TOP PICKS | 18 TOOLS

Best Professional Development Websites and PLNs for Teachers

Though our reviews look at a tool's learning potential for students in the classroom, many of these resources offer learning opportunities for educators as well. On this list you'll find tools for staying up to date with the latest news, sharing ideas with other teachers, and finding the best lessons. Expand your teacher network through a PLN (professional learning network), find inspiration, and build your knowledge of the best teaching practices with these rich professional development sites and online communities.

Top Picks

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BetterLesson

Exemplary Common Core-aligned lessons from rock star peers at large

Bottom line: Get a head start on the Common Core transition with this professional community for great classroom-ready lessons.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free

Common Curriculum

Sleek lesson planner replaces bulky binders, promotes collaboration

Bottom line: Ditch pen-and-paper planning; embrace the flexibility of collaborative lesson planning and calendar design.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free, Free to Try, Paid Free for the Basic plan. $4.89-$6.99 per month for Pro plan. $7.50 per teacher per month (for 20 teachers - price per teacher goes down with more teachers) for Schools plan. $1,500 when purchasing for 3 or more schools for Site License. Free 30-day trial also available.

PowerMyLearning Connect

Create playlists and differentiate with quality third-party content

Bottom line: A curation of some of the best educational content on the web made easily accessible, both for students and teachers.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free, Paid A basic edition for individual educators is free; annual prices for a school edition range from $2,900 to $4,900 per school, depending on enrollment.

ReadWriteThink

Excellent free resource for all things reading and writing

Bottom line: A language arts teacher's dream; lesson plans, professional development, and all-around quality support.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free

Smithsonian Science Education Center

Teacher-geared site outlines steps for innovative science instruction

Bottom line: Use the SSEC's site as a stop on your changing-science-instruction path; just be prepared to reach out to them for constructive details.

Grades: K–10 Price: Free

California Academy of Sciences

Expert research and diverse, rich lessons inspire future scientists

Bottom line: A perfect companion to (or substitute for) the Academy, this site delivers highly interactive resources and research with a lot of depth.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Paid Some of the educational kits and virtual programs have a cost for classrooms.

LearnZillion

Quality Common Core-aligned lessons with great modeling for teachers

Bottom line: An innovative way to enhance lessons and tailor learning for individual needs.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free

OER Commons

Free, easy access to a wealth of resources

Bottom line: Impressive resource opens access to quality materials for all educators.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free

Teaching Channel

See colleagues in action with digital PD for discussion and reflection

Bottom line: This video library of actual classroom teaching offers opportunities for professional educators to watch, share, and improve their craft.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Free to Try, Paid Public features on the site are free. Schools and districts interested in the Teams feature have the option for a two-week trial. The developer can be contacted for further information on fees and pricing.

Teaching Tolerance

Thought-provoking classroom resources support diversity education

Bottom line: It's an invaluable teacher tool to help reduce prejudice and encourage tolerance in schools, as well as within society as a whole.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free

Edmodo

Manage classes, content, and communication with social LMS platform

Bottom line: This free platform allows for teacher-monitored classroom communication but lacks excitement.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free This website is free to use for all features, but it does contain advertisements on the teacher side.

The Current

Engaging space for tech-forward instruction and teacher collaboration

Bottom line: A great resource to share and gather ideas on teaching with technology and media, but there are some bugs that need fixing.

Grades: 5–12 Price: Free

KQED Education

Great news and classroom resources support both teachers and students

Bottom line: With some organizational adjustments, the site could be an exceptional place for both kids and teachers to find educational inspiration.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free

Ogment

Get beyond binders with digital, remixable lesson-planning tool

Bottom line: If you invest some serious time in preloading your content, this is an exceptional tool for building and using your lesson plans.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free to Try, Paid Licensed at the school or district level.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Stellar history website, gateway to cool PD and scholarship

Bottom line: In class, a good resource for U.S. history; beyond, a great website for free teacher PD and some great in-depth exploration of primary sources.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free