Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This five-part learning model provides guidance and support to educators as they tailor instruction to meet the many differing needs of their students. Module one begins with a short overview of differentiating the learning process and shares several technology tools to support successful differentiation. Other models discuss differentiating the learning environment, products, and content; the final module helps pull all the information together as part of a cohesive learning unit. Professional learning credits are available; follow the provided link to receive a link to the course assessment.

tag(s): differentiation (85), professional development (393)

Discover many resources and ideas for creating positive and effective learning environments in any classroom using the learning modules provided by TeachersFirst. Choose from modules offered by grade levels, virtual classroom management, or technology that provides specific procedures utilizing age/grade-appropriate classroom management tools and techniques in your classroom. If desired, receive a professional development certificate by signing up and completing the course questionnaire.

tag(s): classroom management (118), professional development (393), remote learning (54)

The Professional Learning Log shared by TeachersFirst is a form that provides documentation of independent participation in TeachersFirst professional learning opportunities. Choose the provided link to access and open the learning log in Microsoft Word or as a Google Doc. Add information that includes the activity, date, and time spent on the learning opportunity. Next, complete each section that discusses TeachersFirst resources accessed, such as blog posts AND OK2Ask webinars. Next, complete the summary and next steps portions to reflect upon your learning and plan for future implementation of the ideas learned.

tag(s): professional development (393)

Find hands-on, technology-infused ideas with the snack-size informative posts shared by TeachersFirst blog authors. Each post shares ideas for incorporating free resources into classrooms based on the latest frameworks for effectively using technology to enhance learning. Not only do the blogs have technology-infused ideas, but the topics are always spot on for your classroom, using monthly celebrations such as Women's History, Black History, holidays, Get Caught Reading, and other appropriate topics like Using Cartoons to Empower Student Voice, Using Rubrics When teaching Remotely, and many more. Use the search feature to find and read blog posts for any topic. Don't forget to subscribe using your RSS feed and receive alerts with the latest posts.

tag(s): blogs (68), preK (289), teaching strategies (52)

Help I lost my library/media specialist offers read along and activity ideas written by an experienced elementary library/media specialist for schools where budget cuts have forced the elimination of the library/media specialist. Although nothing can replace the specialized knowledge of a teacher-librarian, you have students whose elementary years are passing quickly. Find new features about once a month, as well as suggestions that classroom teachers or parent volunteers can offer as positive experiences in the school library/media center throughout the elementary grades. Planned features will include both professional articles on promoting reading and activities to do directly with students.

tag(s): book lists (168), independent reading (82), literacy (122), reading lists (77)

OK2Ask'® is TeachersFirst's series of virtual workshops available in both live (for credit) and on-demand (without credit) formats. These sessions, scheduled at convenient times for you to attend from any computer or tablet, will share great ideas you can use in your classroom, are free courtesy of The Source for Learning, and are led by TeachersFirst''® ed tech coaches. These hands-on sessions are useful and teacher-friendly. You can earn Professional Development Certificates for attending the LIVE sessions (and completing the requirements) or learn independently from the archived recordings. Approved by special arrangement for re-licensure credit in Texas, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Sessions are correlated to the ISTE standards for Educators.

Need clarification about ESL vs. ELL vs. ENL? You will find that with this professional learning module. Next, learn about the different frameworks and pedagogies. Then the need for getting to know your student is explained, and finally, move to vocabulary, reading, writing, mathematics, technology, science/social studies, art and music, and physical education strategies. Adapt your existing lesson plans using these simple strategies to help ENL students. Click on the activity type you have planned and find suggestions and resources to help your ENL/ESL students be successful with the lesson. Some of the same strategies may help students with IEPs for speech and language or learning support.

tag(s): teaching strategies (52)

TeachersFirst expains the essentials of rubrics: What are they, why use them, types of rubrics, and ideas for involving students in creating rubrics. The article includes links to online tools for creating rubrics or to find ready-made rubrics, ready for download. Teachers old and new will like the succinct explanations and ready tools for authentic assessment.

tag(s): assessment (146), newbies (11), rubrics (36)