TCI eNews

The holidays are a perfect time to take a step back and realize all the things we are thankful for. The TCI staff is thankful for you -- our customers. You reach out to us on our Discussion Groups, via e-mail, and face-to-face with our Customer Consultants. You bring us stories from your classrooms. We hear about how we've touched your lives and the lives of your students. Test scores have increased. Social studies has become the most exciting class period of the day. Your classroom is revolutionized with our programs and methodology. Your stories are an inspiration to all of us at TCI. We are excited to hear how our lessons are performing in your classrooms, and we love the ideas you send us for how to improve our programs. Because of you our work is worthwhile. You let us feel good that we are helping change the way social studies is taught. Customers -- we couldn't have done it without you. So thank you and happy holidays!

It's that time of year...so close to winter break, yet so far away! As teachers, we know that when December rolls around we are a little burned out and need the holiday break to recharge and reenergize. We'd love to hear what each of you does to relax and get yourself reenergized for school in January. Do you pamper yourself with a pedicure? Treat yourself to a day on the slopes with a cup of hot chocolate? Or do something really out of the ordinary? We want to hear from you. Post your recharging solutions on the Middle School Discussion Group . TCI staff will read the entries and send a free Teacher Resource of your choice to the best answer (a gift valued at up to $850). We can't wait to hear from you.

In his latest blog, Bert Bower, TCI's CEO and founder, reflects on the many teachers he has met as he traveled around the nation this fall. From San Diego to Philadelphia to Manhattan, teachers are bringing social studies alive. Learn about the interesting teachers he has met (who knows...maybe he is talking about you!) In his blog, Bert states, "What I learned from these and scores of other teachers is that creating a truly interactive classroom is attainable for all teachers ready to take risks and think outside of the box." Do you agree? Join in the conversation and share your insights. Bert wants to hear from you.

Classroom Spotlight: Heidi Boles TCSS Teacher of the Year

At TCI we'd like to take this opportunity to recognize Heidi Boles, a TCI Trainer and recent awardee as the TCSS Elementary Teacher of the Year. This fall Heidi was recognized for her highly effective teaching to her 4^th grade students. When we asked about Heidi's students she told us, "One student said he always felt smarter when we did TCI lessons. How cool is that?" Read more about Heidi and her students on our website

Introducing TCI Academy

We are delighted to introduce a new member of the TCI family, TCI Academy . Launched in 2007, TCI Academy offers onsite cutting-edge professional development designed to bring long-lasting change to social studies classrooms.

Coming in spring 2008, TCI Academy will offer onsite consulting. TCI Academy Onsite Consulting will provide a powerful way for schools and districts to improve social studies instruction. Over the span of one to three years, a TCI Academy Trainer will work with teachers to provide the tools, infrastructure, and implementation methods to build a rich learning community.

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