Evaluation & Organization of Professional Development Resources
State/National/International General Education Organization:
- Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) - The VDOE grants licensure according to regulations outlined by the Board of Education. It also provides and outlines the standards and curriculum of grades K-12, educational resources, job opportunities, educational statistics and academic reports for school districts and individual schools.
- National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) - Overall purpose is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Focus upon 5 core values which include; collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability.
- U.S. Department of Education - Mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational and ensuring equal access. It was created in 1980 and is dedicated to: establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds, collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research, focusing national attention on key educational issues and prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.
- National Education Association (NEA) - The nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - Was founded in 1916 and represents 1.6 million members. It is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities.
- National Rural Education Association (NREA) - The NREA is the voice of all rural schools and rural communities across the United States. The NREA was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization of its kind in the United States. Through the years it has evolved as a strong and respected organization of rural school administrators, teachers, board members, regional service agency personnel, researchers, business and industry representatives, and others interested in maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country.
Field Specific Organizations:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Seeks to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The organization is comprised of 70,000 individuals and work to achieve the vision: "that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential." NAEYC also provides professional development, early childhood accreditation, resources, public policies and local/national events.
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) - Is the premier nonprofit organization serving educators and education leaders committed to empowering connected learners in a connected world. Their mission is to empower learners to flourish in a connected world by cultivating a passionate professional learning community, linking educators and partners, leveraging knowledge and expertise, advocating for strategic policies, and continually improving learning and teaching. ISTE has created standards for students, teachers, administrators and coaches.
- International Reading Association (IRA) - Their mission is to "empower educators, inspire students, and encourage leaders with the resources they need to make literacy accessible for all." The IRA works to publish resources for educators and students, set standards for literary professionals, create teacher education programs, provide awards and grants to teachers, and advocate for funding and policies supporting supporting the literacy needs of students, teachers, and school systems across the globe.
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
Organizations That Support Education :
- TED Education - Is a free educational website for teachers and learners. It is an extension of "TED'S" with a global and interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to creating lessons worth sharing. Created by educators and animators and highlights subjects within these content areas; the arts, business and economics, technology, health, literature, mathematics, psychology, science, social studies, and teaching and education. Educators are able to use these as professional development opportunities and take videos to create unique lessons of their own.
- San Diego Zoo - The San Diego Zoo offers a variety of resources that support education, such as a masters program! In addition, the zoo provides special experiences such as summer camps, early childhood programs, photography courses, and zoo sleepovers for both families and children. The zoo also offers field trips and classroom programs where they bring the animals to you! Interestingly they also provide a curriculum aligned to state standards, classroom kits, videoconferencing, and free online activities for students.
- Edutopia - Is dedicated to transforming K-12 education so all students can thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. They are focused on programs and practices that help all students acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, skills and beliefs to reach their full potential. Edutopia is the leading voice in showcasing what truly works in education and provides a set of Core Strategies to help achieve their goals.
Resources for Improving Use of Technology in Teaching
- Copyright and Fair Use for Teachers - This article is both extremely beneficial and important because it lists and discusses copyright guidelines. It is critical educators for educators to be aware of these guidelines because they are constantly "pulling"/"borrowing" materials from various sources in order to facilitate the academic development of their students. Although these resources are beneficial for learning purposes it is important to cite credit when and where it is necessary and respect the work of the creator.
- Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) - Was founded in 1986 as the Virginia Educational Computing Association. It is the premier professional development and advocacy organization in Virginia. The overall mission of VSTE is " to promote excellence in education through professional development endeavors supporting the integration of existing and emerging technologies"