The Teacher Toolkit is an online resource that offers practical tools, strategies, and ideas to support effective teaching and classroom management. It provides step-by-step instructions for implementing a variety of teaching techniques, including cooperative learning, differentiation, and engaging instructional activities.
As a new teacher, you can use The Teacher Toolkit to find easy-to-follow strategies for managing your classroom and enhancing student engagement. The site’s clear explanations and examples make it simple to adapt the tools to fit your unique teaching style and students’ needs. It’s a valuable resource for building your confidence and creating a more organized, dynamic, and student-centered learning environment.
Engaging techniques for effective teaching! For every tool you'll find:
An explanation of how and when to use it
A template students can use to implement the tool
A place to take notes about how you use each tool
Videos that will show you the strategies in action
Click to Explore Resources from Region 13 Education Service Center Agency
The science of reading refers to a vast, interdisciplinary body of research that explains how the brain learns to read and what instructional methods best support reading development for all learners. Grounded in decades of studies from fields such as cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education, this research emphasizes the importance of explicit, systematic instruction—especially for foundational reading skills.
At the heart of the science of reading are five essential components, often referred to as the Five Pillars of Reading:
Phonemic Awareness – the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words.
Phonics – understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, and applying this knowledge to decode words.
Fluency – reading with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression.
Vocabulary – understanding and effectively using a wide range of words.
Comprehension – the ability to understand and gain meaning from what has been read.
Review the resources to support deepening your understanding of these pillars and applying evidence-based practices in your classrooms. Whether you are new to the science of reading or looking to refine your instructional approach, these tools are designed to connect research to practice in meaningful ways.
The Governor's School Leadership Teacher Academy is a professional development program designed to support teachers in developing leadership skills and enhancing their instructional practices. The program focuses on building capacity for effective teaching, fostering collaboration, and preparing educators to take on leadership roles within their schools and communities.
As a new teacher, you can use this program to grow your leadership abilities and learn strategies for improving student outcomes. It provides opportunities to connect with experienced educators, share best practices, and engage in meaningful discussions about teaching and learning. By participating, you’ll gain insights that can help you refine your instructional methods and positively impact your school environment.
Click to Access all 22 Modules from the Governor's School Leadership Academy
The IRIS Center is a comprehensive online resource that provides free, evidence-based materials and tools to support education professionals in meeting the needs of all learners, especially those with disabilities. It offers modules, case studies, and activities focused on inclusive practices, behavior management, and instructional strategies.
As a new teacher, you can use the IRIS Center to deepen your understanding of effective teaching practices for diverse learners. The step-by-step modules help you build skills in areas like classroom management, differentiation, and supporting students with special needs. The resources are practical and easy to integrate into your teaching, giving you the tools to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
Find hundreds of resources about these topics:
Accommodations
Assessment
Assistive Technology
Behavior and Classroom Management
Collaboration
Content Instruction
Differentiated Instruction
Disability
Early Interventions/ Early Childhood
Learning Strategies
Mathematics
Reading, Literacy, Language Art
Related Services
RTI (includes Early Intervening)
School Improvement/ Leadership
Transition
Discovery Education is a digital learning platform that provides a wide range of resources to support teaching and learning across all grade levels and subjects. It offers high-quality multimedia content, such as videos, interactive lessons, virtual field trips, and digital textbooks, designed to make learning engaging and accessible. The platform also includes professional development opportunities and tools for creating personalized learning experiences.
As a new teacher, you can use Discovery Education to find ready-made lessons and activities that align with your curriculum, saving you time and effort. The interactive content helps you bring concepts to life for your students, making learning more engaging and relevant. You can also use the platform to differentiate instruction, ensuring that all students have access to materials that meet their needs. Additionally, Discovery Education provides a community where you can connect with other educators, share ideas, and gain inspiration for your teaching practice.
TEDEd is an educational platform from the creators of TED Talks, offering short, engaging video lessons designed to spark curiosity and promote deeper learning. The site features content across a wide range of subjects, along with tools for customizing lessons and creating interactive discussions.
As a new teacher, you can use TED-Ed to bring complex concepts to life through its visually engaging and thought-provoking videos. You can customize lessons to suit your students’ needs, using built-in discussion prompts and quizzes to encourage critical thinking and participation. TED-Ed also allows you to share lessons with your students online, making it a great tool for both in-class and remote learning. It’s a resource that helps you inspire curiosity while making learning fun and memorable.
Edutopia is an educational platform created by the George Lucas Educational Foundation that offers resources to help you enhance teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms. It focuses on sharing innovative, research-based strategies, practical tools, and success stories from educators around the world. You’ll find articles, videos, and templates covering topics like project-based learning, classroom management, social and emotional learning (SEL), and technology integration.
As a new teacher, you can use Edutopia to discover effective instructional methods, watch video demonstrations of teaching strategies, and access ready-to-use resources like lesson plans and templates. It’s a great way to learn about emerging educational trends and connect with a global network of educators through discussions and shared experiences. By using these resources, you can build your professional skills, engage your students, and create a positive learning environment.
The CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) website is a comprehensive resource for understanding and implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. It offers research, tools, and strategies to help educators integrate SEL into classrooms, schools, and districts effectively. CASEL’s framework focuses on five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
You can use the CASEL website to enhance your understanding of SEL and access resources for embedding these competencies into your teaching practices. The site provides practical guides, lesson plans, and assessment tools to help educators create a supportive learning environment. Additionally, it offers case studies and evidence-based strategies that demonstrate the positive impact of SEL on student academic performance and well-being. Through CASEL, you can also find professional development opportunities and connect with a broader SEL community to share best practices and ideas.
Click to Access the CASEL Website
Learning for Justice is an educational platform dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and social justice in schools. It provides resources and tools to help educators create inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms and address issues like bias, discrimination, and systemic inequality.
As a new teacher, you can use the Educator Resources page to access lesson plans, teaching strategies, and professional development tools designed to help you foster an environment of respect and empathy in your classroom. The resources are tailored to help you integrate social justice topics into your curriculum and encourage critical thinking and meaningful dialogue among your students. By using these materials, you can build a classroom community that values diversity and promotes equity.