Artifact 10

Professional development for teachers is extremely important, therefore, I subscribed to a listserv in which I receive email daily about chosen topics. To subscribe to the listserv, one can go to http://www.classroom.com/community/email/index.jhtml. The emailing lists can be searched and teachers can filter the types of emails they received on a daily basis. I chose to receive emails regarding professional development conferences around the country, social studies teachers forums, science activities and ideas, and lastly, a newsletter especially for K-2 teachers to write ideas and feelings on web boards to.

Context
I subscribed to this listserv during the Fall of 2001. I was curious about different resources for teachers and came across this website. I subscribed and will receive the mail until I unsubscribe. I discovered the website while doing a search using http://www.google.com using Internet Explorer.

Impact
Access to any professional development listserv is valuable. I subscribed to this particular listserv and have been receiving great tips on teaching subjects that are not tested in schools and are often neglected. I want the students to learn so much more than reading and mathematics, and the email newsletters and messages I receive give me many ideas and hints that contribute to my success in mastering the strategy of integration.

Although the subjects of science and social studies are not tested in most grades, they are still part of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and need to be taught, not only to strengthen the minds of the children and contribute in making them more rounded individuals, but also because it is required by the state. An email from the listserv that I received on February 25, 2002, may prove to be a successful idea for an Earth Day project. I save many of the ideas I receive from emails because the people that send them are professionals and they can help me develop as a less-experienced professional.

Alignment
This artifact is used in alignment with the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers Goal VA, which states that teachers need to use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning. As a member of a professional listserv, teachers can learn so many new things from other teachers around the country, and thanks to the World Wide Web, all around the world. I will be subscribed to these listservs until I decided to unsubscribe, so these newsletters will contribute to my ongoing professional development.