1. Hydropower is estimated to have the potential of adding 1.4 million jobs by 2025

   Every state has the potential to create hydropower projects, from ocean water, streams, or pumped storage water, meaning plants all over the country could be created and staffed with workers.

2. The government has created a $2 million green job competition for veterans

   In March 2010, the government announced it would allocate $2 million toward grants for training military veterans in industries like bio-fuels, renewable electric power, energy-efficient construction, and more.

3. The green construction industry will add 2.3 million workers to its labor force

   According to the U.S. Green Building Council, green construction employed more than 1 million people from 2000 to 2008. This number is expected to rise to 3.3 million by 2013, about a 230% increase. Nearly half of American solar power firms plan to hire more workers: In August 2011, almost half of 2,100 solar power companies surveyed said they plan to add an expected 24,000 jobs by August 2012.

4. The solar industry job growth rate is 6.8%

   Compared to the fossil fuel industry’s negative growth rate of 2%, the nearly 7% growth in solar power jobs, including manufacturing and installation, is very promising.

5. Tennessee will see the creation of 10,000 new green jobs by 2014

   A handful of companies like Volkswagen and Nissan Leaf and Storage Battery Manufacturing will help the state continue to see an 8% growth rate annually, with jobs like energy brokers and solar installation managers becoming available.

6. Ohio could see 23,000 new auto industry jobs in the next 10 years

   A recent report by non-profit research group Ceres found that because of new federal regulations for fuel efficiency, hiring will increase by automakers and companies that make fuel-efficient tech.

7. The geothermal industry has added 7,000 jobs and counting since 2008

   Executive Director of the Geothermal Energy Association Karl Gawell estimated in 2011 that new geothermal construction projects, which have no fuel costs and produce very little CO2, will add another 3,000 jobs in California, Nevada, and elsewhere.

8. The bio-fuel sector could produce 807,000 jobs by 2022

   The Biotechnology Industry Organization said in late 2011 that the bio-fuel industry could produce hundreds of thousands of jobs while lowering U.S. oil imports by $70 billion.

9. Knoxville, Tennessee’s green jobs grew by 14.6% annually from 2003 to 2010

   In 2009 alone, Knoxville added more than 16,000 green jobs, helping lower the unemployment rate to 7.7% for the city, a full two points lower than the rest of the state.

10. The green industry in the U.S. now employs 3.1 million workers

    Green jobs now outnumber jobs in the fossil fuels industry (although some have taken issue with the definition of “green job” used in the calculation).

11. In Little Rock, Arkansas 11,933 green jobs were created in 2010

    Being home to clean-tech companies like LM Wind Power and CLEAResult Consulting helped Arkansas’ capital become one of the fastest-growing cities in America for green jobs.

12. President Obama’s Recovery Act of 2009 invested $90 billion in clean energy

    This money has already helped sponsor 40 clean-tech projects that will eventually employ upwards of 60,000 people.

13. With more than 28,000, Albany has the highest concentration of green jobs in the country

    One out of every 15 workers in and around Albany has a clean job, or 6.7%, thanks in large part to the business of GE, which houses many of its clean-tech operations in Schenectady.

14. The U.S. is only tapping 20% of its hydropower capacity

    There is much, much more room for job growth in hydropower because out of the 500 gigawatt capacity, the U.S. is only making use of 100 gigawatts.

15. The Dept. of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program will help create 10 times the number of the failed Keystone Pipeline

    And what’s even more exciting is that the DOE program will cost taxpayers $2 billion less than originally expected.

16. Jobs for the Future is expanding green job training in seven cities across the country

    Funded with $38 million from the Dept. of Labor, JFF will equip workers with skills necessary for the green industry, adding thousands of jobs to Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and more.

17. Worldwide, the green energy sector could create 20 million to 30 million jobs by 2030

    And that’s just the energy sector of green technology. This many jobs would inject trillions of dollars into a struggling world economy.

18. North Carolina’s green industry grew by 700 companies from 2009 to 2010

    Job figures are certain to increase in “The Triangle,” the nickname applied to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, which already has one of the highest totals of green jobs in the country.

19. California is projected to spawn more than 200,000 jobs by 2020

    A 2011 report by The Donald Vial Center on Employment in the Green Economy stated that energy efficiency policies will produce 211,000 skilled, high-paying jobs and more than $11 billion in revenue for the state.

20. The number of green jobs in Toledo, Ohio have gone up 72% since 2003

    The city added 4,000 jobs during the period, and in one 18-month period the jobs helped lower unemployment nearly four percentage points.

21. Organic farmers’ markets rose 17% in 2010 alone

    A key part of the green movement is locally sourced, organic food. Farmers had plenty of work in 2010, as the markets’ surge in popularity swelled their numbers to 7,175 across the nation.

22. Des Moines, Iowa is growing in green jobs at 11.4% per year

    Since 2003, more than 2,500 green jobs have been created, moving the city’s total to over 5,200 green industry jobs and helping keep unemployment low.

23. Albuquerque lowered unemployment 2.6% in 2010 thanks to green jobs

    The city’s 9,000-plus clean-tech jobs at manufacturing companies like Advent Solar and Schott AG have helped make it a hub of environmentally-friendly work.

24. Ogden, Utah has been growing at a rate of 8.6% for new green jobs each year

    The 927 jobs the Ogden area has added in recent years are thanks to openings created at green companies like recycling company American Specialty Glass Inc. and green manufacturer W.R. Grace & Co.

1. Pole dancing primary school teachers

   Six primary school teachers celebrating a “hen party” (that’s British for bachelorette party) posted photos of their night out on Facebook, and unfortunately, did not have the sense to protect them as private. A school parent found the photos, and instead of quietly bringing them to the attention of school officials, took it upon herself to print out the photos and post them on the front doors of her neighbors, along with a letter indicating her displeasure at finding the images unprotected online. Other parents expressed their displeasure, but the school has not taken disciplinary action, commenting that “The photos in question were taken at a private hen night attended by a small group of school staff.” The photos have since been removed, and the teachers now have private Facebook profiles.

2. European vacation

   Barrow County teacher Ashley Payne went on a three-week trip to Europe one summer, and when she returned, posted photos of her trip to her personal Facebook page. As is the case with many visitors to Europe, Payne enjoyed alcoholic drinks, and some of the photos she posted included images of her holding glasses and enjoying herself. Later, she also shared a status that she’d be out to play “Crazy Bitch Bingo” at a restaurant in the area. Although Payne’s Facebook page was set to private and she never allowed access to students or parents at the high school where she taught, somehow the photos were leaked and anonymously shared with the Barrow superintendent, allegedly by a parent whose daughter had seen Payne’s photos and status. Payne was quickly pressured to resign, but sued to get her job back. Nearly three years later, she still hasn’t won, with a court ruling against her in November 2011, and she is now pursuing grad school.

3. Leaked Jolly Rancher hair photos

   Teachers are often witness to questionable fashion choices among their students. Kids who insist on dressing themselves, others going through awkward stages, and even students who want to express themselves in different ways. One such student in Chicago came to school with Jolly Rancher candies attached to her hair braids, a fashion that she and her mother were both quite proud of. Her teacher did not agree, and actually found the young girl’s hair to be very amusing. The teacher was so amused, in fact, that she took a photo of her student’s hair and shared it on Facebook to mock with her friends. The photo was discovered, and the mother complained to the school district, landing the teacher in hot water. The photo has been removed, and an apology was made, but there is still an investigation and lawsuit underway for the teacher.

4. Anti-gay comments

   Late last year, a New Jersey teacher, Viki Knox, spoke out on Facebook, sharing her anti-gay comments on Facebook. These comments were on a post from the school recognizing LGBT History Month, as she shared her belief that homosexuality is a sin. Once the controversy was sparked, Knox was pulled from the classroom, Parents at the school and others around the country have rallied to have Knox fired. Gay advocates have argued for her dismissal as well, pointing out that a teacher who is so strongly biased against gay students might be slow to enforce anti-bullying laws and allow gay students in her classroom. But Knox does have her supporters, with some rushing to defend her right to freedom of speech and religion. Tenure charges were formally filed against her in January 2012, and Knox now faces the very real possibility of being fired over her comments.

5. The teacher of future criminals

   Invariably, students will misbehave in class when given even a sliver of a chance to act up. Students in Paterson, N.J., are no exception, and in one class, behavior got so bad that a teacher vented on Facebook about feeling like a “warden” for future criminals: her first-grade students, including a boy who had hit her and others who frequently disrupted class. A judge ruled that the post was insensitive in a city suffering from poverty and violence, and that the teacher should lose her job and not return to teaching in the city again. She can, however, teach elsewhere after sensitivity training.

6. The mystery twins

   This teacher is unique in that her Facebook shame had nothing to do with teaching, but her story is no less incredible for that fact. Dumped by her boyfriend, Victoria Jones stole photos of her friend’s baby on Facebook, and then used them to convince her ex that he’d fathered twins. Jones’s lie was uncovered when the “dad” showed his photos to a friend, who quickly pointed out that the children (in reality just one child) actually belonged to another woman. As a teacher, she was brought up on charges of unacceptable professional misconduct, and parents reported that they’d lost trust in both her and the school after hearing what had gone on. Jones was ultimately banned from teaching for a period of two years.

7. I teach chitlins

   Believe it or not, teachers have been talking badly about their students since the invention of the teacher’s lounge. But in the age of Facebook, some of the conversations once reserved for that lounge go online. Teachers in Charlotte, N.C., have done just that, with five staff members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district facing disciplinary action. These teachers took their student complaints to Facebook, posting comments including, “I hate my students,” and “I teach chitlins.” Their Facebook pages also showed photos of the teachers drinking and posing inappropriately. These posts and photos were entirely public, accessible by parents, students, and even local television news stations, including a station that started the investigation. One teacher is facing a possible firing over her comments, while the others have received disciplinary action.

8. Facebook flirting

   Most of the teachers on this list can claim stupidity for their actions, but we just can’t feel sorry for former Bronx teacher Chadwin Reynolds, who has been fired for inappropriately contacting his students on Facebook. Reynolds commented on student Facebook photos with responses like, “This is sexy,” and even outright flirted with a student, sending her flowers, candy, and a teddy bear. All of the interactions were public and easily left as evidence for school officials to discover. Reynolds was quite swiftly fired for his totally inappropriate Facebook interactions.

9. No life jacket for you

   If you could save a student’s life, would you? The answer for most teachers would be yes, but Brooklyn teacher Christine Rubino’s answer was no. After a 12-year-old Harlem school girl drowned on a class trip to the beach, Rubino posted on her Facebook: “After today, I’m thinking the beach is a good trip for my class. I hate their guts.” When a friend asked if she’d “throw a life jacket to little Kwami,” Rubino’s answer was a definitive no. Although this interaction was on her private page, a fellow teacher saw the conversation and shared it with the school’s administration. As Rubino came under fire, a friend claimed that she’d logged in as the teacher and posted the hateful comments, but investigators didn’t buy it and Rubino is well on her way to getting fired.

10. Teaching germ bags

    Teachers, you may think that your students are germ-infested jerks, but you’d better not share those thoughts with Facebook, especially if parents have access to your page. Massachusetts teacher June Talvitie-Siple spouted off about her students on Facebook, describing them as “germ bags” and even going after parents as “snobby” and “arrogant.” Two parents noticed the comments and brought them to the attention of the school superintendent, who emailed Talvitie-Siple and encouraged her to resign. The teacher thought her posts were private, and admits that she “made a stupid mistake” that may have cost her career. She has since adjusted her Facebook settings.

11. The teacher and the stripper

    So many teachers disgraced by their actions on Facebook have been fired, or will be, and a good deal of them are appealing their terminations. But Ginger D’Amico is one of the few who have fought back and won. D’Amico was suspended when she appeared in a Facebook photo with a male stripper, a photo taken at a bachelorette party for another teacher. She calls the incident “something completely innocent that got blown out of proportion,” and with the help of the ACLU, won a settlement against the school district. She will get back pay for her 30-day suspension, a clean disciplinary record, and $10,000 in damages.

1. You can study in your underwear. No need to worry about the fashion parade and keeping up with all the latest trends.

2. You don’t have to worry about annoying dorm mates. Need we say more?

3. No teachers will call on you in class, putting you on the spot to answer questions. Instead, you can answer discussion questions and problems from the distance of your keyboard — saving you anxiety and perhaps embarrassment.

4. You don’t have to lug around a gazillion, back-breaking books. Your home office is your classroom, and it lives where you do.

5. You don’t have to make up an excuse when you’re late to class. For that matter, you don’t ever have to worry about being late, as you take online classes on your own schedule.

6. You don’t have to pretend to listen during lectures. Online “lectures” often include written notes or video podcasts that you can read or watch on your own time frame during the week — when you’re really ready for them.

7. You can take tests in front of the T.V. Or participate in discussion or read lecture notes or study. Wherever your laptop can go, your class can go.

8. You can “attend” class when you’re ready. Most online courses require students to contribute to participatory discussions or to turn in assignments by a specific deadline (usually weekly), but when you complete the requirements during the week is up to you. So you don’t have to worry about being in class from 10 to 11 a.m. every Monday, for example, but rather, you can have class at any time of the day during the week that suits your schedule. That means greater flexibility for your social life or anything else you want to do.

9. You can work while you attend school. And we don’t mean a part-time job at the Burger Master that you squeeze in between classes. You can hold a full-time, professional position on any shift. Because of the flexibility of the classes, you can work any time you like and take classes any time you like. Who says you have to be a broke student?

10. If you have a family, you don’t need to worry about hiring a babysitter. The flexibility of class scheduling allows you to either schedule classes at a time when your child is in school or can spend time with other family members, or allows you to stay home with your child while you study. No need to worry about irresponsible and unreliable sitters anymore.

If you haven’t been back to school for a while, you may enjoy these back to school resources as a refresher.

All images are courtesy of Chris Magher.

Confessions from the Couch

Failing Schools – This political blog is written by three different authors, all of whom have experience in teaching as well as opinions on educational reform. Recommended posts: “Audio: Debate about Wisconsin, labor rights” and “Communitywide Education Summit.”

MathNotations – This blogger posts numerous math, algebra, geometry, and calculus problems that any middle or high school teacher could use in their classroom. Recommended posts: “Another Cone in a Sphere Problem? – A Guide for the rest of us…” and “List the NINE 2-digit PRIMES which…”

Physics & Physical Science Demos, Labs, & Projects for High School Teachers – This blog is specifically for physics and physical science teachers who are looking for new and innovative ways to teach science to their students. Recommended posts: “Our Solar System to Scale” and “Final Exam – Roadrunner.”

Social Studies and History Teacher’s Blog – The posts on this blog discuss everything from African American history, the Civil War, the Royal Wedding, World War II, the American Revolution, and much more. Recommended posts:  “African American life in Georgia in the 1950s” and “WWII US Homefront film, 1942.”

Mr. Teachbad’s Blog of Teacher Disgruntlement -This history and government teacher writes that the purpose of his blog is “to make other teachers laugh and realize they are not alone.” When asked to explain what he has learned as a teacher since he started blogging, he responded: “That I’m right. Lots of teachers everywhere feel the same way about this job.” Recommended posts: “Say There, Might You Have Any More Data?” and “Teaching vs. Spreadsheets and Programs…”

TeachPaperless – This highly-recommended site is written by numerous contributors from all over the country who hope to inspire teachers in embracing digital technology. Recommended posts: “Why Teachers Should Blog” and “21 Things That Will Become Obsolete in Education by 2020.”

Teachers At Risk – This blog covers various social and educational issues such as the use of technology in classrooms, ADHD, and how to help students with learning disabilities. Recommended posts: “Students think cell phones have no place in the classroom” and “Dyslexia-one of the three “Ds” of learning disorders.”

What It’s Like on the Inside – This blogger discusses everything from testing in high schools, technology, the future of education, and even aliens. Recommended posts: “Excel Dashboards for Educators” and “I Want to Believe.”

New England

Mr. B-G’s English Blog – Mr. B-G teaches English and Journalism in Western Massachusetts, and writes that the sole purpose of his blog is to “reflect on my practice and participate in an authentic learning network with other educators…there are some really fantastic teachers out there, and I can learn a lot from them.” Recommended posts: “Literature and the Carter Effect” and “Mass Ed Board Adopts National Academic Standards.”

Computer Science Teacher – Alfred Thompson used to work as a high school computer science teacher before being hired as a K-12 Computer Science Academic Relations manager for Microsoft. He also previously worked as a software developer, and has written several books on teaching Visual Basic to both high school and middle school students. Recommended posts: “Resources for Programming Teachers” and “Visual Basic Resources.”

Tuttle SVC -  This Rhode Island teacher uses his blog to discuss the politics of teaching in the United States and the use of Common Core State Standards in classrooms. Recommended posts: “The Providence Plan” and “Seriously, Has Anyone Read the Common Core ELA Standards?”

Mid-Atlantic

Action-Reaction – Frank Noschese works as a Conceptual Physics, College-Prep Physics, and AP Physics teacher in Westchester County, NY, and explains that the sole purpose of his blog is to “reflect upon and share my teaching practices with other educators…There is a huge network of similar teachers with similar successes and struggles,” he writes, “we can all learn from each other.” Recommended posts: “[PT] Pseudoteaching: MIT Physics” and “Increasing Engagement in Science.”

Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere – “The main reasons I started the blog was to archive my experiences teaching and to mull over things that happen in my classroom. It has also expanded as a way to communicate with other math teachers,” writes Sameer Shah, an Algebra II, Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus teacher in Brooklyn. “What I’ve learned [since I started blogging] is a bit contradictory,” he explains. “I’ve learned to pat myself on the back for the good work that I do, while at the same time I’ve also learned to appreciate the fact that I suck at teaching. As another blogger (I forget who right now) put it: we’re all just trying to suck a little bit less every day. Blogging is a way to see how we are succeeding, or failing, at that.” Recommended posts: “fnInt reprise” and “TI-83/84 Question.”

Epiphany in Baltimore – This blogger is a high school English teacher in Baltimore, MD, and some of the many post topics include state cuts to schools, teacher blogging, teacher interns, the future of education, and much more. Recommended posts: “Becoming a Model Teacher” and “State cuts threaten education-please act now.”

f(t) – This highly-recommended by blog is written by Katherine Nowak, a high school math teacher from Syracuse, NY. Recommended posts: “End-of-Year Exam Review Plan” and “Log Laws.”

Get In The Fracas – Dan Brown is a high school English teacher in Southeast Washington, DC, and his writing has been featured in the New York Post, Education Week, the Boston Globe, and the New York Daily News. Recommended posts: “My Teacher Recruitment Rant” and “The Promise and Pitfalls of Improving the Teaching Profession.”

Head Outta The Book -”The blog serves many purposes, but the sole one is to increase communication with my students and their parents, and, with my students blogging themselves, my blog is the hub for our out of class activities and interblog work,” writes Deborah L. Harris, an Honors English and AP Literature and Composition teacher from Upstate New York.  “I’ve learned that there are so many creative ways to expand our discussion of life and literature using technology related to blogging.” Recommended posts: “H2 and AP work the week of Presidents’ Day” and “AoW #15: Colbert I. King’s thoughts on Black History Month.”

I am a teacher et cetera – This Pennsylvania English teacher uses her blog to talk about everything from Twitter and blogging, to researching and writing. Recommended posts: “Making Assessment of Writing Meaningful” and “This Much I Know…”

Physics in Flux – Dan Fullerton teaches physics and engineering to 11th, 12th in Rochester, NY, and writes that the sole purpose of his blog is to “document my redesign of a high school physics classroom.” He also explains that since he has started blogging he has learned “the advantages of standards-based grading (SBG).” Recommended posts: “Tablet PCs in the Classroom” and “Creating Instructional Videos with Tablet PCs.”

Sarcasymptote – This Brooklyn math teacher discusses everything from physics and algebra, to Flavor Flav and Justin Bieber. Recommended posts: “The Passion of the WCYDWT or: Mistakes I Have Made, and Vindication by the Neuroscience of Curiosity” and “Course Expectations.”

The Scholastic Scribe – “[My blog is] a forum for me to vent, share information/ideas about getting my writing published,” explains Melissa, an Intro to Journalism, newspaper staff, yearbook staff, AP English Language and Composition teacher who works in the DC suburbs. She also explains that one thing she has learned since she has started blogging is that “the world is a very big place and that so many other teachers are at the same point in their careers as I am.” Recommended posts: “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Question Authority. Absolutely.”

Science teacher – Michael Doyle lives in Bloomfield, NJ, and currently teaches Biology, CP and AP. He has a passion for writing, and explains that he learns something new about teaching “just about every day” since he started blogging a few years ago. “No sole purposes, maybe no purposes at all,” he writes about his blog. “I enjoy writing, a few folks enjoy reading it.” Recommended posts: “Death in a classroom, again” and “Thoughts before meeting Governor Christie.”

TEACHING chemistry – This high school chemistry teacher has a passion for standards-based grading and integrating technology in the classroom, which is evident when reading over the variety of different posts on this blog. Recommended posts: “Google Cloud Connect: First Impressions” and “My Standard-Based Journey Pt. 1: An Overview.”

An Urban Teacher’s Education – This blogger teaches US and Global Studies in the Bronx, but has previously taught in DC, Knoxville, TN, and Seattle, WA. Recommended posts: “Urban Teaching by Lois Weiner” and “Kansas City, Missouri School District Needs New Approach to Discipline.”

Walking to School - “The primary purpose of the blog is to discuss policy and education,” writes Mary Tedrow, who has 22 years of experience teaching high school English “in and around Winchester, Virginia.” Although she currently teaches General English 11 and Advanced Placement Literature and Composition, she has also previously taught Journalism I, II, II and English “in all other grades and levels of ability in the 9-12 world.” She went on to explain that her blog consists of lessons and philosophical discussions, but she does her best to preserve her students’ anonymity. “I started blogging to challenge myself to write once a week, primarily as an exercise to stay infused in the struggle to invent, compose, and revise– the same challenge I ask of my students,” she writes. “I also aim to influence the thinking of the citizenry and the policymakers, providing the classroom view when it comes to affecting reform in the nation’s schools.” Recommended posts: “The Perfect Storm…” and “Untying the Equity Knot.”

Midwest

Adventures with the Lower Level – “The best thing about having a blog is the sharing of ideas and suggestions,” writes Tracie Schroeder, a teacher from Council Grove, KS. (Tracie has taught a variety of different science-related courses, such as Physical Science, Tech Lab, Biology, Applied Biology and Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Meteorology, Astronomy, Geology, Ocean Science, Applied Chemistry, and Applied Physics…just to name a few). “I can post about a lesson I did in my classroom and the next day I have feedback. I get so many good ideas from my blog list that I can’t even begin to implement them all. It is also nice to know that the challenges I face in my classroom are not mine alone.” Recommended posts: “A Tale of Two Chemistries” and “Mass Numbers for Dummies*.”

Mr. Cantor’s Biology Blog 2010-2011 – “I use blogs in all 3 of my classes to post important information for my students, post links to sites we use in class, solicit comments from students, and post class documents and assignments,”writes Phillip Dworkin-Cantor, a Biology, Environmental Science, and AP Psychology teacher in the West Humboldt Park area in Illinois. “I’ve learned that blogs are a great tool for teaching and learning,” he writes. “I’ve also seen that there is a huge digital divide among our students. About 30% of our students have reliable Internet at home, so assigning homework on the blog is difficult. Some students are very tech savvy, but some are newbies. Most students enjoy learning via the blog, but when I’ve asked students to post comments or create their own blogs it has caused a lot of stress for some students for whom it is very difficult.” Recommended posts: “Bacteria: WANTED DEAD or ALIVE – Due March 15th” and “Mitosis = Somatic Cell Division.”

Mr Cantor’s AP Psychology Blog – This blog is specifically for students in Mr. Cantor’s high school psychology class, and students are encouraged to participate in the blogging process. He also uses his blog to post various career opportunities that his students may be interested in. Recommended posts: “Language Links” and “Conciousness.”

Coaching in and out of the Classroom – “As a teacher and aspiring administrator my blog serves a number of purposes,” writes Christopher McGee, a Science and Reading Strategies teacher in Kirkwood, MO. “It’s SOLE purpose is to help others. Give others ideas, conversation points, resources and completed lessons to strive to impact student achievement. I strive for my blog to be something people can talk about, comment on…All too often in education we can get on an island and do our lessons the same way we have done them for years.  Blogging, as well as other social media, motivates me to always try something new to benefit my students.  Blogging about the things that go right and things that fail allows other teachers the opportunity and courage to try something that may be outside their comfort zone.  Blogging has given me that opportunity to reflect on my lessons publicly to benefit the collaborative intelligence of the group.” Recommended posts: “9 Steps To Fixing Professional Development” and “The Opportunity of a Lifetime” and “6th graders commenting on student work.”

Free/Libre Open Source Science Education – Steve Dickie works as a high school teacher in Dearborn, MI, and has previously taught environmental science, physics, electronics, freshmen physical science, and botany. Recommended posts: “Teacher Created Textbooks!” and “Why I love Social Media! Free Physics Videos!”

Herr Tarte – This blog is maintained by Justin Tarte, the author of Justin Tarte – Life of an Educator, and is specifically for students in his German 2 and 3 classes. He writes that the purpose of his classroom blog is to engage his German students through technology and social media “while refining their German skills.” Recommended posts: “Deutsch 2 und 3 – Freitag 25.02.11” and “Deutsch 2 & 3 – Donnerstag 17.02.11.”

iEat iRun iBlog – Mike Dial teaches a variety of different English courses and also coaches at a high school in Lawson, MO. “[The purpose of my blog] is to give me an avenue to write about my passions in life,” he explains. “Also, to model the importance of a lifetime of writing and learning for my students. It’s my way of ‘walking the walk’ when I tell my students why writing is so important.” He also explains that since he has started blogging he has learned about the importance of finding a voice in your writing: “Writing should be unique to each person and allow them to openly express their creativity. Finding my own voice in my writing has been key to being able to express that to my students.” Recommended posts: “Why an “App”-le is good for my health” and “We Need to Have a Conversation.”

iTeach. iCoach. iBlog. – Courtney Allam, a Sophomore and Senior Language Arts teacher in Olathe, KS, writes that the sole purpose of his blog is to “blog about my passions: teaching, coaching football and technology. I enjoy sharing ideas, reflecting, and dialoguing about issues relating to education,” he explains. Since he has started blogging Courtney has learned “how powerful it can be to share your ideas, and learn from other people…It is truly a global professional learning network.” Recommended posts: “iPad & Hudl = Game-Changer” and “Five tips for blogging with your students.”

J.P. Prezzavento – The Bits and Bytes of Education – “I use my blog to help me reflect on my instructional practices and get feedback from educators across the state and across the world,” writes John Prezzavento, a Language Arts teacher in St. Louis, MO. When asked to explain what he has learned as a teacher since he has started blogging, John writes that he has “learned the value of reflection.” Recommended posts: “5 Technology Tips for the Not-so-Tech-Savvy Teacher” and “Five Learning Activities to Increase Student Engagement.”

