A degree in education administration means you want to be a leader in an educational setting. To accomplish this successfully you must fully understand all aspects of the environment. These resources will help you learn more about the environment in which you will be working, the types of people you will interact with on a daily basis, and many of the concepts you will be expected to understand.
Principals and Ed Leadership
Reading the blogs of other principals and educational leaders will allow you to get an insider’s look into the world you will be entering. As you begin to read these blogs look for people you feel you can relate to and build online relationships with them. They will be able to advise you and console you in your future role.
- Principal’s Page
This blog is about education administration written from the point of view of Michael Smith a dad who has been a teacher, principal, and superintendant. Topics often include homeschooling, teachers, administrators, and technology.
- Darcy Moore’s Blog
The author is an Australian educator that began his career as an English teacher and eventually became a principal. He frequently discusses eLearning, pedagogy, and the digital revolution.
- Practical Theory
This blog is written by Chris Lehmann, a principal and education writer. Before becoming a principal he was a teacher, tech coordinator, and coach. He often discusses technology, education administration, and school 2.0.
- The Principal and Interest
The author of the blog, Dave Sherman, is an Illinois elementary school principal. He discusses his thoughts on being a principal as well as topics of general interest to educators.
- Dangerously Irrelevant
The author of the blog, Scott McLeod, is a professor of educational administration and is one of the nation’s leading authorities on K-12 technology leadership.
Technology
Technology has become one of the most important tools in education. Learn how teachers, technology professionals, and new technologies are changing the face of education. Stay on top of the latest trends in order to be sure your school is offering the best options.
- The Potential of the iPad to Change Education
This post discusses how technology, and the iPad specifically, has the potential to completely revolutionize education. The blog is devoted to providing tips and information for school principals.
- Langwitches Blog
This blog is written by Silvia Tolisano, an education technology specialist. She discusses ways in which technology can be integrated into schools. Frequent topics include curriculum, 21st century technology, and collaborative learning.
- Teacher Reboot Camp
Blogger, Shelly Terrell, discusses the importance of engaging students through the use of technology. Some of the topics covered in her blog include technology tips, global education issues, and teacher development.
- Thurman Resources
Lisa Thurman, the author of the blog, discusses 21st century methods that facilitate good teaching. She is a education technology specialist that works with those in the field of education to increase the use of technology in the classroom.
- Design for Learning
Dean Groom, the author of the blog, is the head of Educational Technology at a Sydney university. He works to help educators using traditional teaching methods to transform their classroom using the newest technology.
- NCS-Tech
This blog is written by technology teacher Kevin Jarrett. The blog discusses technology resources for educators. Topics frequently discussed include alternative technology and resources specifically for K-8 teachers.
- Emerging EdTech
The focus of this blog is on using emerging technology in all areas of education. Some of the most popular posts have included incorporating Facebook in the classroom and using Twitter to teach.
- Around the Corner
This blog is written by Miguel Guhlin, an education technology expert. He shares his views on a number of technology topics including digital citizenship, digital storytelling, and free software.
- Experiencing E-Learning
This blog focuses on building leaning experiences with E-learning and instructional design. The author frequently provides links to the latest in research and technology resources.
Teachers
As an education administrator you will be dealing extensively with teachers. As their boss you may not be able to get them to talk to you as a colleague about their frustrations and disappointments. They may even be reluctant to share more pleasant aspects of their day. Gain some insight by reading these blogs written by teachers
- Division by Zero
This blog is written by an mathematics professor. He likes to share his passion about mathematics in general and specifically puzzles, recreational mathematics, and uses for technology in the classroom.
- Cool Cat Teacher
This blog is written by a teacher and parent that has a passion for technology in the classroom. She frequently discusses assessment, the future of technology in the classroom, and education in general.
- Ozge Karaoflu’s Blog
This blog is written by a teacher that specializes in teaching English to non-English speaking students. Topics that are frequently covered include technology, teaching tools, and digital story telling.
- Open Educator
This blog, written by Graham Wegner, discusses a variety of education topics including digital convergence, problem based learning, and teaching resources. He is a primary school teacher in Australia.
- Maths Class
Blogger, Simon Job, is a high school math teacher. He discusses teaching math and frequently talks about lesson plans, resources, his personal experience and using technology when applicable.
- The Reading Zone
The writer of this blog, Sarah, is a sixth grade Language Arts teacher with a passion for reading. Most of her posts revolve around the world of books and frequent topics include book reviews, technology, writing, and classroom projects.
- Beyond School
This blog is written by Clay Burell, a literature and history teacher. He loves learning and loves to share this love with students and other teachers. He hates what he describes as schooliness, or the politics of school.
- Bud the Teacher
The author of this blog, Bud Hunt, is an instructional technologist in Colorado. Before his current role he was a language arts teacher. He discusses a variety of topics including modeling, open source software, and professional development.
- Burcu Akyol’s Blog
This blogger is an English teacher in Turkey. She has students of all ages ranging from elementary to adult learners. She discusses her experiences and provides insights into education.
- Pencil Integration
This blog is written by Tom Johnson, a teacher and writer. He discusses his experiences in the classroom and his desire to live an authentic life both personally and professionally.
Classroom Management
As a school administrator it will be your job to make sure each and every classroom under your supervision is running as efficiently and productively as possible. This is not possible with poor classroom management. Look to these blogs for ideas on how to help your teachers succeed in the classroom.
