Hats Off to Our Teachers!- Nat'l Teacher Day-May 6

We all have favorite teachers. Some teachers went far and beyond to make education experiences memorable. In an effort to keep teachers in the dialog, a simple thank-you is just what they need!

This Tuesday, May 6 (the day after Cinco de Mayo) is "National Teacher's Day." This wonderful celebration started in 1953 and continues. The first full week of May is "National Teacher Appreciation Week," with Tuesday being a special day!

There are many ways to celebrate our teachers from the simplest and meaningful--having students make a Thank You card for their teacher(s). In addition, the National Education Association (NEA) provides several ways in which we can participate in the celebration such as being a part of the "Nation's Largest Thank-You Card Project." You can be a part of this special celebration by adding your personal card here.

To all of our teachers, a great big "Thank You" for all of your hard-work, dedication and relentless motivation.

Teachers: Move Over Monopoly, Hello Lessonopoly!

Calling all teachers! As teachers we experience a new day everyday, though our classroom walls and students may look the same, a day is inherently different. In an attempt to create interesting lessons, (yes and meet state standards) it is often wise to collaborate with others in the field. However, with only 24 hours in a day and a to-do list that grows like weeds, it is almost impossible to collaborate, lesson plan, successfully manage your classroom, and oh yeah, meet personal goals and chores!
Well, to help your list and time management, I would like to introduce: Lessonopoly (http://lessonopoly.org/). Lessonop0ly is a one stop for free (our favorite word) for: Classroom Management, Lesson Plan Library and Collaboration with other teachers.
According to the site, "Lessonopoly is a free tool that lets you manage your classroom, find and share lesson plans and connect with other teachers" (http://lessonopoly.org/). Simply sign up and you are in a community of educators! Thank you, Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) for providing teachers with this wonderful tool!