State and Union Representatives

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Place the State

From Sharon Prosansky, a fourth grade teacher at Hanson Park in Chicago, Illinois:

"I use computer games in class. Our fourth grade social studies curriculum revolves around the history and geography of the U.S. www.sheppardsoftware.com gives the student a blank U.S. map and a single state outline on the top of the screen. The state is clicked and dragged to its correct location. I keep a vinyl placemat of the U.S. near the computer at the beginning of the year to help them learn the states. The more they play, the better they get at it. The computer keeps track of the length of time to completion of all 50 states and the margin of error of distance from correct placement. The kids just love to race each other to be the winner!"
» Comment on This Tip
» More More Technology Tips

2. Union Representatives and New Teachers

From an anonymous reader:

"As one of my school's union reps, I talk to our new teachers about our local union organization, where their union dues go, who's who in area union activities, etc. I encourage them to be verbal about asking questions regarding their new positions. Our association usually provides all new teachers with two NEA publication Checklists geared for beginning teachers. For those in my department, I offer them the use of any teaching materials I have and offer them any assistance I can toward helping them in their new job."
» Comment on This Tip
» More Professional Relationships Tips

3. Question of the Week: Keeping Track of Your Supplies

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Teachers spend a lot of their own money on classroom supplies. Keeping track of them is fiscally important. How do you keep track of the supplies you lend?"
» Submit Your Tip
» View Responses & Leave an Answer

4. Parental Involvement and Background Checks

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge from Amy Martin:

"With safety in mind, schools require criminal background checks and fingerprinting of anyone volunteering with children as tutors, mentors, or coaches. Sometimes it's a hindrance to parents who want to be involved. Volunteers have to visit public safety offices, like police departments, and often have to pay a fee, which is $55 in Prince George's County, Maryland, for example. How can we balance these two very important needs? How can we find a middle ground between safety and involvement?"
» Comment on This Tip
» More Family Tips

Works4Me Resources

E-mail Newsletter: sign-up to receive free tips weekly

Previous Newsletters: recently published tips

Tips Library: browse hundreds of archived tips

Discussion Board: ask questions and share tips with other teachers