Teachers' Training

I recently learned about a new initiative from DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit that accepts grant requests from K-12 teachers and makes them available to donors from across the country. DonorsChoose has set up BloggersChoose.org, a way for us bloggers to spread the word. Anyone can create a challenge, and then publicize it.

I've set up one on Economics and the World, though the only proposal I've found to include so far is one that's local: a high school in Richmond, CA. An economics teacher there is looking to buy copies of books that will get students fired up about learning the subject: Freakanomics, Nickeled and Dimed and the like.

If you're not in a position to give, consider putting together your own challenge, and publicizing it to your network!

I think it's an intriguing approach to fundraising, one that empowers individuals to multiply their own impact by involving others. Plus, they provide a tracking page to see how generous your blog readers are compared to others responding to challenges in your area.

Hi all:

Just wanted to share this quiz maker (open source) which is one of the best definitely ever. Only problem: Some feedback windows may have English spelling/grammar mistakes. Tried convincing Luca to correct it, but haven't heard from him yet.

Secured financial and in-kind support from both Cisco Systems Philanthropy/Teachers Without Borders to conduct a pilot test of a teachers’ professional development course in Iran.

The courses have been developed by Teachers Without Borders, FarsiTeachNet’s partner. The courses will be localized based on the feedback from the teachers involved in this pilot project. This training will then be made available to a wider group of the teachers via the FarsiTeachNet network.

TWB and FTN-previously Iranian Teachers’ Network (ITN) submitted a partnership proposal to Cisco Systems Philanthropy in July and got the grant in August 2005.

Based on this partnership they could create an opportunity to build a new online community of practice for Farsi Speaking Teachers. With financial and resource support from Cisco Philanthropy, the FTN may connect teachers with global “best practices” in pedagogy and subject-matter, along with information technology training. The structure and function of the partnership and this project allows the FTN to grow and sustain itself through the marketing and distribution of its intellectual property, consistent with their aspirations as an organization and their business plan.

FarsiTeachNet is an online community of practice for Farsi speaking teachers around the world.

We see teachers earning their rightful place in society, as the educators of the next generations. They have the respect of their students, the parents, and members of the community who appreciate their contributions. They are able to focus exclusively on teaching, earning a living and spending their time with students and improving their professional skills. They have a network of colleagues that provide advice and support and they interact with peers on an international basis. FTN mobilizes Farsi Speaking teachers’ energy, experience and knowledge to make a sustained change in their educational community. As a result, the citizens of these countries participate more fully in goal setting for the social agenda as better problem solvers and decision makers.