Professional+Development

   =Professional Development = The internet offers an incredible amount of resources for free professional development and specialized organizations. It's a click away and can be done in the comforts of home!   

__Organizations__
ISTE- International Society for Technology in Education is dedicated to advocacy for the integration of technology in education. ISTE has wide variation of resources that include print books and online professional learning communities (PLC) that can you access for free or pay a membership fee for extended benefits. Local affiliates include PAECT and NJAET.  NSTA-National Science Teacher Association is a good resource for finding lesson tips and connecting with other teachers. Resources are free and extended ones are offered to paid members.  NCSS-National Council for the Social Studies is a resource for all things social studies. Find standards, resources and professional development opportunities.  Council for Exceptional Children- is dedicated to advocacy and information for educators in the area of special education. The National Council for Special Education website serves a similar purpose with information for schools and parents.  <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">National Council for Teachers of Mathematics- Like its cohorts previously listed, NCTM is a gathering place for math teachers to connect and to find lessons, ideas, publications, etc.. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">National Council of English Teachers- You can stay informed with NCET through Facebook and Twitter. The council's webpage serves as a resource for publications, connecting and initiatives in literacy. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">

<span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__Websites, etc.__
<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">Twitter- Once associated mostly for its social use, Twitter has become an undeniable force in Professional Development for Education. Follow your favorite resource or engage in a curriculum chat (tweet ups) through specific #hashtags and @ symbols. Click here for a website to help you get started or continue on your way. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">Free Tech for Teachers This blog is written by Richard Byrne and focuses on helpful technologies for educators. You can add it to your RSS feed to keep updated. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">Teachers First A resource site for teachers on many levels. Includes calendars, lesson ideas, etc.. You will need to register, and the account is free. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">The Educator's Professional Learning Network- Connect with teachers on topics from around the world. Start your own conversation or search for resources. Reach out and connect! <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: left;">__ Edutecher __ is driven by Adam Bellow. It was founded as a resource for teachers to connect to subject focused websites, videos and tutorials. I love this guy! Here is a link to his webpage that includes links for every subject level. Mix and choose as you please. I could spend all day here exploring. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: left;">__ [|TeachersFirst.com] __ a collection of lessons, units and web resources gathered to save teachers time. This site was featured in NJEA Magazine. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: left;">__ Edutopia.org __ this is an organization funded by the George Lucas Education foundation. They publish information, produce films and provide PD opportunities for educators. You can follow them on twitter @edutopia for quick feeds of daily resources. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: left;">__ Teachersteachingteachers.org __ all is said in the name. An organization driven by the belief of PLN (professional learning networks) and independent professional development in education. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: left;">__ Liveclassroom2.0 __ is a Saturday webcast that highlights education strategies and model classrooms. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: left;">NJAET grants this organization is the New Jersey association of educators dedicated to technology in education. This page is a resource for grants available. Develop a creative idea, do some research and find funding.