Are you a new teacher seeking creative ways to present ideas? Then Share My Lesson is just the tool you need.
Share My Lesson is a website initiative launched by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a NYSUT national affiliate, along with TES Connect. Through the site, educators can create and share their best lesson plans with colleagues across the nation.
It's a free platform that gives access to "highquality teaching resources and provides an online community where teachers can collaborate with, encourage and inspire each other," according to the AFT.
"Teachers are expected to do so much, often with very little support, and they are thirsty for the tools they need to improve instruction.
The AFT decided to accept the challenge and make its biggest investment ever to improve the teaching profession," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. The AFT and TES Connect have committed $10 million to develop and maintain the site.
"Share My Lesson supports teachers by giving them a place to come together and share their knowledge, skills, lesson plans and effective classroom strategies. It's by teachers, for teachers," she said. Weingarten, accompanied by NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi, will kick off a nationwide tour to promote Share My Lesson with a presentation for educators Sept. 10 in Suffern.
"It's a really good resource," said Shana DeRocco, a member of the Niskayuna Teachers Association and a National Board Certified Teacher. "The nice thing about it is lessons and activities are aligned with Common Core Standards. I already marked some favorites."
The site's resource bank covers all aspects of the standards — from advice and guides to help with dedicated resources that support the standards.
Lessons from NYSUT's award-winning "Speak Truth to Power" curriculum, developed in conjunction with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, are included on the site as well.
The site is geared toward new teachers, school-related professionals, educators teaching a new subject area or grade level, retirees, early childhood educators and teacher-education professionals.
Visit www.nysut.org to access the lesson plans or share your own ideas.