No matter how the global economy is doing, it's always important for teachers to be budget-conscious. Unfortunately, most of us have to spend some of our own money each year in order to stock our classrooms and adequately supply our students with the learning tools they need.

So, instead of breaking the bank, why not follow at least a few of these practical money-saving tips as you set up your classroom this year?

I'd love to know how you stretch your pennies in the classroom. Maybe I can add your ideas to the list. Leave your suggestions in the comments section of this post. Thanks!

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has some choices to make on how best to spend the $100 billion education stimulus package. Consider this: Did you know that 12% of the country's high schools make up almost half of the nation's dropouts?

Shocking, but informative. A New York Times Editorial today outlines and supports a few ideas for how the stimulus money can give our citizens the most "bang for the buck."

What do you think should be the top priorities for education stimulus spending?

Did you encounter conflict and drama when you entered the teacher's lounge last school year? Nothing can drag you down like tension with a colleague. Avoiding such drama will obviously help you enjoy your job more, but it could even translate into more effective teaching in the classroom.

Most of us can relate to this problem, so that's why I created this list of tips for creating a drama-free bubble around yourself on campus. Even if the rest of your colleagues are getting caught up in the latest scandal, you can still avoid it.

What are your best tips for staying out of behind-the-scenes interpersonal conflict?

There are so many things to consider when setting up an elementary school classroom to start a new school year. Where to place the teacher's desk, how to decorate the bulletin boards, how to incorporate technology into your space, and so much else!

But just because there's a lot to do doesn't mean you need to feel overwhelmed. Instead, use this step-by-step checklist to help you accomplish one key task at a time. The time you spend strategically organizing your room now will pay dividends when students show up in the Fall!

Teaching is more than just a job. It's a calling. It's an ever-surprising mix of grueling hard work and ecstatic successes, both big and small. The most effective teachers are in it for more than just a paycheck. They keep their energy levels up by focusing on why they got into teaching in the first place. Here are the top seven reasons you should join the ranks and find a classroom to call your own.

Private tutoring is a relatively easy (and definitely fulfilling) way to apply your teaching skills in a new way outside of the classroom. In today's economy, you might be interested in supplementing your income through creative and flexible endeavors. If so, consider starting a neighborhood tutoring business. Here are the first steps you should take if you want to start tutoring this summer, or any time of year.

Do you recycle paper in your classroom? Do you encourage your students to minimize waste and reuse materials, as much as possible? It's not as hard as you might think to add a splash of "green" to your elementary school classroom. Start with these eco-conscious first steps and you'll be well on your way to inspiring the next generation of citizens to think twice before wasting valuable resources. It all starts with the teacher's attitude and actions.

How do you show your green stripes in the classroom?

With the nation's current economic climate, it can feel like a challenging, or even adverse, time to be looking for a teaching position. That's why it's important to minimize your risk and maximize your effectiveness as you look for a job this summer. Stop by the Teacher Job Hunt Headquarters for a collection of articles and links that will help you put your best foot forward as you pound the pavement on your way to employment.

My favorite resource is the list of Most Common Interview Questions. In my opinion, nothing beats feeling confident and prepared when you walk into a job interview.

As teachers of young students, we can sometimes find ourselves in the position of helping students who feel nervous and anxious about the first day of school. That's why I recommend using these tips for How to Soothe Your Students' First Day of School Jitters. A patient, compassionate, and strategic approach is the best way to transition an antsy student from concerned to comfortable.

How do you help nervous new students feel welcome and confident in your classroom?

The issue of bullying seems to be popping up with increasing frequency in recent months. The New York Times reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics is going to be issuing new recommendations for how medical professionals should address bullies and their victims.

Although bullying itself is not a new issue by any means, it does seem that the severity of bullying acts is escalating. Particularly worrisome is the recent spate of preteen suicides that have resulted from intense (and often sexually-oriented) bullying at school. Nowadays, bullying can even happen online without physical punches being thrown.

As teachers, it is our responsibility to keep our eyes open for bullying, intervene, and protect all of our students. No one can learn and create success in a setting that feels unsafe.

Have you noticed an increase or change in bullying behavior at your school? How do you address bullying with your students?