Teaching Secrets: Bridging the Gender Gap

Laura Reasoner Jones says it can take some self-scrutiny to determine whether boys and girls are being treated equally in your class. (September 3, 2008)

Featured Blog

Live From the Republican National Convention

John McCain garnered RNC crowd approval during his nomination-speech call for increased school choices for parents and an end to "failed school bureaucracies." (September 5, 2008)

Web Watch

Teachers Register to Vote, Schools Win

RISE SC, a South Carolina nonprofit group, provides monetary incentives for schools to get 100 percent of their teachers registered for the upcoming election. And more. (September 5, 2008)

Mo. Proposes Bonuses for Math and Science Teachers

Unions express concern that selected pay hikes might stir feelings of resentment among teachers of other subjects. (September 4, 2008, AP)

Featured Blog

Blogboard

Teacher's look at what's new and noteworthy on educator blogs. Recently: Reaction to Sen. McCain, Politics through Facebook, Group Grading, and more. (September 5, 2008)

'Paperless' Approach Catching On

Many teachers and school boards are cutting back on their use of paper in an effort to save trees, time, and money. (September 4, 2008)

Superintendent Criticized for Game Show Appearance

Critics question Atlanta superintendent Kathy Cox’s priorities as she makes her debut on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (September 4, 2008, AP)

Palin Has Not Pushed Creationism

Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska and John McCain's running mate, has encouraged "healthy debate" when teaching creationism and evolution in the classroom. (September 3, 2008, AP)

N.C. Students Fight Dress-Code Electronically

Students protest a new county-wide dress code using e-mail, PowerPoint, and Facebook. (August 31, 2008, AP)

S.D. Struggles to Find Teachers

Gov. Mike Rounds proposes adjusting pay scales to help attract teachers to unpopular positions, including special education. (September 1, 2008, AP)

As Economy Slumps, Teachers' Jobs in the Cross Hairs

Faced with high energy costs and crimped budgets, school districts have cut administrative positions, bus routes, special services, and athletics programs. (September 3, 2008)

Featured Blog

Starting Block

For Donalyn Miller, a new school year means new challenges teaching kids to love reading. (August 30, 2008)

Discussion

Getting 8th Graders to Talk

Do you have trouble getting 8th graders to participate in whole class discussions? Join the discussion. (July 17, 2008)

Ark. Legislators Discuss Teacher Health Insurance

Lawmakers debate extending full state employee benefits to educators. (August 29, 2008, AP)

Writing to Learn

Writing workshops have drawn a steady and loyal following among teachers seeking to refine their own skills, reflect on their practice, and learn strategies for teaching their young scribes. (August 27, 2008)

Guidance by Principals Emerging as Crucial in Science Instruction

Outreach efforts seek to train school leaders to understand, advocate for good teaching. (August 28, 2008)

NEA Locals Slowly Start to Join Giant Labor Federation

The national teachers' union gave affiliates the go-ahead to ally themselves with the labor federation two years ago, but concerns about performance pay, health care, and other issues are driving them to act now. (August 27, 2008)

Math Tests for Kindergartners

NYC school officials say the standardized testing won’t affect student grades or teacher evaluations, but the proposal has the local teachers' union worried. (August 28, 2008, AP)

Blogger ‘Eduwonkette’ Is Identified

The anonymous blogger is taking off her mask to reveal herself as Jennifer Jennings, a doctoral candidate in sociology at Columbia University. (August 27, 2008)

Hamas Breaks School Strike by Rival Fatah

The ruling Hamas movement replaced hundreds of striking teachers with its own supporters Wednesday, purging Gaza's schools of political rivals and deepening its control of this coastal territory. (August 27, 2008, AP)

Denver District, Teachers Reach Tentative Accord

Beginners would get substantially higher salaries, while veterans would see much smaller raises under renegotiated terms of performance-pay plan. (August 27, 2008)

Texas Students Pack Bookbags; Teachers Pack Heat

Under a new policy allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons, some parents feel their children will be safer, while others worry. (August 25, 2008, AP)

Shaky Economy Expected to Follow Kids Back to School

Many children will walk farther to the bus stop, pay more for lunch, study from old textbooks, even wear last year's clothes. Field trips? Forget about it. (August 18, 2008, AP)

Instant Messaging While Studying Has Mixed Impact

Students who send and receive instant messages while completing a reading assignment take longer to get through their texts but apparently still manage to understand what they’re reading, according to a new study. (August 27, 2008)

Texas Gov.: I'm OK With Gun-Toting Teachers

Texas Gov. Rick Perry says he supports a school district's decision to allow teachers and staff to pack guns for protection when classes start this month. (August 18, 2008, AP)

Teamwork Key for Pilot Teacher-Incentive Programs

Federally funded performance-pay grants shed light on how to sustain programs designed to improve teaching and learning. (August 13, 2008)