Welcome Back! Some great resources to get your school year started

<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://files.campus.edublogs.org/blogs.egusd.net/dist/0/349/files/2012/08/Back-To-School-r0h50u.jpg" width="200" /></div>Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a great summer and was able to relax and recharge. Our district starts with teacher professional development and classroom setup this coming Thursday, K-9 start next Tuesday, and 10-12 start Wednesday. The summer has flown by!<div><br /></div><div>The beginning of the year is always a little crazy for all teachers. Getting your room setup, implementing new ideas into your lesson plans, getting to know your students, and just settling back in to the routine can be busy and stressful. Remember to not over do it and take time for yourself. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I've done that helps me is I've created a check list of everything I have to do when school starts, including setting up my room (computer, bulletin boards, etc), things I want to post in my room, lesson ideas and more in Evernote. I modify it each year, adding new things for the following year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some more tips, resources, and help to get your school year started on a positive note, and keep it that way. </div><div><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/04/advice-to-new-college-graduates-about.html">Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/04/handout-new-teacher-tips-urban-schools.html">Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources</a></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/my-favorite-resources-for-teachers-and.html">My Favorite Resources for Teachers and Students</a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/evernote-for-education.html">Evernote for Education Resources</a> - the ultimate note taking, web clipping, lesson planning resource</div><div><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/create-personal-learning-network.html">Create a Personal Learning Network</a> - a PLN is an excellent resource for help, advice, and sharing ideas.<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/google-for-educators_22.html">Google for Educators</a> - Google has a huge number of free resources for teachers and students. Check them all out (they're all free).<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-technology-i-use-on-daily-basis.html">Overview of some free technology that can help you be more organized and efficient. </a><br /><br /><br />Good luck and I hope everyone has a great school year!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

Welcome Back! Some great resources to get your school year started

Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a great summer and was able to relax and recharge. Our district starts with teacher professional...

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Traits & Skills of "Great" Teachers - my list - add yours

<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwej28kHP-0mNP9K2EocColEcGZ4SrGnVGrGpk-GyeW3wbOzyKV4O1ZIj75bQvsEtijjHSfCJ9iDdtakoJsKEohwt8X6UQpCakwesRClk522Ca3k4IezwuMva7Km3mLdgFhy1lk6QHeqz2/s200/great-teacher-brooch-pin31.jpg" width="200" /></div><br />I work with new teachers and pre-service teachers quite often and I think about what traits are indicative of a "Great teacher" and try to help them develop these traits and skills. Here's my list. Add yours and your comments.<br /><br />(in no particular order)<br /><br />1. Positive Attitude - being negative will make you angry, pass negative attitudes onto colleagues and students and not make you effective.<br /><br />2. Lifelong learner - teachers need to know that they don't know everything and that things change, so they must always be learning and keeping up with new ideas, trends, research, and pedagogy.<br /><br />3. Curious and Explorer - teachers should be curious and want to explore and learn more. Pass this along to your students. Try new things, and see what works best.<br /><br />4. Connect with students - make personal connections with students. Show them that you care about them as people. This helps with behavior issues, along with helping students want to come to class and do well. Be mindful of their home lives, experiences, and issues that may affect their learning. <br /><br />5. Pedagogy and Content - it's hard to teach if you don't know your content or how to help students learn it.<br /><br />6. Tools - need to know what tools and resources exist to help you teach and help your students learn. This includes technology, research, lesson resources, help, and more.<br /><br />7. Ask for help. There are people who will help you.<br /><br />8. Compassion - remember what it's like to be a student. Realize that your students may have major issues outside of school that will affect their learning.<br /><br />9. Be self-reflective and seek to get better at your career. Always reflect on what you are doing and how you can do it better.<br /><br />10. Flexible and think on your feet - plans go awry, schools change plans, stuff happens. Be flexible, be able to adapt and overcome obstacles. Sometimes students start a great discussion - roll with it, and be flexible and use it as a great learning experience.<br /><br />11. Connect and communicate with parents. Parents are a huge influence on student learning. Home life, parental support, and more. Connect with parents and help them help their children.<br /><br />12. Teach students, then teach your content. We are not just teaching science, math, or history. We are teaching our students life skills that will help them in the future. We are trying to make them informed, educated, productive members of society.<br /><br />13. Prepared and Organized - be prepared to teach and support learning. Be organized. Both of these are important and will help you overcome obstacles and last minute issues.<br /><br />Here's a great quote that was Tweeted out the other day that applies here:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">#cue12 Products don't close the gap or make scores rise: meaningful learning, student centered, passionate teachers, supportive families do</blockquote><br /><br /><b>What traits would you add?</b><br /><br /><br /><b>Related:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/03/list-of-what-makes-good-teacher-created.html">List of What Makes a Good Teacher - created by students</a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/great-resources-for-new-teachers-advice.html">Great resources for New Teachers - advice, support, and training</a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/04/advice-to-new-college-graduates-about.html">Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession</a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-school-relevant-for-students.html">Making School Relevant for Students</a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-important-skills-students-need-for.html">10 Important Skills Students need for the Future</a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-tech-skills-every-student-should.html">10 Tech Skills Every Student Should Have</a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/getting-students-and-teachers-organized.html">Getting Students and Teachers Organized - tips and resources</a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Traits & Skills of "Great" Teachers - my list - add yours

