions at Least as C...

Teaching Is Asking the Right Question

1. Socratic Questions
http://changingminds.org/techniques/questioning/socratic_questions.htm

2. Plan Classroom Discussions at Least as Carefully as Lectures

http://www.uww.edu/learn/diversity/classroomdiscussions.php

3. Leading Scintillating, Stimulating,

Substantive Class Discussions

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/tat/pdfs/discussions.pdf

4. 7 Ways to Use Questions and Manage Class Discussion

This is what I think.

http://www.sc.edu/cte/guide/classdiscussion/index.shtml

5. Conversation Questions for the ESL/EFL Classroom

http://iteslj.org/questions/

6. Engaging Students Using Discussions

http://teachingcommons.depaul.edu/Classroom_Activities/discussion.html

7. Talking to Think: Why Children Need Philosophical Discussion

http://www.teachingthinking.net/thinking/web%20resources/robert_fisher_talkingtothink.htm

MzTeachuh: Oh Yeah, Let's Read!

MzTeachuh: Oh Yeah, Let's Read!: 5 Essential Skills Needed for Reading Comprehension http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/essential-skills-needed-...

Oh Yeah, Let's Read!

5 Essential Skills Needed for Reading Comprehension

http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/essential-skills-needed-for-reading-comprehension?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ldorg

Beginning around third or fourth grade, your child is expected to be able to read a passage of text, understand it and answer questions about it. Here are the five skills needed for reading comprehension.

And what a gift for parents and teacher to give a student--a privilege previously withheld by tyrants to control the oppressed, a pleasure customarily reserved for the wealthy, a task exercised by the class of scholars--now available for all. Let's read.

Reading Print Versus Digital Increases Comprehension: Study

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/reading-print-versus-digital-increases-comprehension-study_b89129

This perceptible, direct experience gives you a mental map of the entire text. The brain has an easier task when you can touch as well as see.

The touch, the feel of paper.

Reading Tips for Parents

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/reading-print-versus-digital-increases-comprehension-study_b89129

A child's success as a reader begins much earlier than the first day of school. Reading, and a love for reading, begins at home. Our one-page Parent Tips offer easy ways for parents to help kids become successful readers.

Taking time for reading weaves an everlasting bond of friendship and literacy in families.

Great Early Elementary Reads book list

http://www.ala.org/alsc/compubs/booklists/greatreads/greatearlyelemreads

The Reading List: Grades 5-8

http://www.kinkaid.org/page.cfm?p=5583

http://www.phschool.com/curriculum_support/reading_list/high_school.html

The above are merely suggestions. So many choices, a lifetime of reading.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 5/29/15

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 5/29/15: Teachable Moment: Memorial Day http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/teachable-moment-memorial-day.html The Arts Give You Smart...

MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 5/29/15

Much gratitude to our international audience. It is a privilege to serve you. USA, France, Germany, Canada, UK, Russia, Sweden, Hong Kong, India, Australia.

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Teachers Talking To Each Other

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Teachers Talking To Each Other: 1. How to make friends and influence people - a teacher's guide http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/2012/sep/04/teachers...

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter # 2

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter # 2: These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some...

Principal's Suggestion Box Letter # 2

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Dear Principal,

I have a suggestion for an end of the year resources exchange. As you know, I taught for several years out of state. In that time, I changed schools a few times, and classrooms and grade levels many times. This is the best idea I came across for keeping the classes tidy so when we changed locations teachers didn't have to tidy up the last tenant's mess.

A teacher's stuff exchange. As we pack up for the summer, set aside what we figure we won't need for next schoolyear into a 'Help Yourself' area in the staff lounge. Good stuff that would still be usable on a wall or bulletin board or display. Maybe books. Have a time limit for availability, then toss all of it.

I also have a suggestion for inspecting the classrooms. Principal Puh-leeze do not allow storage areas to never ever be cleared out! Except for the school that had that exchange practice, it was like an archeological dig to clean out storage, shelves and desks from my 'new' class. Really gross. Decades of junk and filth. Curriculum from the 60s often. Every time, every new school.

Except for one that had an administrator who used to be both military and in private business. She got right down to it with a white glove test. Oorah!

Remember, people don't do what you expect, they do what you inspect.

Thank you for your time,
Kind of new teacher

Organize a school campus clean-up day.

http://www.arlingtonecho.org/waste-reduction/school-clean-up-day.html

Annual Classroom Clean Out

http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/pages/annual-classroom-clean-out

Decluttering Starts Now!