Justin Tarte -  “[The purpose of my blog] is to reflect, share and collaborate with educators from around the world,” writes Justin Tarte, who teaches German 2 and German 3 in Imperial, MO. “I have learned a tremendous amount about myself as an educator,” he explains. “Blogging has helped me to reflect upon my instructional practices and beliefs, thus helping me to become a better educator.” Recommended posts: “10 Tips for Effective Professional Development…” and “10 reasons to get educators blogging…”

Kelly Morgan – Science Education – Kelly Morgan Deters teaches physical science, chemistry, and physics at a high school in Topeka, KS, and writes that the purpose of her blog is to “share my thoughts on how to effectively teach and begin conversations with others to learn from them.” She also writes that one thing she has learned since she started blogging is that “there are teachers out there everywhere trying to do the same things you are, and we’re all trying to recreate the wheel.” Recommended posts: “How to allow all students to move on when they’re ready?” and “A textbook author’s views on e-textbooks.”

Living the Dream – “Although I do not blog ‘enough’, I really appreciate keeping a record of my thoughts to reflect back on, [and] engage my peers in conversation and sharing,” writes Diana Laufenberg, who teaches American History, American Government, and Globalization and Debate in Philadelphia, PA. Recommended posts: “Election Day” and “2010 SLA Debate Team.”

MeTA musings – Blogger Matt Townsley has been teaching high school math for over six years, (he currently teaches math courses online), but now works as a Director of Instruction and Technology in Iowa. Recommended posts: “Motivating staff development using Google Sites and Docs?” and “the Four T-Men of the Curricular Apocalypse.”

misscalcul8 – Elissa Miller teaches algebra and geometry to a group of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in Illinois, and writes that she uses her blog to “share lessons, ideas, and stories from my teaching career with others who can help me or help others to be better.” When asked to explain what she has learned since she started blogging, Elissa wrote that she has learned enough to “write a book…The main thing I’ve learned is that the best way to learn is to be transparent and open; share everything you have. Your willingness to be transparent encourages people to do the same and that’s where a beautiful relationship of feedback, correction, support, encouragement, and critique is born.” Recommended posts: “Point Slope and Slope Practice” and “How We ACT Test Prep.”

nashworld – Sean Nash works as an Academic Technology Instructional Specialist and Marine Biology instructor in St. Joseph, MO. Recommended posts: “Biology Educators Network Builds Partnership” and “Online Learning Networks in Science – An Interview.”

The Nerdy Teacher – “The purpose of my blog is to share my thoughts and lessons with teachers from all over the world,” writes Nicholas Provenzano, a Freshman English, American Literature and Pictorial Literature (Graphic Novels) teacher Grosse Point, MI. “I have learned that there are amazing teachers out there that have amazing ideas. You only have to look around.” Recommended posts: “The Epic Romeo and Juliet Joint Project” and “StrataLogica – A Review.”

New Physics Modeler -  “The purpose of my blog was self-reflection as I began the process of Modeling Instruction in my classroom,” writes Bryan Battaglia, a Physics and Biology teacher in Utica, MI.  “I also thought it would be a good way for my fellow workshop participants to discuss issues and help each other out [and] that it may be helpful for future modelers to check out as they begin their journeys…The growth I have had this year as a teacher is nothing short of amazing. It is by far the best form of professional development I have ever had. I have met dozens of amazing teachers through my blog that continue to challenge me to be a better teacher.  The dialogue and reflections brought about have influenced my class greatly.” Recommended posts: “Why I love going to conferences.” and “Why whiteboarding is going better.”

NGHS AP Physics B -  This physics blog is specifically for students in Mr. Niebuhr’s AP Physics B class. Recommended posts: “electrostatics quiz review” and “work and voltage assignment, and lab.”

Pedagogue Padawan – “I created Pedagogue Padawan since I hope that, by sharing my reflections on learning to help others learn, others with similar interests will find some insight or at least chuckle,” writes Geoff Schmit, who teaches Regular Physics, Honors Physics, and Advanced Physics teacher in Naperville, IL. “I will focus on various topics in which I am interested: assessment, engineering, mastery learning, modeling, physics, standards-based grading, and technology…Since I started blogging about teaching, I’ve learned that there is an incredible community of passionate educators with fantastic ideas.  This community has been influential in everything from science lab ideas to philosophies of teaching.  I’ve also learned that many educators have the same questions and are trying the same ideas in their classrooms as I in mine.” Recommended posts: “Einstein Day” and “Why Standards-Based Grading?”

Points of Inflection – “I’ve learned a lot about the importance of intention and reflection,” writes Riley Lark, a math (Algebra 2, Precalc, Calculus), physics, and computer science teacher in West Branch, IA. “Without specifically trying to improve in an area of my teaching, I think I was too complacent, and stagnating.  When I chose an area to work on, I could immediately find lots of ways to get better.” Riley also explained that the sole purpose of his blog is “to improve as a teacher by focusing on particular aspects of my teaching, writing about them, and getting to hear what other people think about them.” Recommended posts: “Active Grading: Scale Matters” and “What did you do to the x-axis?!? Using the most relevant context possible.”

Rational Mathematics Education – This high school math teacher uses his blog to discuss what he calls “the disinformation on mathematics education.” Recommended posts: “A Must-Read Book on mathematics education” and “It Ain’t Just Claptrap: Can We Meaningfully Critique Our Schools?”

Room 167 -  “I created my blog as a way to incorporate technology into the social studies curriculum and to enhance communication between myself, my students, and parents,” writes Lea Hansen-George, a high school Social Studies, LD (Learning Disabilities), and EBD (Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities) teacher in Spring Green, WI who has been blogging since 2006. “For the first two years, students accessed my blog several times a week and responded to questions I posted or viewed videos, or completed online quizzes I linked on the blog…At least several times a week I project my blog on the smart board in my classroom. I can share videos I’ve posted or other sites of interest with my students. Sometimes kids visit my blog from their homes. This is another reason I continue the blog. I think it is beneficial, even if only a handful of students view the posts from home.” Lea also went on to explain that her blog is essentially a “central location” where she can store hundreds of lessons plans and resources and also access hundreds of lessons, activities, resources, links, videos, etc. that she has used over the past few years. Recommended posts: “March 7-11 Lesson Plans” and “Personal Inventories.”

Stump the Teacher - “The purpose of my blog it two-fold,” explains Mr. S, a Social Sciences and Language arts teacher who works in the Chicago suburbs, “I want to share my experiences with other teachers and I also like to share resources that I use in my classroom…As I have been blogging I have become much more reflective in my work. Through my blogging I find myself thinking about my experiences and how they might help someone else and myself. Sometimes writing about things holds me accountable for my work and the work I do with my students.” Recommended posts: “Parents in the Classroom” and “Feedback to Students.”

Think Thank Thunk – Shawn Cornally is from Eastern Iowa and teaches Physics, Physics II, Geology, Calculus, Computer Programming, and Ethics. He writes that the sole purpose of his blog is “to evangelize the need for being an interesting teacher,” and since he has started blogging he has learned “everything,” from “how to assess better, how to care to students, how to make engaging lessons, [and] how to interact with my colleagues professionally.” Recommended posts: “Teaching Evolution Without Joining The Homer Parade” and “How I Teach Calculus: A Comedy (Rates & Gas Tanks).”

Mr. Allam’s English II 2011 – This blog is specifically for students in Mr. Allam’s English II class. Recommended posts: “POW #4: Does the opposite sex ever just make you mad?” and “Outside Reading Novels.”

The South

The Daily Lesson – Leslie Martin teaches US History, Psychology, Sociology, History of Western Thought, and Pop Culture of the 20th Century at a high school in South Carolina, and writes that the sole purpose of her blog is to “reflect on my day and see what lessons I can learn from it.” She also went on to explain that one thing she has learned since she has started blogging is the importance of “consistent reflection.” Recommended posts: “So Many Methods So Little Time” and “Struggling to be Positive in a Sea of Negativity.”

huffenglish.com – Dana Huff is an English teacher from Atlanta and blogs about the use of technology in English education. In 2010 she was selected as the Georgia Secondary Teacher of the Year by GCTE. Recommended posts: “Multigenre Research Project” and “What I’ve “Drawn” Up.”

Jacobs Physics – “I try to provide and share practical physics teaching ideas,” writes Greg Jacobs, who teaches “all level of physics” at a college-prep boarding school for boys in central Virginia; (he also has experience coaching football, baseball, and debate). “physics teaching is art, not a science — the best forum to share effective teaching strategies is not through a peer-reviewed journal (mimicing science), but through informal shop talk (mimicing art).  My blog is an attempt to promote shop talk across a wide community of physics teachers…I’ve met a number of teachers through physics workshops and summer institutes.  They have — often through my blog — provided me with numerous ideas that I’ve incorporated into my own classes.  The best part about sharing ideas is that others share their ideas with me.” Recommended posts: “Induced EMF caused by a falling magnet, and a qualitative demonstration” and “How I “conduct” a laboratory session — NO HANDOUTS!”

Quantum Progress - “The purpose of this blog is to chronicle my experiences in teaching physics and trying to empower my students to change the world,” writes John Burk, who works as a private school physics teacher in Atlanta, GA. “I have learned about the incredible value of sharing your ideas with other teachers. It’s the best professional development I’ve ever done.” Recommended posts: “How many courses does it take to learn physics?” and “YBPT: You be the physics teacher.”

Stop Trying to Inspire Me – This Virginia teacher uses his blog to rant and rave about the American public education system. Recommended posts: “Where lack of ability and true accountability collide” and “You’ve got the right to free speech … as long as you’re not dumb enough to actually try it.”

Teaching High School Psychology – This blog is essentially a resource for any current or future high school psychology teachers. Recommended posts: “Ethical Connections in Psychology: Grilling for Science!” and “Mapping the Brain — Brain Atlas Project.”

TeachMoore - Renee Moore was a high school teacher for 15 years, but now teaches full-time at the community college level with freshmen and dual enrollment high school students. “I started blogging while still at the high school, and continue to be active in teacher licensure and professional development around my state and the nation,” she writes. “As one of the teacher bloggers for Teacher Leaders Network, the purpose of my blog is to interject the voice of highly accomplished classroom teachers into the discussions of education policy. Since I began blogging, I realize even more how important that often marginalized voice is; too often people think they have done enough to include the voice of teachers when they invite the union presidents to speak. But we desperately need to hear from the people actually on the ground in classrooms, especially those of us who are successful teachers at our most challenging schools about what REALLY works in education.” Recommended posts: “Love Never Fails: Why We Shouldn’t Give Up on Public Schools” and “The Teaching Profession Our Students Deserve.”

World History Teachers Blog – This blog is essentially a resource guide for any high school world history teacher. Recommended posts: “How to Use Glogster Edu” and “Continual Update on the Middle East.”

The Southwest

Mr Duez’s AVID Blog – “AVID is a class to prepare students for college,” explains David Duez, who is also the author of Teacher Wall and Mr. Duez’s World History Class Blog. “Much of this blog is inspirational and provides students with guidance on doing well in honors classes in high school and preparing for college.” Recommended posts: “Agenda: Week of Monday March 7th, 2011” and “Opportunity for Service – National Senior Games at Turner Stadium June 16-30.”

Mr. Duez’s World History Blog -”This is my primary site where everything we do in World History is posted,” writes David Duez, a 10th grade World History and AVID teacher in Humble, TX. “It is a blog for my students and parents, but many teachers from across the country have written and used it for content purposes and for classroom ideas in History.” Recommended posts: “Chapter 17 – Rousseau’s Social Contract” and “French Revolution Video.”

I Want to Teach Forever – Tom DeRosa currently teaches in Rio Grande Valley, TX, and has previously taught social studies and math to students from a variety of different grade levels. Recommended posts: “Banned from Schools, Do Video Games Make Kids Fat & more” and “Book Giveaway: When Teachers Talk by Rosalyn S. Schnall.”

Journey in Technology – “My blog Journey in Technology serves to document my learning in academic technology and to share about successful implementation of digital tools into my classroom,” writes Dolores Gende, who works as an Honors Physics teacher in Dallas, TX. (Dolores also works as the Director of Instructional Technology). “The blog has been a powerful tool for reflecting on my own practice. Blogging forces me to question what works and what doesn’t and to find ways to improve.” Recommended posts: “Pseudoteaching: Laboratory Experiments” and “What KHAN be done with it!“

Math Tales from the Spring – This high school math teacher discusses his thoughts on how to improve math education as well as his opinions “on life in general.” Recommended posts: “You Can’t Keep A Good Calculator Down” and “This Makes Me So Mad I Feel Like Spittin’ Fire!“

Math Teacher Mambo – Ms. Cookie is an Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus, and Engineering teacher in Central Texas, (although the subjects she teaches varies from year to year) and writes that the sole purpose of her blog is to share information and resources and to “process things that happen as I teach…I’ve learned that [blogging] helps by sharing the ups and downs of teaching, so that you/others don’t feel alone in your experiences,” she explains. “I’ve found many resources by reading other blogs.” Recommended posts: “Algebra/Basics Review in Geometry” and “Time For Parallelogram Review…“

Teacher Wall – David Duez writes that he uses this blog to “share teaching ideas and strategies,”and that one thing he has learned since he has started blogging is that there are many teachers out there who can provide support and ideas that can help him as an educator: “The professional learning community that I have developed has been an incredible boost to my career,” he writes.  “I have also learned that it is much better for me to blog without being anonymous.  Hiding behind some made up username is no way for me to live online.  I have really enjoyed sharing my ideas and the positive things that are happening at my school with others.” Recommended posts: “WICR Wednesday 9/8/2010” and “What is World History Pre-AP? The Video.”

TeachJ – Robert Courtemanche is a Journalism and Media Technology educator near Houston, TX, and currently teaches Photojournalism, Broadcast Journalism, Advanced Journalism, Yearbook Production, Newspaper Production, Web Mastering and Video Technology, as well as Desktop Publishing. Recommended posts: “Cool Links #106: The One Where We Can See It From Here” and “Cool Links #105: The One About A Long List.”

The West

And Yet It Moves – “I blog because it’s a good way to reflect, look deeper at ideas, and have a community of other teachers who challenge and support each other,” writes Benjamin Chun, a Computer Science teacher in San Francisco, CA. “I’ve learned a lot of things — some attributable to blogging and some not,” he explains. “…I write often and explicitly about what I’m learning.” Recommended posts: “Restorative Justice” and “Scratching Deep.”

The Blog of Phyz – Dean Baird works as a physics teacher in Sacramento, CA, and uses his blog to discuss various educational issues. Recommended posts: “More posters to promote physics enrollment” and “Color illusion.”

Broken Airplane – Phil Wagner works as a math and physics teacher in Chula Vista, CA, but also teaches robotics class for all grade levels. Phil writes that the sole purpose of his blog is to “encourage and inform others how they can adopt technology in the classroom and how it can enhance and encourage learning.” So what has Phil learned as a teacher since he started blogging? “It has allowed me to see growth in my students by focusing on their needs and concerns,” he explains. Recommended posts: “SAM Animation is the Standard for What Educational Software Could Be” and “Why do We Have to Learn This? Programming is the Literacy in the 21st Century.”

The Dark Side of the Chalkboard – “[My blog] started as a way for me to let off steam and let people know how I was doing, since I moved 2000 miles away from my closest friends,” explains the blog’s author, who works as a world history teacher near Seattle, WA. “It has evolved into a way to deal with the stress of teaching, to work through my beliefs about teaching, and communicate with other teachers from around the country.” When asked to explain what she has learned since she has started blogging, she writes: “I have learned a lot about the relationship between teaching politics.”  Recommended posts: “Straws that Break Teacher’s Backs” and “Counterbalance.”

dy/dan -  This highly-recommended blog is written by math teacher Dan Meyer. Dan is currently studying at Stanford University on a doctoral fellowship. Recommended posts: “Why I Don’t Assign Homework” and “Dear Technology Coordinators:“

Engaging Parents In School… – This blog is maintained by Larry Ferlazzo, an award-winning blogger who works as a high school teacher in Sacramento, CA. Recommended posts: “Q & A With Florida Legislator Who Wants To Grade Parents” and “Parents As Partners Webcast Available…“

Happy Chyck Wonders – This secondary school teacher uses her blog to document her thoughts and opinions on how to improve the current state of education. Recommended posts: “Test? What? Pshh. A Memory.” and “Homework Hassle.”

Hedgetoad – Jenna J. teaches English/Language Arts, Reading, and Response to Intervention at a high school in Coastal Washington State, and writes that the sole purpose of her blog is to “share information about different aspects of a career in education.” Jenna also explains that since she has started blogging she has learned that “there are many, many good teachers in the schools doing great things, if only we could share more.” Recommended posts: “What is this RTI stuff ?” and “Competition for Students.”

Hélène Martin – Hélène Martin teaches Computer Science in Seattle, WA, (you can check out her course website here), and writes that her blog allows her to explore the ideas she gets from spending time with her students and other teachers. “I see writing as an opportunity to work through issues in teaching that I find difficult or particularly interesting so that I can ultimately become a better instructor,” she writes. “I also hope to promote the cause of K-12 computer science.” Recommended posts: “Harnessing Existing Interest in Computer Science Education” and “Rethinking Advanced Placement.”

High School Mediator – This blog discusses everything from how to improve school performance for high school students to how to understand the college application process. Recommended posts: “Ways to Help Teens Succeed in High School” and “5 Ways to Prepare for College in High School.”

Jim Burke: The English Teacher’s Companion – Jim Burke works as an English teacher in San Francisco, CA, and writes that the sole purpose of his blog is “to share ideas with other English teachers about how to enjoy and do our work better.” When asked to explain what he has learned as a teacher since he has started blogging, Jim writes: “How to think in and compose for digital media, something that has enriched my teaching…[and] how to identify and generate good ideas for blogs.” Recommended posts: “For every class, a proposal: Make it matter” and “An App for the Teacher.”

Just Call Me Ms Frizzle - This blogger is a physics teacher in Las Vegas, NV, and uses her site to document her collection of teaching ideas and resources. Recommended posts: “Junk Drawer Science” and “Physics Man Commercials.”

Mr. L’s Math – Bill Lombard works as a math teacher in Redding, CA, and he and his co-author have written over a dozen books for math teachers and over 25  Teacher Resource Manuals for teacher training seminars. Recommended posts: “Math in Daily Life – A Website Showing the Many Everyday Uses of Mathematics” and “KenKen Puzzles – Six New Puzzles for You Each Day from 4×4 to 9×9.”

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites  the Day – Larry Ferlazzo is an internationally-known and well respected blogger and educator, and teaches Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced English Language Learners courses in Sacramento, CA. He is also currently working on a number of different publications, and has won numerous awards for his blogging talents. Recommended posts: “Fascinating Interactive Showing College Graduates In U.S. Counties Between 1940 & Now” and “Now That Teachers Can Access YouTube In Our District, Here Are Two Great Music Sites For ELL’s.”

Once a Teacher…. – Kate Klingensmith is  a Biology, Physics, and Anatomy teacher from Oakland, CA, and she uses her blog to share materials and resources with other high school science teachers. Recommended posts: “Ten Free Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom” and “20 Online Tools to Make Learning Fun.”

A Passion for Teaching and Opinions – “I’ve learned that there are a whole lot of passionate teachers that want to do wonderful things in education,” writes Jeff Silva-Brown, who teaches Advanced Placement, U.S. History, Advanced Placement Comparative Government, American Government and Economics in Ukiah, CA, and also coaches JV Boys’ Basketball. “I’ve also learned that I will never stop growing as a teacher, and that the best teachers work hard, collaborate, fix mistakes, and take risks…At first [I used my blog as] a method to reflect on what I was doing in the classroom.  I wrote about myself and my own techniques, while often reflecting about necessary changes in the short term (tomorrow) or longer term (next year).  Then it became a method of collaboration.  I’ve learned more about every aspect of teaching from other teachers on the Internet.  From curriculum to classroom management, nothing is better than thousands of sharing.  Finally, the blog allows a window to the world of teaching.” Recommended posts: “Attendance Matters: Stealing Opportunity” and “The small uprising.”

Science Education on the Edge – “The purpose of my blog is to provide me with a place to think ‘out loud’ about the direction that I want my classroom to be heading,” writes Chris Ludwig, a Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology teacher in La Junta, CO. “I’ve learned a lot about systems of assessment and grading and have changed my classroom practice as a result of interactions with other educators through the blog.” Recommended posts: “Social media and the death of “standardized” testing” and “I felt like I was teaching myself!”

Wisdom Begins with Wonder – This science teacher works on a major Indian Reservation in Washington, and his blog posts reflect his passion for technology integration and research-based instructional practices. Recommended posts: “What to do when students resist inquiry” and “The inquiry teacher’s toolbox.”

Your English Class – “What I’ve learned the most is that the blog provides me a wonderful creative outlet,” writes Thomas Fasano. “It makes me feel connected. I know this is true because I hear from teachers all the time. They offer me my best encouragement.” Thomas went onto explain that the purpose of his blog is to give him an incentive to seek new resources, and to develop connections with a broader Teacher/Learning Network. “It pushed me to be more creative in my thinking,” he explains, “it provides me with a forum to clarify my thinking about teaching…it gives me an arena to share my resources and materials…[and] it offers me writing opportunities on issues and concepts I have a passion about. The blog is a place where I try out ideas and articulate my thinking before engaging in formal writing.” Recommended posts: “New David Foster Wallace Fiction in the New Yorker” and “Washington Irving.”

International

A Difference – Darren Kuropatwa is a math teacher from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and uses his blog to discuss a variety of different educational issues such as how to use technology in the classroom and the future of textbooks. Recommended posts: “The problem with math education…” and “That’s Really Hard Work.”

Beyond School – Clay Burell is a literature and history teacher, and has previously taught in Chattanooga, Los Angeles, Oregon, Germany, China, and Korea, but currently teaches in Singapore. Recommended posts: “Why ‘Academic Excellence’ No Longer Cuts It Today” and “Teaching Grammar on the Titanic: On Fear and Irrelevance in Education.”

The Clever Sheep – Rodd Lucier teaches a Student Success course in London, Ontario, Canada, and writes that the sole purpose of his blog is to “promote the use of modern learning tools.” When asked to explain what he has learned as a teacher since he has started blogging, Rodd writes that “the power of networked learning is the key takeaway to date.” Recommended posts: “Creative Commons: What Every Educator Needs to Know” and “Skype in the Classroom: A Sneak Peak.”

I Hope This Old Train Breaks Down… – “I blog so that I can network with other like-minded math teachers and to gather their feedback as I reflect upon my own learning and teaching,” writes Mimi Yang, a Geometry and Precalculus teacher in El Salvador. (Mimi also has experience teaching Algebra 1 and 2, and will be teaching in Germany next year). “There is an amazing network of resources out there!” she writes.”Math teachers on the web collectively have so much information and insights to share and offer. We’re all thinking about different issues, as we are all teaching in very different environments and working with very different children. But, just reading about other teachers’ own professional reflections day in and day out is so refreshing and energizing.” Recommended posts: “Best Group Work Ever!” and “Visualizing Operations on Functions.”

Large Q Quality – “The sole purpose of my blog is to be a way for me to reflect on my teaching practices, to share my process of learning about best practices, and to connect to other teachers who are also interested in improving their teaching and learning,” writes Barbara Gajda, a math, science and Biology teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. “My blog is just one aspect of my digital PLN. Most of my learning comes from Twitter and connecting with the blogs of other teachers. Most significantly, my philosophy and methods of assessment has been most radically changed.” Recommended posts: “Pondering motivation” and “Alternative to traditional final exam: a proposal.”

MathsClass -Simon Job is a teacher from Western Sydney, Australia, and the majority of the posts on his blog touch on how to use technology to create lessons and lesson materials in the classroom. Recommended posts: “Online picture graphs” and “Double Strength Cordial and Ratio.”

On an e-Journey with Generation Y – “My home is on a farm, near a small rural town called Hawkesdale, Australia,” writes Anne Mirtschin. “I teach at Hawkesdale P12 College, a prep to year 12 school that is isolated geographically and culturally.” (Anne teaches Information and Communications Technology and Accounting to a group of 14 to 18 year-old students). “My writing style and written comment has improved considerably, my network has expanded, it has motivated and engaged me. It has made me reflect on what effective blogging is, on what I am doing and achieving and also the directions that I need to take. I have learnt more about my students from reading their blogs. A blog can become a complete Learning Management System for classes.” Anne went on to explain that the sole purpose of her blog is “to map the eLearning Journey that I and my classes are taking, reflect on this journey and share with others how to go on a similar journey.” Recommended posts: “This Week’s Tech Talk Tuesdays and eT@lking” and “Twitter for Teachers.”

Mr. Robbo – The P.E Geek - Jarrod Robinson is a Physical Education and Outdoor Education and Health teacher from small country town called Boort in Australia, and he writes that the sole purpose of his blog is to “provide teachers with simple ways to include emerging technologies in physical education.” When asked to explain what he has learned as a teacher since he has started blogging, Jarrod writes that he has learned of the “incredible power” of networking and sharing ideas. Recommended posts: “New Possibilities in Physical Education” and “100 + Ways To Use Technology In Physical Education.”

Mr Teacher UK – “I started blogging about work as a way of venting my frustrations about teaching in an anonymous format, as a way of discussing education issues and policies with other people,” writes “Mr. Teacher,” who teaches Key Stages 3 and 4 in London, England. “I think that I have since become a more reflective teacher and I am definitely more industry-aware.”Recommended posts: “On The Edge” and “Katharine Birbalsingh.”

My Classroom - “I have been using Moodle for the past 5 years but started this blog mostly as a reflective and as a modelling tool,” writes Jacob Martens, a science and physics teacher from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Jacob went on to explain that his posts serve as not only a notice board for parents and students, but also a place where he can post questions that invite and require student responses and discussions. “Since I have starting blogging I learned several things including…being public with your thinking is a comfortable thing but [also] that writing publicly helps one to see more clearly what you hold dear…Using the class blog has made me look at my classroom more closely than I did before [and keeps me] more mindful of what happens during classtime.” Jacob also maintains another educational blog, Renovating My Classroom, which he uses to “share what I am learning in my role as a mentor.” Recommended posts:  “Science Mentoring Program for Girls” and “How Organ Systems Work Together.”

Room 611 -  “I created the blog in order to serve as a daily communication vessel with parents,” writes Andrew Young, who teaches Geography, Earth & Space Science, Crimonology, Law, and Social Studies in Courtney, British Columbia, Canada. (Andrew also teaches  a 400 level secondary course in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia during the summer). “Too often I find that the parents of high school students are unaware of what goes on in their child’s classroom. The blog both communicates what we do and provides some transparency for parents (in order for them to see what curriculum we cover). I also created the blog for students who are unable to attend classes for whatever reason. All the information along with assignments and on-line links can be accessed by my students at any time. As such, there should be no one left out or left behind.” Recommended posts: “Friday, March 4. 2011” and “Friday, March 11. 2011.”