I work with new teachers and pre-service teachers quite often and I think about what traits are indicative of a "Great teacher" an...

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Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.vcu.edu/businessnews/graduation1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Welcome to the hardest job you'll ever love!</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I think about the fact that most colleges will be holding graduation in the next few weeks, I thought about all those new graduates that will be joining the education profession next year and thought I'd share some advice and resources for them. I'll be speaking to some from a few different area programs and I hope you will share these with new graduates that you know. I also figured this would be a good time because many seniors are still doing student teaching now. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your best resource as a new teacher is yourself. Use what you learned in school. Seek out more information from colleagues and the Internet. Use your creativity. Remember what it was like to be a student yourself.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask other teachers for help. Do not isolate yourself in your classroom. Make connections with other teachers, whether it is in person, by email, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/twitter-google-plus-facebook-nice.html">Twitter, Google+</a>, Facebook, Ning, web sites, or blogs. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/create-personal-learning-network.html">Create a Personal Learning Network</a> of people and resources that can help you.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't reinvent the wheel. Use the resources that are available to you. Most textbooks come with instructor resource CD-ROMs and companion web sites. Use the resources that they have and then modify them as needed. Search the Internet for lesson plan ideas, activities, classroom management tips, and other tips and tricks. Check out <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/25-free-resources-from-discovery.html">Discovery Education's free resources</a>. Use some of the great free resources that are available out there.  As and example, as a Physics teacher, I use PhysicsClassroom and PhET (online virtual labs) quite often with my classes. They are both excellent, and free. </span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farroutlinks.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/NewTeacherTheme-450x337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://farroutlinks.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/NewTeacherTheme-450x337.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/getting-students-and-teachers-organized.html">Stay organized</a>. You need to stay organized. Make sure you have a lesson plan guide and calendar of some sort. You can use a paper based planner and lesson planner or use an electronic or web-based system. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/10/android-smartphone-and-apps-i-use-as.html">Smartphones</a> are great for staying organized, accessing your files and apps at anytime, and being very productive. You can also use online resources like <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/google-for-educators_22.html">Google</a>, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/evernote-for-education.html">Evernote</a> and others to keep your files, calendar, tasks, and lesson plans organized.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Write things down and make sure you have your classroom materials organized and labeled.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Your district and school will run professional development sessions, but don't limit yourself to those. Look for free online sessions, webcasts, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/search/label/conference">conferences</a>, and sessions run by your local educational resource agency. Create your own, on-demand professional development using <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/11/twitter-for-education-great-resource.html">Twitter.</a> </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Join a professional society in your area. As a physics teacher, I have joined the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). Find out what organizations are in your area and join them. You will find resources and contacts through these organizations.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read journals. Subscribe to and read educational journals. Most are free, so you don't have to worry about the money. There are journals on general education, educational technology, pedagogy, assessment, and just about every other area of education. Here is a great, free journal: <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/tech-learning-free-magazine-and-website.html">Tech and Learning Magazine</a> - great magazine with educational and technology information and resources. Free subscription for teachers.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be creative with your lessons. Think outside the box. Come up with new, fun ways to teach the students. Use projects and<a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/project-based-learning.html"> project-based-learning</a> as a way to engage and teach your students. You can find a huge number of resources and ideas for projects on the web. Don't allow the textbook or curriculum to limit how your students learn. Make sure you address the needs of all of your students (<a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/differentiation-tools-tips-and.html">Differentiation</a>).