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/blog/decluttering-starts-now

Purging Before Packing {Ending The School Year Series: Post 1}

http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/2013/06/purging-before-packing-ending-school.html

My suggestion: Even though I am kind of a pack rat, too, (you never know what you may be able to use) weeding out the useless is necessary at school. We are sharing space. The part about cleaning in a 'new' classroom is true. Too often outdated curriculum even from the sixties. Like a time warp. Unbelievable. Makes you appreciate a computer that has been cleared of previous data. Principals and other administrators can easily create a safer, cleaner, dare I say, tidier environment by inspecting for it. And proper use of school space. Once a beautiful computer lab was turned into storage for outdated curriculum. Boxes of it. Don't know why. Principal, please!

Teaching Is Teachers Talking To Each Other

1. How to make friends and influence people - a teacher's guide

http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/2012/sep/04/teachers-guide-making-friends-influencing-people

2. 5 Tips for Bonding with New Teaching Colleagues

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8975-5-tips-for-bonding-with-new-teaching-colleagues

3. 25 Ways Teachers Can Connect More With Their Colleagues

http://edudemic.com/2012/06/25-ways-teachers-can-connect-more-with-their-colleagues/

4. Good teachers make colleagues better

http://www.joannejacobs.com/2009/09/good-teachers-make-colleagues-better/

5. Check out the comments

How much do your colleagues influence your teaching?

http://www.edutopia.org/poll-teacher-influence-school-performance

6. 101 Ways to Cope with Teaching Stress

Getting the Support You Need

Numbers 51 through 60.

http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/101-ways-to-cope-with-teaching-stress/

7. How Can Teachers Be Stressed?

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/julian-stanley/teachers-how-can-they-be-stressed_b_1864160.html?just_reloaded=1

It's a little stressful to take this test.

8. Teacher Stress Test

http://www.pedagonet.com/brain/teacherstresstest.html

MzTeachuh: ePLNs for Teachers –Getting Connected

MzTeachuh: ePLNs for Teachers –Getting Connected: Teachers can find professional networking online. Educational sites afford convenience, privacy, and expertise in a variety of ...

ePLNs for Teachers –Getting Connected

Teachers can find professional networking online. Educational sites afford convenience, privacy, and expertise in a variety of educational areas. There are also interactive activities for teachers joining an online community. Here are a few advantages to connecting online:

· Current educational topics discussed by experts and educators in a timely, thorough manner. For example, the latest input on educational technology use in the class, special education innovations, and school-wide interventions such as social and emotional interventions are hot topics currently inspiring teachers in their professional pursuits.

· Convenience and privacy comes with networking online. Professional development is generally limited to scheduled on-campus staff or team meetings, conferences, or District trainings. A teacher may have a question or comment on a topic with no opportunity during these gatherings, or the teacher feels the question or comment is too basic or too sophisticated for the discussion. Educational sites can provide a responsive venue through articles, group discussions, webcasts, videos or a search by a teacher using key words at the teacher’s convenience.

· Opportunities to investigate new teaching areas and/or extend teaching expertise abound through sites that are specific to educational technology, special education, or improved teaching methods. A teacher may want more information about learning disabilities, for personal or professional reasons, and find helpful information and professionals online. Maybe a video demonstrating a specific lesson would be very helpful. There is an abundance of sites to enhance a teacher’s knowledge and methods.

http://www.edutopia.org/

Edutopia This is an attractive, vast website that is has numerous educational topics: experts and educators writing articles, groups to join, videos, classroom guides. Edutopia is a great support for teachers.

https://www.teachingchannel.org/

The Teaching Channel provides specific video demonstrations in K-12 classrooms and lesson plan points on basic curriculum areas, as well as information on implementing the Common Core. There are also articles and blogs. The Teaching Channel provides a ‘Teaching Team’ feature for professional development.

http://www.ncld.org/

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) This site offers connections for parents and teachers in the complex, challenging area of Special Education. There is a diversity of articles that are thorough, clear, and understandable for those not trained in Special Education. The site offers ebooks, podcasts, videos and current news about the IEP process, IDEA, funding, and interventions. NCLD is a tremendous asset for teachers and parents.

http://www.edudemic.com/

Edudemic is a clear, concise, and thorough guide to educational technology, blended and flipped learning, and educational innovation using technology. There are many guidelines on a wide variety of topics that a teacher may not even have enough background in ed tech to ask about. For a teacher wishing to deepen knowledge of ed tech, or a beginner hoping to catch up--Edudemic is very effective.