The key “to-dos” to get 2012–2013 off to a great start in the classroom, and how online communities and networks help make it great.

The first 6 weeks of school always marks new beginning, whether you are a new teacher getting bearings and building strategies for classroom management, or whether you're a seasoned teacher looking to expand your reach and exposure to other educators.

This is the kick-off event for The First Six Weeks, one of the main forums for CEM, covering such questions as:

• What are the key to-dos to get 2012–13 off to a great start in the classroom, and how can educators stay on top of and successfully manage all the competing demands involved?
• How can teachers use online communities and networks to help with this most critical period of the new school year we’re all planning for?
• What should communities and networks themselves be doing during this period?
• How can communities and networks best adapt to changing needs of educators throughout the year?

The kick-off will consist of panel and open discussion moderated by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Andrew Gardner.  Panelists include Suzie Boss, Lyn Hilt, Jane Krauss, David Rosas, and Kate Berten.