Why make a TeachersFirst Home Page?
...and some tips on how to use one.

Sounds great. I want to be a member so I can make a Home Page.

I'm already a member. I want to log in and work on my page.

Show your TeachersFirst Favorites instantly.

• As you mark a Favorite, decide to show it on your Home Page.
• Turn Home Page Favorites on and off as you start and end different units, etc.
• Your notes tell students what to do as they visit the site.
• Favorites open in a new window, so students can refer to your instructions!

Help students and parents find the web resources you want them to use

• Use in class for quick access to assignments
• Use outside of class for homework, enrichment, additional practice, parent information
• Make resources available for students to visit again at home or during free times at school
• Share extra credit or enrichment options
• Display selected RSS feeds (current events and timely information) right on your homepage

Make announcements

• Daily homework
• Upcoming projects and special events

A tool for differentiation and extra support

• Share classroom assignments and resources with learning support and gifted support teachers via your home page so they can coordinate and enrich/reinforce what is happening in your class
• Differentiate instruction by “tagging” resources for different groups (both remediation and enrichment)
• Display current events RSS feeds of different reading levels so students can find one appropriate for them
• “Tag” resources by individual first names for students to work on their own

Encourage responsibility

• Students can look up their homework from any online computer
• Provide information and resources to absentees and their parents

Share a window into your classroom

• Ideal for student teachers or those seeking a teaching job
• A way for teacher-mentors to follow what is happening

What do I need to be careful about?

Never include student names visible to the public. Keep messages generic enough that outsiders could not stalk, harass, or otherwise threaten the safety of you or your students. Simply avoid the following:

• full names
• specific field trip or class activity locations, addresses, and times
• personal contact information other than teacher email (if you wish)

As with any public sharing of information about your class, it is a good idea to share your TeachersFirst Home Page with your principal. He/she will be proud of your efforts and may even ask you to show others how TeachersFirst works. You are welcome to reprint any of our help pages to share among your school building’s staff. Please request permission before making any larger number of copies.

Sounds great. I want to be a member so I can make a Home Page.

I'm already a member. I want to log in and work on my page.