101 Best Web Sites for Teacher Tools and Professional Development


Book Description

Free teachers' tools on the Internet? Yes, indeed, and in amazing variety. Now, with help from Web expert Jim Lerman, you too can discover the choicest sites for classroom tools and professional development.




Ditch That Textbook


Book Description

Textbooks are symbols of centuries-old education. They're often outdated as soon as they hit students' desks. Acting "by the textbook" implies compliance and a lack of creativity. It's time to ditch those textbooks--and those textbook assumptions about learning In Ditch That Textbook, teacher and blogger Matt Miller encourages educators to throw out meaningless, pedestrian teaching and learning practices. He empowers them to evolve and improve on old, standard, teaching methods. Ditch That Textbook is a support system, toolbox, and manifesto to help educators free their teaching and revolutionize their classrooms.




Teaching Generation Text


Book Description

Mobilizing the power of cell phones to maximize students' learning power Teaching Generation Text shows how teachers can turn cell phones into an educational opportunity instead of an annoying distraction. With a host of innovative ideas, activities, lessons, and strategies, Nielsen and Webb offer a unique way to use students' preferred method of communication in the classroom. Cell phones can remind students to study, serve as a way to take notes, provide instant, on-demand answers and research, be a great vehicle for home-school connection, and record and capture oral reports or responses to polls and quizzes, all of which can be used to enhance lesson plans and increase motivation. Offers tactics for teachers to help their students integrate digital technology with their studies Filled with research-based ideas and strategies for using a cell phone to enhance learning Provides methods for incorporating cell phones into instruction with a unit planning guide and lesson plan ideas This innovative new book is filled with new ideas for engaging learners in fun, free, and easy ways using nothing more than a basic, text-enabled cell phone.




Administering the School Library Media Center


Book Description

This is the most comprehensive textbook on school library administration available, now updated to include the latest standards and address new technologies. This reference text provides a complete instructional overview of the workings of the library media center—from the basics of administration, budgeting, facilities management, organization, selection of materials, and staffing to explanations on how to promote information literacy and the value of digital tools like blogs, wikis, and podcasting. Since the publication of the fourth edition of Administering the School Library Media Center in 2004, many changes have altered the landscape of school library administration: the implementation of NCLB legislation and the revision of AASL standards, just to mention two. The book is divided into 14 chapters, each devoted to a major topic in school library media management. This latest edition gives media specialists a roadmap for designing a school library that is functional and intellectually stimulating, while leading sources provide guidance for further research.




1001 Best Internet Sites for Educators


Book Description

This second edition of a resource designed to help teachers find relevant information on the Internet for both themselves and their students, provides concise reviews of more than 1,000 Web sites sorted by subject area. Each site is evaluated with one to five stars for content, presentation and grade level. Easy-to-follow explanations are provided of how each site can be used in the classroom. Also presented are search tips to help teacher find more sites on their own. Besides the rating of Internet sites, the book includes information on hardware and software requirements, safety on the Internet, plug-ins, and helpful information such as criteria for site selection and searching the Web. An element called "Finding Where You Have Been" helps teachers relocate sites they have viewed. Other helpful features are "Searching the Web" and a "Glossary of Terms" to familiarize teachers and students with the Internet. The introductory material on "Safety on the Internet" provides guidelines for teachers. A generic Acceptable Use Policy is also included that is copyright-free for schools to adapt to their needs. Recommendations for filtering software are offered for Internet use in places where individual monitoring is not possible, such as libraries. Data is provided on an Internet license system in which parents or caregivers sign an agreement for their child to access the Internet. Sites are provided under the following curriculum areas: language arts; mathematics; science; foreign languages; general and professional sites for educators; health and physical education; information and communication; music and performing arts; technology in education; and visual arts. (AEF)




Teaching 101


Book Description

The noble profession of teaching plays a vital role in inspiring students to achieve excellence. This new edition of one of the most comprehensive introductions to teaching available provides essential knowledge and actively engages new teachers in practice to become an exceptional teacher. Easy to understand and practical, this wide-ranging guide provides tools such as questions and activities at the end of each chapter, Web sites and vital readings for further study, and a self-assessment instrument to help readers succeed in their first year. The second edition includes more information on curriculum development and technology, more sample lesson plans, a new section on bullying, new activity sheets, and many checklists with immediate application procedures. The book is packed with helpful suggestions on topics such as: Lesson planning Classroom management Differentiating instruction Standards Assessment and grading Literacy Cooperative learning Inclusion National Board certification Teaching 101 is an invaluable resource that teachers can reference throughout their careers to expand their skills and perspectives.




Teach Uplifted


Book Description

Has teaching left you stressed, frustrated, or even discouraged? In Teach Uplifted you'll discover how to... Renew your passion for teaching by finding joy and peace in Christ Teach with joy even in difficult circumstances Banish anxiety and learn to trust God instead But be warned: This is not a collection of light, fluffy, feel-good stories. These powerful devotions will completely transform the way you view your life, your classroom, and your relationship with God.







These 6 Things


Book Description

Dave Stuart Jr.’s work is centered on a simple belief: all students and teachers can flourish. These 6 Things is all about streamlining your practice so that you’re teaching smarter, not harder, and kids are learning, doing, and flourishing in ELA and content-area classrooms. In this essential resource, teachers will receive: Proven, classroom-tested advice delivered in an approachable, teacher-to-teacher style that builds confidence Practical strategies for streamlining instruction in order to focus on key beliefs and literacy-building activities Solutions and suggestions for the most common teacher and student “hang-ups” Numerous recommendations for deeper reading on key topics




The Playful Classroom


Book Description

Shows teachers how and why they should bring play into the classroom to make learning meaningful, relevant, and fun. Research studies show that all students—young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural—benefit immensely from classrooms filled with art, creativity, and laughter. Fun, playfulness, creative thinking, and individual expression reinforce positive experiences, which in turn lead to more engaged students, better classroom environments, and successful learning outcomes. Designed for K-12 educators, The Playful Classroom describes how teachers can develop a playful mindset for giving students meaningful, relevant and fun learning experiences. This unique real-world guide provides you with everything you need to incorporate engaging, hands-on lessons and creative activities, regardless of the level and subject you teach. Building on contemporary and seminal works on learning theory and play pedagogy, the authors explain how to inspire your students by bringing play. into your classroom. This clear, user-friendly guide supplies practical strategies and effective solutions for adding the missing ingredients to your classroom culture. Access to the authors’ companion website provides videos, learning experiences, and downloadable teaching and learning resources. Packed with relatable humor, proven methods, and valuable insights, this book enables you to: Provide meaningful experiences that will benefit students both in school and later in life Combine the principles of PLAY with traditional curricula to encourage creative learning Promote trust, collaboration, and growth in students Develop a playful mindset for bringing the arts into every lesson Foster critical thinking in any school community The Playful Classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages is a must-have resource for K-12 educators, higher education professionals, and readers looking for education-based professional development and training resources.