Teach Science (.net) – “If my blog had only a sole purpose, I probably wouldn’t bother,” writes Ed Hitchcock. “I started TeachScience to share my experiences, to explore ideas and bounce them off my peers, to make my practices transparent, to have fun, and to learn. And stuff.” Ed is from Toronto, Canada, and currently teaches general Science and AP Physics, and he previously taught AP Biology, Computer Science, and math. Ed went also explains that one thing he has learned from bloggin is that “there are others like me, doing and sharing and writing, who want to share their ideas as much as I do.” Recommended posts: “Student quotes” and “DIY personalized, randomized assignments.”

Technoscience -  “My blog started as a place to collect links to valuable resources for teaching and learning, including web2.0 tools useful in education,” explains Britt Gow, a science, math, Biology and Environmental Science teacher in the south west of Victoria, Australia. “I used it to reflect on teaching strategies and as a professional journal. The blog also included lesson planning and classroom tasks for students. Recently the global teacher platform has been restructured and I took this opportunity to separate my professional blog for teachers from my classroom blog for students…In the three years I have been blogging, I have learnt about the power of social networking tools  to build a professional learning network and, in turn, share ideas and resources. I have connected with teachers from around the globe to collaborate on classroom projects and assist my students to have a more global perspective. Reflecting on my own teaching strategies helps me to improve my teaching and blogging assists me to plan, implement and gain feedback on student learning.” Recommended posts: “The Water Cycle” and “The Carbon Cycle – ‘My Life as a Carbon Atom.’”

Webmaths “The purpose of my blog – Webmaths – is to help other Mathematics teachers around the world reflect on their teaching. It shares examples of teaching, images, worksheets, use of technology, videos, problems to solve, games to play, book and blog reviews, humor, and links to other web resources,” writes Jeff Trevaskis, who lives in Northern Victoria, which has been termed the “food bowl” of Australia because it is surrounded by fruit orchards, beef and dairy farms, and a variety of ther crops. Jeff currently teaches mathematics but has previously taught science, Psychology, Industry & Enterprise, Outdoor Education and Business Management. “Since starting my Webmaths blog over 2 years ago, I have improved my teaching through reflection, creating new resources and networking with other teachers. My ICT skills have also improved greatly.” Recommended posts: “Risk Your Algebra Skills” and “Motivating Mathematics.”

Wright’s Room – Shelley Wright is a high school teacher from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, and uses her blog to discuss a number of different educational issues like the learning revolution and college prep for high school students. Recommended posts: “School ain’t what it used to be?” and “Synthesis.”

A Heart is a Spade – From Brooklyn, NY, this blog covers both independent musicians (like Toro Y Moi and Yellow Ostrich), as well as well known artists (like Adele, Interpol and LCD Soundsystem). Recommended posts: “The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Stream Tune From New Album” and “No Age Shares Behind The Scenes Footage From New Video.”

All Things Go - Stephen Vallimarescu of this Washington DC-based site explains that the most dominant genres covered on his blog include indie rock, indie pop, electro-pop, hip-hop, experimental rock, and dance. “College students should listen to independent music because it makes them better, faster, and stronger,” he writes. Recommended posts: “Toro Y Moi” and “DeVotchKa – One Hundred Other Lovers.”

Brooklyn Vegan – If you dig the heavy/metal music scene, then this blog is for you. The articles are well researched and also  include some great concert photography, MP3′s, videos, and album reviews. Recommended posts: “KEN Mode releasing ‘Venerable’, touring (new MP3 & dates)” and “Tapes ‘n Tapes, Oberhofer & Xylos played MHOW (pics, setlist).”

The Culture of Me – This music/art website helps provide musical resources for the “culturally needy” and also “documents the lives and lifestyles of the young and vital.” Recommended posts: ”Web: Pay what you want for Marie Stella’s new single ‘En Fluxx’” and “Stream: Fischerspooner – ‘Infidels Of The World Unite (Villains remix).’”

Fluxblog – Blogger Matthew Perpetua  has been writing about indie music on the site everyday since 2002. Recommended posts: “It’s Yours If You Want It Too” and “Darling Don’t Look So Sad.”

If You Make It – This blog has a free album section and even a “comics” section, and covers a variety of different independent bands who are in desperate need of more exposure and support. Recommended posts: “Now, Now – Lucie Too” and “The Front Bottoms.”

i rock i roll – “Independent music is constantly changing the landscape of music as a whole, bridging across genres and always striving to innovate,” writes Nora Walker from Brooklyn, NY, whose site covers the indie rock, dance, pop, and shoegaze genres. “While mainstream music becomes more and more overproduced and commercialized, it’s increasingly important to support independent artists who strive to do something different.” Recommended posts: “I ROCK I ROLL’s FAVORITE ALBUMS of 2010 – (#1-10)” and “Music Monday: CAVEMAN.”

It’s a Rap – “If you are looking for a change in the same music that plays everyday, 400 times on the radio, independent music is where you go,” writes Chris Rogo, whose site is based out of New York. “The artists are plentiful and you are bound to find your new favorite artist by just searching around the Internet for music.” Recommended posts: “[Video] Kid Cudi- Ghost! (Unofficial)” and “Young Scolla- Built For It (Prod. By SMKA).”

Knox Road - This site is based out of New York City and Washington, DC, and posts include downloadable MP3′s and profiles on  new and upcoming indie artists. Recommended posts: “Fujiya & Miyagi – “Yoyo” [MP3]” and “The Barettas.”

Large Hearted Boy - With over 4,000 RSS subscribers, this site helps keep all the music/film/literature nerds in the loop with upcoming album and DVD releases. Recommended posts: “Shorties (Patti Smith’s Detective Novel, Fight Club: The Musical, and more)” and “LHB Weekly Wrap-Up: February 6th.”

Metal Lungies – “College is the best time to discover new things about yourself. Part of that includes listening to great music that isn’t on the radio or MTV. My freshman year was marked by a love affair with Motown,” writes the site’s editor Evan, who lives in New York. “Indie music has a lot of strange, beautiful sounds to offer. It’s extremely rewarding if you know where to look.” Evan also explained that his site covers the hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronic genres. Recommended posts: “Homeboy Sandman – Fully Equipped” and “Metallungies Hollers @ Mark Ronson, Interview.”

Music Vagabond – Some of the many genres discussed on this blog include garage, hip-hop, soul, electro-pop, and much more. Recommended posts: “Bands to Watch in 2011” and “Crystal Fighters – Star of Love.”

Obscure Sound – Based out of New York City/New Jersey, the posts on this blog have full-length features and reviews, as well as the latest in music releases and news. Recommended posts: “Beware the Woodsman” and “Week in Review (2/5).”

One Thirty BPM – “Independent musicians are artists in the truest sense; they place the quality of their art above all else,” writes Evan Kaloudis, whose site is based out of New York, NY, and covers the indie rock, hip-hop, and electronic genres. “Plus they’re the ones that need your support the most. If you like it, buy it.” Recommended posts: “LCD Soundsystem Announces Farewell Show” and “Video: Jenny & Johnny – ‘Big Wave.’”

Pigeons and Planes – “Indie music allows for a lot of creativity and artistic freedom,” explains Confusion of Pigeons and Planes from New York. “There’s nothing wrong with mainstream music, but there’s also nothing quite like discovering a wildly unique indie band.” When asked to explain the most dominant genres featured on the blog, Confusion writes that they are “open to anything…but hip-hop artists release so much music so that gets a lot of attention. I also post a lot of indie rock, indie pop, and some electronic stuff. My favorite is music that blends genres.” Recommended posts:  “Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues” and “PIGSET – Gutter (Mixtape).”

Potholes In My Blog – “College students should listen to independent music because it can further help in the process of opening their minds, which, to many, is what college is all about,” writes Editor-In-Chief Andrew Martin, whose site covers the hip-hop, indie, and electronic genres. “Indie music can provide outlooks, sounds, styles, perspectives, and concepts that likely won’t be heard or presented in mainstream, major-label music.” Recommended posts: “Talib Kweli – Gutter Rainbows” and “Silent Knight – ‘Stayin’ Busy.’”

Radio Exile – “Encouraging the growth of small, emerging artists helps develop a strong sense of musical community in any area, regardless of the city,” writes Shawn M. Smith, whose site is based out of New York, NY, and features the indie, alt-country, americana, electro-pop, twee-pop and rap genres. “Support indie musicians in concert, buy merch and spread their praises.” Recommended posts: “Noah and The Whale Release Video and MP3 for ‘L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.’” and “Physical Forms on Dirty Laundry TV.”

rockthedub – “College is a time of exploring one’s self, and finding out about many different walks of life,” writes Khal, whose site is based out of New Jersey and covers hip-hop as well as the drum & base and dubstep genres. “The music industry would have you believe that musicians only sing about one type of subject, or make one particular sound. Indies give artists a chance to explore more, and bring maybe more personal views or different sounds, and you’ll be surprised – those artists might express some emotions or tap into music you might not be aware of, but end up loving!” Recommended posts: “Money Making Jam Boys The Prestige” and “[video] Zero Star ‘Power 107.5 Radio Freestyle.”

Stereogum – This is another must-read music blog every music lover should be aware of. Recommended posts: “The 9 Best Videos Of The Week” and “Cold Cave – ‘The Great Pan Is Dead.’”

We All Want Someone – “College is the time where you discover who you are,” writes Will Oliver from Rockland County, NY. “I think music plays a huge role in our lives, especially while in college. We develop a strong relationship with our music at this time. I think independent music is creating some of the most honest, and heartfelt music out there. I think it has a perfect place in college student’s hearts. I’m in college, and I think this is very true.” Will also explains that the most dominant genres on his blog are alternative rock, dance, electronic, and from time to time folk, americana, and rap. “I like to keep an open mind and give everything a chance,” he writes. Recommended posts: “Download A Free Album From Pepepiano” and “Alex Turner’s Submarine Soundtrack Gets Release Date.”

yvynl - All of the posts on this site include descriptive write-ups of each musician/band as well as full-length interviews and profiles. Recommended posts: “Fiordmoss – Tigermy” and “Alex Winston – Locomotive.”

U.S. – Midwest

Count Me Out – From Chicago, IL, this site helps readers keep track of their favorite indie artists as they tour around North America. Recommended posts: “Video: Born Ruffians “The Ballad Of Moose Bruce” and “Stars Take Away Show.”

Daytrotter – “What Daytrotter is attempting to do is to not kid around with you and tell you that we found something that you never knew existed…We’re giving you exclusive, re-worked, alternate versions of old songs and unreleased tracks by some of your favorite bands and by a lot of your next favorite bands.”  Recommended posts: “Guster” and “Blue Hawaii (Pop Montreal Session).”

Each Note Secure – This “Cincinatti music blog” discusses the latest in album releases, upcoming concerts and festivals, as well as interviews with musicians and much more. Recommended posts: “The New Pornographers and The Walkmen coming to Cincinnati” and “Pop Empire unveils The Devil’s Party.”

I Rock Cleveland – This blog is described as an “indie rock, college rock, alternative rock, modern rock, and just plain rock blog,” and also has a “Folksy Friday” series. Recommended posts: “San Pedro” by Mogwai” and “Moving Pictures: “Holing Out” by Yuck.”

LaundroMatinee – From Indianapolis, IN, this blog covers local independent musicians as well as a wide range of genres like americana, dance, alt-country, folk, psych, hip-hop/rap, and much more. “We love it all, honestly,” explains Craig Dodge Lile.” As for Craig’s opinion on why college students should listen to independent music? “They should listen to whatever moves them,” he writes. “Some days, I love Top 40 as much as indie. Just be happy with music…it is good.” Recommended posts: “Video Session : Tokyo Police Club” and “Video Session: The Young Republic.”

MFR – “Independent music tends to more accessible peer-driven,” writes Ian Anderson, whose site is based out of Minneapolis, MN, and covers the indie rock, pop, and hip-hop genres. “Movements generally begin on the independent level and students more-often-than-not drive those very movements.” Recommended posts: “VIDEO: Crystal Castles – “Not In Love” (Feat. Robert Smith)” and “Best New Releases For 2/1/11.”

Music For Ants – “I’d encourage people to explore all types of music, independent and mainstream,” writes Taylor Johnston, whose site is based out of Illinois and covers the indie rock, electronic, folk, and indie pop genres. “I find independent music to typically be more interesting, creative, and original then whatever is playing on the radio, and it’s made by artists who are talented and care deeply about their art.” Recommended posts: “The Decemberists: Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi!” and “Cover: Portland Cello Project – All of the Lights.”

Muzzle of Bees – Indie music lovers swarm to this site (which is based in Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago), just to stay up to date on the latest indie music releases. Recommended posts: “James Vincent McMorrow + The Rural Alberta Advantage” and “Interview: Justin Townes Earle.”

My Old Kentucky Blog - The owner of this highly-recommended blog is also the co-owner of LaundroMatinee, and despite its title the site is actually based in Indiana. Recommended posts: “New Song + Video : The Two Koreas : Midnight Brown” and “New Band Smell : Stellarondo.”

songs:illinois – This site is littered with artists from the bluegrass, alt-country, americana, gospel, honky-tonk, and rockabilly genres.  Recommended posts: “Nick Everett – ‘old adventures/love songs’” and “New record from Hayes Carll – ‘KMAG YOYO (& other American stories).”

TSURURADIO - Although the majority of the artists discussed on this blog tend to come from the independent  folk/pop genres, (like Iron & Wine or She & Him), some other bands mentioned on the site include Kyuss and Ron Sexsmith,  Recommended posts: “I said hell yeah to Said The Whale’s Islands Disappear!” and “Saturday Morning Music Videos with The TSURURADIO Community!”

YNotMyDream.Net – “Independent music is where creativity lives,” writes hip-hop blogger Anthony Carrillo from Chicago, IL. “It’s mostly about the real things people face in life, it’s music with a true meaning. College students would only be  more motivated and inspired of the music. As a college student myself I personally look to listen to music with truth behind it, music that talks about the struggle and the good in life.” Recommended posts: “D.Mose: Loose Squares Vol.2 Mixtape Release Party (Event)” and “GLC & Twista: Cold As Ice (O.G. Version).”

U.S. – South

Culture Bully – This Nashville-based blog proves that there is more to the “Nashvegas” music scene besides country music and Kings of Leon. Recommended posts: “Finding Community in Ca$hville: An interview with Mac L” and “The Hood Internet: Arcade Fire vs. Blondie mashup.”

The Music Ninja – Straight out of Orlando, FL, this site covers mostly electronic artists as well as the alternative/rock and folk genres. Recommended posts: “[Electro] The Limousines – Internet Killed The Video Star (Kids At The Bar Remix)” and “[Best Of] The Music Ninja January 2011.”

Sunset in the Rearview -”I think the main reason I turn to indie music is because it provides so much room for creativity,” writes Lydia, whose site covers the hip-hop, indie rock, folk, mashups, and dance/dub/electronic genres. “Indie artists have the freedom to bend boundaries so much more than artists who are played on the radio. With radio music, it’s almost as though there’s a formula for success. Erase that formula and you’re left with great music that often sounds like little else you’ve heard before.” Recommended posts: “100Bands.100Reviews.365Days.” and “Sorry, Weezy.”

You Ain’t No Picasso – Blogger Matt Jordan is from Lexington, KY, and covers a variety of different independent bands every college student should be aware of. Recommended posts: “[MP3] RJD2 shares new album ‘We Are the Doorways’” and “Danger Mouse and Jack White team up for ‘Two Against One.’”

U.S. – Southwest

Gorilla vs. Bear – This popular indie music blog is described as having their “finger on the pulse” of the independent music movement. Recommended posts: “gorilla vs. bear presents: Smith Westerns – Live in Dallas” and “winter mix 2011 :: iced in.”

Oklahoma Rock Newsblog - Not just limited to rock music, this blog covers the most indiest of the indie bands as well as the latest concerning band breakups, reunions, musical events and tours. Recommended posts: “Vandevander is Everywhere, Man.” and “Life After The Uglysuit.”

Salad Days Music – “Independent music is kind of the alternative to what alternative music has become,” explains Jake, whose site is based out of Oklahoma City, OK. “The Internet has made it possible for so many great bands to exist that it is almost rude to just accept what corporate radio has decided we should like. We are seriously just a few mouse clicks away from tons of incredible music and a lot of people (bloggers) have put a lot of work into making this potentially overwhelming search a lot easier.” When asked to describe the dominant blogs featured on his blog, Jake writes that they end up covering indie pop the most, “but we will talk about anything we enjoy, regardless of genre.” Recommended posts: “SDM’s Top 40 Albums of 2010 | Collected” and “New Releases | 2/1/2011.”

So Much Silence - This blog is based out of Phoenix, AZ, and some of the many categories include “remixes,” “samples,” “covers,” and “hip-hop.” Recommended posts: “Phantogram: Mouthful of Diamonds (feat. ?uestlove)” and “Favorite song of 2010.”

Welikeit.indie – This Texas-based blog covers every electronic genre under the sun, like dubstep, disco-punk, synthpop, tech house, and everything in between. Recommended posts: “Gift of Fury” and “Every time I look into your eyes.”

Whiskey Teeth – Wet your musical taste buds with this blog, covering underground hip-hop’s best kept secrets. Recommended posts: “MaLLy & The Sundance Kid- Once We’re Kings” and “Video: Distrakt- Adjust ft. Count Bass D.”

U.S. – West

Aquarium Drunkard – This highly-recommended indie site covers everything from indie folk to soul singers, and even the classic oldies. Recommended posts: “Charles Bradley :: No Time For Dreaming” and “Destroyer :: The AD Interview.”

Everybody Taste – From Portland, OR, this blog covers both the rock and folk genres. “It’s important to listen to something different every now and then,” writes blogger Matt Carr, “whether it be jazz, world music, indie rock, or heavy metal. It’s fun getting to know what’s out there.” Recommended posts: “Natural Child – ‘The Jungle‘” and “The Dodos – ‘Black Night.’”

I Am Fuel, You Are Friends – This blog covers everything from interviews with independent musicians, concert reviews, photography, and even literature.  Recommended posts: “The Head and The Heart sign with Sub Pop Records” and “Jeff Tweedy at the Boulder Theater last weekend.”

Olive Music -”The most dominant genres covered on Olive Music consist of experimental (ambient, noise, etc.), independent rock/pop, and occasionally metal/hardcore,” writes Carter from Sacramento, CA. “Our Flashback section also caters to the nostalgia in our tastes, which includes mainstream rock/pop, jazz, dub, and the aforementioned genres that we normally cover.” So what are Carter’s thoughts on why college students should listen to independent music? “I wouldn’t like to impose a particular brand or type of music on someone,” he writes, “I feel that independent music could promote studying in that the process of finding it requires more research than the accessibility of mainstream music.” Recommended posts: “Flashback: Merzbow – Sha Mo 3000 (Essence, 2003)” and “Review: Running – Running (Permanent, 2010).”

Passion of the Weiss – “I can’t necessarily vouch for independent music over non-indie stuff,” writes Jeff Weiss, whose site is based out of Los Angeles, CA and covers the hip-hop, bass music, and psychedelic indie rock genres. “It’s foolhardy to say that one is objectively superior to the other. However, I can say that indie stuff tends to have the least interference and commercial compromise and so, in effect often makes for a stronger less cynical product.” Recommended posts: “The Trunkfunk of Henning” and “Passion of the Weiss Mix: Candy Candy Children (White Stripes Rarities).”

Pretty Much Amazing – “We really like hip-hop, electronica and pop, but I’d have to say the many faces of indie rock dominate our coverage,” explains Luis, the editor of this California-based blog. “Sometimes (most of the time), the stuff that passes for music on the radio just doesn’t cut it. Because indie music isn’t as instant as Top 40 on the radio, most high school-age kids don’t put the effort into discovering new bands via blogs or topical magazines. College-age is the perfect time to delve into music blogs and indie music.” Recommended posts: “Top Downloaded MP3s of 2010” and “ALBUM REVIEW: Akron/Family II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT.”

Rawkblog – Check out this blog to read up on the most talked about indie artists as well as upcoming concerts, albums and tours. Recommended posts: “Video: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – ‘Back in the Saddle” and “Video: Hosannas – ‘When We Were Young.’”

Record Dept. – “College students should listen to independent music because college radio played a significant role in the evolution of independent music and continues to do so,” writes Jason Felton, whose site is based in Portland/Seattle. “Independent music evolved from 60′s garage, 70′s punk, and 80′s post punk, but really started to take form in the mid 80′s when college radio began playing more do-it-yourself avante garde, experimental and local music that did not have the support of mainstream music labels. College is a time of education and exploration, and independent music is all about discovering new sounds, ideas, and pushing the boundaries; it is the expression of creativity and talent. Also, the money you pay to support indie music goes to the artists.” Jason went on to explain that his blog covers indie rock, pop, and folk, as well as americana/roots, country, alt-country, bluegrass, traditional, blues, “and a little of everything in between.” Recommended posts: “TREETOP FLYERS – TO BURY THE PAST” and “RIKKI ILILONGA & MUSI-O-TUNYA – DARK SUNRISE.”

SF Critic – “‘Independent music’ as a term doesn’t mean much these days,” explains David Johnson-Igra, whose hip-hop/indie pop blog is based out of San Francisco, CA. “‘Indie’ or ‘college radio’ are all labels–so my answer isn’t why should college students listen to independent music, but rather, why college kids should listen to music that isn’t played on Top 40s stations: because there is a ton of other great music out there.” Recommended posts: “Skrillex’s [Interview & Playlist] “End Of The World” Mix” and “Darwin Deez [Interview & Playlist] ‘Philosophically Speaking.’”

Tome to the Weather Machine – “College is a time to question everything you’ve been raised to believe,” writes Ryan Hall, whose site is based in Salt Lake City, UT, and Denver, CO. “If you have been spoonfed corporate indie rock or the top 40 radio, college is a great time to delve into what is happening well below the radars of the traditional tastemakers. Listening to weird/independent music is gratifying because, when you don’t have to worry about selling your music on a market you are much more honest and can take greater risks.” When asked to describe the dominant genres written about on his blog, Ryan writes: “We tend to review a lot of ambient-drone artists and weird noise stuff. Nothing is off limits.” Recommended posts: “Albums I Missed Pt. II: Clara Engel, Jason Forrest, I Know You Rider, Sweet Lights” and “Vehicle Blues.”

Yours Truly – The author of this blog cover a variety of different bands in the hip-hop, dubstep, folk, rock, soul and experimental genres. When asked to explain why they think college students should listen to independent music, the blogger replied: “Because they’ll be old one day and start turning into their parents.” Recommended posts: “Papercuts x Yours Truly” and “Something Below The Surface.”

U.S. – National

The fmly – “There is no homogenized view in independent music,” writes Cameron Rath, “we have the ability to make what truly comes from our hearts (even if no one likes it or considers it music) and other people, if it’s true can relate. Creative means can be a tool for a deeper communication through people that have never physically met.” Cameron went on to explain that the genres on his blog are “irrelevant,” but some common themes include “post future, slow wave, and death/life.” Recommended posts: “tune of the day” and “embers start a flame.”

Hear Ya - This blog has “South to Southwest coverage” but also records live sessions with independent musicians and bands in Chicago, IL. Recommended posts: “Yellow Ostrich – The Mistress [Album Review]” and “Young Buffalo, in the footsteps of Fleet Foxes and Local Natives?”

I Guess I’m Floating – Even the indiest of the indie bloggers recommend this site, which was originally started by two college students. Recommended posts: “[MP3] Woodsman: “Insects” and “[Podcast] I Guess I’m Podcasting – Episode 12.”

Melophobe – This site has “song battles” so readers can vote for their favorite tracks and/or indie artists. Recommended posts: “Stream The Streets’ “Cyberspace and Reds” Here!” and “Death From Above 1979 REUNITE!”

Pitchfork – If you live for discovering new music, then this site should be a given. Recommended posts: “Young the Giant – Young the Giant” and “The Go! Team – Rolling Blackouts.”

Punknews.org – With over 4,000 subscribers, this site brings you the latest in the underground punk scene. Recommended posts: “Mixtapes release free EP” and “New World/Inferno Friendship Society album out March 15th.”

REUP Spot – “Independent artists share a similar hustle as college students,” writes Vick Slate, whose “strictly hip-hop” site is based out of Texas and West Virginia. “Independent artists are grinding on their own with their own money trying to pave a path as college students are paying for their education to pave their future path.” Recommended posts: “Trae Tha Truth – 48 Hours” and “S-Preme – Beast Mode [Freestyle].”

Sonic Router – This blog covers a wide range of genres like ambient, dubstep, grime, house, funk, hip-hop, garage, swing, and electronica. Recommended posts: “RECOMMENDED EVENT: Bloc Weekend 2011” and “INTERVIEW: Kevin McPhee [nakedlunch/Idle Hands].”

Tiny Mix Tapes – This is another highly-recommended “must-read” blog for any supporter of independent music. Recommended posts: “Vivian Girls release new organ-inflected, Bacharach-inspired album on Polyvinyl” and “Stop, collaborate, and listen: The Flaming Lips team up with Neon Indian, maybe more?”

Weekly Tape Deck – You can’t get more indie than this. Check out this blog to watch videos of below-the-radar bands who just entered the underground music scene. Recommended posts: “[video] bass drum of death//young pros @ newtown radio” and “[video] brown recluse//mirror mansion.”

We Listen For You – Help these bloggers help you, and can get that musical makeover you’ve always dreamed of. Recommended posts: “California Guitar Trio New Album & Tour” and “Jolie Holland & Kyp Malone (of TV on the Radio) at Zanzabar 2/2.”

International – Canada

365 Albums a Year – “I think pretty much every genre has been featured on our site, but the ones that have been the most recurrent would be hip-hop, indie rock, and soul,” writes Charles, whose site is based out of Montreal, Quebec, (but the majority of the current staff is American). “We think independent music should be followed alongside all other forms of music by anyone looking for a well-rounded experience of music in general and a sense of grassroots movement at that point in time.” Recommended posts: “365AAY’s Top 50 Albums of 2010” and “Life Goes on: Why Music Remains as Exciting as Ever.”

514blog – Some of the many artists talked about on this blog include Boyz Noize, Chromeo, Cut Copy, Holy Ghost!, Mark Ronson, the Scissor Sisters, Two Door Cinema Club, and much more. Recommended posts: “MGMT x Ed Banger: Siberian Breaks (Ed Banger All-Star Remix)” and  “514blog’s Best Remixes of 2010.”

