The latest trend in test preparation?  Helping three and four year olds get ready for kindergarten admissions tests!  And it's not just for private school admissions.  Many preschool aged children are studying in order to get into public gifted and talented programs.

Do you think this is harmless or excessive?  In my opinion, testing has gotten out of control in our education system.  We should allow children to develop and evolve with less structure and pressure.

In light of the U.S. Education Secretary's recent push for tougher teacher training standards, many teachers are a bit defensive about being under an even sharper microscope.  For example, commenter Stuart candidly said:

"The last thing I need is for a know-nothing administrator lurking in my classroom and leaving comments about petty things that have absolutely nothing to do with teaching especially when many of these schmendricks have been out of the classroom for eons.

I have been teaching for 41 years and I do not need some one who was being toilet trained when I started teaching telling me my business."

While Stuart's viewpoint might have been expressed bluntly, I'm sure it echoes the concerns of many classroom teachers.  Do you think teachers need more rigorous standards to enter the profession and closer observation once on the job?  Would you welcome the scrutiny or resent it?

Everyone's feeling the economic pinch nowadays.  As teachers, we're used to having to make every dollar count.  Budgeting skills and a frugal nature are practically job requirements!

These money-saving tips for teachers offer practical ways that you can give your students the best opportunities to learn without having to dip too much into your own wallet.

I believe that effective teaching doesn't require fancy gadgets or prizes for good behavior.  How do you stretch your classroom budget?

There's a new trend in town: teachers selling their lesson plans online for cash.  It's controversial because one of the hallmarks of the teaching profession has always been the open sharing and collaboration between colleagues.  But proponents argue, "Why shouldn't I profit from the lessons I create?"  Many teachers use the funds they earn to buy much-needed supplies for their classrooms.

Would you consider selling your lessons for money?  What do you think of teachers who cash in on their intellectual property rather than share it freely with other educators?