General Resources for Teachers
- What Works in Classroom Instruction This resource summarizes nine essential strategies for instruction identified by Robert Marzano in his book Classroom Instruction That Works.
- SIOP The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol is a model of instructional practices intended to facilitate high quality instruction for English Language Learners in content area teaching. The SIOP methods, which reinforce instruction, are helpful for all students, but especially useful for those learning the English language. On the website, the “Research” section has many useful resources for using the SIOP methods.
- net Trekker This searchable and browsable database has lesson plans as well as resources such as tutorials, graphics, assessments and other learning tools. Core subjects and electives are included. The website is easy to use and very versatile.
Resources for Science Teachers
- The 5E Instructional Model This document explains the development of an innovative strategy for teaching science. The method involves an inquiry based approach comprised of five stages of learning: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration and evaluation.
- Awesome Science Teacher Resources As a science teacher for 37 years, Nancy Clark compiled an abundance of resources, labs and hands-on activities in the fields of biology and chemistry. Her website contains links to all of these fantastic resources for free.
- Discrepant Event Resource 1, Resource 2, These websites discuss the power of discrepant events in the classroom and give some examples to use. These events are especially useful in engaging students in a science lesson. After the engagement, the students will be forced to think critically as they come up with explanations for what happened.
Technology Resources
- weblogg-ed As described by the blogger himself, “This site is dedicated to discussions and reflections on the use of Weblogs, wikis, RSS, audiocasts and other Read/Write Web related technologies in the K-12 realm, technologies that are transforming classrooms around the world.” This is a critical resource to understanding how to harness the possibilities of web 2.0 technology in the classroom.
- TECH & LEARNING This
website will help any educator stay current on the latest trends in educational
technology. It includes news articles,
blogs and many other resources pertinent to the use of technology in the
classroom.
- Teachers Training Teachers on Technology This is a wiki I created as a professional development tool for teachers at my school, but the resources listed could be used by any teacher.
Professional Development Resources
- TED Held annually, the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference hosts prominent speakers on a variety of topics—many of which are very relevant to the field of education. Through a creative commons license, TED makes each year’s best presentations available to the public free of charge. The speeches could be used for individual, departmental or school wide professional development.
- Michigan Online Resources for Educators This online resource is a portal that contains links to many resources for classroom instruction as well as professional development. The professional development topics include everything from assessment items and best practice information to technology instruction and world languages.