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The Center for Educational Outreach and Innovation
Columbia University Teachers College, New York, New York
One of the heaviest hitters nationwide, Columbia’s professional development menu is vast in scope and nature. The university offers online and on-site courses, distance learning, overseas study tours, certificate programs and conferences. Upcoming offerings in the summer of 2009 include on-site institutes in the teaching of reading and writing, as well as online courses about using the Internet efficiently in the classroom, being an inspirational teacher and reading and writing in science curriculum.
Web site: http://continuingeducation.tc.columbia.edu/default.aspx?pageid=59
National Education Computing Conference
June 28-July 1, Washington DC
This annual event is intended to help teachers of any subject area learn about integrating technology into the classroom in a meaningful way, as well as teachers who specialize in technology. Featured topics at this year’s conference include virtual learning, podcasting and blogs, global collaboration and 21st-century school design.
Web site: http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2009/
The New Teacher Center
University of California, Santa Cruz
A new, nationwide resource that is focused specifically on building support for new teachers and administrators. Professional development is offered to experienced teachers who wish to become mentors to younger teachers through a Teacher Induction Institute, a Mentor Academy Series and online and on-site teacher induction modules that are held around the country.
Web site: http://www.newteachercenter.org
National Science Education Leadership Association
Summer Leadership Institute, Portland, Maine, June 28-July 2
A 50-year-old organization with over 1,200 science educator members, NSELA hosts an annual Professional Development Institute and a Summer Leadership Institute. It also publishes The Science Educator, a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) issues for educators from K-16. This summer’s leadership institute, will focus on Curriculum Topic Study. Its next Professional Development Institute is scheduled for Spring of 2010 in Philadelphia.
http://www.nsela.org/ Mathematical Association of America
Mathfest 2009, Portland, Oregon, Aug. 6-8
Nearly 100 years old, the MAA has over 27,000 members, publishes three peer-reviewed journals, has an online library and hosts workshops online and on-site at various locations around the country. Mathfest, its annual summer meeting, is the largest gathering of mathematicians in the United States.
Web site: http://www.maa.org Harvard Graduate School of Education
Programs in Professional Innovation
Another costly, yet prestigious outlet for professional development is none other than Harvard University. This summer’s programs cover some of education’s highest profile issues, including high school redesign, inclusive instruction, issues in urban special education and connecting the mind, brain and education. Financial aid is available.
Web site: http://www.gse.harvard.edu/ppe/index.html
The Foundation for Critical Thinking
Conference on Critical Thinking, “Fostering Intellectual Discipline”
July 20-23, Berkeley Marina, California
Teaching students to become critical thinkers isn’t new, but interest in understanding how to get students to ask more questions has strengthened in recent years. The Critical Thinking Community offers online courses, as well as a wide array of online materials. This summer marks the organization’s 29th conference, featuring sessions about how facilitate deeper learning for students, using peer assessment and fostering close reading.
Web site: http://www.criticalthinking.org PBS TeacherLine
Provides online courses in instructional strategies, technology, math, reading and language arts and science. Its Peer Connection enables local coaches to bring together learning resources and gives teachers the ability to discuss them in its online community.
Web site: http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/
Books
Classroom Instruction That Works: Research-based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement
By Robert J. Marzano, Debra Pickering, Jane E. Pollock
A book full of specific, user-friendly time-tested strategies. This book is widely seen as an important resource for new teachers, as well as a solid refresher for experienced ones. How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms by Carol Ann Tomlinson
Differentiated instruction is one of the most talked about concepts in education today, and possibly one of the least understood. This book has been lauded for its simplification and presentation of these important teaching methods.
Why Didn’t I Learn This In College? By Paula Rutherford
Another well-liked book with practical, classroom management strategies that many districts regularly distribute to all new teachers. Real Teachers, Real Classrooms, Real Solutions: 25 Ways to Handle the Challenges of the Classroom Effectively by Annette and Elizabeth Breaux
A book with a simple format that presents 25 possible challenges and effective responses (as well as ineffective responses) to them.
The First Days of School by Harry and Rosemary Wong
A primer for new teachers in setting up a classroom and basic teaching strategies. This book has become a staple in thousands of schools worldwide.
Tracy Zollinger Turner is an arts, culture and education writer from Columbus, Ohio.
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