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May 7, 2012 | posted by bchilds

Teacher Appreciation Week: Thank a Teacher Facebook Tagging Game

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, the time of year when we thank those who work so hard educate us and our children. Some businesses celebrate by offering teachers deals on supplies, books and meals. Others celebrate with public events to recognize the teachers in their community. But sometimes the best way to celebrate is to just reach out to one of your favorite teachers and offer a simple thank you. Is there a special teacher who you'd like to thank, but you're not sure how? This year, Teach.com has made it easy to reach out to your favorite teachers on Facebook. All you have to do is upload one of these images and tag your teacher on the photo that you think best describes them. It's a simple way to let your past and cur…

May 7, 2012 | posted by smaldonado

Teacher Appreciation Week Deals

Teacher Appreciation Week is a nationally recognized celebration of our country’s great teachers, a special way to thank them for all the hard work and dedication they exhibit throughout the year, every year. To honor all the great teachers out there, many businesses offer special teacher appreciation week deals and promotions. Check out some of these exciting offers and treat yourself to something special this week; you deserve it! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Teaching Channel Teaching Channel is hono…

May 4, 2012 | posted by bchilds

The Story of Movies

In today’s world, being able to interpret, analyze and discuss moving images may be as important as knowing how to read. And having an opportunity to practice these skills in a classroom environment is one way that students could gain access to one of the most American art forms: movies. But many students are never explicitly taught these skills. As a part of popular culture, kids are assumed to “get” movies just by seeing them. That is why The Film Foundation has created The Story of Movies, a free middle school curriculum that teaches literacy in moving images. What Do Kids Learn from Movies? The goal of The Story of Movies p…

May 1, 2012 | posted by smaldonado

Reasons for Becoming a Teacher

Every teacher devotes his or her life to education for reasons as individual to them as any other part of their identity. Still, it usually isn’t the money, and it isn’t the three-month summer vacation. Reasons for becoming a teacher are deeper than that, and while they are personal, they are almost all united by the desire to impact peoples’ lives. There is a demand for great teacher…

April 27, 2012 | posted by smaldonado

STEM Initiatives in Illinois

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics -- STEM subjects, as they are commonly called -- are the cornerstones of an evolving culture. As medical, technological and scientific breakthroughs continue to advance our society, the economy relies more heavily on industries that specialize in these fields. This has led to an increased demand for STEM-literate working professionals in the job market, and the education system has responded by placing greater emphasis on STEM subjects in schools. In an attempt to increase the quality of education and raise awareness of STEM issues, many states have enacted programs that foster interest in students and encourage them to pursue careers in these fields. The follow…

April 25, 2012 | posted by smaldonado

Education News Round-Up

This week’s Education News Round-Up discusses important changes in the New York City Public school system, the current state of STEM education and a very special opportunity given to Chicago public school students. A Special Lecture for Chicago High School Students This Monday, the students of Chicago’s Frederick Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center attended a guest lecture by Mikhail S. Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union. With the help of an interpreter, he recount…

April 20, 2012 | posted by bchilds

Common Misunderstandings of Educators who Fear Technology

Education is currently at a crossroads as traditional methods and tools are changing as a result of advances in technology and learning theory. We are beginning to see some schools across the country take the lead in merging sound pedagogy with the effective integration of technology. These schools and educators, whether they realize it or not, are not only enhancing the teaching and learning process, but they are also providing their learners with essential skill sets pivotal for success in today’s society. These skill sets include critical thinking/problem solving, media literacy, collaboration, creativity, technological proficiency and global awareness. The ultimate result with this shift has been increases in engagement as well as a sense of relevancy and meaning amongst learners, all of which are foundations for improving achievement. Even as we are seeing more schools and educators transform the way they teach and learn with technology, many more are not. Technology is…