Links
National Links
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
ASCD, a community of educators, advocating sound policies and sharing best practices to achieve the success of each learner. We address all aspects of effective teaching and learning—such as professional development, educational leadership, and capacity building. ASCD offers broad, multiple perspectives—across all education professions—in reporting key policies and practices. Because we represent all educators, we are able to focus solely on professional practice within the context of "Is it good for the children?" rather than what is reflective of a specific educator role.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
International Reading Association (IRA)
The IRA was founded in 1956 as a professional organization for those involved in teaching reading to learners of all ages. Our members are dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by
Improving the quality of reading instruction
Disseminating research and information about reading
Encouraging the lifetime reading habit.
National Association of Elementary Supervisors & Principals (NAESP)
The mission of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children.
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. The mission of NASSP is to promote excellence in school leadership.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
The National Council of Teachers of English is devoted to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education. Since 1911, NCTE has provided a forum for the profession, an array of opportunities for teachers to continue their professional growth throughout their careers, and a framework for cooperation to deal with issues that affect the teaching of English.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
NCTM is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.
National Staff Development Council (NSDC)
The National Staff Development Council (NSDC) is the largest non-profit professional association committed to ensuring success for all students through staff development and school improvement.
State Links
State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)
The certification board is responsible for ensuring that educators are qualified to serve in the Texas public school system. The certification board ensures that Texas educators meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior.
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas delivers retirement and related benefits authorized by law for members and their beneficiaries. TRS prudently invests and manages the assets held in trust for members and beneficiaries in an actuarially sound system administered in accordance with applicable fiduciary principles.
Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)
The mission of the Texas Association of School Administrators is to promote, provide, and develop leadership that champions educational excellence.
TASA provides support for school leaders through:
Fostering programs and activities that focus on leadership development
Impacting laws, policies, and practices that will improve education
Supporting and promoting research-based decision making
Developing, retaining, and supporting highly qualified educational leaders
Cultivating positive school climates in which quality education can thrive
Enhancing the influence of and respect for educational leaders
Recognizing diversity and building on commonalities
Serving as a catalyst for cooperative efforts.
Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) is a voluntary, nonprofit, statewide educational association that serves and represents local Texas school districts.
Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP)
The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals is an association formed by and for over 5000 campus level administrators. Its purpose is to build an active network of educators that want to take responsibility for the quality of school leadership. TASSP focuses on the need for collaboration between all stakeholders in education while using as its foundation a very effective volunteer force that provides a statewide knowledge base and informed leadership.
Texas Center for Educational Technology (TCET)
The Texas Center for Educational Technology (TCET) was established in 1990 as a center for research in educational technology.
Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA)
The Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) is the largest state organization devoted to the use of technology in education. Founded in 1980, the organization has been very active throughout Texas supporting instructional technology.
Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education
The Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc. (TCASE) is a professional society comprised of nearly 1,200 members who administer and support special education programs throughout the state of Texas.
Through proactive leadership, the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc. (TCASE) is committed to providing training and technical assistance, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and shaping educational policies and practices in order to promote superior support services for students with special needs.
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
The mission of the Texas Education Agency is to provide leadership, guidance, and resources to help schools meet the educational needs of all students.
Texas Education Network (TENET)
The Texas Education Network (TENET) was established to advance and promote education in Texas by providing a communications infrastructure which can be used to foster innovation and educational excellence in Texas.
Texas Educational Support Staff Association (TESA)
Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA)
The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association is a diverse, supportive community of professional leaders, learning with and from each other, committed to providing quality education for all Texas elementary and middle school students.
Texas Library Association (TLA)
The Texas Library Association is a professional organization that promotes librarianship and library service in Texas. Through legislative advocacy, continuing education events, and networking channels, TLA offers members opportunities for service to the profession as well as for personal growth.
Texas Middle School Association (TMSA)
The Texas Middle School Association is your source for middle level resources, services and information in the state of Texas.
Texas PTA
Texas PTA is a grassroots organization made up of parents, teachers and others around the state who have a special interest in children, families and schools. PTA membership is as diverse as Texas is in cultures, education levels and parenting skills.
Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA)
The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications.
Texas Staff Development Council (TSDC)
In an effort to assist members, TSDC shares strategies that improve teaching and learning. The tips and tools offered on this website are contributed by members and other professionals.
Regional Links
Region One Education Service Center
The main objectives of Region One Education Service Center are:
To assist school districts in improving student performance;
To assist districts to operate more efficiently and economically;
To implement initiatives assigned by the legislature or the Commissioner of Education.
The Service Center serves over 352,000 students and educators in 7 counties in south Texas including Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata counties..
South Texas College (STC)
South Texas College is a comprehensive college offering the Bachelor of Applied Technology, and associate degrees and certificates in 90 degree and certificate program options.
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley is the 10th largest university in the state and the fifth largest in the UT System. UTRGV is second in the nation in the number of bachelor's degrees and fifth in the number of master's degrees awarded to Hispanics.
New Teacher Links
AdPrima - Classroom Management & Management of Student Conduct
Personal experience and research indicate that many beginning teachers have difficulty effectively managing their classrooms. While there is no one best solution for every problem or classroom setting, the principles found in this site, drawn from a number of sources, might help.
A to Z Teacher Stuff Tips
A to Z Teacher Stuff offers these useful tips and resources on everything from Bulletin Boards and Getting Organized to Managing Behavior and Parent Involvement.
Beginning Teachers Resources
Links, suggestions, and ideas to help make your first year of teaching just a little bit less overwhelming. There are also some ideas here that can be useful for veteran teachers as well.
Beginning Teachers Tool Box
Beginning Teacher's Tool Box includes an "Ask Our Mentor a Question" section, "Tips for Teachers", and the "Beginning Teachers Message Board".
Free Stuff for Educators!
Free Stuff for Teachers is a really well organized site full of freebies for teachers.
Helpful Hints for Beginning Teachers
Practical advice for the beginning teacher. Ideal for motivation the week before/night before the first day of school.
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators is a categorized list of sites useful for enhancing curriculum and professional growth. It is updated often to include the best sites for teaching and learning.
Kim's Korner for Teacher Talk - Classroom Management Tips
This web site includes a number of great ideas from teachers who've used them!
NEA "Works4me" Tips Library
This popular site has archives of hundreds of tips from education experts offering ideas and solutions that you can use in your classroom today! Teachers can also sign up for their email service which provides weekly practical classroom tips. NEA's Works4Me Tips Library provides this list of tips and suggestions submitted by teachers for how to start the school year off right.
Online Resources for New Teachers
The first few years of teaching can be very rewarding. It can also be a time of great frustration as you are finding your way in a sea of responsibilities. There is so much to think about: Curriculum (Standards, Lessons, Units, Themes, Activities), Classroom Management, Building and District Policies and Procedure, Time Management and more. This site is part of a course designed for new teachers at the Oswego City School District. It can help you by providing you with a one stop shopping for many of the resources that you will find beneficial.
Teachers’ Net
At Teachers.Net, they recognize that education is a fundamental factor in an individual’s prosperity, happiness, contribution to society, and impact on the future. Teachers.Net recognizes the vital role teachers play in education and the betterment of our culture.
In support of the calling, Teachers.Net was founded on four principles:
To allow our teacher-users contribute the content and direct site development
To utilize the Internet to harness the collective intellect and wisdom of the worldwide teaching community
To minimize costs to the greatest extent possible through automation, and
To never charge teachers for using our resources.
Teachers Network
Teachers, get answers to your most pressing questions! Ten experienced classroom teachers are here to be your web mentors and share their invaluable experience with you, the new teacher.
Tips and Ideas for New Teachers
Useful tips and ideas presented by teachers for new teachers. Includes short, realistic ideas on starting the year off right, communicating with parents, discipline, parent-teacher conferences and more.
What to Expect Your First Year of Teaching
The U.S. Department of Education provides this free online book containing award-winning first-year teachers' experiences.