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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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Global Competence: Teaching Young Learners to Take Action for Worldwide Impact at John Stanford International School

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Quiet Transformation at an Embattled School

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A Parent's Guide to 21st-Century Learning

Blogs on New-Teacher Support

New-Teacher Support

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Find advice, resources, and strategies to support new teachers and help them improve their craft.

Can Rubrics Inspire?

Todd FinleyJanuary 11, 2012

Tags Comprehensive Assessment, Literacy, Performance Assessment, Project-Based Learning, Rubrics, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

In a Buick LaCrosse crowded with English teachers on the way to a wine bar in Raleigh, Dr. Lil Brannon explained her trouble with rubrics: "Did you ever watch kids play Dance Dance Revolution, the video game where they put their feet in the right squares drawn on a mat? That doesn't look like real dancing, does it?"

Social and Emotional Curriculum: Obstacles to Happiness

Randy TaranJanuary 10, 2012

Tags Mental Health, , Student Engagement, Middle (6-8), Drama, High (9-12), History, Visual Arts

This is part two of seven-part series from the Project Happiness curriculum. It explores the many facets of happiness and provides practical techniques to generate greater happiness and a more meaningful life -- from the inside. Each door can be done alone, or the Seven Doors journey can be done in sequence.

Kicking off 2012 with Two Blog Series

Betty RayDecember 28, 2011

Tags Diversity, New Teachers

Join us for two new blog series featuring weekly posts from two prominent educators.

Embracing Continuous Improvement with EdTech

Mary Beth HertzDecember 12, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, New Teachers, Professional Development, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades

If you are a connected, networked educator (or even if you're not), it's easy to begin comparing yourself to all those online examples of excellence in ed tech. "Look at the way so-and-so is using blogging with his or her second graders!" or "I love how this person uses Skype to bring experts into their classroom!"

A Wounded Lover of Writing Prompts

Todd FinleyDecember 1, 2011

Tags Literacy, Student Engagement, Teacher Development, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

I am addicted to searching for inspiring writing prompts. Like playing Pachinko, clicking through education resources soothes and focuses me. My coffee goes cold as I hunt through Twitter and Diigo posts for just one more idea.

I am addicted to searching for inspiring writing prompts. Like playing Pachinko, clicking through education resources soothes and focuses me. My coffee goes cold as I hunt through Twitter and Diigo posts for just one more idea. Read More

New Teachers: Is Your Principal a P.A.L (Pretty Awesome Leader)?

Lisa Michelle DabbsNovember 17, 2011

Tags Leadership, Mentoring, New Teachers, Principals, Teacher Development, All Grades

A few weeks ago while discussing a topic for the next new teacher chat on Twitter, a pre-service teacher sent me a private tweet. She asked if I knew the best way a principal should work to support new teachers on their campus. I responded by saying that I thought it would make a perfect topic for an upcoming chat. As a result, our November 2 chat topic was "How should a principal support a new teacher?"

Mentoring and Coaching for Effective Tech Integration

Mary Beth HertzNovember 14, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Mentoring, Professional Development, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades

As schools bring more technology into their classrooms and teachers strive to put more technology in their students' hands, schools are also planning more and more time for teacher training and ongoing professional development for implementing these changes.

Deeper Learning Blog Carnival: Authentic Professional Development

Bob LenzNovember 3, 2011

Tags Career and Technical Education, Professional Development, Student Engagement, Teacher Development, High (9-12), All Grades

Our conversation continues the next two days with a discussion about professional development to support teaching practices for deeper learning. Today, we hear from Gary Hoachlander from ConnectEd - The California Center for College and Career Success.

Tech Drive By

Nicholas ProvenzanoOctober 21, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Primary (K-2), Professional Development, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

I stumbled upon a quick and easy way to help teachers with technology in their classroom and I want to share with all of you. I'm sort of a busy body and have a hard time staying in my room before school starts. Once I have my class ready for the day, I love to walk around the building and say hello to the people I work with and the students I see.

Mentoring Matters. Will You Take Up the Challenge?

Lisa Michelle DabbsOctober 14, 2011

Tags New Teachers, , Teacher Development, All Grades

Mentoring matters. It matters, because it offers acceptance, guidance, instructional support, hope, and optimism to teachers -- and particularly for new teachers. The act of mentoring is a part of the fabric of so many educational institutions. Yet it's still a piece that's missing at our schools for those new to the education profession. Why is that? With so many great teachers around, why are we lacking in mentors?

Mentoring matters. It matters, because it offers acceptance, guidance, instructional support, hope, and optimism to teachers -- and particularly for new teachers. The act of mentoring is a part of the fabric of so many educational institutions. Yet it's still a piece that's missing at our schools for those new to the education profession. Why is that? With so many great teachers around, why are we lacking in mentors? Read More