</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read some books on education. My personal favorites to start with are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962936065?ie=UTF8&tag=educatechnguy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0962936065%22%3EThe%20First%20Days%20Of%20School:%20How%20To%20Be%20An%20Effective%20Teacher%3C/a%3E" rel="nofollow">"First Days of School", by Harry Wong</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761529691?ie=UTF8&tag=educatechnguy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0761529691%22%3EYour%20First%20Year%20As%20a%20High%20School%20Teacher%20:%20Making%20the%20Transition%20from%20Total%20Novice%20to%20Successful%20Professional%3C/a%3E" rel="nofollow">"Your First Year as a High School Teacher", by Lynne Rominger</a>, et al.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't pay for things if you can get them for free. There are tons of free resources, from software to web sites, that can help you in your classroom. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/tips-for-saving-money-and-finding-free.html">Here are some tips for finding free resources</a>. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make connections with the secretaries and custodians in your building. They will be some of your best resources for supplies, ideas, and help.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make connections with local businesses, especially those that are related to your subject area. They can be a huge resource for guests, supplies and equipment, and funding. Many local businesses, such as Staples, have Teacher Appreciation Days with discounts and free gifts. Find out about these. Remind businesses that instead of throwing out things, they can donate usable items to your school as a tax write-off.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get to know the publisher's representative for your class's textbook. They can get you a lot of resources.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be flexible. Remember Murphy's law. Have plans for when your lessons run short or long, to deal with interruptions and fire drills, assemblies, and days when much of your class is absent because of a field trip. Here are some good ideas for<a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/05/backup-plans-some-tips-for-teachers.html"> backup plans</a>.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/05/backup-plans-some-tips-for-teachers.html">Have back up plans for everything</a> and especially have backup plans in case of technology issues.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Know your local and State curriculum. Know what is expected of you. Know what is expected of the students.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Track your personal expenses and save receipts. There is a tax deduction for educators.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Copyright issues - be careful and make sure you know about <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/search/label/copyright">Educational Copyright</a> issues</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep up on your certification requirements.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spend this summer relaxing and getting ready for your new career. Once you get hired by a school, get a copy of the curriculum and review it over the summer. Think about the kind of teacher you want to be. Get yourself organized. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are still looking for a job, don't worry. Teachers retire, move to different school systems. There will be openings. If you can't find a job by August, keep trying. Sign up to be a substitute teacher in the towns nearby. That is a foot-in-the-door for a permanent job when one opens. Don't despair, you will find a job. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help, and look for help. Again, don't be afraid to ask for help.</span></li></ul><br /><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Good luck and welcome to the profession!</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Some more resources for new teachers:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/great-resources-for-new-teachers-advice.html">Great resources for New Teachers - advice, support, and training</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/04/handout-new-teacher-tips-urban-schools.html">Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This blog, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/">Educational Technology Guy</a> - tips, resources, free technology, and much more. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-advice.html">New Teacher Advice</a> - some good advice for new teachers (and old ones too!)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-survival-central.html">Discovery Education New Teacher Survival Central</a> - a great resource for all teachers (and free).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/03/list-of-discovery-education-training.html">List of Discovery Education Resources for Educators </a>- very good, inclusive list of Discovery Educations resources.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/11/131-tips-for-new-teachers.html">131 Tips for New Teachers</a></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/google-for-educators_22.html">Google for Educators resources</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/evernote-for-education.html">Evernote for Educators Resources</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/android-for-education.html">Android for Educators Resources</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>

Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession

Welcome to the hardest job you'll ever love! As I think about the fact that most colleges will be holding graduation in the next few wee...

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Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources

<br /><br /><br />This past Saturday I spoke with the pre-service science teachers in <a href="http://www.ctohe.org/ARC/">Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program</a> about new teacher tips, urban schools issues, and technology resources.<br /><br />Here is the handout I gave them as we chatted.<br /><br /><br /><b id="internal-source-marker_0.2422616200055927"></b><br /><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.2422616200055927"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ARC-A-Palooza 2012</span></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.2422616200055927"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Andrade, M.S. Ed </span></b></div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.2422616200055927"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> New teacher stuff</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.2422616200055927"><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ask for help</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lots of resources online - lesson plans, classroom management, activities, new teacher help</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">remember what you have learned here</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be organized!!!  (Evernote, Google Docs, Google Calendar)</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">take advantage of professional development opportunities and find some outside of district</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">join a professional society (NSTA, AAPT, etc)</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">use Projects in your classroom</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a backup plan and be creative</span></li></b></ul><b id="internal-source-marker_0.2422616200055927"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources, Links and Articles to read:</span></div><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(my blog and website listed up top) - free stuff, educational ideas and resources, </span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">new teacher advice  </span><a href="http://goo.gl/kkIqR"><span style="color: #000099; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://goo.gl/kkIqR</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and  </span><a href="http://www.techlearning.com/blogs/17362"><span style="color: #000099; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.techlearning.com/blogs/17362</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></a></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Article from 2010 ARC-A-Palooza: </span><a href="http://www.techlearning.com/blogs/22478"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.techlearning.com/blogs/22478</span></a></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.techlearning.com/"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.techlearning.com/</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Tech&Learning Magazine - great resource</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.edutopia.org/"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.edutopia.org/</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Edutopia - George Lucas Educational Foundation - great info and resources</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.pbs.org/teachers/classroom/9-12/"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.pbs.org/teachers/classroom/9-12/</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lots of free stuff!</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://discoveryeducation.com/survival/"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://discoveryeducation.com/survival/</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Great info, resources and advice for new teachers</span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create a Personal Learning Network (starting with your ARC colleagues): </span><a href="http://goo.gl/SBxe"><span style="color: #000099; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://goo.gl/SBxe</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></li><li style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differentiation </span><a href="http://goo.gl/xEFWF"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://goo.gl/xEFWF</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Urban/low income schools</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Student issues</span><div dir="ltr"><table style="border-bottom-style: none; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;"><colgroup><col width="312"></col><col width="312"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">not all students think school is important</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no support at home (hmwk, etc)</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no parents, too many kids, no parental involvement</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">poverty, drugs, violence (HS kids work to pay bills)</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">work part time jobs to help pay bills</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no ride to school</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">issues at home - absences, tardy</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">take care of siblings</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no computer/internet at home</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cultural beliefs are different</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">high turnover of students (pregnancy, crime, drugs)</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">move a lot - change schools</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 7px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">English as Second Language</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 7px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading comprehension</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">School Issues:</span><div dir="ltr"><table style="border-bottom-style: none; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;"><colgroup><col width="312"></col><col width="312"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">high teacher/admin turnover and burnout</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">large classes</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">limited funds and resources</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hard to change things due to lack of resources</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lots of new teachers</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lots of new initiatives to fix (don't work)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Things to do to help and support urban students:</span><div dir="ltr"><table style="border-bottom-style: none; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;"><colgroup><col width="312"></col><col width="312"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">give students time to do work in school</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">make  your classroom available after school</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">create a safe haven in your classroom</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be sensitive to issues they face</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">remember cultural/socio-economic issues</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">connect learning to THEIR lives and experiences</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">look for grants (</span><a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.donorschoose.org</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) </span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">create a PLN for ideas and resources (see below)</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">connect with business, colleges, and other schools</span></td><td style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enthusiasm is contagious! Engage & Excite them.</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 7px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">translation (Google translate)</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 7px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">differentiate and individualize</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What advice do you have for new teachers, teachers going to urban districts?<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Related:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/great-resources-for-new-teachers-advice.html">Great resources for New Teachers - advice, support, and training</a> - resources, articles, links and more. One-stop-shopping for new teacher resources.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources

This past Saturday I spoke with the pre-service science teachers in Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program about new te...

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Great resources for New Teachers - advice, support, and training

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="105" src="http://fcps.schoolwires.com/15291082913121217/lib/15291082913121217/NewTeacherWorkshops2.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farroutlinks.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/NewTeacherTheme-450x337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://farroutlinks.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/NewTeacherTheme-450x337.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />It's always a good time to share advice, tips, and resources to help new teachers. Plus, these are all good resources for veteran teachers too!<br /><br />Here is a collection of resources for New Teachers:<br /><br /><a href="http://new%20teacher%20advice%20and%20tips/">New Teacher Advice and Tips</a> - advice, tips, how to get help, new teacher support web sites, books to read, conferences to attend, sites/journals to subscribe to, and much more.<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-teacher-orientation-ideas-and.html?m=1">New Teacher Orientation resources</a> - what new teacher orientation should be<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-teacher-survival-central-great-free.html">New Teacher Survival Central</a> - great, free resource from Discovery Education for new teachers.<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/helping-educators-get-started-with.html">Helping Teachers Get Started with Educational Technology</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/ntcamp-new-teacher-camp-educational.html">ntcamp - New Teacher Camp conferences</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/11/131-tips-for-new-teachers.html">131 Tips for New Teachers</a> - great presentation of compiled tips, ideas, and resources for new teachers.<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/10/teachone-collection-of-teaching.html">TeachOne</a> - collection of great educational resources, including new teacher<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/my-favorite-resources-for-teachers-and.html">My Favorite Resources for Teachers and Students</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-strategies/new-teacher">New Teacher Survival Guide from Scholastic</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/images/NewTeacher_articlelpage.gif" />    <img height="320" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/aba/lowres/aban705l.jpg" width="316" /></div><br /><br /><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><b><i>What are your favorite resources for new teachers?</i></b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Great resources for New Teachers - advice, support, and training

It's always a good time to share advice, tips, and resources to help new teachers. Plus, these are all good resources for veteran teache...

