Is there a network for social studies teachers to share ideas and lessons?

Question

I am a new 8th grade social studies teacher and I am interested in networking with other social studies teachers. I would like to exchange lessons, project ideas, movie suggestions, web sites, etc.

Does this sort of network already exist?

Answer 1

Are you a member of NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies)?  http://www.ncss.org/  That's a good place to start.  I'm not super-familiar with it since I am an ELA teacher, but my guess is that it is fairly similar to NCTE (Nat'l Council of Teachers of English).

Another good source is www.teacherspayteachers.com.  This is a site where teachers sell lesson plans, but every teacher has to offer at least one free product.

Good luck.  Teaching is the best job there is!

Answer 2

I just stumbled on an INCREDIBLE teaching resource for grades PreK - 8th grade.  It's called ProTeacher.

www.proteacher.net

There is a board specifically for 8th grade, and one specifically for Social Studies.  The resources and people are amazing!  I posted a question about my math program and within an hour had several answers posted.  It's free, fast, and open 24 hours!

The boards and chats and blogs and discussions are incredibly helpful, and fun to engage in.  

Good luck!

Answer 3

Have you ever went to new sites to meet people like http://www.OneRush.com or http://www.MeJab.com if you need to vent about it?