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Get support and guidance from change makers who are organizing and implementing real improvements to our educational system.

It’s Not a Pipe: Teaching Kids to Read the Media

Mark PhillipsAugust 9, 2012

Tags Curriculum, Media Literacy, High (9-12), Visual Arts

The image projected on the screen in the front of the classroom is Magritte's painting of a pipe, including the words, "Ceci n'est pas une pipe." I ask the students to each briefly make a guess why they think Magritte wrote that, since the painting is obviously a pipe. Some volunteers share their guesses with the class. One student nails it. "It's not a pipe; it's a drawing of a pipe!"

Making the Most of Connected Educator Month

Suzie BossAugust 1, 2012

Tags Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades

Connecting educators with online communities to advance their professional learning is the goal of the first Connected Educator Month, a U.S. Department of Education initiative that kicks off today, August 1, and continues through the month. The flurry of keynotes, panel discussions, book chats, and other interactive online events should give participants plenty to think about and, more importantly, discuss with colleagues as they head into the new school year.

Summer School for Teachers

Nicholas ProvenzanoJuly 19, 2012

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

While we all know there is no such thing as having a "summer off" as a teacher, the summer does afford us the time to do some exploring. I wanted to share some things with you that I think are worth exploring while school is out.

Foundation Recognizes Teaching Excellence

Ken EllisJuly 17, 2012

Tags Leadership, Teacher Development, California

The evening was filled with tales of despair, struggle and ultimate success. The Carlston Family Foundation was recognizing six outstanding California teachers, nominated by their former students who graduated from high schools in high poverty/high risk environments and went on to succeed at prestigious universities. An appreciative audience of family members, friends, students and colleagues were alternately roaring with laughter and fighting back tears, as they listened to the teachers describe their journeys from cluelessness to mastery in the classroom.

July: The Ultimate Planning Period

Terry HeickJuly 16, 2012

Tags Best Practices, Professional Development, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, All Grades

July is traditionally considered leisure time for educators and the educated -- teachers and students alike. Beaches and books, pools and picnics.

And for good reason. The workload of any teacher or administrator can be difficult for those outside of education to fully appreciate.

Resources for Teaching Middle School

Elena AguilarJuly 16, 2012

Tags Curriculum, Teacher Development

A student I taught 12 years ago (when she was in the sixth grade) emailed me recently sharing that in the fall, she will become a middle school English teacher. "That was the best year of school for me," she said, "I just want to help other kids have an experience like that." I was thrilled; what more could I want?

Hip-Hip Hooray for Summer! Three Tips to Spark Your Learning

Lisa Michelle DabbsJuly 11, 2012

Tags Online Learning, Professional Development, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, English Language Arts

When I was a kid, some of the things I enjoyed most about summer were swimming and banana splits! Yes . . . you heard right. Banana splits! They were my fave summer treat for many years, and I will always remember them with great fondness. As this summer has started, I've seen my PLN (personal learning network) sharing great ideas of how to spend the time in fun and frolic! I've also seen great ideas posted about how to get the most out of our summer learning time. I share this simply to say that as we seek ways to do some summer learning, we need to do it in a way that (like my banana splits) we will remember fondly.

Teachers: Are You Taking Time Off This Summer?

Elena AguilarJuly 6, 2012

Tags Teacher Development, All Grades

When people ask me if I'm taking some time off while school is out, I respond, "a little," being intentionally vague. I'm embarrassed, actually, that I'm taking so few days off this summer (a total of eight, really).

"It's my choice," I add. "This is self-imposed." But is it, I wonder?

How an Ocean's Journey Inspires One School

Bob LenzJuly 3, 2012

Tags Project-Based Learning, Teacher Development, Hawaii

Aloha! This past year, our new division, Envision Learning Partners, has been partnering with educators in Hawaii to bring education, Envision Style, to the youth of the islands.

Aloha! This past year, our new division, Envision Learning Partners, has been partnering with educators in Hawaii to bring education, Envision Style, to the youth of the islands. Read More

The Connected Science Teacher

Eric BrunsellJuly 2, 2012

Tags Biology, New Teachers, Professional Learning Network (PLN), , Teacher Development, Chemistry, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Science

It's summertime: time to relax, refresh and get connected. Joining an online community of science teachers is a great way to find resources, inspiration and like-minded colleagues to collaborate with as you re-tool your courses for the next school year. The list below is a good starting point to find a community or two that meets your needs. However, the list is not exhaustive. Use the comment section to share any online groups or communities that you find valuable!