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TeachOne - collection of teaching resources and information

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/10277500/10277919_25a8_625x625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="44" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/10277500/10277919_25a8_625x625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://teachone.tripod.com/">TeachOne</a> is a nice site to go to find different educational resources and sites. There are resources, information and links on: How to Use the Internet, General Teaching (educational technology, classroom management, lesson plans, support groups, online magazines, professional development, and teacher associations and unions), new teacher help, book recommendations, Biology, General Science and Earth/Space Science, Math, and Critical Thinking. <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fdfdfd;"><br /></span><br />There are a lot of great resources here for all educators to use.<br /><br /><br />

TeachOne - collection of teaching resources and information

TeachOne  is a nice site to go to find different educational resources and sites. There are resources, information and links on: How to Use ...

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New Teacher Survival Central - great free resource for all teachers

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/9962500/9962930_a08c_625x625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/9962500/9962930_a08c_625x625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/">Discovery Education</a> has a great site for new teachers. <a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/survival/index.cfm">The New Teacher Survival Central</a> has lots of great resources for new teachers (and veteran teachers) on technology, parent communication, classroom management, lesson plan resources, and much more.<br /><div><br /></div><div>There are tutorials and training resources that will help new teachers adapt to their new career. The <a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/survival/survival_tool_kit.cfm#a1">Survival Tool Kit</a> has a best of the web section with links to great web sites for educators.</div><div><br /></div><div>The site is easy to navigate with great resources. I check in every once and while to see what's new that can help me in my classroom. The site is great for any educator. Don't forget to check out the rest of <a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/">Discovery Education's</a> site also, where you can find over 30 free resources for educators to use in their classrooms.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/9962500/9962963_4a00_625x625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/9962500/9962963_4a00_625x625.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div>

New Teacher Survival Central - great free resource for all teachers

Discovery Education  has a great site for new teachers.  The New Teacher Survival Central  has lots of great resources for new teachers (and...

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New Teacher Orientation ideas and questions

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm working on my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (I already have one in Educational Technology) and my current course is "Developing Teachers." In this course we are looking at recruiting, training, and retaining teachers and this week we are looking at new teacher orientation programs.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I started, the new teacher orientation program was three days before the rest of the teachers came in. We had talks from each department, received the curriculum for our class, and had some various presentations on different topics. The current new teacher orientation program is similar, but also has the new teachers meeting together once a month throughout the year for more training and support.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of the things that I felt were lacking and some of the new teachers from last year also thought were missing:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Orientation to computer systems - making sure every teacher has a login for the computers, email, and student information system and then having training on how to use them all. It is very minimal right now.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. More information about special education services and how the process works.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. A list of "people to go to" for different issues, such as computer problems, supply needs, and so forth.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. List of services available to students - special education, social work, health and medical, etc.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. More on classroom management that specifically addresses the policies of the district rather than being general.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Instead of just handing out the curriculum, provide time to look over the curriculum and then have someone from that department to help you with any issues, especially with the material for the first month of school.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. They currently get an afternoon to go to their building and start setting up their rooms, but it would be nice to have time with the department chair, to look over your classroom, get a tour of the building and get shown where resources and offices are. Currently, it is up to each school to try to fit in a tour when time permits and I think it should be a formal part of the orientation program.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. A <span class="Apple-style-span">new teacher orientation booklet with all resources, expectations, schedule, rules and procedures. Some of this is handed out now, but it is not combined into a comprehensive book. It probably wouldn't hurt to have this available for all teachers, especially when there have been changes made to policies and procedures from the previous year.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. The realities of the school system - budget issues, student behavior, buildings, etc. It can be a shock to many new teachers coming out of college with their idealistic views to suddenly run head on into the reality of run down schools, no supplies or resources, student discipline issues, lack of parental support, and other realities of teaching. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What does your district's new teacher orientation program look like? What do you think should be in a new teacher orientation program?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Related Articles:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www2.blogblog.com/rounders3/icon_arrow.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 10px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; display: block; font: normal normal bold 135%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 29px; padding-right: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-teacher-advice-and-tips-repost.html" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">New Teacher Advice and Tips - repost</a></span></h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www2.blogblog.com/rounders3/icon_arrow.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 10px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; display: block; font: normal normal bold 135%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 29px; padding-right: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school-resources-for-all.html" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Back to School resources for all educators</a></span></h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www2.blogblog.com/rounders3/icon_arrow.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 10px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; display: block; font: normal normal bold 135%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 29px; padding-right: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"> <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/08/welcome-back-to-school.html" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Welcome back to School!</span></a></h3></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 10px 0.5em; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dotted; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dotted; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; display: block; font: normal normal bold 135%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 29px; padding-right: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"> <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-survival-central.html" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">New Teacher Survival Central</span></a></h3><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></span>

New Teacher Orientation ideas and questions

NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION I'm working on my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (I already have one in Educational Technology) a...

