Tips for Teachers

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Tip #1

There are many businesses and local companies who are willing to give teachers discounts on products.  You might be surprised at what you can get if you just ask.  Here are a few places that allow you to sign up for a teachers discount card and or automatic price reduction.

            *OfficeMax- MaxPerks for Teachers Card

            *OfficeDepot- Star Teacher Card

            *Constructive Playthings U.S. Toy Company- Preferred Customer Card (classroom

                        supplies, reproducibles, manipulatives,etc.)

            *Barnes and Noble- 20% of all books used in your classroom (need proof of work ID)

*Lakeshore School Warehouse- items may possibly be purchased at a discounted rate

                        through your district.  (classroom supplies, reproducibles, manipulatives, etc.)

Tip #2

There is a lot to say about not reinventing the wheel.  We are always told to use our resources wisely!  There is so much out there and so little time to go digging for what we need as fast as we need it. Well, here is a big hint- Get ONLINE!  Here are a few sites for teaches and by teaches to help with planning, creating and designing those unforgettable lessons.

http://www.learningpage.com/  Provides a huge collection of professionally produced         instructional materials you can download and print. Lesson plans, worksheets books, etc.

http://abcteach.com/  This site has everything for teachers of pre K- middle school.  It        includes ideas for themed units, assessments, math, handwriting, reading, etc.

http://www.readinga-z.com/newfiles/preview.html  Download free books for various reading            levels.  Books provided in English and Spanish. (Membership is needed after a                            certain amount of books downloaded.)

http://www.tinsnips.org/  Special education resource that provides tools, techniques,          worksheets and activities for teachers who work with students who are have autistic    spectrum disorders or other related developmental disabilities.

http://www.vocabularya-z.com/  Build lesson plans, worksheets, games, graphic                           organizers for all grades through middle school.  (Membership required after first trial).

            http://www.edhelper.com/ Great website for elementary school teachers.  Themed units,    worksheets, language arts, science, social studies, math, and reading resources.  Free          resources and printables but there is also an opportunity to become a member.

 Tip #3

Take a look at what your state and national education associations have to offer.  They are a great resource for information, news, legislative issues, current educational events, teaching ideas and resources. You do not have to be a member of these associations to reap the benefits that they offer to teachers for free!

Colorado Education Association (CEA) http://www.coloradoea.org/

Hop on this website and see what it has to offer.  Current legislative events are posted, facts on the issues are updated frequently and there is a resource center that is packed with other recommendations for educational sites to visit.

National Education Association (NEA) http://www.nea.org/index.html

This website is very user friendly for everyone.  They have information for parents, teachers, higher ed faculty/staff and support professionals.  There is information about grants, legislation issues, a press release center, and much more.  There is also a section for lesson ideas and plans!