I’m a big fan of ASCD, the professional support and development organization for teachers. In fact, if you search “ASCD” on my blog, you’ll find that they’re mentioned 237 times!

I thought reader might be interested in some of their more recent free resources:

They’ve just announced that they’re presenting a number of free Common Core-related courses on iTunes U. I’m no big fan of the Common Core, but they are a reality for most of us, and there are a lot of people out there trying to make a fast buck on pushing a lot of garbage they’re saying will help teachers with the new standards. ASCD, on the other hand, has a history of providing some very useful Core-related resources. In fact, you’ll find a number of them on my The Most Useful Resources For Implementing Common Core list. I’m confident that these new courses will be equally as high in quality.

ASCD has also announced a series of free Virtual Learning Network Webinars centered on helping teachers with the Common Core in multiple subjects. I know some of the people leading these webinars, and have confidence in their ability to deliver practical and useful help. You can also access previous webinars at the same link.

Lastly, I want to mention the ASCD In Service blog, which regularly publishes helpful posts like this one: In It for the Long Haul: Four Strategies for Beginning a Virtual PLC.