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New Teacher Advice and Tips - repost

<br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Welcome to the hardest job you'll ever love!</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I think about the fact that most colleges will be holding graduation next month, I thought about all those new graduates that will be joining the education profession next year and thought I'd share some advice and resources for them. I'll be speaking to some from a few different area programs and I hope you will share these with new graduates that you know. I also figured this would be a good time because many seniors are still doing student teaching now. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your best resource as a new teacher is yourself. Use what you learned in school. Seek out more information from colleagues and the Internet. Use your creativity. Remember what it was like to be a student yourself.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask other teachers for help. Do not isolate yourself in your classroom. Make connections with other teachers, whether it is in person, by email, Facebook, Ning, Twitter, web sites, or blogs. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/create-personal-learning-network.html">Create a Personal Learning Network</a> of people and resources that can help you.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't reinvent the wheel. Use the resources that are available to you. Most textbooks now come with instructor resource CD-ROMs and companion web sites. Use the resources that they have and then modify them as needed. Search the Internet for lesson plan ideas, activities, classroom management tips, and other tips and tricks. Check out <a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/index.cfm?campaign=flyout_teachers">Discovery Education's free resources</a>. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/getting-students-and-teachers-organized.html">Stay organized</a>. You need to stay organized. Make sure you have a lesson plan guide and calendar of some sort. You can use a paper based planner and lesson planner or use an electronic or web-based system. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/07/own-smartphone-heres-were-you-can-find.html">Smartphones</a> are great for staying organized. You can also use online resources like <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/igoogle-as-educationalorganizational.html">Google</a>, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/evernote-get-organized-free-and-on-all.html">Evernote</a> and others to keep your files, calendar, tasks, and lesson plans organized.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Write things down and make sure you have your classroom materials organized and labeled.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Your district and school will run professional development sessions, but don't limit yourself to those. Look for free online sessions, webcasts, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/search/label/conference">conferences</a>, and sessions run by your local educational resource agency. Create your own, on-demand professional development using <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/11/twitter-for-education-great-resource.html">Twitter.</a> </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Join a professional society in your area. As a physics teacher, I have joined the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). Find out what organizations are in your area and join them. You will find resources and contacts through these organizations.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read journals. Subscribe to and read educational journals. Most are free, so you don't have to worry about the money. There are journals on general education, educational technology, pedagogy, assessment, and just about every other area of education. Here is a great, free journal: <a href="http://www.techlearning.com/">Tech and Learning Magazine</a> - great magazine with educational and technology information and resources. Free subscription for teachers.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be creative with your lessons. Think outside the box. Come up with new, fun ways to teach the students. Use projects and project-based-learning as a way to engage and teach your students. You can find a huge number of resources and ideas for projects on the web.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read some books on education. My personal favorites to start with are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962936065?ie=UTF8&tag=educatechnguy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0962936065%22%3EThe%20First%20Days%20Of%20School:%20How%20To%20Be%20An%20Effective%20Teacher%3C/a%3E" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: underline;">"First Days of School", by Harry Wong</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761529691?ie=UTF8&tag=educatechnguy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0761529691%22%3EYour%20First%20Year%20As%20a%20High%20School%20Teacher%20:%20Making%20the%20Transition%20from%20Total%20Novice%20to%20Successful%20Professional%3C/a%3E" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: underline;">"Your First Year as a High School Teacher", by Lynne Rominger</a>, et al.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't pay for things if you can get them for free. There are tons of free resources, from software to web sites, that can help you in your classroom. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/tips-for-saving-money-and-finding-free.html">Here are some tips for finding free resources</a>.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make connections with the secretaries and custodians in your building. They will be some of your best resources for supplies, ideas, and help.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make connections with local businesses, especially those that are related to your subject area. They can be a huge resource for guests, supplies and equipment, and funding. Many local businesses, such as Staples, have Teacher Appreciation Days with discounts and free gifts. Find out about these. Remind businesses that instead of throwing out things, they can donate usable items to your school as a tax write-off.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get to know the publisher's representative for your class's textbook. They can get you a lot of resources.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be flexible. Remember Murphy's law. Have plans for when your lessons run short or long, to deal with interruptions and fire drills, assemblies, and days when much of your class is absent because of a field trip. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have back up plans for everything and especially have backup plans in case of technology issues.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Know your local and State curriculum. Know what is expected of you. Know what is expected of the students.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Track your personal expenses and save receipts. There is a tax deduction for educators.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Copyright issues - be careful and make sure you know about <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/search/label/copyright">Educational Copyright</a> issues</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep up on your certification requirements.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spend this summer relaxing and getting ready for your new career. Once you get hired by a school, get a copy of the curriculum and review it over the summer. Think about the kind of teacher you want to be. Get yourself organized. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are still looking for a job, don't worry. Teachers retire, move to different school systems. There will be openings. If you can't find a job by August, keep trying. Sign up to be a substitute teacher in the towns nearby. That is a foot-in-the-door for a permanent job when one opens. Don't despair, you will find a job. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help, and look for help. Again, don't be afraid to ask for help.</span></li></ul><br /><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good luck and welcome to the profession!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some more resources for new teachers:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-advice.html">New Teacher Advice</a> - some good advice for new teachers (and old ones too!)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-survival-central.html">Discovery Education New Teacher Survival Central</a> - a great resource for all teachers (and free).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/03/list-of-discovery-education-training.html">List of Discovery Education Resources for Educators </a>- very good, inclusive list of Discovery Educations resources.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-top-10-free-web-resources-for.html">Top 10 Free Resources for Teachers</a></span></span></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div>