Aux TV – Ashley Carter writes that her blog is based in Toronto, Ontario, and covers the indie rock, hip-hop, and pop genres. “College students should listen to independent music because, just like in a college classroom, sometimes it’s important to think outside the box that’s being drawn for you by mainstream sources,” she explains. Recommended posts: “Ex-Paramore member Josh Farro starts new band” and “AUX Sessions: Armistice ‘Mission Bells.’”

The Broken Speaker – This blog is based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and covers the folk, indie pop, indie alternative, and Canadian genres. “Independent music gives artists more freedom to create music the way they want to and gives them creative control over their work,” writes blogger Jonathan, “something that college students can relate to and support.” Recommended posts: “Album Review: Young Galaxy – Shapeshifting” and “Album Review: Hey Rosetta! – Seeds.”

Ca Va Cool – From Toronto, Ontario, this site covers some of the most talked about indie artists like Fleet Foxes, Deerhoof, James Blake, Destroyer, and much more. Recommended posts: “Broken Social Scene: London Music Hall” and “Braids.”

Chipped Hip – Alex Hudson of the Chipped Hip writes that his Vancouver-based blog has a “special emphasis” on Vancouver- and Canada-based artists, and the most dominant genres are pop “and its many sub-genres (fuzz/power/electro/folk/etc.)” As for his thoughts on why college students should listen to independent music: “You’re not in high school anymore and no one cares if you want to listen to weird stuff.” Recommended posts: “It’s only natural to feel this way” and “Why do you stand so close to me?”

Chromewaves – Music lovers from all over the world visit this highly-recommended Canadian site to get the downlow on everything that is going on up north. Recommended posts: “Lahaha” and “Something’s Turning Over.”

Coke Machine Glow - This site is named after an album/book of poetry by Gord Downie, the lead singer of the Tragically Hip, (AKA “The Hip). Recommended posts: “Concert Review/Dismemberment Plan” and “Sic Alps.”

Hero Hill – “Yellin’ it cuz no one else is tellin’ it,” this blog is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and focuses specifically on Canadian musicians who are trying to break into both the national and international music markets. Recommended posts: ”Quick Hitters:: No Gold” and “File Under Amazing:: Hidden Words Temple.”

Indie Music Filter – “There’s so much choice in music these days and the Internet has facilitated indie artists reaching their audiences,” writes Chris Budd, whose site is based in Toronto, Ontario. “You no longer have to be on the radio to get heard.  Indie bands have just as much talent as the popular bands, support the little guy.” Recommended posts: “Mansions” and “Your Sweet Love by Duchess Leo” and

Juiceboxdotcom -  “College students should listen to good music regardless of affiliation,” writes Sam Sutherland, whose “PUNX” blog is based out of Toronto, Ontario. “To quote Sloan, “If it feels good, do it,” and also, “and the joke is, when he awoke his body was covered in coke fizz.” Recommended posts: “They gave us a show, again.” and “Covers!”

The Panic Manual – “We are a collective of individuals bringing you the latest in concert reviews, indie, britpop, Canadian, twee and all sorts of other music, movies, TV and everything else you like.” Recommended posts: “Cover Fridays/SXSW Preview: Ellie Goulding – Your Song (Elton John cover)” and “Shows This Week: Feb 7th to Feb 13th.”

Quick Before it Melts – Just because some parts of Canada deal with freezing temperatures for half of the year doesn’t mean the Canadian indie music scene isn’t hot. Recommended posts: “Bands that start with ‘W’” and “Steel city sweetness.”

Said the Gramaphone – The authors of this blog are based out of Montreal and Toronto, two cities that are known to be the epicenter of the Canadian music scene. Recommended posts: “Gender Fault, Quake” and “Haunt The Old.”

Singing Lamb – This blog doesn’t just cover independent Canadian musicians that you’ve probably never heard of – some other artists discussed on the blog include Vampire Weekend, the Smith Westerns, Best Coast, Beach House, and The Walkmen. Recommended posts: “Allie Hughes, in love again” and “Best of 2010: Amanda.”

Slowcoustic – From Calgary, Alberta, this blog is living proof that independent musicians are worth giving a folk about. Some of the many genres covered on this blog range from folk and americana, to alt-country and down-tempo indie music. Recommended posts: “Song of the Day: “M4W” by Uncles” and “O’Death and Sweet Lights provide your soundtrack for Saturday.”

Vinyl and Vodka -”You shouldn’t be just listening to independent artists, but supporting them, buying their music, and going to their shows as well,” writes Willis Hip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I’m still in high school, but I know a lot of new bands and artists start out while they are in college, trying to figure out what they want to do. It’s a given that if they are making music then that is one of their passions – so supporting them is beneficial to their growth as an artist, especially during the time where students and colleagues might be in need for financial aid or moral support.” Although Willis explains he doesnt’ like to label specific genres, he tends to post what he likes to listen to, like indie (rock/pop/folk) electronic, remixes, experimental, hip-hop, and even Top 40 musicians. Recommended posts: “Rising: Alpine – ‘Villages‘” and “Ellie Goulding – “Lights” (Bassnectar Remix).”

International – UK

Anika in London – Follow 20-year-old Anika as she ventures through London’s music scene. Recommended posts: “Lia Ices” and “The Party’s Crashing Us.”

Battery in Your Leg - Some of the many categories on this blog include “Concert Photography,” “Contests,” “New Bands,” “Lists” and much more.  Recommended posts: “Glasvegas Album News” and “Glastonbury Emerging Talent Contest.”

The Blue Walrus – “We’re a pretty eclectic bunch, but what we post tends to fall somewhere in the realms of folk, indie and electro or somewhere in between,” writes Tim Dickinson, who works as the Editor-in-Chief of this London-based blog, (although the writes are from all over the UK). “Independent music means being part of something new, having the excitement of finding bands as they emerge, and being able to see bands in smaller, intimate venues which all makes for a better experience.” Recommended posts: “Bands to watch: Year of the Tiger” and “Bird.”

Breaking More Waves – “I believe that people should listen to all kinds of music – whether it’s independent or not is irrelevant – as long as it connects with people in some way – my blog reflects that belief,” writes Robin Seamer, whose site is based in Portsmouth. Robin also went on to explain that the most dominant genres on this blog are electronic, pop, folk, acoustic and indie. Recommended posts: “Kites – New Waves” and “Rizzle Kicks – Fly Me To The Moon.”

The Daily Growl – This London-based blog covers the indie, folk, and pop genres. As for blogger Tim Murray’s thoughts as to why college students should listen to independent music, he writes that they’d be “mad” not to: “What with a world of music only a click away. Expand your horizons,” he writes. “And remember ‘independent music’ doesn’t just mean what you might think of as ‘indie’ music. There’s so much great stuff out there.” Recommended posts: “Phosphorescent interview” and “Candy sprays.”

Listen Before You Buy – “I wouldn’t go so far as to say they should listen to independent music over any other ‘genre’ because one man’s pleasure is another man’s poison,” writes Franky B. Rockafeller who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, (although the site is based out of York, PA). “…But I think ‘independent’ music has a lot of variety to offer and you can lose yourself in many different sub-genres and micro-genres and continue to find something new and fresh and exhilarating. At the same time the artists (from my point of view) seem to put a lot of time and effort into creating new music, interacting with their fans, promoting other new artists and also doing something creative with how they distribute their music, either for free via their blog, Twitter campaigns, Facebook  exclusives, and some really well-packaged and beautiful physical releases like vinyl…something you really don’t find by pop or country or R&B, or the more mainstream genres.” Franky went on to explain that the most dominant genres on his blog are indie rock, electronic, hip-hop, low-fi/garage, alternative, dubstep, grime, and drum & bass. “It’s not a genre, but I also post a lot of Mashups too,” he explains. Recommended posts: “[Listen/Download] – New Song By The Submarines – ‘Birds‘” and “[Introducing] – The Moonband.”

Pinglewood – This London-based blog has been around since 1983. Recommended posts: “Jessie J – BBC Sound of 2011 Winner” and “Most Disappointing Albums of 2010.”

The Recommender – “As the very lovely Stephen Fry once said, ‘Education is the sum of what students teach each other between lessons, lectures and seminars,’” writes Mike, the editor and promotions manager for this Brighton-based blog which covers a variety of different pop and indie genres. “Music matters. Art matters. It is all that is best about being alive if you really think about it. Read a blog. You never know, you might learn something.” Recommended posts: “SAINT SAVIOUR” and “GROUPLOVE.”

Song, by Toad – Named after a character from the Kenneth Grahame book “The Wind in the Willows,” this blog discusses a variety of artists from the hardcore, electronic, and alt-celtic genres, as well as upcoming concerts in Edinburgh, Scotland. Recommended posts: “Some Celtic Connections Bits and Pieces” and “Let’s Get Lyrical.”

This Music Wins - “My blog tries to cover anything that’s breaking new ground or doing something particularly well, however the predominant genres on This Music Wins are lo-fi, folk, electronica and pop,” writes Peter Lanceley, whose site is based in Brighton. “Independent music is music made by people off their own backs, often with no financial help. When you hear a great independent musician, you know you have a real talent on your hands.” Recommended posts: “New Album: Earth Girl Helen Brown – Story Of An Earth Girl 10″ EP” and “Live Review: Esben & The Witch + Trophy Wife + Hind Ear @ Brighton Pavilion Theatre 1/2/11.”

Transparent – It doesn’t get more indie than this. As written on the site:  “Dispensing weirdo pop music to prescription 24/7,” this highly-recommended blog actually started out as a printed magazine/fanzine in 2005. Recommended posts: “Freaked In” and “In Shadows.”

The Vinyl Villain -  “College students should listen to any music that they choose,” writes Jim Clark from Glasgow, Scotland, “but if they give a listen to indie music without prejudice, they will learn that there’s a great deal more out there than fills the airwaves of your regular daily radio stations.  And they will probably find such music far more enjoyable and appealling…..and danceable.” Jim also explained that his blog is “largely” retro: “What you will mostly find on The Vinyl Villian are cuts from the 80s and 90s featuring UK indie acts, some of whom are well known (The Smiths) but many others less so (particularly acts which were around the Scottish music scene when I was a student and then first in employment (which is the early-mid 80s).” Recommended posts: “HOW CAN YOU NOT ENJOY THIS??” and “ONE SONG BY THE SMITHS….A SATURDAY SERIES (Part 29).”

International

Altered Zones – Experimental, electronic, psychedelic, and shoegaze are some of the many genres discussed on this blog.  Recommended posts: “Air Waves: “Humdrum” and “Spectre Folk Readies New EP for Woodsist.”

disco naïveté – “disco naïveté is a Belgium-based music blog that covers all varieties of music,” writes the blog’s author. “You will be treated on a new video, song or remix at least once per day, ranging from indie pop to chillwave, electropop to witch house, lo-fi rock to experimental sounds, and so much more. Popular artists or rising bands, because there’s probably that one band you’ve never even heard of yet whose music you fancy an awful lot. No long monologues or descriptions on how a song should make you feel, just the basic information and the song for your streaming or downloading pleasure: your ears are yours, so decide for yourself wether you like it or not.” Recommended posts: “Röyksopp” and “Crystal Fighters.”

Electrorash - From Melbourne, Australia, this blog covers a variety of underground indie, electronic, techno, and disco acts, as well as more well known artists like The Chemical Brothers, Digitalism, Porcelain, Jay-Z, and The Prodigy. Recommended posts: “Feral Media vs LOFLY” and “Catcall.”

Fistful of Sound -”Fistful of Sound has hands working on it from Canada, the States and Australia. It originally started in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” writes Jan Galvez. “I believe that not only college students, but everyone, should at least give independent music a listen. It is a refreshing break from the repetitive bombardment of the “Top Hits” by the radio and television programs. Independent music displays the full potential of originality and creativity an artist can achieve. Because this genre is so vast and diverse, there is something for everyone.” Recommended posts: “Danny Winter – Fresh Cold Beats 2” and “Dan Mangan – Sold (Music Video).”

Polaroids of Androids – This Australian blog is based out of Sydney and covers the most talked about indie artists as well as the latest in Australian tours and concerts. Recommended posts: “Splendour In The Grass 2011 line-up leaks?” and “No Art – Kids In Place.”

Swedesplease – Never underestimate the talent of the underground Scandinavian music scene. Check out this blog to introduce yourself to the Swedish indie revolution, as well as new and upcoming acts from Stolkholm. Recommended posts:  “More Swedish folk – John Hawks and the 7 Song Seesion Tape” and “Grrrl rawk via Gothenburg – Five Finger Foreheads.”

Chris Around the World

Chris Gray Faust is a former travel editor at USA Today and the winner of a 2010 Lowell Thomas writing award for travel blogging. She shares her tips for travel and offers commentary on travel news and trends. Some regular features of her blog include “Trip Reports,” “Memorable Meals,” “Travel Tips,” and “5 Reasons.” Some interesting recent posts include Dieting While Traveling Using Weight Watchers, Coriolis Effect: Do Toilets Flush Differently in the Southern Hemisphere? and On the Road with the Gutsy Traveler, Marybeth Bond.

Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site

Nomadic Matt has been living as a traveler since 2005, and his blog shares his experiences on his travels, as well as travel tips, profiles of different destinations, and commentary on travel news. There are also recommendations for travel books and guides. Some notable posts include The Great American Road Trip, A Girl’s Guide to Italy, and Buying a RTW Ticket.

Solo Traveler

Janice has been traveling since she was a teen — for years with her husband and children and now as a solo traveler. She shares her trips and offers advice along the way. She even accepts requests for travel. There are profiles of destinations, lots of pictures, product reviews, and tips for travel. Some notable recent posts include Solo Travel Planning: The Important Though Tedious Details, Confessions of a Solo Bobo, and Travel Solo: If Not Now, When?

Gadling

This comprehensive blog offers travel news and information on specific destinations. There are categories for budget travel, technology and travel, travel tips, and much more. Find all the answers to your travel questions here! Some notable recent posts include You Might Not Like Disney Dream, 10 Destinations to Skip in 2011, and National Geographic Jumps into the Adventure Travel Arena.

Rick Seaney

Rick Seaney is the CEO of Fare Compare.com, and his blog offers expert tips and commentary on travel, with a focus on flying and the airline industry. Seaney is a frequent guest on news and entertainment shows, and is often quoted by the news media, including publications such as USA Today and the New York Times. Some notable recent posts include More Airline Fees in 2011? My Predictions, Airline Passenger Bill of Rights and Bumping – What You Should Know and Six Reasons to Hop on a Plane this Summer.

Tnooz

Tnooz “focuses on technology, digital distribution, media and marketing, web strategy, start-ups and financing in the travel sector.” Some interesting recent posts include Top 3 Tips for Remarketing Techniques in Travel, How Facebook Can Work for Travel Competitions, and Analyst Report: Expedia, Orbitz Feeling Impact of American Airlines Exodus.

Everything Everywhere

Gary Arndt has been traveling the world since 2007, and his blog shares his adventures on the road. Places that he’s visited in the last year include Fiji, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Spain, Canadian Atlantic Provinces, South Africa, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. Posts regularly share stunning photos of travel locales, often available for purchase. Some interesting recent posts include 8 Things You Might Not Have Known About Hawaii, Traveling to Dangerous Places, and Being Productive and Working While Traveling.

The Practical Nomad Blog

Author Edward Hasbrouck has written a series of The Practical Nomad travel books and has served as a consultant and policy analyst on travel issues for several groups. He is a consumer advocate and travel expert, and his blog discusses issues related to federal regulation of travel, privacy issues, and more. There are many useful guides also included on this blog, such as How Does Hotel Discounting Work? What’s in a Passenger Name Record (PNR)? and How to Request Your Travel Records.

Online Travel Review

Jared Blank, a former travel analyst, writes this blog, which discusses travel news and offers tips and commentary about travel and the travel industry. You can also search for travel deals. Some interesting recent posts include How to Get Miles for Free Flights Using Credit Cards: An Introduction, The Airline Fees You Should be Complaining About, and What Are You Buying When You Buy an Airline Ticket?

Christopher Elliott

Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott offers commentary and advice on travel, trends and news. There are question-and-answer sections, and practical advice for consumers. Some interesting recent posts include That’s ridiculous! Hotels are Charging Even More for What Should be Free, Most Travelers are Skeptical of User-Generated Hotel Reviews, and But I Never Asked for Car Insurance!

Upgrade: Travel Better

Mark Ashley’s blog focuses on business travel, including the ins and outs of loyalty programs, airfare, and hotel stays. His motto is “Living the first-class life…at coach prices.” “The site provides news, travel tips, and commentary on happenings and trends in the travel industry for the traveler looking to maximize comfort, style, and convenience, while getting a great deal.” Some notable recent posts include The Latest Threat to Your Safety: Inflight Wi-Fi? Upgrades and Downgrades: iPads Inflight, Contraband, Biofuels, and Security Cartoons, and Lufthansa Revives Inflight Internet Over the Oceans.

Almost Fearless

Christine Gilbert left her job managing a successful company to become a freelance traveler and writer. She sold all of her belongings and started traveling — visiting 17 countries and 25 cities. Her blog shares her experiences traveling and offers some tips for others interested in doing the same. Some popular posts include 8 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 22, 30 Ways in 30 Days to Redesign Your Life and Travel the World, and 10 Unexpected Costs of Owning Things.

Uncornered Market

Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott are a married couple who have been full-time travelers since 2006, and they share their photos and stories from life on the road. “We aim to humanize the places we visit, drawing our readers in through photographs and stories, so they connect with people and places they might otherwise never hear about or actively disregard.” Some interesting recent posts include Geotagging Photos: A Software Review and Tutorial, Facing Fears, Wiping Out, and Getting Up Again, and Our Low-Tech Travel Gear of the Year.

Travel Rants

Darren Cronian writes about the problems that travelers often encounter, from handling airfare to hotel bookings to touring. He started the blog after he a bad interaction with a travel agency and needed a place to rant about it. Now his rants help fellow travelers. Some interesting recent posts include Will Luxury Travel Struggle in 2011? Skip Times Square When Visiting New York City, and My (Stupid?) Travel Predictions for 2011.

Canada’s Adventure Couple

Dave and Deb have been married for 13 years, and they have been traveling since shortly after they met. Their blog aims to tell the truth about their experiences traveling, the good and the bad. Some top posts include Christmas Abroad, Our Lack of Holiday Tradition, Getting Around Internet Censorship While Traveling, and Comfort While You Travel.

A Luxury Travel Blog

This blog by Paul Johnson focuses on “the finer aspects of travel.” Readers can learn about stays at luxury hotels and resorts, as well as other travel perks. Some recent posts include 5 Top Tips for Luxury Travel on a Budget, Top 15 Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss in Australia, and Travel Like a Celeb – Just Leave the Hawaiian Shirt at Home.

Delicious Baby

For families with wanderlust, this blog offers advice for making travel with kids fun. In addition to travel tips and guides, there are numerous photos and links to deals for families. Some notable practical posts include Travel Toys, Preparing Your Kids for the Trip, and Babyproofing Your Hotel Room.

Europe a la Carte

Here you’ll find profiles of travel destinations throughout Europe, in addition to tips and guidance for planning your travels. In addition to the blog, there are frequent podcasts, which offer you an insider’s view. Some interesting recent posts include 6 Tips on Making Time for Travel, Language (Mis)Adventures While Traveling, and Best Places to Slow Down and Experience Vienna’s Café Culture.

Journey, Etc.

This blog offers travel guides for locations throughout the world, including luxury vacations. There are profiles and guides for specific locations and regions, as well as general travel advice. Some interesting recent posts include Best Prison Hotels Around the World, Top 7 Spots to Experience Authentic China, and Travel Tips: Dealing with Different Travel Scenarios.

Tim Leffel’s Cheapest Destinations Blog

Tim Leffel is a travel writer who has been around the world three times in the past 20 years. He is the author of several travel books, including The World’s Cheapest Destinations. His blog offers some insider tips on not just saving money on travel, but also on smart travel. Some recent posts include Get Four Free Plane Trips Per Year, Four Annoying Things to Consider Before You Move Abroad, and Two Weeks, One Carry On.

The Cranky Flier

Bretty Snyder is the “chief airline dork” of Cranky Flier, and he has been a long-time travel aficionado and has worked in different capacities in the travel industry. His blog offers commentary on travel news and trends. Some recent posts include Flying from JetBlue’s Efficient JFK Terminal 5, The Case for London/City and the Flight to New York and Club World on British Airways (Trip Report).

Heather on Her Travels

Heather explains: “This is where you’ll find tales from my travels, where I take you with me to meet the people, taste the food and experience the sights and sounds I came across along the way.” Posts include lots of wonderful photographs and videos to help bring these locations to life. Posts also include links to additional resources and information for other ideas and planning your trip. Some interesting recent posts include See Where the Road Will Take You in Spain, Roadmap to the Riviera – a Drive from Nice to Monte Carlo, and My Top 10 Sights in Budapest with the Help of the Eyewitness Guide from Dorling Kindersley.

Malaysia Asia

Read all about travel in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Luang, China, and Hong Kong. Some interesting recent posts include Islands to Visit in Malaysia for 2011, Matta Fair 2011, and Le Tour de Langkawi 2011.

Boarding Area

Get insider travel tips, special deals, travel news and much more on this comprehensive blog. Posts focus on consumer tips for travel, including how to find deals, using rewards programs, and more. Some recent posts include The Value of Incremental Revenue to an Airline, Survey of Hotel Discount Reward Nights, and The Two Most Difficult Frequent Flyer Award Redemptions Out There – And How to Book Them.

Johnny Vagabond

Wes Nations is Johnny Vagabond, and his blog chronicles his experiences taking a year off to travel the world. He says, “Along the way, I’ll share photos, reviews, tips and tricks, and try to answer any questions you have.” Some notable recent posts include Depression, Burn Out and Renewal on the Streets of India, Instant Karma: My Beer Run by the Ganges, and It’s Wedding Season in India.

Otts World

Otts World shares the “travel and life experiences of a corporate American runaway.” Sherry — the corporate runaway — has turned full-time traveler, and her blog shares her journeys to locations off the beaten path. Some interesting recent posts include Unplugged Travel, Getting a Ride with Strangers, and Minimalistic Beverages.

Travels With a Nine-Year-Old

Think that you’re tied down because you’re a parent of have family? This mother and son duo prove that’s not the case. The two have been traveling around the world for over a year now (Z is now 10), and they share their experiences and tips along the way. Some interesting recent posts include Nine Lessons from a Year of Travel Blogging, Like Jane Austen but Not: The Single Gal’s Guide to Traveling Asia, and Travel Tips: Avoiding Transport “Scams”.

A Dangerous Business

“It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no telling where you might be swept off to.” This quote by J.R.R. Tolkien inspires the travel philosophy behind this blog, which chronicles the travels of Amanda. Posts include travel tales, travel tips, photo essays, videos, and more. Some popular posts include Great American Road Trip 2011: The Plan, Why I’m a Weenie When it Comes to Solo Travel, and 9 Money Saving Tips for Travelers from Travelers.

Vagablogging

Rolf Potts has been a travel reporter for publications such as National Geographic Traveler, the New York Times Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, and Outside, in addition to National Public Radio and the Travel Channel. His blog shares travel tips and destination profiles. Some interesting recent posts include Travel Talismans, Jjimjilbangs in Korea, and Staying Safe in “Dangerous” Places.

Go, See, Write

This former attorney decided to take a trip around the world without ever getting on a plane. Two years later, he has traveled through 44 countries, returned home, and returned to traveling — this time in Colombia. Some interesting recent posts include Worst Hotel I Have Ever Stayed In?, Worst Dorm Night Ever…And My Revenge, and Third World Begging.

Phil in the Blank

Phil started his travels in West Africa, but continues to travel wherever the inclination takes him. His blog reflects his interests in slow travel, music, and people drawing camels. His blog is an eclectic mix of travel photography, travel writing, musical collections, and pictures of camels. Some interesting recent posts include 3 Fun Strategies to Deal with Hasslers, Hawkers and Touts, Inside My Head: Five Months Alone in West Africa, and Things to Eat and Drink in Morocco that Taste Good.

Soul Travelers 3

A married couple and their young daughter are the three soul travelers behind this blog, which follows their adventures traveling around the world. They also share their tips, reviews, and more. Some interesting recent posts include Family Travel Hawaii: Learning to Surf in Kauai, How to Make Perfect Paella Valenciana in Spain! and First Christmas in Asia.

Backpacking Matt

Matt set out to work in Ireland and the U.K. for a year after he graduated college, but traveled to 14 countries over 16 months and returned home long enough to save for his next trip. His blog offers profiles and photo essays of travel destinations, as well as practical tips for travelers. Some interesting recent posts include 5 Cities You Should Visit on Your RTW Backpacking Trip, Traveling for the Unexpected, and 5 Ways to Fund Your Travels Around the World Online.

Over Yonderlust

Shaun and Erica are high-school sweethearts who got married and decided to travel the world. Posts not only share their experiences abroad, but also offer thoughtful reflection about life as travelers and what it means to make your own path. Some notable recent posts include Risks in the Game of Life, Confronting Fears Abroad, and Empathic Civilization.

A Little Adrift

Shannon O’Donnell spent a year traveling around the world, then decided to just keep on traveling. “This blog started as a way to chronicle my travels, and it still does function like that, but I also craft stories to inspire the arm-chair travelers out there, advice for others setting off on RTW trips, and occasionally those resources that have helped me become location independent.” Some interesting recent posts include A Little Accountability…I Tell You, You Keep Me Honest, A Little Perspective…Another Year Over, a New One Just Begun, and A Little Synchronicity…Plan? Who Needs a Plan?

NewYorkology

Who needs to travel the world when you can spend time in the greatest city in the world? This blog offers a comprehensive guide to New York, with posts on everything from food and drinks to hotels to sightseeing and much more. There are posts to events and festivals, links to deals, and much more.

Got Passport. Will Travel. Will Serve.

This family of three is living in Thailand and traveling throughout Asia. In addition to travel, the blog talks about the importance of education, service, and living simply. Some interesting recent posts include Travelers: Be a Gracious Guest, Not a Pest, How to Be Our Good Neighbor: Offer Food! and Less IS More: George Carlin Had a Point About all That *STUFF*.

Two Backpackers

Jason and Aracely gave up their corporate careers to backpack around the world and “to discover and validate our passions, step outside of our comfort zone, and grow as individuals.” Their blog shares their experiences, their advice, and reflections on alternative living. Some interesting recent posts include Where to Travel Before the World Ends? Paris on the Cheap and Visiting Lost City of Petra on a Budget.

Traveling Mamas

Get tips for family trips, girlfriend trips, finding travel deals, choosing the best gear, and much more. There are also product reviews, links to online deals and travel resources, and more. Some notable recent posts include 2011 Year of the Passport – A Year for International Travel Adventures, 5 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge Properties, and Tips for Driving on Snow and Ice.

Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel

Barbara Weibel says she felt like a “hole in a donut” — “”solid on the outside, but empty on the inside” — after working long hours at jobs she didn’t like. After being diagnosed with Lyme disease, she made the decision to pursue the things that made her happy: travel, writing, photography. She went on a trip around the world, and she continues to travel and write about her experiences, the people she meets, and the way that travel has changed her. Some interesting recent posts include Healed by a Tibetan Shaman, Life in Puma, Nepal – An Exercise in Sustainable Living, and Travel Tidbits Worth Passing On.

Vagabond Journey Travel

“Perpetual traveler” Wade Shepard founded this online magazine, which features nine different sections and nearly a dozen contributors. The blog features product reviews, tips for travel, discussions on current events, and more. Some notable recent posts include Long Term Travel Primer on How to Keep Traveling, What Makes a Country Good for Bicycle Travel and How to Find Good Hotels to Rent Rooms by the Month.

The Longest Way Home

This is the blog of “a guy traveling the world in search of a place called home.” The guy – Dave – shares his thoughts on each country he visits and whether or not it will eventually be home. Posts share thoughtful reflections on culture, travel, society, and more. Some interesting recent posts include Food from Sabah, Malaysia: Lost in Culinary Translation! Sitting with Homeless People in Kota Kinabalu and Delusional Happy Smiles Don’t Work with Travel.

2 Nomads, 1 Narrative

Rhys and Nicky started their journey traveling around southeast Asia, then settled down to teach in Korea for a year, then traveled through India and Nepal. They are currently back in the U.S. awaiting their next trip to Asia. Many posts recount the highlights of their travels through Asia, such as The Beautifully Dirty Ganges, Only in India…! and Our Top 10 Korean Experiences.

Abandon the Cube

Lauren and Mike share their experiences and tips for traveling the world, including a brief history and summary of each country they visit. Some interesting recent posts include Should You Look for Work in China, Asks CNN. ATC Responds! Apartment Hunting in Beijing, China and Job Hunting in Beijing, China.

1,000 Places to Fight Before You Die

Mike and Lucy travel somewhere (and fight) together every year for their anniversary. Along the way, they learn more about themselves and create cherished memories. They share their secrets for traveling on the cheap and finding great new destinations. Some interesting recent posts include Stay in a Castle! In the States? The Secret Safari and Top 10 Reasons to Travel as a Couple.

Traveling Savage

Keith is traveling through Scotland and documenting his experiences along the way. Get an in-depth look at the people and places of Scotland, and learn some tips for planning your own travel. Some interesting recent posts include 5 Edinburgh Pubs I Can’t Wait to Visit, Highlighting Edinburgh’s Literary History and Coming of Age: The Flavor of Travels Over Time.

1,000 Lonely Places

This blog strives to inspire people to travel and discover the world by offering tips for travel and information on interesting places to visit. Some recent destination profiles include Top 5 Luxury Islands, Kasbah Tamadot – Sir Richard Branson’s Spectacular Moroccan Retreat and The Romanos Luxury Resorts, Costa Navarino.

Happy Time Blog

Aaron and Georgie maintain this blog, which follows their full-time travels. But this is not just another travelogue: Posts are comprehensive and cover all the ins and outs of travel, from finding deals to booking hotels to life on the road. Some recent posts include How to Make Money While You Travel, How we get to Southeast Asia for less than £100, and Surviving South America – Flights and Sightseeing.

foXnoMad

This comprehensive travel blog “is a resting point to gather information on the best ways and gadgets vagabonds can use to stay in touch, save money, and make the most out of any vacation.” There is information and advice on every aspect of travel, from airfare to lodging to sightseeing, as well as information and tips for those who want to travel full time. Some top posts include The Best Places to Travel on a Weak Dollar, 33 Ways to Green Your Travels, and How to Make Money with Your Travel Blog.

Go Visit Hawaii

Get travel advice, news, reviews, and deals for one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. You’ll also find photo essays and profiles of popular destinations throughout Hawaii. Check out recent posts Top Tips for Saving Money on Your Hawaiian Vacation and 7 Hawaii Car Rental Money Saving Ideas.

Alex’s Travel Blog

Alex spends his time traveling the world, and he shares his experiences through his blog. He says, “I’ve always been a mad traveller and at every opportunity I strive to get out there and travel the world seeking to experience different cultures. I live life to the full and make the most from any experience I am in, whether it’s having to eat live frogs or taking a 32-hour train journey to visit remote destinations.” Some interesting recent posts include The Great Food Safari, Top 10 Places to Visit in Thailand, and Top Things to Do in Amsterdam.

The Adventuress

Karen Marston is “a British girl travelling solo around the world with nothing but the clothes on her back and her passport (and a laptop, toothbrush, some pens, spare undies, a couple of books, a whistle, a torch, and er, some other essentials).” Her blog shares her adventures traveling and her thoughts on alternative living. Some interesting recent posts include Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Steps Towards Minimalism, and The Galapagos Islands.

Adventure Bimbling

Here’s another couple’s blog detailing their trip around the world and sharing their tips for travel. Some interesting recent posts include Touring Egypt and Crossing the Dark Side, Island of the Gods – The Attractions of Southern Bali, and Fuerteventura – The Perfect European Surf Destination?

Arie’s Travels

Arie Uittenbogaard has lived and worked many places abroad. He explains, “I’ve been everywhere; I’ve seen everything. I’ve survived hurricanes, mutinies, pirates, fires, loneliness, insanity, drunkenness.” Read about his travels and discover some inspiration of your own. Some interesting recent posts include Up the Amazon – A Rite of Passage, Wonderful Tourism Facts Accidentally Acquired from U.S. Government Sites, and The Netherlands – Home is Where My Wooden Shoes Are.

Around the World “L”!

Lillie is a “loving, 6-foot tall Boston English teacher, learning through travel.” She spent nine months traveling through Asia and parts of Europe, and now she is back home in Boston. Her travels will continue, however, and her blog continues to recount lessons and experiences from her travels, and tips for other aspiring travelers. Some interesting recent posts include 8 Great Cities of RTW Travel to Actually Move to and Live, The 10 Most Yummy Foods of World Travel 2010, and How to Run a Successful International Penpal Exchange.

My Melange

After watching Under the Tuscan Sun, Robin planned a two-week trip through Italy that sparked a deep love for the country and for traveling through Europe. Now, she is a freelance writer, travel consultant, itinerary planner, blogger, and host of cooking classes and wine tastings. Some interesting recent posts include Travel Tip Tuesday: Italian Hand Gestures, Winter in Paris, and Southern Italian Christmas Traditions.

Life Cruiser

“Lifecruiser Travel Blog is about a Swedish couple with a passionate interest in travel, photography and actually: the whole world! Since Sweden is a country with a rather long winter season and very short summer season (just a couple of months), we try to escape as often as we can…” The blog shares lots of information about places they’ve visited, local customs, traveling tips and more.

Go Backpacking

This comprehensive blog helps connect you with the information you need to plan your own trip around the world. Some interesting recent posts include 10 Unforgettable Destinations for 2011, How to See Argentine in 30 Days, and Top 5 Things to Do on The Canary Islands.

Technomadia

Chris and Cherie run a technology consulting company as they travel around the world — leading the lives of “technomads.” “We aim to create a long term sustainable lifestyle that combines our hi-tech careers with a rich and fulfilling life full of travel, adventure, wanderlust, and amazing experiences – without giving up our sense of community, time with family, or our desires to minimize our environmental impact.” Some top posts include Considerations for Selecting a Home on Wheels, The Domestic Nomad, and 7 Steps to Get Rid of Stuff.

Around the World on a Toilet

Lianna and Nick both left jobs to backpack through Asia, and then they moved on to Europe. Their blog shares their experiences and offer tips for planning your own journey. Some interesting recent posts include The Best of Bangkok Away from the Madding Crowds, Wanderings in the Holy Land, and Cairo – A City Which Needs No Introduction.

Around this World

Erik and Heather are on an around-the-world trip that has them currently traveling through Chile. They share their travel secrets and tips, including their itinerary and gear. And, of course, they share lots of photos and information about the places they visit. Some interesting recent posts include Touring the Potosi Mines in Cerro Rico, Mountain Biking Bolivia’s “Death Road” and Volcanoes, Lagoons and Ghost Towns in the Deserts of Southwestern Bolivia.

As We Travel

This blog is targeted at young travelers who are planning their first trip around the world. Posts offer “simple travel tips, backpacking advice, clutter-free country travel guides, and amazing travel photos from all over the world.” Some fun recent posts include 4 Types of People You Don’t Want to Travel Around the World With, How to Plan Your First Adventure Trip, and 5 Songs that Inspire Me to Travel More.

Backpacking Chica

Kim, the backpacking chica, tries to show others that travel is possible if you set your mind to it. Her blog shares her experiences and tips, and tries to raise awareness for social and biological problems in the places she visits. She tries to raise money for local projects through her charity The Ladybug Project. Some interesting recent posts include Top 5 Things to Do in Santiago, Chile, Learn From My Mistakes…Lost in Paris, and What Happens After All of Your Plans Have Run Their Course?

Backpack and Go!

Leah Eades shares her travel writing, which has a focus on student travel, budgeting, and backpacking. Some interesting recent posts include A Tour of Onscreen Bristol, Why I Need to Go Back to Rio de Janeiro, and Xi’an China: A Review.

My Several Worlds

Learn about “destinations, lifestyles, and cultures in Asia” with this comprehensive blog. Whether you want to travel through the region, or you plan to stay and work for awhile, this blog offers great tips and information. Some interesting recent posts include Teaching in China: 12 Tips for Your First Weeks Living Abroad, More Curious Things About Life in Taipei, and Taiwan Folk Religion: Guanjiang Shou – God’s Bodyguards.

Nerd’s Eye View

Pam is a freelance technical writer who travels as much as possible. She has also written extensively for several travel publications, and appeared as a guest on several travel shows and at several conferences. Her blog shares her love of travel and her advice to fellow travelers. You’ll find hotel reviews, gear guides, and links to useful resources. There are also great profiles of destinations, with lots of photos. Some interesting recent posts include Seattle’s Neighbor: Vancouver, Canada, Back to Austria in 2011, and Antarctica Wish List.

Nomadic Notes

James Clark is a travel industry web developer, writer and photographer, and he also handles public relations and promotions for travel and tourism Web sites. His blog shares his experiences as a full-time, working nomad. Expect to see great photos, unique sights during travel, and recaps of recent trips. There are also occasional links to travel contests and resources.

Two Go Round-the-World

This blog presents information “to inspire you before you go, a collection of resources to consider while you’re waiting for the ink to dry on your plane ticket.” It shares the experiences of Kathryn and Daniel as they prepared, planned, and packed for their own trip around the world. The main categories include reviews, tips on travel gear and gadgets, and reflections on the couple’s own travel over the years. Some interesting recent posts include Koh Lanta Yai – Unforgettable, A Look Back and a Look Ahead, and Cruising the Galapagos: Setting Out.

501 Places

Freelance writer and traveler Andy shares his experiences on the road with this travel blog. Some interesting recent posts include Tipping: When and How Much? Travels in Guatemala: A Day on the Chicken Bus, and El Salvador: The Ghosts of War on Guazapa Volcano.

Beers and Beans

This is the blog of a photographer and a journalist traveling the world together “in search of the unusual, the mundane, the beautiful, and the forgotten.” Some interesting recent posts include When Street Hawkers Attack! Rome, Italy, Calmness and Cuisine in Malta, and Traveling Long Term – 8 Things I’ve Learned on the Road.

The Big Fat World

Megan is the wanderlust lover behind this blog, which shares her experiences traveling the world, one country at a time. Some popular posts include Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam, Top 10 Things to Do in Ireland, and Top 10 Things (Not) to Do In Vegas.

Bit by the Travel Bug

Fie is “a travel fanatic who loves to randomly go anywhere just to see, touch and smell something different.” Her blog shares her experiences traveling and learning about new cultures. Some interesting recent posts include Searching for a Cheongsam Top, How to Pack in Less than 48 Hours? and I Heart Hong Kong (the first of several Hong Kong posts).

Breathe. Dream. Go.

“Travel that changes you. That’s what this site is about. Inspiring experiences. Taking the leap to pursue your dreams.” Some interesting recent posts include How to Dress for Social Success in India, Top 5 Myths of India, and 2011 – A Big Year for India and Delhi.

Offbeat Travel

Here you’ll find an extensive collection of articles about unusual places to visit and “a fresh look at old favorites.” Some interesting recent posts include Beirut, Lebanon and More: Nature, History and Glamour, Traveling Switzerland by Rail and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

The Professional Hobo

This blog chronicles the “adventures of a girl with no fixed address.” Nora has been traveling since early 2007 and has been to 20 countries on five continents. She shares her experiences traveling and some tips for how to do it yourself on a budget. Some interesting recent posts include Perth in 24 Hours, What Makes You a Traveler, and Breaking Up While Traveling.

The Aussie Nomad

Chris Richardson left his corporate job and decided to make his way around the world, working for himself. “This blog will serve as a guide to both myself and others to show that it is possible. That you can uproot yourself and find a new way to live and make money, all while having the time of your life.” Some interesting recent posts include How Much Did it Cost – Amsterdam Budget (part of a regular series), Seeing and Listening in Florence, and Oh Beautiful Prague.

My Jet Set Life

This blog proclaims: “Excuses are over. It’s time to live!” Posts share reviews of products and restaurants, offer tips for travel, and provide information on some of the best places to travel. Some interesting recent posts include My Top 5 Favorite Bakeries in the World, The Art of Being Selfish, and Top 11 World’s Coolest Cocktails.

Galavanting

“When it comes to travel, we believe women are interested in more than just fashion and style columns and reviews of ludicrously expensive resorts. We know that not every female is in search of the world’s perfect facial. And that women without trust funds travel too.” With that in mind, this blog aims to provide women with the information and advice they need to travel. Some interesting recent posts include Behind the Veil, Savory, Spiritual and Sensual San Antonio, and Gentle Spirit, the Island of Curacao.

Brooke vs. the World

Brooke is a self-described “thrifty traveler and experience collector.” She has been traveling around the world since 2007 and writing about her experiences. She has started the new year by vowing to take a picture of herself every day. Some interesting recent posts include Day 25: 25 Travel-Related Things That Make Me Happy, Day 18: 18 Reasons to Love Travel Blogging, and Day 12: I Challenge You – Do Something You’ve Always Wanted.

Brave New Traveler

“BNT publishes thoughtful, entertaining, and introspective stories about travel and how it has the potential to change us in meaningful ways. We do not publish ‘destination-specific’ pieces, but instead focus on topics like spirituality, philosophy, health, politics, religion, and culture.” Some interesting recent posts include Conversations with a Child Monk in Bodh Gaya, Experiencing the Peyote Way Church in the Arizona Desert, and War and Peace on a Costa Rican Beach.

The Road Forks

This comprehensive blog includes tips for travel, recipes for cultural cuisine, and guides by country. You can also browse travel photography and videos. Some featured and recent posts include 99 Lessons Learned Traveling, Japanese Desserts, and Why I Decided to Travel the World.

The Global Grasshopper

“At GlobalGrasshopper we like independent travel, discovering places away from the usual tourist haunts, quirky hotels and beautiful photos and this website is the product of all our favourite things.” Some interesting recent posts include In Pictres: The World’s Most Unusual Hotel Beds, Travel Health Advice: How to Avoid Food Poisoning, and Top 10 Historic Attractions of Rome.

What a Trip

Nancy D. Brown is a freelance writer and travel enthusiast. Through her blog, she shares her travel knowledge, including tips for travels and advice on the best places to visit. Some interesting recent posts include San Francisco Neighborhoods – Pacific Heights, Things to See and Do in Zurich, Switzerland, and Things to See and Do in Bayeux, Normandy, France.

My Itchy Travel Feet

This travel blog aims to help baby boomers who are itching to travel by offering them advice on planning their next big trip. Some interesting recent posts include Surviving a Road Trip, RV Camping in Beautiful Borrego Springs, and Discovering Ronda.

Travels of Adam

Adam was a graphic designer living in Boston, who designed to spend time traveling the world. His blog shares his past and present travels, and plans for future trips. Some interesting recent posts include Dangers and Difficulties…Exaggerated by the Locals, Seven Months Abroad; What’s Still in My Bag, and Six Months Abroad; Revising My Itinerary.

Diary of the Purple Passport

This is the diary of “Two best friends. Two passports with matching purple covers. One unending quest to find the most fun, unique, and elegant spots throughout the globe.” Posts are categorized with helpful icons to brows by food, lodging, sights, shopping, etc. Some interesting recent posts include Hot Springs-ing it in Taipei, The Alchemy of Trendy and Moneyed on Robertson Boulevard, and Tempting Tuesday: Hot Dining in Cool (Cold!) NYC.

DigiDrift

Jason and Liza have been traveling since 1992. They use their blog to share their experiences and to inspire others wishing to travel. Some interesting recent posts include Dromomania – Do I Suffer? Do You? Lessons in Budget Travel – A Tale of Hitchhiking on America’s West Coast and Mauled in Marrakesh – A Boxing Kangaroo in Djemaa el Fna Square.

Dotting the Map

Hilarye and Reid are a married couple traveling with their young child, and they travel as often as they can. They share their experiences, their tips for travel, and lessons learned along the way. Some interesting recent posts include Eating Around Dublin, Passports with a Purpose, and Top 5 Best Spa Packages for Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas.

Double the Adventure

Sharlene is a mother of twins, and her blog aims to inspire parents to get out and explore the world with their children. Posts includes lots of kid-friendly activities and destinations. Some interesting recent posts include Bolsa Chica State Beach and Ecological Preserve, The Best Tide Pools in Orange County – Your OC Tide Pool Guide and US Open Sandcastle Competition.

Dream a Little Dream

Scott and Dee spent 10 months traveling the world, and now they are living back home in Vancouver — and planning more travel. “By continuing to share our experiences and travel tips we hope to inspire others out there to start dreaming and see the world. It’s an amazing place!” Some interesting recent posts include Egypt is Burning, Booking Halong Bay: The Right Way, and 10 Random Observations of Hanoi.

Eclectic Trips

Gina lives and works in Miami, but she is a frequent traveler and has been to 26 countries. “This blog is about my travel experiences past and current, about discovering new places in my own city, and breathing fresh life into the familiar. In my travels I like to experience everything, and my stories are often funny, sometimes outrageous and sometimes just revolve around restaurant recommendations.” Some interesting recent posts include Japan – It’s All in the Details! Tokyo – The Visual Diary and Tokyo – Lost in Translation.

Escape from Cube Land

Here you’ll find travel stories by Steve Skabrat, a patent attorney in Arizona who is planning to become a full-time traveler. Some interesting recent posts include Top Snorkeling Spots in Grand Cayman, Tips for Looking Un-American in Europe, and Poland: Then and Now.

Finding the Universe

Laurence has been a full-time traveler since June 2009, and his blog shares “news from the road, thoughts on travelling, and photos of my adventures. When I’m not writing about my trips, I’ll often be talking about photography, travelling tips and technology, which are other passions of mine.” Some interesting recent posts include Highlights of Kakadu, Caves and Glow-Worms and The “Authentic” Travel Myth.

From Here to Uncertainty

This blog tells the story of a family of four who decided to shake up their lives and become travelers. They’re home now, but they continue to share their experiences and thoughts on travel here. Some interesting recent posts include Finding Good Work, Daily Life in a Developing Country – The Reasons We Love Cusco and The Garden Of…

Foodie Budget Traveler

You’ll find lots of tips and advice here on how to travel on a budget — and to enjoy the best foods while you’re doing it. Some interesting recent posts include Addictive Cornik! (Eagle Food Products. Taguig, January 2011.), Cozy Tianenmen. (Makati Ave., Makati. October 2010.) and Dessert Night! (Red Mango + Cafe Breton. Greenbelt, Makati. October 2010.).

For 91 Days

This couple decided to see the world: One city at a time, for 91 days at a time. Their most recent stay was in Savannah, Ga. Some interesting recent posts from the last three-month stay include Reynolds Square, Short-Term Stay in an Authentic Savannah House, and SCAD – The Savannah College of Art and Design.

Get Lost on Purpose

Drew and Margie came together in an unexpected way (their partners left them for each other, and they commiserated over the breakup), and now they are sailing the world together. Their blog shares their photos and experiences from their travels. Some interesting recent posts include Big Cities in OZ Prove to Be a Fav for Me! Melbourne, Australia and Driving From Brisbane to Melbourne.

Global Junkie

Christian Anderson shares his adventure travel experiences — and the occasional review — with this blog. Some interesting recent posts include Dragonspotting on Rinca, Similan Diving Perfection, and El Nido. Trust Me – You Need to Go Take a Look….

Goboogo

This travel photography blog is sure to inspire your next trip, or to lead you to places you may not have considered while visiting more mainstream destinations. Check out Meals – Noodle Soup – Luang Prabang, Laos A Day at the Zoo – Ft. Worth Zoo and HDR of the day – Mount Popa Myanmar .

Go. See. Run. Eat. Drink.

Pam explains: “At 40 years old I got tired of my life and decided to quit my job and sell my house and see what else the world has to offer.” She has been traveling for almost a year, and her last trip was to London. Some interesting recent posts include Never Say Never, Hanging in There and Pick of Pick of Pics.

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Whether you’re interested in volunteering or working at a deeper level to effect policy change, the following blogs will offer you some information and guidance. You can find opportunities for ways to get involved, read about others’ experiences, or learn more about the underlying cause of some of the problems that need to be addressed.

Voluntourism Blogs

Travelanthropist

Want to combine your travels with volunteer work? This blog offers news, inspiring stories, destination spotlights, tips, guides, and resources in travel philanthropy and voluntourism. There is a global directory of volunteer organizations, as well as trip suggestions. Some notable recent posts include How to Pick a Good Volunteer Travel Company, What Does it Mean to be a Global Citizen? and Volunteering in Rwanda Beats an African Safari.

Voluntourism Gal

Alexia Nestora is a voluntourism industry consultant, and her blog offers tips and advice for those interested in combining their travel with volunteer opportunities. Some interesting recent posts include Voluntourism a Setback for South Africa’s Orphanages, Core Principles, and Voluntourism and Cuba.

GeoVisions

This extensive blog offers thoughtful discussions about volunteering abroad, including how you can make your experience count, how to find placements, and how to prepare for the work. There are links to useful resources, as well. Some interesting recent posts include Volunteer and Choose to Make a Difference with Civic Responsibility, When You Volunteer Abroad, Keep an Online Travel Journal to Get Hired and Volunteering Abroad Didn’t Work Out: How Do you Do the Right Thing?

VolunTourism.org

Volunteerism.org offers a wealth of information about volunteer travel opportunities, and this blog offers those interested in voluntourism tips for how to get involved, as well as thoughtful discussion about the movement. Some interesting recent posts include Putting the Voluntourism Experience Into Context, “What Are the Dangers of the For-Profit Sector Making Moves Into the Volunteering Sector?” and What Are the Obstacles to Corporate VolunTourism?

Volunteer Logue

Get tips and advice for planning your volunteer travel, and find airfare, hotels, insurance, and more with this comprehensive volunteer travel guide. Some notable recent blog posts include Geekcorps: Bringing YouTube to Developing Villages, Senior Friendly Volunteer Trips and You Can Represent 5% of Your Nation’s GDP.

Volunteer Vacations Blog

GlobeAware is a nonprofit that organizes short-term volunteer opportunities abroad. The group sponsors this blog, which discusses ways that volunteers can get involved, both at home and abroad, and features volunteer experiences. Some interesting recent posts include Photo Memories of Ghana During a Globe Aware Volunteer Vacation, Volunteer Vacations for Singles and A 12-year-old Volunteer Vacationer’s Perspective of a Globe Aware Experience.

Personal Volunteer Blogs

Rosemary’s Travellog

This personal blog of Rosemary Holden shares her experiences as a volunteer abroad. Her posts share her experiences not only as a volunteer, but also as a traveler. Follow along with her adventures and learn what life is like as a volunteer abroad.

Ashley Jonathan Clements

Ashley describes himself as “a nomadic aid worker with a passion for photography.” His work has taken him to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and other parts of the world, and his blog shares his experiences (accompanied by stunning photos), as well as his reflections on humanitarian aid and emergency relief work. Some notable recent posts include Remembering Haiti, Little IDPs and Returning from the Mouth of Hell.

Aaron in Azerbaijan

Aaron has worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Azerbaijan, but he cautions that his blog does not reflect the views of the Peace Corps or of any government. It offers his view of his work and what’s happening in Azerbaijan. Some interesting recent posts include Why Do Azerbaijani Schools Teach English and Not Mandarin Chinese? Məhərrəmlik and Aşura and Hijab for a Cause.

Mark Fullmer

Mark Fullmer started an assignment with the Peace Corps in August to teach English in the Philippines. He writes about his experiences as a volunteer teacher, as well as other topics that interest him. Recent posts concerning his volunteer experience include Kids, Thinking on My Feet and Community Cleanup.

Renee on Ugandan Time

Renee is a Peace Corps volunteer that is stationed in Uganda until 2012. Her blog shares her experience as a volunteer living abroad. Some interesting recent posts include Recent Poll: If a Worm Crawled Out of Your Guava, Would You Still Eat It? Yes, Ugandan Nutritional Myths, and Lesson Planning Sucks.

Paix de Sara

Sara is working as a volunteer in Bamako, West Africa, Mali until October. She works with a natural resource management program with the Peace Corps. Her blog shares her experiences in the country, as well as poetry inspired by it. She often uses a narrative style to tell her story. Some interesting recent posts include Paying for Attention, Planting Trees in Place of Subsidies and Sweet Ghana Dreams at the Six-Month Mark.

I Can See Russia From My House

Bailey shares his experiences, “adventures and shenanigans” around Azerbaijan, where he is stationed as a Peace Corps Volunteer through December. Some interesting recent posts include Being in Community, Work Update – January 2011 and Better Know a Rayon: Balakən–Why Diversity is Important.

Tidbits from Tonga

Charity is a newly minted Peace Corps volunteer who just started her assignment in Tonga in December. Follow along with her posts as she discovers Tonga and learns how to adjust to life as an overseas volunteer. You’ll learn as she does on her two-year journey.

Where Have Charlie and Miranda Benin?

Charlie and Miranda will finish their assignment in Benin, West Africa, this summer. Follow along with their adventures and learn about life as a volunteer and Africa, in particular. Some interesting recent posts include Back to School, Good Times in Ghana, and Girls Just Want to Have Fun.

Felicie’s Blog

Felicie is a volunteer stationed in Morocco, and this is her personal blog about her experiences in the country. Check out recent posts New Year’s in Essaouira, New House and More and Conference on the Coast.

AZ Mac

Katie McSheffrey is currently serving in Mingechevir, Azerbaijan, as a Community Economic Development Advisor in the Peace Corps. Her blog offers a detailed glimpse into life in Azerbaijan. Some interesting recent posts include Embassy Thanksgiving, Pomegranate Festival and Another Typical Workday.

