Gaithersburg, Md. (June 22, 2009) –As the most critical factor in student achievement, teachers need customized, ongoing professional support to succeed in preparing all students for life and work in the 21st century. PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection helps schools meet this challenge by providing an online suite of multimedia resources, instructional strategies and tools for instructional coaches, teacher leaders and mentors who provide sustained, job-embedded professional development for their peers. PBS TeacherLine^® has added new features to its online suite to make it much easier for school-based professional developers to find and share resources with teachers, to use best practices to improve their coaching and mentoring skills, and to build a collaborative online learning community focused on effective teaching.

PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection combines the power of online communication and collaboration with trusted, valuable content. Featuring thousands of research-based, standards-aligned content in K-12 math, science, reading, instructional strategies and instructional technology, PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection enables coaches and mentors to create customized, practical learning experiences and guide teachers in their professional growth. PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection also offers modules for school-based professional developers to learn about the strategies and best practices they are sharing and how to employ the coaching and mentoring process productively to provide effective teacher professional development.

Based on in-depth research and customer feedback, the recent enhancements to PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection, include:

• The ability for users to create networks and groups, connecting educators from across the country who are enrolled in the PBS TeacherLine service in a growing community of learners discussing and modeling best practices.

• New features that enable teachers to easily share resources and send suggestions to anyone using PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection—not only those in their network or group.

• The addition of customizable avatars for users to personalize their online community experience.

• A more powerful search engine for educators to conduct keyword searches, then narrow their search to quickly find appropriate resources.

• A streamlined interface, so users have quick access to their latest activity, saved resources, and networks and groups.

Editor’s Note: The contents of this news brief were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

More Information

For more information about PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection, visit www.pbs.org/peerconnection.

About PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is committed to helping teachers acquire the skills they need to prepare students for a successful future. PBS TeacherLine provides high-quality, affordable professional development through facilitated, online courses, collaborative learning communities, and exemplary Internet-based resources. Currently, more than 130 courses across multiple subject areas are offered. Teachers can earn continuing education units, professional development points, and graduate credits for course completion. The courses have been developed in conjunction with leading education organizations, including Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), Education Development Center (EDC), Concord Consortium, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and International Society for Technology Education. Created in 2000, PBS TeacherLine is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $6,046,811. This represents approximately 85 percent of the total program funding. The remaining 15 percent is funded through in-kind support from PBS and through program income. For more information, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline.

About PBS

PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each week, PBS reaches more than 65 million people and invites them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs have been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

Contacts

PBS
Kevin Dando
703-739-5073
kdando at pbs dot org

Donovan Goode
703-739-5073
dwgoode at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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