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10 Professional Development Tools For Teachers
posted by: Garry | September 02, 2014, 03:12 PM   

1. Twitter
The highly popular social media site is not just for people wishing to stand on a virtual soapbox. Teachers use Twitter to connect with classrooms around the globe, to reach discuss techniques or lesson plans with peer educators, and to follow trending topics that have to do with whatever subject they teach. It’s a modern, technologically advanced way of developing one’s skills, and it is constantly growing. Click for a list ofeducational Twitter chats or join in #Edchat every Tuesday at 12pm ET and 7pm ET. 

2. Pinterest
Once considered your one-stop destination for candied confections you can never replicate, Pinterest has become the hot spot for teachers to find fun, educational crafts to do with their students. The site contains lesson plans, clever crafts and activities, and other teacher-related posts. 

3. Feedly
Feedly is a helpful RSS news reader that allows users to organize news and other information based on their interests — all in one place. Teachers can easily create a feed of educational journals, blogs, magazines and more to use in the classroom or for a lesson plan. 

4. Doodle
Simplify your scheduling needs with Doodle. Whether it be planning appointments, meetings, and other important events, this site is great for teachers looking to meet up with colleagues and discuss new techniques! 

5. Google Hangouts
A great way to virtually connect, Google Hangouts are available to those with a Google+ account. Google Hangouts allow members to connect via audio or video calls wherever there is an Internet connection and a web cam. Share screen shots and other documents in a virtual meeting on the go with Hangouts. 

6. Tagboard
Visualize the conversation by following a hashtag across multiple mediums of social media (from Twitter to Instagram to Facebook and more) in one easy link to. It’s perfect for teachers wishing to share information with colleagues and computer-savvy students. 

7. Edmodo
Edmodo allows students and teachers to virtually connect with classrooms around the world on similar subjects, allowing students to exchange information in an environment they are comfortable in, and offering new resources and collaboration opportunities for educators everywhere. 

8. Edcamp
Edcamps (short for educational camps) allow teachers to plan and execute conferences regarding whatever subject they desire and are participant-driven so as to encourage students to contribute. This allows teachers to focus on topics they deem important or interesting. 

9. E-mail
While it may seem like a very simple (and perhaps obvious) professional development tool, e-mail can be used to reach out to others around the world. E-mail also allows teachers to span continents and oceans in their never-ending quest to learn more. Don’t forget to use e-mail to connect with an educator who wrote an interesting blog post, or to request information from individuals who may come speak to your students, or just to chat with fellow teachers on various topics. 

10. And more!
There are countless ways in which educational professionals are developing professionally. Edsurge guides provide teachers with an updated list of professional development techniques. It’s an extremely useful tool that includes field reports, industry analysis and a helpful toolbox. 

With all of these new techniques allowing teachers to expand their professional skills, there are endless opportunities for those in the educational field. 

How do you develop yourself professionally? Let us know in the comments below!

BIO: Stephanie Echeveste works in community relations for the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education’s online Doctor of Education. While she is no longer a teacher, she is a lifelong learner and enjoys sharing new resources. She loves #Edchat, cappuccinos and volunteering for 826DC.

 

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