AzerbaiWHAT?

Lori explains, “This blog will show you how I figure out exactly how to speak and function like a human being while serving two years in the Peace Corps.” Her work teaching English and community development will end in September. Some notable recent posts include You CHEATERS! November Holidays in Qax, and I Broke a Rule.

Nerdy Nomad

Kristy has traveled extensively and has volunteered in countries including Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Indonesia and Haiti. She has even written an e-book, The Underground Guide to International Volunteering. There are plenty of posts about Kristy’s experiences, as well as her endeavors to make her income online.

Development/Aid Blogs

Good Intentions are Not Enough

According to this blog, “If aid is done poorly it can hurt the very people it is supposed to help. Accurate information and sound practices are also crucial to smart aid.” The blog aims to offer helpful information and resources to become responsible volunteers to do the most good. There is a “charity rater,” links to useful resources, a Q&A session, information on trainings, and much more. Some notable recent posts include Admitting Failures, Nonprofit Advertisements: What Message are We Sending? and Media Matters.

Tales From the Hood

This blog offers a collection of tales about life in the humanitarian aid industry from someone who has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years. Some interesting recent posts include Coming to Terms with Sean Penn (Well, Sort of…), Looking Back on Haiti – III: Crisis of Purpose, Crisis of Practice and Looking Back on Haiti – II: Failure or Success? There is an extended series on aid work in Haiti.

Aid Thoughts

Aid Thoughts offers discussions on development and foreign aid. Some of the posts offer in-depth discussions about weighty topics such as politics, elections, governance, and more. Some interesting recent posts include Wrong About China, Revolution in Africa? and On the Probability of Coups.

Owen Abroad

Owen is an economist who lives in Ethiopia, and his blog discusses humanitarian aid and reducing global poverty — as well as some personal interests such as running. Some interesting recent posts that discuss topics relevant to volunteers and other activists include Tech Tips for Development Workers (4): Online Services, How Can We Raise Awareness in Darfur and How Much Are We Doing for Them? and Could Donor Proliferation Lead to Better Aid?

Edge of Seven

The mission of this blog is “to generate awareness and volunteer support for projects that invest in education, health, and economic opportunity for girls in developing countries.” The blog promotes grassroots development efforts that focus on local, sustainable projects. Some interesting recent posts include Building a Future for Girls in Nepal, Join the D.I.Y. Foreign-Aid Revolution and It’s TIME to Kick Poverty Out of the World.

Lessons I Learned

The lessons learned on this blog are about running NGOs (non-governmental organizations), volunteering, living and working in Cambodia, and life in general. Some notable posts about volunteering include How Do I Know if I’m Going to Add Value in My Volunteer Placement? Voluntourism: What Could Go Wrong When Trying to Do Right? and Not All Volunteer Projects Are Created Equal.

Staying for Tea

Aaron Ausland offers “good principles and practices of community-based international development.” Posts are in-depth and offer thoughtful discussion about volunteerism and community development. Some excellent recent posts include Poverty Tourism Taxonomy 2.0, A Moderate Elitist and Poverty Tourism: A Debate in Need of Typological Nuance.

A View From the Cave

Tom Murphy started this blog as a way to share his experiences working in Kenya. He continues to write about development, aid, and health care reform now that he no longer works in Kenya. Some interesting recent posts include The Economist Compares US States GDP and Population to Countries Around the World, Technology and Haiti Relief and Ngrams of Africa 1800-2008.

A Humourless Lot

According to the blog author, “A Humourless Lot is a journey through the no-man’s-land between logistics, health, and aid work; it tries to make it less of a no-man’s-land and more of a healthy, thriving town.” Some of the most popular posts include The Professional Volunteer: Impossible in Aid? (And How About the Salaried Amateur?), Eleven Helpful Skills and Traits for Aid and Health Logisticians and The Unkindest Cut: Why Gifts in Kind are Often a Bad Idea.

Aid Watch

This blog is a project of New York University’s Development Research Institute (DRI) and is primarily written by William Easterly, a professor of economics and the author of The Elusive Quest for Growth: Economists Adventures and Misadventures in the Tropics and The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good. Other contributors also write for the blog. Some interesting recent posts include Aid is Not Just Complicated; It’s Complex, Deep in the Sahara, Listening to “Feelings” and After Sudan, Should More African Borders be Drawn?

Bottom Up Thinking

The author of this blog works in the field of conservation and development, and posts offer personal perspectives from the work being done. Some interesting recent posts include Don’t Forget How it Was Before, Something is Better than Nothing and Proposal Prepostery.

Engaging Internationally

Bonnie Koenig, the author of this blog, has worked with NGOs that engage globally since 1983. She is also the author of Going Global for the Greater Good: Succeeding as a Nonprofit in the International Community. Some interesting recent posts include Internal Decision-Making Practices: Doesn’t Sound Exciting, But oh So Important, The Preciousness of Water and What Makes Someone Inspirational?

How Matters

Jennifer Lentfer, the founder of How Matters, explains that the purpose of the blog is to “revive and magnify compassion and empathy within foreign assistance and development aid.” She cautions that the blog will raise more questions than provide answers. Some interesting recent posts include 161 Indicators, and Then What? What’s Missing from the DIY Aid Debate? Overlooking the Capacity of Local NGOs and Changing the System from the Ground Up.

Find What Works

A grad student studying international policy and management writes this blog, which discusses international development and related topics such as politics, management, economics, war, human rights, public health, ethics, and more. The author has also worked with NGOs and nonprofits. Recent posts of note include Foreign Involvement in Constitutional Reform Processes: DRC, Rwanda, Kenya, Things that Work: Migration, Mockery, Meta-things and More and A Grad Student’s Guide to the International Development Blogosphere.

Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

The blog advocates what its name says: Social change starting with advocacy and volunteerism. Other topics discussed on this blog include humanitarian aid, migration, refugees, and international development. Some notable recent posts include Floods Damage and Needs Assessment Report, Pakistan vs. Haiti and 10 Pakistani NGOs I Highly Recommend for Funding.

Penelope M.C.

Blog author Penelope Chester has worked with nonprofits in locations such as Africa and Canada. “My interests lie primarily at the intersection of international affairs, economic development and foreign policy, with a particular focus on African issues and post-conflict reconstruction.” Her blog shares her thoughts on these and other topics. Some interesting recent posts include On Entrepreneurship and NGOs, Free Elections in Guinea and Investing in Women: A Human Rights Approach.

@laurenist

This blog offers up views on “international development without pity.” The author cautions “the posts here will make a lot more sense if you read them in the style of Stephen Colbert.” Some interesting recent posts include I’ll See Your “Change We Can Believe In” and Raise You Some COIN, The Invisible Hand Axe and How to Write About Issue Advocacy.

Roving Bandit

This blog claims to be “probably the best economic blog (previously) in Southern Sudan.” The author, Lee Crawfurd, used to be an economist in Southern Sudan and now works for Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA). Posts discuss foreign aid, economics and development. Some interesting recent posts include Southern Sudan: What Happens Next? 7 Reasons Why Urban Growth is a Natural and Normal Phenomenon and Agricultural Production and Global Migration.

Humanitarian.info

The manifesto for this blog states that the humanitarian industry is suffering from a lack of effective management, and that better information management is crucial to improving management and to support all aspects of relief organizations, making them more effective. Posts aim to foster discussion and provide information about relief work and how it can be improved. Some interesting recent posts include Look at the Philosophy, Not the Technology, Question You Might Want to Ask About Your NGO Coordination Body and I’m With Ivan Illich on This One, Sort Of.

Aid Worker Daily

Blog author Jon Thompson has worked in the aid industry since 2001, working with groups such as Doctors Without Borders and International Medical Corps. He also started an NGO in California. Aid Worker Daily offers information and commentary about the humanitarian aid industry. Some notable recent posts include Google Chrome – The Aid Worker’s New Best Friend, Map Kibera – The First Useful Humanitarian Tech Thing to Be Done in a While and An Open Letter to the Humanitarian Technology Community.

Aid on the Edge

This blog strives to connect those working in development and to “provide the latest, up-to-date information on initiatives, meetings and reports related to complexity sciences and international aid.” Some notable recent posts include Globalisation of Vulnerability, When Can Crowds Outperform Aid Experts? and Complexity and the Wealth of Nations.

Jina Moore

Jina Mooer is a reporter and producer who covers human rights, Africa and foreign affairs. Her blog offers commentary and analysis on these and other subjects. Some interesting recent posts include On Sudan, the View from Outside Africa, Is Development a (Waltian) “Bad Idea?” and Women as Anti-Corruption Weapons.

KM on a Dollar a Day

Ian Thorpe works at a large UN agency on knowledge management, and his blog talks about his work in knowledge management, aid and development. Some notable recent posts include 20 (Deceptively) Low-Cost Ideas for Development, Outside-In Development and Definitions.

Pulling for the Underdog

Dennis Whittle is the founder of Global Giving, and his blog talks about development and aid issues. Some popular posts on the blog include Bridges Made of Paper? CGD as Social Capital and The Tyranny of Ideology.

Texas in Africa

This is “an academic blog about African politics, security, development, and advocacy.” In addition to the thoughtful discussions and commentary, the blog also includes links to resources for ways to help. Some popular posts include What’s Going on in Rwanda? Show Me the Data and What Causes Badvocacy?

The Road to the Horizon

Peter is an international aid worker and “addicted traveler” and he shares these interests and others on his blog, which began as an e-book sharing his experiences traveling. Some “signature posts” include Aid is Dead. Long Live Aid. News: Cutting Agricultural Aid Research or How to Dig Your Own Grave… and News: The Global Food Crisis: The Perfect Storm.

People and Places

This blog promotes responsible volunteering, and aims to help readers find opportunities to match their skills and interests with community needs. Some recent posts include Isaac Booi – Funding a Classroom Assistant, News of the First Volunteers to Amar Jyoti School from Our Local Partner and Mistakes Let’s Learn From Them.

Non-Profits

La Vida Idealist

The staff of Idealist.org presents this blog as a way to “help bridge the all-too-common gap between good intentions and action” for those who are living and working in Latin America, or who wish to travel there, and who want to volunteer in the local community. Some notable recent posts include Volunteerism in Latin America: The Uruguay Picture, Give a Student Hot Lunch, and She’ll Eat for a Day…, and Planning a Fundraiser.

Quest4Change

Quest4Change is a nonprofit that aims to fight poverty and the destruction of the environment in Africa and South America. The blog highlights many of the group’s projects and volunteer work in those locations. You can browse by specific location if you’re interested in the different types of programs they sponsor according to region.

Hand Relief International

This blog is written by Dr. Alden Kurtz, the executive director of Hand Relief International. Kurtz shares thoughts on running a nonprofit and on development and aid work. Some interesting recent posts include Best Practices in Procurement for Hardship Postings, How to Land a HRI Job and Survive Savage Attacks on the Industry and Protecting Children – All the Way to Easy Streets.

Charity Navigator Blog

Charity Navigator bills itself as the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator, and this blog offers donors tips and information to make the best selection when considering a donation. The blog also offers commentary and discussion on issues and trends in the nonprofit sector.

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Board Buzz – This site is a daily weblog for the National School Board Association, and some of the many post categories include “Charter Schools,” “Early Childhood Education,” “Education Technology,” and much more. Recommended Posts: “Schools and public health departments: partnering for success” and “International student assessment shows progress but long road ahead.”

Connected Principals – This highly recommended site is a “must-read” for any principal who is interested in the future of education. All of the posts are written by numerous administrators, most of whom are included on this list. Recommended posts: “Less is more. Teach less, learn more” and “19 Top Ideas for Education in Drive by Daniel Pink.”

LeaderTalk - Written “by school leaders, for school leaders,” these posts discuss several important topics every administrator should be aware of, ranging from homework and politicians, to teachers and leadership issues. Recommended posts: “How Parent-Friendly is Your Campus?” and “Habits and Habitats: Rethinking Learning Spaces for the 21st Century.”

The Leading Edge – From the American Association of School Administrators, the “mission” of this blog is to “support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children.” Recommended posts: “Surviving A Thousand Cuts” and “USED Establishes 16 Priorities for Discretionary Grants.”

Practical Principals – “Practical Principals is a podcast hosted by two practicing principals with “practical” ideas to help other principals in their current administrative positions,” writes co-author Melinda Miller, who also blogs for The Principal Blog. “We try to stay away from philosophy and visionary topics and stick to practical tips that can be used immediately.” Recommended posts: “Practical Principals 23 – #EduconEnvy, Ten Things, and the iPad” and “Practical Principals 19 – Wikified.”

Pre K-12

The Compass Point – Josie Holford is currently the head of a Pre K-12 grade school in Poughkeepsie, NY, and she has been blogging since 2005. Recommended posts: “Social Media and School Leadership” and “NPR and Me.”

Introit – Kevin J. Ruth, who is from Southeastern Pennsylvania, has been blogging for almost 2 years. He explains that he uses his blog to “inspire school leaders with commentary that inspires innovation and re-consideration of extant models of ‘doing school.’” His advice to administrators who are new to social media is to “ignore the push-back, and jump right in. The more you write and share your insights in a thoughtful manner, the sooner folks will embrace what you’re trying to accomplish. Conversations will follow sooner than you think!” Recommended posts: “Review of The Shallows” and “Parallels: Cloud Computing and Change in Schools.”

The Passion-Driven Leader – Amy Sandvold is a Pre K-8th grade school administrator from Waterloo, IA, and writes that through her blog to she hopes to help join “passionate school leaders” together to “spread a Passion-Driven Education Revolution.” Recommended posts: “Are You Passion-Driven or Passion-Based?” and “Passion-Driven Leaders Unite!”

K-12

The 21st Century Principal – John Robinson is a principal in Newton, NC, and he has been blogging for about 3 years. “The sole purpose of my blog is advocating for both public education and for the engagement of technology in our education system,” he writes. “I want to share my own experiences with education and technology with other educators in general and administrators in particular.” He highly recommends that other administrators get established with Twitter, a blog, or to try using an RSS reader “to filter the education conversation out there…These three tools allow me to both follow the world conversation about education and to share all the things I find out,” he explains. “To become engaged in the social media conversation about education is as simple as sharing your own personal knowledge and experience, and then commenting on that of others.” Recommended posts: “6 Ways to Stretch Your School or District Technology Budget” and “3 Reasons an Administrator Needs an iPad.”

Bircher’s Banter -  “I believe all administrators should become active in social media, so they can better understand how technology can improve student, staff and their own learning,” advises Dave Bircher, a principal of a K-12 school in Montmartre, SK, Canada. “The purpose of my blog is to discuss issues and share ideas pertinent to school administration and K-12 education,” he writes. “The sharing of ideas and humour are important for all school administrators.” Recommended posts: “Building School Culture” and “The Educator and Extra-Curricular.”

Center for Teaching – “The purpose of the Center for Teaching blog is to share resources with other educators, provide perspective and commentary on educational issues and trends, and use it as a learning forum through which educators can stay connected to relevant topics,” writes Robert Ryshke, who was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and graduated from UW in 1976 with a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology. “Take the plunge,” he recommends to other administrators, “Get help. Ask questions, mostly from people who are younger than you. Good way to connect. Keep it professional!” Recommended posts: “Promote a Culture of Learning with Faculty” and “Extending the AP Conversation.”

Dangerously Irrelevant -  “Dangerously Irrelevant focuses on the leadership side of K-12 technology, an aspect that’s absolutely critical but usually neglected,” explains Dr. Scott McLeod, an associate professor of educational administration at Iowa State University. (He also works as the director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education, commonly referred to as CASTLE). His advice for administrators who are new to social media is to “dive in with both feet” and to ask everyone you know for advice and tips: “Remember that the education blogosphere / Twittersphere is a pretty welcoming place,” he writes. “Start as a learner/listener, and then gradually (but quickly) move into connecting and sharing.” Recommended posts: “Enhancing your e-mail productivity – Boomerang for Gmail and NudgeMail” and “12 videos to spark educators’ thinking.”

David Truss :: Pair-a-dimes for Your Thoughts -  “This blog has provided me with an opportunity to share my learning, and more than anything else it has challenged me to be accountable in a way that no other professional development ever has,” writes David Truss, who is originally from Canada but currently works as a principal of a Pre K-9 Foreign National School in Dalian, China. “It has reminded me that I love to learn and it is part of a learning process that I truly love.” He advises other administrators to “try Twitter and stay with it long enough to ‘get it.’” Recommended posts: “We aren’t in the ‘teaching business’, rather we are in the ‘learning business‘” and “On being an agent of change.”

Donald Clark Plan B – For the past 5 years, Donald Clark has been using his blog to discuss the use of technology in classrooms, and the future of education in the 21st century. Recommended posts: “Whiteboards: the white stuff or black holes?” and “Skype learning – 7 great benefits.”

The Genius in Children -  Rick Acklery is a “nationally recognized educator and speaker” with over 44 years of experience at working in education. He previously worked as a principal of four different schools,and his articles have been featured in Education Week, the New York Times, and much more. Recommended posts: “Is Praise Good for Children?” and “A Home and a Heaven for Children.”

Innovation 3 – Some of the many topics discussed on this blog include digital media, social networking, Twitter, and employment. Recommended posts: “Craig Watkins: Why Low Performing Schools Need Digital Media” and “2020 LMC 3.0.”

The Innovative Educator – Lisa Nielsen, an educational administrator from New York City, has been blogging for the past 3 years, and uses her blog to “share ideas about educating innovatively.” When it comes to giving advice to administrators who are new to blogging, she recommends that they “embrace the tools and spaces students love, to empower them to become independent, 21st century learners.” Recommended posts: “Are Interactive Whiteboards a Smart Idea when they Make Even the Most Innovative of Educators Look Dumb? – 10 Reasons to Ditch the Board ” and “A Dozen or So Reasons I Applaud Lamar High School for Ditching School Library Books.”

In the Lead -  “My advice for administrators new to social media who want to learn more is to find someone you trust to serve as your guide and jump in,” writes Jaime Dial. (Jaime works as a district-level administrator in the curriculum, instruction, and assessment department in Northwest Missouri, and has been blogging since July 2009). “I was fortunate to have someone in my district who was well-versed in social media. Although he was an instructional coach and I was a district-level leader, I wasn’t afraid to ask him for his help. I decided that if I was ever going to ask folks to jump in and start using the tools available through social media and other avenues, I had to do it as well.” Recommended posts: “Adult Learning: What role do you play?” and “Information Circumspection.”

KARE Givers – Sean Grainger works as a teacher/administrator in Red Deer, AB, Canada, and has been blogging for a little over a year. He writes that the purpose of his blog is “to remind us that teaching and learning is a process that involves people, and that people need more than instruction; they need acceptance, understanding, support, and care.” He goes to explain that administrators should not feel like they need to be ‘experts’ before fully embracing social media: “There is tremendous value in being open to developing SM skills in real time together with staff. They will appreciate collaborating with a leader who is willing to explore the educational possibilities of SM alongside them.” Recommended posts: “21st Century? Let’s Just Call it Contemporary Teaching and Learning…” and “What you see isn’t always what you get…”

The Leading Source – “We have two goals in the Leading Source,” explains blogger Naomi Dillon, “to provide commentary and insight on the latest education issues and to highlight the work we do on the American School Board Journal.” (Naomi has been blogging and managing the Leading Source since 2007). “I would advise administrators interested in delving into social media to stay authentic in voice and message. It’s the only way to generate genuine dialogue.” Recommended posts: “Community engagement, great in theory but hard in practice” and “New on ASBJ.com.”

Mrs. Mann’s Blog – “I’ve been blogging only for a couple of months now, but I have found it to be a really effective way to keep in touch with current research and trends in education,” writes Katherine Mann. “I also value the connections that I have made with other administrators. My primary reason for blogging is to promote a culture of professional talk and collaboration amongst the staff, and to give myself a space to be reflective about my work. Very often, I will read an interesting book or article, and the furthest it will go is to make copy and leave in someone’s mailbox or forward a link. With blogging, I get a chance to reflect on the material I’ve read, and make connections to the work that we’re doing in my school.” Recommended posts: “Homework For Learning” and “Mistakes Are More Fun.”

Molehills out of Mountains -  “I enjoy writing about technology in education, issues of educational equity, school leadership and strategies for working with ‘at-risk’ students,” writes Jeff Delp, a K-12 administrator from Tempe, AZ, who has been blogging for about a year. “Twitter is a particularly powerful tool for educators. It is a great way to build a Personal Learning Network (PLN) and share links/information…Like anything, you just have to have the courage to begin the discussion.  There are lots of people out there with similar interests who will provide guidance along the way.” Recommended posts: “Civility Begins With Me” and “Homework Hubbub: Reflective Assignments.”

The Principal of Change – George Couros is a K-12 principal from Stony Plain, AB, Canada, and he has been blogging for approximately 8 months. He explains that purpose of his blog is “to be a reflective educator in an open and transparent way.” His advice for other administrators who are new to social media? “Technology is just the tool that you are using,” he explains. “There is so much that you can learn through this means, but more importantly, it is about connecting with people.  Find some people that have already started and help them connect you with others.  The impact in your practice will be huge!” Recommended posts: “Evolution of a Lead learner” and “Risk Taking Does Not Fit With Perfection.”

Principal Reflections – “Principal Reflections is my attempt to dig a bit deeper into the issues I come across in education every day that may prove interesting, helpful, or inspiration to other educators and parents within the Hopkinton community and throughout the blogosphere,” writes Bill Carozza, the principal of Harold Martin School, Hopkinton, NH. Bill has been blogging since July 2008, and his advice for other administrators is to pick one component of social media to become comfortable with at first: “If your teachers see that you have an interest in social media and you want to be proficient, then it will be clear that it is not just a passing thing but something that’s here to stay.” Recommended posts: “House Bill 39” and “Disney’s Organizational Chart.”

Shared Leadership – “Shared Leadership is focused on creating awareness and motivation to adapt our education system and experience to the Digital Age,” writes Jamie Feild Baker. (Jamie is from Memphis, TN, and has been blogging for 3 years). “I write about change leadership, adult learning, strategic thinking, accountability, growth mindset and developing an entrepreneurial spirit within ourselves so that we can influence our classrooms and schools.” Jamie advises other administrators to “give up the idea of learning” and try to find a few blogs to read regularly: “Blogging and technology is best learned by jumping in and doing it. Find a good, friendly techno-savvy person who is at least 2 or 3 steps ahead of you and ask questions. Also, don’t forget to Google or search on Youtube any questions that you might have – others have had them before you and have shared their answers. Lastly, don’t be afraid to misstep or make mistakes because that is the best way to learn.” Recommended posts: “Creating a Culture of Innovation” and “Ed Tech.”

Transleadership – “The purpose of my blog is to write about, support, and push to continue this shift toward connected learning, especially from the perspective of an educational leader  (and more recently as a parent),” writes Tony Baldasaro. (Tony works as the chief learning officer at the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School in Exeter, NH, and has been blogging since July 2009). “My biggest regret is not starting earlier,” he admits. “Since becoming transparent and learning out loud, I have made more connections and learned from more passionate educators than I ever expected.  So my advice [for administrators] would to to do two things to get going.  First, begin writing publicly (ie. blog). Second, find someone you trust on Twitter and follow him or her.  Then follow those that he or she follow as well.  This will get you started.” Recommended posts: “Tools Are Still Not the Answer” and “Teach Students not Programs.”

weblogg-ed – Will Richardson works as the “Learner in Chief” at Connective Learning in New Jersey, and he uses his site to discuss the use of Weblogs, wikis, audiocasts, and the future of learning “in the K-12 realm.” Recommended posts: “A New Culture of Learning” and “The Wrong Conversations.”

Elementary/Primary

Apply Today – Assistant Principal Kevin Creutz, from St. Charles, MO, has been blogging for 1 year and uses his blog to “[share his] experiences in education in a way that other educators can apply to their own career.”  His advice to administrators is to “take advantage of the massive amount of information and sharing that is taking place…We are stronger educators when we use each other to become better teachers, administrators, etc.,” he writes. Recommended posts: “Enhance Student Learning” and “Launch Party.”

Education for All -  “[My blog] is really a way for me to share my views on the issues that are important to me and education, writes Don Cowart, an elementary school principal from Rhode Island who has been blogging since December 2006. “In the beginning no one really reads your blog, so you need to write for yourself. It isn’t about becoming famous or making money, because those things don’t often happen.” His advice for administrators who are new to social media? “Blogging is so easy,” he writes. “Websites like Blogger make it easy for anyone to blog. My 6th graders at my school blog using free easy to use web-based programs like Blogger. Before you start you should take some time to cruise the Internet and read and comment on other blogs related to your interests and genre. It will help you focus your blog.” Recommended posts: “To Blog or Not to Blog…..That is the Question” and “Passion.”

The Evolution of Education -  Brian J. Nichols is a former elementary school principal, but currently works as the executive director of elementary education. Recommended posts: “Teach Don’t Tell” and “No Excuses.”

Fresh from the Farm! – Susan T. Phillips, an elementary school principal from Jacksonville, FL, stated that the purpose of her blog is to “communicate with my faculty and showcase our school’s work with the public, opens up a network of feedback from teachers and peers.” Her advice for other administrators is to “just do it” and “educate yourself about doing it wisely and then try it…Start looking for others who are embracing it and follow them.” Recommended posts: “The Blogging Challenge – What Book Made the Biggest Impact on Your Life?” and “You’re in BIG Trouble…NOT!”

Memorial School Principal’s Blog – Karen Rickershauser is the principal of Memorial Elementary School in Burlington, MA, and her blog provides updates on the latest information about activities and events at her school. Recommended posts: “After-School Homework & Study Club Gr. 3-5” and “New Memorial School Tile Project.”

National Association of Elementary School Principals – Specifically for elementary and middle school principals, this blog discusses educational issues as well as any recent news concerning the future of education. Recommended posts: “Survey: Definitions of Effective Principals” and “The Unintended Consequence of Suspensions.”

Of Principal Concern – Gary Hopkins has been the editor-in-chef of EducationWorld.com since 1997, and previously worked as a third-grade classroom teacher and the managing editor of Weekly Reader, the largest free website for educators. Recommended posts: “BLOG BITS:
Video Motivates Science Fair Interest, Student Perfectionists, Fund for Teachers” and “‘Peace Keepers’ Program Brings School’s Totem Story to Life.”

OHE Principal’s Blog by Dr. Cathryn Mitchell – Dr. Cathryn Mitchell works as a principal at a Pre K-5 grade school in Austin, TX, and has been blogging since August. She explains that the purpose of her blog is to “inform parents of what is happening at school” and to let them learn more about her through the process. “I had a fabulous parent help me get started [on my blog],” she writes. “Many of our parents send the blogs for teachers. All teachers have to do is send the parent an e-mail with blog information.”