- Smart Classroom Management
This blog is written by Michael Linsin, a teacher and author. He discusses a variety of classroom management topics such as motivating students, teacher modeling, and community building.
- Teachers at Risk
Elona Hartjes, the author of this blog, is a special education teacher that worries about teachers who are at risk of falling through the cracks. She offers resources and classroom strategies to help teachers better manage their classrooms.
- Basic Classroom Management Strategies
This post was written by Paul Haigh, who is an assistant head teacher. In this post he discusses the importance of classroom management and ways to make a classroom run more smoothly.
- Classroom management in 1947 & 2010
Aaron Eyler, the author of this blog, posted a training video from 1947 that explained the best way to maintain class discipline. He points out that children are basically still the same; humorous and informative.
- Classroom Management: The Teacher’s Voice
This post discusses the importance of using the right tone of a voice in a classroom and the effects it can have on a teacher’s overall ability to successfully manage the classroom.
- I Want to Teach Forever
This blog is written by Tom DeRosa, a teacher and blogger from Texas. He discusses educational issues, alternative assessment, curriculum ideas, and classroom management.
- For the Love of Learning
Joe Bower, the author of the blog is a Canadian teacher. He explores progressive education and encouraging a love of learning in students and teacher. He frequently discusses discipline and accountability.
- Look at My Happy Rainbow!
This blog is written by a male kindergarten teacher. He discusses how he runs a happy classroom by exploring his life lessons. He also provides resources and tips for other teachers.
Librarians
Librarians today are no longer responsible for books alone. Most are now considered media specialist and will be able to assist you, the teachers, and the students with all forms of media. Learn more about the inner workings of a school library with these blogs.
- Hey Jude
Blogger Judy O’Connell is a librarian and discusses the use of technology in education, and focuses heavily on their application in libraries. She frequently writes about communication tools, digital media, technology and software.
- The Unquiet Librarian
The author of the blog is a media specialist in Georgia. She frequently discusses technology that can be used in the library, resources for teachers and librarians, and engaging students.
- Techno Tuesday
Blogger, Cathy Nelson is a veteran library media specialist. She writes to share her experiences and the tips, hints, and tricks she has picked up over the years. Popular topics include professional development, social networking, and censorship.
- Librarian by Day
Bobbi Newman, the author of the blog, is a librarian as well as a teacher, writer, and technology geek. She frequently blogs about her life as a librarian, the future of books, e-books, and the digital divide.
- Lucacept
This blog is written by Jenny Luca. She frequently blogs about digital literacy, 21st century learning, and professional development. She shares her experiences and educational discoveries with her readers.
- The Web Footed Book Lady
Lesley Edwards, the author of this blog, writes about her experiences and opinions on using technology in education. She has discussed networking, iPads, and how technology is changing literacy.
Education Policy
Your education policy will be one of the first things you will be judged by as an education administrator. Read these blogs to learn about the latest trends in policy and begin to map out what your own policy will be.
- Thoughts on Education Policy
The author of the blog, Corey Bower, is pursuing a Ph.D. in education policy. His blog discusses education policy as it applies to administrators, teachers, parents, researches, and the general public.
- Education and Class
This blog discusses the influence of social class in the world of education and how it plays a role in the identity of the student. Topics frequently include pedagogy, policy, racism, teacher education, and social class.
- Living and Learning in Poverty
This blog is written by a professor of education, who focuses on the resources and research that look at how poverty impacts the ability of a child to learn. He looks for ways to help students overcome the negative impact poverty can have.
- Teachers for Social Justice
This is a blog for educators interested in achieving social justice in the classroom. Specifically in ensuring that schools and classrooms are equitable for all students regardless of race, sex, or orientation.
- Education Policy Matters Blog
Written by Dr. Wayne Lewis, a leadership studies professor, this blog discusses educational policies. Past topics have included at-risk students, principal preparation, and school reform.
Resources
Educators are always looking for the best resources to help them be successful in the classroom. Follow these blogs to find some of the best resources, many of which are free or available online, to help your teachers and students reach their maximum potential.
- Education Nation
Written by Alexa, the blog offers an insightful and independent look at education. This is a great place to get information from an outsider. Topics frequently reviewed are grading, k-12, ACT, and home-schooling.
- Free Resources for Education
This blog offers frequent updates with information about free and open source resources for educators. The author, Patricia Donaghy, has degrees in math and chemistry as well as digital media development for education.
- E Learn Space
The blog, written by George Siemens, discusses knowledge, learning, community, and technology as it relates to the field of education. Specific topics frequently include open source technology, content management, learning objects, and information architecture.
- What is Teacher Professional Partnership?
This post discusses the ins and out of TPPs and includes a video discussion. The blog is maintained by Education Evolving which updates the blog frequently with news and information specifically for educators.
- Cool Stuff for Nerdy Teachers
Kev, the author of the blog, provides lesson plans, tools, technology resources, and toy ideas for what he likes to call nerdy teachers. He hopes to help teachers stay one step ahead of tech savvy students.
- Box of Tricks
This blog discusses the necessity of using technology to ensure the relevancy of education as students move to a more digital lifestyle. The author frequently provides information about resources and internet tools.
- This Weeks Education Humor
This blog provides a humorous look at education. It has rapidly become one of the most popular new education blogs. This is an excellent resource for teachers and administrators who are able to laugh at their jobs.
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