COMMENTARY: A Teacher's Influence Is Often Lasting
by guest editor Kristen Spruill
Attending the funeral of a former teacher prompted freelance writer Kristen Spruill to reflect on lessons learned from all of the special teachers at her junior high school. This moving editorial, first published last August in the Raleigh News & Observer, is "chicken soup" for any teacher's soul!
For Sale: Houses Half Price for Teachers
Teachers can purchase homes for 50 percent off the list price through a Housing for Urban Development (HUD) program called Teacher Next Door. A teacher can select from 750 revitalization areas nationwide to purchase a home, townhouse, or condominium. So far, more than 400 U.S. teachers have bought homes through the program! "When the government says, I'll pay for half of your house, it says that they value the work you do," said Alexander Chambers, the first teacher to purchase a home through Teacher Next Door. Included: Program criteria and links to more information about the program.
Testing Teachers Makes Teachers Testy!
All but a few states require prospective teachers to take licensing exams. Those exams --as well as the sometimes-dismal scores -- are stirring up trouble in some states, though. Do the tests help raise the quality of classroom teachers, or is there little correlation between test results and teacher competence? This week, Education World writer Glori Chaika explores the politically polarized issue of teacher testing.
TONS of Tips! --- Six Great 'Teacher Tips' Sites on the Web
This week, Education World introduces you to six of the best "teacher tips" sites on the Web. In these sites you'll find hundreds of *practical* tips --- tried and tested tips from teachers willing to share. So sit back, get ready for a sampling of tips from these sites. (But remember, this sampling is just the "tip" of the iceberg.) Then explore the sites in more depth and find tips to motivate your students, organize your classroom, and much, much more!
MORE Fabulous Freebies: Free Materials for Teachers!
Looking for free teaching materials? Look no more! Education World has checked out lots of free resources and selected the best of the best. We share some of the highlights of these fabulous freebies, and -- of course -- we tell you how you can get your hands on them! Teaching materials for across the grades, including geography resources from the U.S. Geological Survey; an Arthur story-writing kit from the public television folks; science experiments for elementary/middle graders from the Edison Foundation; and a free magazine aimed at helping teens develop skills and character (and to help teachers and counselors help teens to do the same). Check out these great freebies!
Fabulous Freebies: Free Materials for Teachers!
Many companies and organizations offer free educational materials to teachers. Some are terrific. Some aren't. This week, Education World tells you about a few that are worth your time. Included are freebies for younger students, for older students, and for everyone! Topics include diet and nutrition, pet care, money, recycling, and gardening. Also: Free software sites for educators!
Teachers Talk About Public Education Today
What do U.S. teachers think about the state of American education? How do their views compare with the general public's perceptions? A new report offers insight.
Case Studies Focus on Teachers' Everyday Problems
Is "I'm bored!" one of your students' favorite expressions? Are name-calling and play-fighting problems that you face every day in your classroom? Follow six classroom teachers as they struggle to understand and find workable solutions to these and other everyday problems in a new book from author Ruth Charney.