New Teacher Advice and Tips - repost

Welcome to the hardest job you'll ever love! As I think about the fact that most colleges will be holding graduation next month, I thoug...

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Back to School resources for all educators

<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="228" src="http://thefrugalfind.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/back-to-school.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />School is almost here (for some people, it's already started). Here is a collection of some great articles and resources for new teachers, students, and teachers looking for some great resources and ideas:<br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/advice-to-new-graduates-that-will-be.html">Advice to New Graduates Entering the Education Profession</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/05/sources-of-funding-and-free-stuff-for.html">Sources of Funding and Free Resources for Teachers</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/05/backup-plans-some-tips-for-teachers.html">Backup Plans - Tips for Teachers</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/06/technology-i-use-on-daily-basis.html">Technology I use on a Daily Basis as a teacher</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-top-10-free-google-resources-for.html">Top 10 Free Google Resources for Educators</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-top-10-free-web-resources-for.html">Top 10 Free Web Resources for Educators</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/top-10-resources-from-discovery.html">Top 10 Free Resources from Discovery Education</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/why-do-schools-still-pay-so-much-for.html">Free alternatives to paid software and services</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-5-apps-for-administrators-to-learn.html">Top 5 Apps for Administrators to learn and use</a><br /><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/05/summary-of-great-web-20-resources-for.html">Summary of Great Web Resources for Students</a><br /><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-top-10-free-web-resources-for.html">Top 10 Free Web Resources for Students</a><br /><br />More resources to come too!<br /><br /><br /><br />

Back to School resources for all educators

School is almost here (for some people, it's already started). Here is a collection of some great articles and resources for new teacher...

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Instructional Strategies Online - great resource for teachers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/8116000/8116229_9e0a_625x625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/8116000/8116229_9e0a_625x625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/de/pd/instr/index.html">Instructional Strategies Online</a> is a site that contains tips, resources, and information about all different kinds of instructional strategies that teachers can use in their classrooms.<br /><br />The site is organized by type of strategy, such as Direct Instruction, Indirect, Experiential, instructional skills and more.<br /><br />There is a huge amount of information and resources available for teachers and it is well worth taking a look at  no matter how experienced you are.

Instructional Strategies Online - great resource for teachers

Instructional Strategies Online is a site that contains tips, resources, and information about all different kinds of instructional strateg...

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Advice to new graduates that will be entering the teaching profession

