Thinking about classroom volunteers - entry four ideas

I know that many candidates are currently working on entry 4:  Documented Accomplishments.  This entry asks about your work with parents and families (among other things).  I thought I would share a link to some information about parent volunteers.  The suggestions are written by Karen Bantuveris, founder and CEO of Volunteer Spot.  You can find the article at http://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-for-engaging-parent-volunteers-karen-bantuveris.

Keep thinking about ways to involve families in TWO-WAY communication and in events in your classroom.  

"Teach" - The Documentary

I guess I have been hiding under a rock because I am just now learning about the documentary "Teach" by David Guggenheim.  The advertisements claim that the video will help answer the question, "What does it take to be a teacher?" It appears that the documentary will chronicle the professional lives of four teachers from across the nation.  Now, I will say (since this is MY blog) that I personally am withholding judgment on this documentary until I actually see it.  I hope that you will do the same.  I have included some information that I received from NBPTS below.  The information includes the date and time of the broadcast as well as ways you can join in the conversation about "Teach".  Enjoy!

From NBPTS:

"I know you are busy launching the new school year, but I hope you will find time to join with teachers across the country on Friday, September 6th, at 8 p.m. to watch the film "Teach" on CBS. This documentary from Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim follows four teachers to answer the question, "What does it take to be a teacher?"    In the next decade, more than half of U.S. teachers will retire. We'll need a new generation of teachers prepared to inspire, engage, and challenge America's students. Who will they be?    The National Board is proud to be a member of the TEACH Coalition, one of the nation's largest public-private partnerships, working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education to recruit the next generation of great teachers.   Watch the trailer: http://takepart.com/teach Many NBCTs will be gathering with their colleagues, friends, and families to view the film. You can host a viewing party where participants can discuss themes and take action to help recruit the next generation of teachers.    Here are four other ways to join the conversation: Sign up to be a TEACH ambassador and help recruit the next generation of teachers. Share your thoughts and expertise in a brief (500 words or less) post for our blog,The Standard. Send your submissions to opportunities@nbpts.org. Shoot a 1-minute video on your ideas, which we may post to our YouTube page. Send your submissions to opportunities@nbpts.org. Tweet us your reactions and ideas. Be sure to include @NBPTS and @TEACHorg. What will it take to ensure that all of America's students have accomplished teachers in every single one of their classes? How can we ensure that the next generation of teachers is as committed as you are to making teaching the profession it deserves to be?    As NBCTs, you may not have all the answers, but you have grappled with these questions and can help lead the discussion within your schools and your communities.    We'll be watching with you on Friday, September 6th, at 8 p.m. We can't wait to hear your reactions to the film and your ideas for recruiting, preparing, and supporting the next generation of America's teachers.   Sincerely,   Ron Thorpe CEO and President National Board for Professional Teaching Standards"