The Principal Blog – Melinda Miller, (from Springfield, MO), has been blogging for 6 years, and her blog is designed for “practicing school principals” to share ideas with other administrators. “My advice would be to start somewhere,” she writes. “Whether you start with Twitter or blogging our community is very accepting and helpful…Don’t worry about mistakes at first, just get started.” Recommended posts: “Principal Back to School To-do list….” and “Promoting your school through Smilebox.”

The Principal’s Blog – Ft. Myers Christian School – This blog documents the numerous activities and events that are taking place at Ft. Myers Christian School in Florida. Recommended posts: “Fourth Grade Meets The Mayor” and “Special Project in 2A.”

The Principal and Interest – Dave Sherman, an elementary school principal in Deerfield, IL who has been blogging for the last 5 years, currently operates two blogs; (one is for school use and one is for his own personal opinions and viewpoints). “I use the school blog as a communication tool for parents and the community,” he writes. “I use my own blog to share my opinions on education, parenting, and other interests.” His advice for other administrators is to “understand the power of RSS” and create an account on Bloglines, Google Reader, or some other site. “Start reading other educators’ blogs and add them to your RSS aggregator. Next, create a simple blog on a site like Edublogs or WordPress. Write comments on other blogs and link to your own blog. That will start establishing a readership of your own.” He also explains that administrators should create an account on Delicious.com and start bookmarking on it. “This will lead to other educators who have bookmarked the same and similar sites.”  Recommended posts: “The Land of Studenthood” and “Engagement, Empowerment, Enthusiasm – Part One.”

Principal Learner – “[The purpose of my blog] is to clarify my thinking for myself and, on the off chance  that someone actually reads one of my ramblings, interact with like minded people,” writes Daniel Winters, an elementary school principal in Chula Vista, CA. His tips for other administrators who are new to social media is to “decide on your purpose for any tool, then jump right in.” Recommended posts: “Antecedents of Excellence” and “Dewey Derailed.”

Principal (le?) Learning – Greg Carroll works as a principal at a primary school in New Zealand, and writes about how to improve the future of education for students, ePortfolios, technology in the classroom, and much more. Recommended posts:”ULearn Presentation” and “ePortfolios.”

Principal’s Point of View – Larry Fliegelman is a principal in Massachusetts and has been blogging since the summer of 2009. “I blog to share ideas and learn from other educators,” he writes. He also recommends that other administrators should “follow lots of educators on Twitter,” and “create a simple blog and dive in. Start with blog posts highlighting your school.” Recommended posts: “The Librarian and the Rules, Girls and Boys” and “Topic Sentence? I’ll give you a topic sentence.”

Principal’s Post -  “I write about Educational Change and Leadership keeping in mind that we need to keep the needs of our students first,” writes Akevy Greenblatt, a lower school principal in Memphis, TN, who started blogging 6 months ago. “I write to express and share my ideas with others. I also enjoy getting comments so that I can learn from others as well…For me, I just jumped. I first was on Twitter watching then I started tweeting, which lead to my blog. My advice would be just jump and see what’s out there read other tweets and other blogs, and once you get a feel for things share your ideas. I believe that all administrators need to embrace social media as a way of collaborating and sharing and growing professionally, and having a blog is one way to do that.” Recommended posts: “My Thoughts On Effective Teaching” and ““All or Nothing”- I Don’t Think So.”

The Principal’s Posts -  “I use writing and posting to my blog as a reflective activity towards improving my practice. That is the main purpose,” explains Lyn Hilt, an elementary principal/school administrator from Pennsylvania who has been blogging since November 2009. “I also enjoy reading the reflections of other educators who read my blog and post comments, which in turn leads me to their blogs where I can learn even more about our field.” Her advice for other administrators is to start with Twitter, utilize hashtags to widen your audience, and share your first posts: “Begin by establishing a supportive network of educators with whom you can go to with questions,” she writes. “Comment on others’ blogs. Include links to other blogs/resources in your posts. Don’t be frustrated if you don’t get a lot of comments right away. Write for YOU! The readers will come.” Recommended posts: “Inspiration delivers” and “Good teaching is everywhere.”

Teach It, Tech It, Learn It, Lead It. – Chris Atkinson writes about everything from teaching and leadership, to educational technology and teacher effectiveness. Recommended posts: “Google Apps For Education – Indiana Webinar Pt. 1” and “Gates Report Indicates Test Scores A Predictor In Teacher Effectiveness.”

The Wejr Board – Chris Wejr is an elementary school principal in Agassiz, BC, Canada, and previously worked as a physical education, math, and science teacher, as well as an elementary vice principal and athletic coach. Recommended posts: “The Price of Grades” and “Is Learning A Sport?”

Middle/Junior

Dane’s Education Blog – Dane Peters is the head of Brooklyn Heights Montessori School (BHMS), and has been blogging for the past 4 years. He explains that the purpose of his blog is to “provide insights on children and parenting” as well as to provide resources for educators and parents on children, teaching, and learning. Recommended posts: “Teachers Learning Together” and “More on E-book Revolution.”

Do I Dare Disturb the Universe? – Scott Elias is a middle school principal in Loveland, CO, and some of the many post topics on his blog include technology, teaching, educational conferences, and creativity. Recommended posts: “Practicing what I preach” and “My Commencement Address to the Class of 2009.”

Intercultural Responsiveness – “Intercultural Responsiveness is about the reality that we are all cultural beings, and learning about ourselves and others will help us learn how to recognize and appreciate differences and interact in effective, appropriate, and supportive ways,” explains Tom Altepeter, the assistant principal at Lucile Erwin Middle School in Loveland, CO. “Jump in with Twitter,” he advises to other administrators. “Do a search for #cpchat. Follow some of those people and some of the people they follow. The learning will happen naturally from there.” Recommended posts: “The Mistakes We Make” and “Nuts & Bolts: Part 1.”

It’s About Learning -  “On ‘It’s About Learning,’ I try to talk about the roots and foundations of learning,” explains Bo Adams, a junior high principal from Atlanta, GA, who has been blogging since July 2008. “For the past 50 years, educators have seemed to gravitate more and more to talking about teaching. However, in the past few years, there has been a resurgence of focusing on LEARNING. I try to promote that shift in focus.” Adams’s advice for other administrators is to start a Twitter account and find 5 to 10 educators to follow: “Get the hang for using Twitter as a daily learning tool. Also, starting to follow other educator blogs is a great way to learn.” Recommended posts: “Do Schools Match the Tools?” and “GOOGLE and the JHS.”

Principally Speaking -  “My sole purpose is to sharing my thinking, mistakes, and innovation with others, so that the marketplace of ideas grows,” writes Dr. Robert Dillon, a middle school principal from Saint Louis, MO, who has been blogging for over 2 years. “My advice is that [administrators] should try one or two things at a time, be willing to take risks and ask questions. There will be something that doesn’t go well, and you should be ready to pick and choose what works for you. There isn’t an option to do nothing in this realm.” Recommended posts: “Middle School Beauty and Art” and “Counterinsurgency and School Discipline.”

South Brandywine Middle School Principal’s Blog — John Reid has been blogging for almost a year, and uses his blog to “provide people with a good picture of what occurs in our school.” When asked to provide tips or advice to other administrators who are new to social media, he recommends that they “have to jump in and make it a priority.” Recommended posts: “South and Scott Students Skype About Books!!!!” and “South Brandywine Kicks Off Bullying Prevention and Awareness Plan!”

Tiger Principal – This blogger is principal of a middle school in Idaho, (she named her blog after her school’s mascot), and the purpose of her blog is to “share insights into educational issues” that are affecting her community. Recommended posts: “Why Power of “I”?” and “Morale is a Team Effort.”

Secondary/High School

A Principal’s Reflections – “The sole purpose of my blog is to reflect on educational leadership, share successful strategies, and promote innovation within my school,” writes Eric Sheninger, a principal in New Milford, NJ, who has been blogging since March 2010. “Tips:  Don’t be afraid to stick your toe in the water! Social media has the ability to enhance the work administrators do on a daily basis, especially in the areas of communications, knowledge acquisition, finding resources, and collaboration with colleagues across continents. Follow other “tech-savvy” administrators before taking the plunge!” Recommended posts: “What is the Most Effective Classroom Technology?” and “Take Control of Your Public Relations.”

Burlington High School Principal’s Blog -  The posts on this blog update readers on events that are taking place at Burlington High School in Massachusetts. Recommended posts: “Third Annual Artist Alumni Day A Great Success!” and “Course Weight Discussion – What I Will Recommend To School Committee This Week.”

Burlington High School Associate Principal’s Blog -  This blog is for students, (or parents of students), at Burlington High School who are interested in staying up to date on their school’s activities and events. Recommended posts: “Mentor Tutors are Back for Mid-Term Help!” and “Freshman Orientation Questions & Feedback.”

Darcy Moore’s Blog – From Kiama, Australia, this deputy principal has a passion for introducing students to various Web 2.0 tools, along with helping teachers and other administrators develop Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). Recommended posts: “10 IDEAS: blogED Prezi” and “10 questions for your child’s teacher.”

Deputy Principals Online – Yet another blog created by Darcy Moore, the posts on this site discuss cybersafety for students, the use of technology in education, and numerous technological tools every administrator should be aware of. Recommended posts: “Professional Learning Day” and “Cybersafety and Digital Footprints.”

Educational Discourse – This blogger is a vice principal of a high school in Saskatchewan, Canada, and has a passion for Web 2.0 tools, leadership issues, and social networking. Recommended posts: “Finding your focus” and “Online Bookmarking – Not an Option.”

The Fischbowl -  Karl Fisch works as the director of technology at a high school in Centennial, CO, and also worked as a teacher for 21 years. Recommended posts: “We See This as the Future of Higher Education” and “No Extra Credit Required.”

The Learning Nation – Cale Birk is principal from Kamloops, BC, Canada, and his posts discuss  important topics such as class sizes, student achievement, and attendance policies. Recommended posts: “A Baker’s Dozen to Follow — No Measurements Required For This Recipe” and “Research – It should be called BS Repellent.”

Learning the Now – Gino Bondi is a principal at John Oliver Secondary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and has a passion for “redefining learning” at his school with the use of technology. Recommended posts: “Ever Expanding Horizons of Possibility: The Leaders We Need Now” and “Personalized Education: Learning that is Meaningful and Important.”

Lisa Learning - Lisa Neale currently works as a principal from Ontario, Canada, and some of the many post topics included on her blog touch on School Improvement Visits (SIP), PLNs, and the future of education in the 21st century. Recommended posts: “3 Words: Personalize, Blend, Balance” and “Is Leadership Different in 21st Century?”

Mexico High School Principal’s Corner – Dr. Terry Robinson uses his blog to praise successful students and teachers at his high school, and most recently he conducted a parent-teacher e-mail survey and posted the results on his blog. Recommended posts: “PARENT FEEDBACK about parent teacher conferences” and “Fall Posting.”

Practical Theory – Chris Lehmann is a principal in Philadelphia, PA, and he also previously worked as a technology coordinator, English teacher, and athletic coach in Manhattan. Recommended posts: “When I Learned to Hate Drugs” and “What I Ask of SLA Teachers.”

The Principal Difference -  From the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the “head blogger” of this site, (Mel Riddile) is a secondary school principal from Reston, VA, and topics  include teaching, curriculum and instruction, and graduation rates. Recommended posts: “Five Internet Trends” and “Highly Qualified: Just find the great teachers!”

Principal’s Policy Blog -  Also from the National Association of Secondary School Principals, some of the many categories include “Federal Funding,” “Adolescent Literacy,” “School Reform Policy,” and “IDEA/Special Education.” Recommended posts: “Department of Education Releases National Education Technology Plan and Launch of Online Communities” and “School Districts Reveal Lack of Familiarity, Implementation with Turnaround Models.”

Refreshing Wednesday – “I try to post something that helps educators return to their true priorities (whatever those may be),” writes Stephen Valentine, the assistant head of the upper school at the Montclair Kimberley Academy in New Jersey. “School gets pretty messy — I hope my blog lends some clarity.” Stephen has been blogging for one year, and his advice to other administrators who are new to social media is to ‘dive in.’ “It is difficult to talk about social media if you haven’t tried it,” he explains. Recommended posts: “Life Beyond Screens” and “Your Opinion Matters.”

Tado – Not only does Darren Cannell, (an administrator from Saskatoon, Canada) post about educational issues on his blog, he also posts his artwork, pictures, and favorite videos quotes as well. Recommended posts: “Education Discussion” and “U.S. Schools Are Still Ahead–Way Ahead.”

Technology’s Guiding Principals – Dominic J. Giegerich’s passion for the use of technology in schools is evident when scrolling through his posts, some of which discuss Web 2.0 tools, Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), online learning, and Twitter. Recommended posts: “Coffee with a shot of PLN in the morning” and “Web 2.0/PLN class evolves, redefines “wait-time.’”

#Vanmeter- Leading the Educational Transformation -  Deron Durflinger works as a secondary school principal in Van Meter, IA, and writes that his hope for education is “for schools to move away from the factory model developed over 100 years ago, to a more relevant system for learners of the 21st century.” Recommended posts: “Do Walkthroughs Make a Difference?” and “What Are You Doing To Threaten The Status Quo?”

College/University

The Brescia Weekly LEADer! - “My blog is just one of many ways that I try to better connect with the Brescia community,” writes Colleen Hanycz, the principal of Brescia University College in London, ON, Canada, who has been blogging for almost a year. “At Brescia, we recognize the growing importance of social media in connecting with our students and alumnae and blogging has been a great vehicle for this connection. It also allows for some wonderful feedback, both from those connected and those not connected to the Brescia family, so that our wider community has a sense of what we are up to.” Her tips for other administrators? “You need to set aside specific time for blogging, something that is often challenging to do in a busy administrative schedule. I have begun to keep a list of topics or events that pique my interest, to be blogged about at a later time!” Recommended posts: “Beware of the Bubble!” and “Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Leaders.”

Yale College’s first Principal’s blog! – Although principal Paul Croke will be retiring from his position this August, he uses his blog to update his staff, students, or even prospective students with the activities and events taking place at Yale College. Recommended posts: “World Skills Team Challenge at Yale College” and “Yale’s Record of Success.”

Director

21apples - Arvind S. Grover works as the director of technology at The Hewitt School in New York City, and identifies himself as a “constructivist educator.” Recommended posts: “The Concord Consortium – beautiful math and science software and tools – free!” and “The Modern Educator – a talk on young people and the Internet.”

Blogg-Ed Indetermination – Steve Taffee is an administrator/director of strategic projects at an all girl’s independent school, (grades 6-12), and has been blogging since July 2008. He explains that the purpose of his blog is to “provide a perspective” on 3 things he is passionate about: Education, technology, and environmental sustainability. As for other administrators who are new to social media, he advises them to “try repurposing content you are already creating.” (“For example, if you have a newsletter you send to parents or alumni, use that as the basis for your blog posts.”) He also recommends that administrators “start small” and to use an “informal, conversational tone.” Recommended posts: “The Goldilocks Number: Systems Complexity” and “The Changing Influence of Teachers.”

The Blue Skunk – Doug Johnson works as the director of media and technology for Mankato Public Schools, MN, and he has also worked in numerous leadership positions for state/national organizations, such as ISTE and AASL. Recommended posts: “BFTP: What gets tested, gets taught” and “Steps to keeping your tech sanity.”

Chalkdust101 -  Patrick Higgins currently works for the Verona Public Schools in Verona, NJ, and he has been blogging since 2005. “It’s mostly a reflective space for me to push through ideas that I want to know more about,” he explains. “I don’t really write for any purpose expressly, but when I need to clarify my thinking, that’s the first place I turn to.” His tip for administrators is to “dive in and see how you can leverage the network that is out there to learn, grow, and find easier ways to do things.” Recommended posts: “2010 in review” and “Can We Handle the Truth?”

Drape’s Takes -  Darren Draper is the director of technology services for the Canyons School District in Utah, and some of the many categories on his blog include “#Edchat,” “Reform,” and “Moral Issues in Education.” Recommended posts: “Barriers That Hold Some Back ” and “On Empathy, Culture, and Barriers to Making Technology Integral to Teaching.”

The Power of Educational Technology – Liz B. Davis is the director of academic technology at an independent, all boys, grades 7-12 school near Boston, MA. She also has a weekly post series titled, “Two for Tuesday,” where she updates her readers on the latest Web 2.0 tools that she (or her students) have discovered. Recommended posts: “Ten Flashcard Apps for Tuesday” and “On being different…”

Mr. Torode’s Guidance – This blogger not only posts monthly newsletters on his blog, he also includes various resources for other administrators, such as learning disability and college/career resource links. Recommended posts: “December Newsletter – 7 Skills Students Need to Survive” and “Parent and Student College Workshop.”

williamstites.net - “Try to look at educational technology and make it easy enough for a 3rd grader to understand,” advises William Stites to other administrators. (William is the director of technology at The Montclair Kimberley Academy in New Jersey). “Don’t worry about contributing (tweeting), just spend time finding people to follow and see how the conversations and ideas flow.” Recommended posts: “The iPad in Education and the Questions” and “Expanding the Definition of Community to a Global Community.”

School Board

Laurie Goodman’s Blog – Laurie Goodman is a member of the Board of Education in Ridgewood, NJ, and she has been blogging for 3 years. She explains that the purpose of her blog is to “communicate and engage with parents and other members of the community in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on education issues at the local, state and national level.” She recommends for other administrators to start reading other blogs to “get a feel” for what kind of information they can find: “The possibilities are limitless,” she writes. “As you get more comfortable with what’s out there, sign up for a Twitter account and follow a few educators. You’ll quickly build a network and, eventually, you’ll feel comfortable enough to post a few tweets of your own. Consider starting your own blog — how often you post is completely up to you.” Recommended posts: “Big changes coming to AP courses, tests” and “Librarians to hold workshops on web resources for research/homework.”

Head of School/Headmaster

21k12: celebrating 21st century K-12 education – “Social media offers incredible opportunities to forge professional networks with other educational leaders, to develop your voice as an educational leader, and to articulate your educational vision to your own school and community and beyond,” writes Jonathan E. Martin, the head of a private-independent school in Tucson, AZ who has been blogging for 3 years.  He goes on to explain that the purpose of his blog is to “develop and share [his] thoughts and vision about educational innovation in our fast-changing era.”  Recommended post: “Jane McGonigal on TED: Gaming can Make a Better World (and a Better School?)”

Aspiring Heads – Inspiring Headships – Chris Wheeler works as a headmaster at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, DE, and his blog is packed full of educational videos, guest posts, and book recommendations. Recommended posts: “Your Colleagues Recommend…” and “How fluent are you in the various languages spoken in your school?”

Holton Arms: Head’s Notes -  Susanna A. Jones, the headmaster at Holton-Arms School, (an independent girl’s school, in Bethesda, MD), writes about leadership issues, 21st century skills and technology, as well as upcoming activities and events at her school. Recommended posts: “Authentic Happiness and 21st Century Skills and Habits of Mind” and “Head’s Message: American Women: Unhappy.”

To Keep Things Whole – Mark Crotty works at St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, TX; (a Pre K-8^th grade independent school with approximately 500 students), and has been blogging since September 2010. “As a new head of school, I wanted the blog as a way of letting many people get to know me and what I believe rather quickly,” he writes. When asked to provide any tips for administrators who are new to social media, he explains that administrators should see it as a “great opportunity to get [their] message and vision out to many people at once,” and to also “keep a little notebook in which you gather ideas.” Recommended posts: “To Screen or Not to Screen” and “Wikileaks and Education.”

The Next Generation of Educational Leadership -  Blogger Nathan Barber works at the Second Baptist School in Houston, TX, and some of the many categories on his blog include “Teacher Compensation,” “Educational Leadership,” “Hiring,” and “Personnel Management.” Recommended posts: “Concussion Information All Athletic Directors Should See ” and “Tell Your Teachers to Go to the Gym.”

Peak Experiences – Michael Ebeling, the head of Summit School in North Carolina, writes that his blog is intended as a “thoughtful, informed, and good-willed exchange of ideas on teaching, learning, and leading in the 21st century.” Recommended posts: “A Blurred Line between the Roles of a Parent and Child?” and “Turning Failure into a Gift: A Mindset for the Future.”

Presbyterian Day School’s Headmaster’s Blog -  Lee Burns is the headmaster at a boy’s school in Memphis, TN, and has a passion for 21st century education and technology. Recommended posts: “The Year in Tweets” and “Kindergarten Lessons for a Community of Children and Adults.”

Superintendent

A Space for Learning - “Learning connects us to the world and the world to us. We learn as individuals and with each other,” writes Pamela Moran on her blog. “This space for learning creates an opportunity to connect and construct memories together that become internal documentaries of that which we choose to explore- to rewind, play, pause, or fast forward.  We are all creators of learning moments. That’s what we do.” Recommended posts: “Seven Take Aways from PISA Research” and “11 Reasons I am Thankful for Public Education in the United States.”

Culture of Yes – Chris Kennedy is a superintendent from West Vancouver, BC, Canada, and he started blogging a few years ago. He explains that the purpose of his blog is to “share [his] thoughts and engage the community in ideas.” He also advises other administrators to “focus on a couple tools – e.g. Twitter and blogs.” Recommended posts: “A Student’s View” and “Truth About Leadership.”

Dr. Jerome Stewart’s Blog – “The sole purpose of my blog is to provide a communication tool from the superintendent of schools,” writes Dr. Jerome Stewart, the Superintendent for Midlothian ISD in Midlothian, TX, who has been blogging for approximately 6 months. “Tips for administrators? Jump right in! One day I asked our web manager if I could start a blog. He said sure and asked when I would like to begin. I said, “Right now.” I had never blogged before but I knew that it was better to just begin.” Recommended posts: “Local Control” and “State of the State’s Finances.”

Kimberly Moritz BlogPosts – This superintendent from New York discusses various topics on her blog such as the use of technology in classrooms, politics, and the importace of good teaching. Recommended posts: “Public School Bashing?” and “Possibilities for PLC.”

Michael Smith’s Principals Page -  Michael Smith has been working in education for the last 16 years, and he previously worked as a K-12 principal and assistant superintendent. His posts reflect not only his humorous side, but his passion for the future in education as well. (You can also check out his dog’s webcam by clicking here). Recommended posts: “Teachertudes” and “Twitter is Changing Education. But Not School Desks.”

PCHSdirectorBLOG – Dave Meister, a high school director from Paris, IL, has been blogging for the past 4 years. “Start slow and find your comfort level,” he advises other administrators who are new to blogging. “Choose one thing to do, whether it is blogging, creating a rss reader, joining Twitter…start looking at the resources, ideas, expertise that is available via social networking.” Recommended posts: “Why Banning Social Media is not the Answer” and “How Did You Get Your Kids to do That?”

“The Power of Us” Brings Excellence to Austin Schools -  Superintendent Meria Carstarphen discusses many important educational topics on her blog, such as the future of education in Austin, Texas, healthy eating, intercultural learning, and much more. Recommended posts: “Lunch Line Redesign” and “A is for Apple and Awareness.”

Principal Thoughts – Chris Lindholm works as an assistant superintendent in Burnsville, MN, (but he started his blog when he was working as a junior high principal), and he has been blogging for the past two years. “My goal is to push us outside of our comfort zone to wrestle with the realities in education that we don’t like to face,” he writes. “Fulfilling this role/purpose has changed significantly for me in the past year as I have changed jobs – but I intend to stay focused on that purpose.” His tips for administrators who are new to social media? “You have to have the guts to jump in yourself to really understand just how significant social media is,” he explains. “Jump in and begin learning about the language and how to use it as a leader working to make positive change. Also, remember that everything you write, say, post, etc… is public and is truly your online – much extended - resume.  The one page resume is now gone and you now have a “digital footprint.”  Make sure your footprint is a postive reflection of your work.” Recommended posts: “Teaching and Leading is Tough Business…” and “Ted Talks – Can children really educate themselves?”

Rebel 6 Ramblings – David Britten explains that he started his blog to “create transparency” in his district by “‘leading out loud’ through blogging and real-time communications, and influence wholesale change in our K-12 institution.”  (David works as a superintendent in Grand Rapids, MI, and he has been blogging for 3 years.His advice for other administrators is to “try it out and don’t worry about whether you understand it yet, or not…Took me 6 months before I got the main idea behind Twitter. Follow 2 or 3 other administrators and perhaps your local media folks at first. Nobody cares about what you ate for breakfast. Share something from your visits to schools, classrooms, or extracurricular events If you are reading something interesting, share that. Don’t be afraid to speak out. If you’re always worried about what your board will think about what you say, you’re probably in the wrong career.” Recommended posts: “Riding into the Perfect Storm of Reform” and “Taking Action During a Storm.”

Superintendent’s Blog – Some of the many educational topics discussed on this blog include web-based learning in the classroom, bullying, budgets, Facebook, and politics. Andreas Viklund also posts various resources for students, families, and staff on the blog as well, such as the Draft District Improvement Plan 2010/2011 for Burlington High Schools in Massachusetts, the Pupil Services Welcome Letter 2010, and even the Systems of Tiered Instruction (RtI). Recommended posts: “Seventh Grade Student Perspective on Web-based Learning” and “Learning Walks with John Antonetti.”

Superintendent’s Blog: Scot Graden – Superintendent of Saline Area Schools – Scot Graden was hired as the superintendent of Saline Area Schools, MI, in March, 2008, and previously worked as an interim athletic director, alternative high school principal, and executive director of community services. Recommended posts: “The Parent Teacher Conference” and “Use and Misuse of Electronic Communication Devices.”

usd344supt – Greg Gorman works for a school district in Kansas, and uses his blog to discuss his own personal experiences and thoughts that come along with being a superintendent. Recommended posts: “My Perspective on 21st Century Learning ” and “Educational Philosophy.”

Realm of Prosperity

This blog from a 2009 graduate “serves as a medium to connect the lively reckless nature of the younger generation with the responsible attitude that financial stability requires.” Posts focus on money management, investments, debt management, and much more. Some popular posts include College Student Bought Home Instead of Renting, Investing Now v. Removing Debt, and A Weekend in College: Zero Dollars.

I Will Teach You to be Rich

This blog — and the book of the same title — offers advice on personal finance and business for college students and recent graduates (and anyone else who might be interested). In-depth posts discuss marketing, negotiation, debt management, home ownership, starting a business, and much more. Some recent posts include Behind the Scenes of a Psychological Campaign, Wednesday Workout: Testing Your Assumptions, and How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Earn More, Work Less, and Dominate.

Grad Money Matters

This blog is “for those of us that are well-educated, yet clueless when it comes to money matters.” Posts cover topics ranging from consumerism to personal finance to investing. Some popular posts include 10 Steps Using Which Even a Lazy Person Can Be a Millionaire, 101 Tips for Frugal Living, and 11 Things You Do Not Learn in School.