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Welcome to the hardest job you'll ever love!</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I think about the fact that most colleges will be holding graduation next month, I thought about all those new graduates that will be joining the education profession next year and thought I'd share some advice and resources for them. I'll be speaking to some from a few different area programs and I hope you will share these with new graduates that you know. I also figured this would be a good time because many seniors are still doing student teaching now. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your best resource as a new teacher is yourself. Use what you learned in school. Seek out more information from colleagues and the Internet. Use your creativity. Remember what it was like to be a student yourself.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask other teachers for help. Do not isolate yourself in your classroom. Make connections with other teachers, whether it is in person, by email, Facebook, Ning, Twitter, web sites, or blogs. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/create-personal-learning-network.html">Create a Personal Learning Network</a> of people and resources that can help you.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't reinvent the wheel. Use the resources that are available to you. Most textbooks now come with instructor resource CD-ROMs and companion web sites. Use the resources that they have and then modify them as needed. Search the Internet for lesson plan ideas, activities, classroom management tips, and other tips and tricks. Check out <a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/index.cfm?campaign=flyout_teachers">Discovery Education's free resources</a>. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/getting-students-and-teachers-organized.html">Stay organized</a>. You need to stay organized. Make sure you have a lesson plan guide and calendar of some sort. You can use a paper based planner and lesson planner or use an electronic or web-based system. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/07/own-smartphone-heres-were-you-can-find.html">Smartphones</a> are great for staying organized. You can also use online resources like <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/igoogle-as-educationalorganizational.html">Google</a>, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/evernote-get-organized-free-and-on-all.html">Evernote</a> and others to keep your files, calendar, tasks, and lesson plans organized.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Write things down and make sure you have your classroom materials organized and labeled.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Your district and school will run professional development sessions, but don't limit yourself to those. Look for free online sessions, webcasts, <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/search/label/conference">conferences</a>, and sessions run by your local educational resource agency. Create your own, on-demand professional development using <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/11/twitter-for-education-great-resource.html">Twitter.</a> </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Join a professional society in your area. As a physics teacher, I have joined the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). Find out what organizations are in your area and join them. You will find resources and contacts through these organizations.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read journals. Subscribe to and read educational journals. Most are free, so you don't have to worry about the money. There are journals on general education, educational technology, pedagogy, assessment, and just about every other area of education. Here is a great, free journal: <a href="http://www.techlearning.com/">Tech and Learning Magazine</a> - great magazine with educational and technology information and resources. Free subscription for teachers.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be creative with your lessons. Think outside the box. Come up with new, fun ways to teach the students. Use projects and project-based-learning as a way to engage and teach your students. You can find a huge number of resources and ideas for projects on the web.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read some books on education. My personal favorites to start with are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962936065?ie=UTF8&tag=educatechnguy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0962936065%22%3EThe%20First%20Days%20Of%20School:%20How%20To%20Be%20An%20Effective%20Teacher%3C/a%3E" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: underline;">"First Days of School", by Harry Wong</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761529691?ie=UTF8&tag=educatechnguy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0761529691%22%3EYour%20First%20Year%20As%20a%20High%20School%20Teacher%20:%20Making%20the%20Transition%20from%20Total%20Novice%20to%20Successful%20Professional%3C/a%3E" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: underline;">"Your First Year as a High School Teacher", by Lynne Rominger</a>, et al.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't pay for things if you can get them for free. There are tons of free resources, from software to web sites, that can help you in your classroom. <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/tips-for-saving-money-and-finding-free.html">Here are some tips for finding free resources</a>.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make connections with the secretaries and custodians in your building. They will be some of your best resources for supplies, ideas, and help.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make connections with local businesses, especially those that are related to your subject area. They can be a huge resource for guests, supplies and equipment, and funding. Many local businesses, such as Staples, have Teacher Appreciation Days with discounts and free gifts. Find out about these. Remind businesses that instead of throwing out things, they can donate usable items to your school as a tax write-off.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get to know the publisher's representative for your class's textbook. They can get you a lot of resources.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be flexible. Remember Murphy's law. Have plans for when your lessons run short or long, to deal with interruptions and fire drills, assemblies, and days when much of your class is absent because of a field trip. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have back up plans for everything and especially have backup plans in case of technology issues.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Know your local and State curriculum. Know what is expected of you. Know what is expected of the students.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Track your personal expenses and save receipts. There is a tax deduction for educators.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Copyright issues - be careful and make sure you know about <a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/search/label/copyright">Educational Copyright</a> issues</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep up on your certification requirements.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spend this summer relaxing and getting ready for your new career. Once you get hired by a school, get a copy of the curriculum and review it over the summer. Think about the kind of teacher you want to be. Get yourself organized. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are still looking for a job, don't worry. Teachers retire, move to different school systems. There will be openings. If you can't find a job by August, keep trying. Sign up to be a substitute teacher in the towns nearby. That is a foot-in-the-door for a permanent job when one opens. Don't despair, you will find a job. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help, and look for help. Again, don't be afraid to ask for help.</span></li></ul><br /><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good luck and welcome to the profession!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some more resources for new teachers:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-advice.html">New Teacher Advice</a> - some good advice for new teachers (and old ones too!)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-teacher-survival-central.html">Discovery Education New Teacher Survival Central</a> - a great resource for all teachers (and free).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2010/03/list-of-discovery-education-training.html">List of Discovery Education Resources for Educators </a>- very good, inclusive list of Discovery Educations resources.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033;"><a href="http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-top-10-free-web-resources-for.html">Top 10 Free Resources for Teachers</a></span></span></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div>

Advice to new graduates that will be entering the teaching profession

Welcome to the hardest job you'll ever love! As I think about the fact that most colleges will be holding graduation next month, I thoug...

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