Broke Grad Student

This former grad student started this blog to document his attempts to pay back $22,000 in student loans. Along the way, he shares his tips for saving money and managing personal finances for college students. Though the blog has not been updated in some time, there are still plenty of excellent articles in the archive. We liked 5 Easy Ways for College Students to Make Extra Money, How You Can Make $25 in 10 Minutes, and Building a Car Fund for College Students.

Independent Beginnings

Olivia is a college student at Brigham Young University, and her blog discusses “issues such as budgeting, credit, financial aid, savings, investing, taxes, insurance, and smart spending.” Many of the recent posts also include links to online coupons, freebies, and other deals for products and services.

20 Something Finance

The purpose of this blog is to “entertain and help inquisitive young professionals get out of debt, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom.” Post categories include investing, career, home buying, budgeting, retirement planning, insurance, and more. There are also reviews of Web sites, books, products, and more. Some recent posts worth checking out include The 57 Best 20Something Finance Posts of 2010, The Hidden 401k Fees that Can Crack Your Nest Egg, and Obama Tax Cut Extensions and New Payroll Tax Cuts: How Much Will You Save?

Consumerism Commentary

This personal finance blog started as one man’s personal efforts to hold himself accountable for his own account balances and spending habits. It has grown into a vast blog with a team of writers and in-depth posts about all aspects of personal finance. Some interesting recent posts include Low Savings Interest Rates: Good or Bad?, How to Buy Facebook Shares Now, and The Myth of Ownership.

Stop Buying Crap

Between posts about the silly and irresponsible ways that many of us spend our money (such as $166 jeans and these 9 Weird Crap You Can Buy on Amazon.com), there are thoughtful posts about ways to save money and wisely invest your money. Some interesting recent posts include S.3247: Fair Access to Credit Scores Act, How I Made the Most Money I’ve Ever Made in My Life but Still Felt Miserable, and Teach Your Children About Money Management by Playing Shopkeeper.

Studenomics

This blog offers economic advice for students, by a student. Some of our favorite recent posts include Best of Studenomics 2010, How to Make an Astronomical Impact in 2010, and Vagabonding 101: Everything You Need to know to Travel the World.

Bargaineering

Here you’ll find guidance on financial products such as savings accounts and credit cards, as well as reviews on financial tools (such as software and phone apps) and books. Some of the most talked about posts include How to Win McDonald’s Monopoly Game, Rent Forever, Don’t Buy a Home, and $7,500 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

Steadfast Finances

Here’s “a personal finance and investing 101 blog that delves into current events, consumer education, and techniques to improve your bottom line.” Categories include consumer education, frugal living, humor, index funds, infographics and chartology, investing 101, investor psychology, and real estate. Some notable recent posts include Could the Stock Market Rally Really be ‘This Simple?’ http://steadfastfinances.com/blog/2011/01/06/renting-hot-home-ownership-not/”>Renting Hot, Home Ownership Not, and The Condo Money Trap: 68% Loss and In Foreclosure.

Man vs. Debt

The man behind Man vs. Debt encourages you to “Sell your crap. Pay off your debt. Do what you love.” Baker and his family sold all of their possessions to pay off $18,000 in debt and to spend a year traveling abroad. He hopes his experiences and his blog will help others find their own path to financial health. There are extensive interviews with financial experts and reflections on what it means to live simply and how to eliminate consumerism from your life. Baker and family will even be embarking on an RV tour of the country this year.

The Sun’s Financial Diary

Sun’s Financial Diary was started as a way for Sun to track personal investments and to share tips and advice with others interested in investing. Readers will find information on credit cards, the best stock brokers, promotional items, book reviews, and more. Some notable recent posts include Does Automatic Enrollment Improve Retirement Savings? Cash in Now for Secondhand Savings, and The 2010 Year in Money.

The Learning Curve

Muckdog offers his take on current events related to finance, with a focus on the stock market and investing. Some interesting recent posts include Whoa, Market Timing Works! It’s Official: “The Most Difficult Time to Invest”, and Are the Stocks Not to Own, the Ones to Own? A bonus for all the fellas: Many of the posts include a picture of a cheerleader or model.

The Simple Dollar

Trent Hamm is the author of 365 Ways to Live Cheap and The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams. His blog shares the financial advice that helped him overcome financial hardship. Many of his tips center around living frugally and adjusting attitudes towards money and success. Some of our favorite recent posts include The Post-Christmas Challenge, Intimidated by the Mistakes of the Past, and Flipping the Mental Switch for Success.

Shaun’s Real Estate Adventures

Shaun hopes to let others know that investing in real estate is “really not that difficult or scary.” Through posts such as Loan Closing and Apartment Financials Improving, Hard Money Loan #14 Paid Off, and House Now on the Market, readers can get a sense of Shuan’s personal experience in real estate and how investors like him are able to make money in the market — and maybe pick up some tips along the way.

Boston Gal’s Open Wallet

Boston Gal is a “single, 30-something” who is looking for “control of her net worth.” Her current net worth is $572,941.60, and her goal is $3,376,500.00. Her posts talk about ways to live frugally (including shared coupons and promotions), saving and investing, and other money-management tips.

Frugal Zeitgeist

“Your hostess” is a 42-year-old New Yorker who started the blog with the goal to pay off her mortgage in under seven years. Now, the blog discusses a range of topics related to personal finance and money management. The author closed out 2010 with a net worth of a half million dollars (excluding real estate) and savings of $67,000. Learn about her personal secrets and pick up a few tips for developing your own personal finance strategy.

Make Love, Not Debt

This “relationship finance blog” is written by a recently married Chicago couple and tracks their attempts to reduce debt and to increase their net worth. The blog notes: “Current statistics state that half of all marriages fail. One of the top reasons for divorce is disputes over finances!” The blog covers topics that are important to managing finances as a couple, including insurance, budgeting, groceries, and more.

My Money Blog

This blog’s author shares personal investing strategies and advice on how to make more money and to spend less. Posts discuss topics such as tracking your portfolio, managing your debt, and frugal living. Some popular posts include My Favorite Rewards Credit Cards, Our Complete Home-Buying Experience: From Offers to Mortgages, and Best No Fee 0% Balance Transfer Offers.

Million Dollar Journey

Here’s another blog that was started as a way to track personal net worth but has grown to become a source of information and advice for others interested in learning how to better manage finances and investments. Some notable recent posts include Top Stock Picks for 2011: What are Your Picks? Top Stock Pick Results From 2010, and Bah Humbug! Three Ways to be More Like Scrooge.

The Smart Passive Income Blog

Pat is “not a millionaire” but is “living off passive income made online.” Learn from his experiences and pick up a few tips for how to make your own passive income and improve your financial health. To get a better understanding of how he does it, check out My 2nd Annual Passive Income Report, My Income Report – December 2010, and 22 Take Action Ways to be a Remarkable Blogger.

Christian Personal Finance

This blog is dedicated to responsible money management according to the principles outlined in the Bible. The goal is to help others make more money, save more money, invest money wisely, and use financial gains to help benefit the lives of others. Some notable recent posts include 11 Tips for Getting Out of Debt, 6 Financial Mistakes and How to Recover Quickly, and How to Teach Kids About Money.

Money Smarts

Mike Holman is the author of a book about investment accounts in Canada, and he has nearly 20 years experience in the financial industry in Canada. Posts cover investment strategies and other tips for financial management. Some recent posts include Top Stock Picks for 2011 Contest, Why are Investors Only Using GICs and High-Interest Savings Accounts in Their TFSAs? and I’m Switching to e-Bills and e-Statements.

Budgets Are Sexy

J. Money had a financial wake-up call after he bought his first house. But after making some changes to his finances and reading some popular finance books, he has figured out how to improve his financial outlook. His blog shares tips on financial management and investing, offers a “millionaire to-do list,” budget worksheets and more. Some recent posts include Frugal is Sexy. Even When It Itches, My 7 Worst Money Mistakes, and Side Hustle Series: I’m a Craps Dealer.

The Budgeting Babe

This blog is “dedicated to all the young, working women who want to spend like Carrie in a Jimmy Choo store but have a budget closer to Roseanne.” Frugality and financial management are the focus. Recent posts include Are You Paying for Your Useless Baggage? Gazing Into the Retirement Crystal Ball, and Do You 6IOL?

Counting My Pennies

Counting My Pennies shares the experiences of a 20-something looking to increase net worth and instill better financial management principles. Some popular posts include Could You Go Cashless? The Value of a Good Work Environment, and Can You Spend Irresponsibly if You’re Rich?

Debt Hater

Debt Hater is a 30-something Washington, D.C. woman who hates debt — “Not just financial debt, but debt in all areas of life — physically, emotionally, spiritually and any other -allys you can think of.” She overcame $16,000 in credit card debt and has also paid off student-loan debt. There are regular updates on net worth and income. Some recent posts include Debt Hating 101: How to Spend Your Money Where Your Heart Is, Yet Another Reason I’m Glad to Be Debt Free: Painless Car Repairs, and I Got a New Job! How I’m Managing Money Between Paychecks.

Everybody Loves Your Money

This amateur personal-finance blog offers tips and advice on financial management. Some recent posts include Are You Winning the Slow-Motion Lottery? This Just In — Stopping Smoking Can Save You a TON! and Obama Tax Cut Saves Us Over $200 a Month.

Experiments in Finance

This blog talks about different “experiments in finance” such as investing and different financial strategies. Some of the most popular posts include How to Calculate Net Present Value (NPV) — An Introduction, How to Use VLOOKUP in Excel — A Simple Tutorial, and How to Calculate an Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and When Not to Use It.

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds

A certified psychotherapist writes this blog to offer women information and advice on how to take charge of their own finances to ensure self-reliance. Some notable recent posts include 2011 Income Tax and Payroll Changes: What You Need to Know, Easy Money-Saving Tips for the New Year, and 4 Fiscal Tips for the Savvy Single Woman.

Lazy Man and Money

The blog author explains: “Lazy Man and Money is my personal journal where I explore how I can save money and make more money. I try to cover topics such as: banking, budgeting, career, credit, debt, entrepreneurship, investing, taxes, real estate, insurance, spending, retirement, and estate planning.” Some popular posts include 15 Products that Save Time, Money, and Space, Seven Things You Must Do to Prepare for an Emergency, and Top 5 Paths to a Million Dollars.

All Financial Matters

This personal-finance blog discusses topics such as “budget, asset allocation, 401K, IRA, cash flow, insurance, financial planning, portfolio management, and other areas in personal finance.” Some notable recent posts include My Advice to Those Just Starting Out: Keep Good Records, Better Think Twice Before Playing the Lottery With Friends or Co-Workers, and 10 Ways You Can Give This Season (Without Spending a Lot of Money.

Blogging Away Debt

Beks is working to pay off $40,277.36 in debt. She has managed to pay off $31,662.16, with $8,615.20 left to pay on a student loan. She shares her experiences with financial management and what she has learned. Recent topics include travel, holiday spending, monitoring credit, and more.

Wise Bread

Personal finance, frugal living, operating a small business, and more are covered on this blog, which also includes community message boards. Some recent posts include Diagnose and Improve Your Financial Health: A 10-Item Checklist, Best Money Tips: Part-Time Jobs With the Best Benefits, and Best Money Tips: How to Take a Digital Break.

Fat Pitch Financials

George is a resource economist, and he shares his personal financial discovers through his blog, especially insight he has received through the writings of Warren Buffet. There are frequent portfolio updates and features about stocks and stock performance.

My Open Wallet

In this blog, “an anonymous New Yorker tells the world how much she earns, spends, and saves.” In addition, this 40-something single mother shares “my home-buying experiences, my financial goals and ambitions, my thoughts on class and what it means to be rich or poor, and anything else that relates to money.” There are frequent updates on investment performance and income reports.

Queer Cents

This blog proclaims: “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going shopping without coupons.” Regular posts discuss credit and debt management, answers to reader questions, product reviews, freelancing tips, and more. Notable recent posts include How to Write and Publish Your e-Book, Affiliate Programs for Beginners: Advertising for Your Blogs.

Dog Ate My Finances

This is the blog of a “20-something, recently debt-free, married and laid-off” woman. She has since gained employment, and her posts share her experiences with financial management, including paying extra on bills, ways to spend less, self-employment, conducting business, and more.

Mapgirl’s Fiscal Challenge

Mapgirl shares her experiences with her own financial goals (such as paying off credit card debt and increasing her savings), and offers tips for personal finance and investing. Posts include regular updates on financial goals, as well as regular updates on personal net worth.

Fabulous Financials

A 30-something single mom with two children is the author of this blog, which shares her personal experiences and offers some insights and tips on financial management. Fitness and fashion are also frequent topics of conversation.

Bad Money Advice

This blog claims that “mainstream personal finance advice is not what it should be,” and Francis X. Curmudgeon, a “bitterly unemployed hedge fund manager,” aims to change that because “surprisingly, he often knows what he is talking about.” Posts that Frank thinks should be popular include Credit Cards and Our Nation of Children, House Prices: The Long View, and Our Personal Finance Problem.

Oblivious Investor

This blog offers tips for “simple, low-maintenance investing.” Posts cover taxes, accounting principles, investing, retirement accounts, and more. A free newsletter is also available. Recent posts include Does This Count as Market Timing? Do REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Belong in Your Portfolio? and Teaching Kids About Investing: Giving Shares of Stock.

One Mint

Personal finance, technology and economics are explored on this blog, which offers tips and advice for personal investors. Some recent posts include Section 80C Tax-Saving Schemes, Tax-Saving ELSS Mutual Funds, and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.

Sweating the Big Stuff

Daniel writes this blog to help educate people about ways to improve finances while maintaining a high quality of life. He notes that many bloggers suggest ways to save money that are too severe and disruptive to everyday living, and he endorses a more broad view of spending and saving. Some notable recent posts include What People Pay Shouldn’t Change Our Behavior, Comparing the Tax Cuts and Stimulus Packages, and Are You in Charge of Your Finances?

Blonde and Balanced

Amber is the writer behind Blonde and Balanced, and she writes about how to find a balance with finances and health to find happiness. Some notable recent posts regarding personal finances include When Personal Finance and Health Become Serious, Weddings: Sticking to a Budget & Vendor Customer Service, and Money Lessons from the Big Easy.

Girl With the Red Balloon

Red is a 20-something college student who blogs about her attempts to shrink debt, live simply, and spend and save wisely. Many posts reflect on simple living and the value of money and consumerism. Some notable recent posts include The Money/Power Exchange, What Have I Lost and Gained? and Are We Obsessed?

The Centsible Life

Kelly Whalen writes about personal finances, family and frugal living. She offers lots of tips for saving money, including regular posts with links to discounts and special offers. Some notable recent posts include Organizing Your Finances for the New Year, End of Year Tax Tips, and What’s Covered by a Flexible Spending Account?

Debt-Free Adventure

Learn how to become debt-free with this blog, which uses the principles of the Bible to offer tips on saving, investing, giving, managing taxes, and more. Some recent posts include The Wardrobe Mission, Does the FICO Score Matter? and Help Paying Student Loans.

Young and Thrifty

This blog was started when the author realized that her friends didn’t know what an RRSP was and that her sisters didn’t understand the difference between a debit card and a credit card. The blog aims to educated young people about personal finance and investing. Some notable recent posts include Top 4 Things to Buy After Christmas and New Year’s, How to Use the Homebuyer’s Plan, and Closing/Home Costs to Think About Before You Buy Your Home.

Paying Myself

A first-year lawyer struggles with a high student-debt load and finding financial independence. She shares her experiences and her tips along the way. There are weekly checkups and monthly goals set. Some recent posts include Thoughts from a Reformed Sales Whore, Tackling My Business Debt, and Preparing My Finances for 30 Something.

Punch Debt in the Face

This is the blog “where personal finance and stick figures meet.” Posts are populated by fun graphics and pictures. Though the blog started with a focus on reducing debt, it has grown to discuss other aspects of Boy Ninja’s life, as well. There is still plenty of talk about personal finance (with updates on net worth), there are also plenty of personal musings.

Well-Heeled Blog

This blog combines a “nerdy interest in personal finance” with savvy living. Posts often discuss strategies for frugal shopping, as well as the application of sound financial principles to other areas of life, such as health and fitness. Some interesting recent posts include SEP IRA: Have Side Income? Save for Retirement, High Cost of Healthy Groceries, and Lending to Family: The Easiest $20,000 Decision.

Dough Roller

Learn how you can be a dough roller yourself with tips on how to make more money, save more money and invest it wisely. Some notable recent posts include How Much Money is Won in the Lottery? The Dangers of No Pre-Set Spending Limit Credit Cards, and 5 Must-Follow Financial Resolutions for the New Year.

Enemy of Debt

Enemy of Debt aims to motivate and inspire others to attain financial discipline by teaching sound financial management principles and the important of personal planning. Recently, the blog issued a challenge to its readers to avoid restaurants for a full month. Other recent posts include What’s Your Debt-Free Plan? Get Organized! Homemade Wedding Tips and Benefits for 2011, and Saving Money on Renter’s Insurance.

Financial Samurai

This personal-finance blog aims to help readers “slice through money’s mysteries.” Posts also draw connections between money and current events (such as health insurance reform) and life choices (such as whether those with low incomes should have children, or how those who live at home with their parents can find dating success). Some popular posts include How Higher Taxes Saved Me a Boatload of Money, The Secret to Early Retirement, and Insuring the Uninsured is Worth It.

Five Cent Nickel

This blog offers tips for financial management and investing “because money matters.” The focus is on investing products and debt management, rather than personal experiences and goals. Some notable recent posts include Five Ways to Maximize Your Retirement Accounts, Financial Tips for Couples in 2011, and Investing for Future Income: Start Early, Save Often.

Good Financial Cents

Certified Financial Planner Jeff Rose writes this blog to help readers “make cents” of their investments. Posts offer advice for investing, saving money, instituting financial discipline, and more. Some recent posts include How to Determine the Best Banking Products for Your Small Business Needs, Easy (and Unusual) Ways for College Students to Save Money, and 7 Things You MUST Know About Roth IRA Rules for 2011.

Weakonomics

Learn about “everything that’s wrong with you and your money” with this blog, which is based on the philosophy that most people do not know enough about their money or enough about where it goes. Sometimes, posts discuss pop culture or the author’s personal experiences. Some interesting recent posts include 2011 Predictions: Here are Mine, What are Yours? Couponing Yourself Out of the Market, and Share Lock-Outs.

Suburban Dollar

Kyle describes himself as a typical, middle-class dad, and he hopes that his blog will inspire others to learn more about finance and take control of their finances as he once did. His blog includes a lot of financial information and advice for taking control of aspects of your finances, such as negotiating bills, making extra income, and investing. Some recent posts include Using Volunteer Work to Improve Your Career Prospects, 5 Tips for Using Your Home and Car to Make Money, and How to Negotiate Medical Bills.

My Journey to Millions

This blog was started as a way to track a 27-year-old’s journey from broke lawyer to multimillionaire. He’s not there yet, but in the meantime, he shares his experiences and know how from his training in economics, law, and insurance sales to offer financial tips and investing advice. Some recent posts includes How to Avoid Debt — a Guide, Using Your 401(k) to Start a Business, and 4 Common Money Mistakes to Avoid.

The Psy-Fi Blog

This blog offers “a sideways look at psychology and finance.” Don’t expect to find lots of tips for the market here, or updates about net worth or debt load. Rather, you’ll find posts about the psychology of the market and spending. Some interesting recent posts include Economics and Psychology: The Divorce, Love Your Kids, Not Your Stocks, and Weird Markets.

Money Funk

Here’s another blog that tracks one family’s efforts to minimize debt — $85,000 worth — and live more simply and frugally. There are plenty of tips for ways to save money and to make smarter choices with your finances. Some recent posts include 6 Tips for Finding a Good Mechanic Who Won’t Break the Bank, Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck, and Frugal to Survive or Frugal to be Rich?

Mighty Bargain Hunter

The Mighty Bargain Hunter shares tips for saving money, finding deals, living frugally, making money, and investing. There is also a free newsletter to which readers can subscribe. Some recent posts include A Hack to Include Online Purchases in a Cash Budgeting System, Six Tricks to Finding Deals on Coins, and Money-Tracking Advice so Simple that it Just Might Work.

Fabulously Broke in the City

FB managed to get out of $60,000 in debt in just 18 months, and now she finds a way to balance her “shopaholic” tendencies with healthy saving habits. Some notable recent posts include How Not to Spend More Than You Make, Are People Wealthier Because They’re Business Owners or Self-Employed? and Negotiating: Why You Can Only Win When You Ask for Money.

Small Steps for Big Change

This blog aims to guide readers toward “financial freedom — one step at a time.” A “reformed spendaholic” shares her monthly budget and net worth to offer some guidance for others. There are also reflections about work and personal habits as they relate to success. Some recent posts include Why I Don’t Track Spending, Chance Favors the Prepared Mind, and Self Worth and Work — I Can’t Tell the Difference.

Frugal Law Student

Brett McKay is a second-year law student who is trying to manage tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, and he share tips and advice for students and others who are also trying to find ways to manage their debts and their finances. Articles talk about personal finance, frugality, law school, career, and productivity. Some recent posts include Is Law School Worth the Cost? 7 Ways to Save Money on LSAT Prep, and Mac on a Budget.

Poorer Than You

This blog targets college students and 20-somethings, and offers financial advice “without being boring.” “Topics include credit cards, savings, budgeting, earning more money, evaluating job offers… from big financial decisions down to small ones, from the latest news to time-tested advice.” Stephanie had to drop out of school because of poor finances, and now she shares her journey back after getting her finances in better shape and returning to school and graduating.

Single Guy Money

This single guy had over $80,000 in debt at one point, but has since managed to pay off $40,000 in credit card debt and a car loan of $22,000, and is now working on paying off student loans and a mortgage. He offers great tips for saving money and making better financial decisions. Some notable recent posts include 5 Tips on Juggling Multiple Savings Accounts, Getting the Most Out of Ebay as a Seller, and Eating Out: Finding Restaurant Vouchers and Coupons.

TeacHer Finance

A 25-year-old high-school teacher attempts to get her financial house in order and to enjoy life on a small teacher’s salary. She shares her progress with her financial goals and with reducing debt. Share in her personal experiences and find inspiration for making your own financial changes.

Always the Planner

“I work in a field where I don’t make a huge salary and probably never will. Therefore, planning for a stable financial future starts now.” This blog shares the planning process and preparation for building a secure financial future, in addition to tips for saving money and budgeting. Some useful recent posts include The Life of a Part-Time Grad Student, 10 Tips for Group Travel Planning, and Starting Out in Life: How to Pick Up Cheap Furniture.

Engineer Your Finances

This blog focuses on three principles: optimization, education, and financial security. “I feel these fundamental qualities are lost in a world of get-rich-quick schemes and as they are the basis for my own beliefs,” the blog author explains. Some notable recent posts include Top 10 Ways to Avoid an IRS Audit, 3 Strategies to Envision Your Way to Debt Freedom, and 30 Ways to Wreck Your Career.

Simolean Sense

Simolean Sense describes itself as “a multidisciplinary blog for renaissance thinkers, financiers, decision makers, business students, and consilient observers.” Some recent finance-related posts include How Not to Encourage Home Ownership, All Value Investors Must Read This! Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?, and When Being Wasteful Appears Better than Feeling Wasteful.

Generation X Finance

This blog is meant to help members of Gen X have a better understanding of financial issues to improve their personal finances. Generation X includes those born between 1965 and 1980. “That isn’t to say the topics here aren’t applicable to others, but the primary focus is to help people get their debt under control, establish a successful career, and begin to accumulate wealth.” Some notable recent posts include How Much Money Do I Need to Save for Retirement? Should You Be Investing in Gold? and The Lost Decade of Investing: Was All Really Lost?

Homeowner by 30

This blog exhorts readers to “join me as I share the strategies, trials, and tribulations of getting out of debt and saving for a down payment on a home by the end of my 30th year!” Posts discuss life as a teacher, personal savings goals, personal efforts towards debt reduction, and ideas for saving money (even low-cost recipe ideas).

Life As a Purse

This 25-year-old explain that she graduated college with no debt and was making good decisions for her finances, but then sunk into a depression that caused her to wreck her finances by overspending. She has returned to graduate school, and uses this blog to keep herself accountable for her financial habits. Find inspiration by following along with her experiences with trying to build her net worth and reduce debt — all on a limited salary.

Money Maus

This blog tells the tale of “a 20-something gal trying to save her cheese.” Follow along with her as she tracks her goals to build an emergency fund, a Roth IRA, a birthday fund, a travel fund, a car maintenance fund and a gift fund.

M is For Money

Miss M managed to clear $20,000 in credit card debt in one year by understanding the value of saving money, living more simply, and investing wisely. Some interesting recent posts include Homeownership: A Never-Ending Expensive Adventure, Maybe It’s Your Major? and How Do You Divide Your Financial Goals?

The Digerati Life

Get some personal finance insights from a true Valley Girl — a software engineer in the Silicon Valley. There is a lot of great personal-finance advice here, accompanied by lots of graphics and photos. Some notable recent posts include Bush Tax Cuts Extension: What Are the Effects? Bill Paying Strategies to Help Find Your Spending Balance, and Investing in REITs to Diversify Investments.

Penny Foolish

Learn some personal-finance tips and find motivation from a “girl bad with the pennies, who’s trying to keep from making the really big mistakes.” There are posts about her online business efforts, career development, purchases, and debt management.

Accumulating Money

This resource-rich blog has a lot of articles on various personal-finance topics, including financial basics, investing, retirement accounts, insurance, debt management, taxes, and much more. Some popular posts include Spending Money: Needs vs. Wants, 5 Simple Do It Yourself Debt Reduction Strategies, and Spend Your Money on Doing Things Rather Than Owning Things.

My 1st Million at 33

Frugal made his first million in the following way: $360,000 from savings (after working for about 9 years), $90,000 from stock investments, $260,000 from a small condo, $200,000 from a company stock option, and a $90,000 gift from his parents for his wedding. His blog offers tips and advice for how you can make your own million through smart investing and financial management.

One Million and Beyond

Matt is an average guy working to pay down debt and build savings, and he writes his blog to document his efforts to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. Some of the most popular posts on the blog include Accepting Financial Responsibility, Net Worth vs. Cash Flow, and Social Pressures to Spend Your Money.

2 Million

Brian is an engineer with a goal of attaining $2 million in cash and assets (excluding his home) — an amount that he believes will offer him financial freedom. His current net worth is just over $750,000. He shares frequent updates on his cash flow and net worth, and shares tips for investing and saving along the way. Some interesting recent posts include Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance, Tips for Building Your Brand on the Internet, and Low Cost, Easy Business Promotion Tip.

Money, Matter, and More Musings

The title of this blog says it all: It offers musings on money, debt, frugality and other matters. Some interesting posts include Are Americans Killing the Economy by Saving Too Much? Are Poor People More Frugal than Rich People? and Stock Market Technical Analysis — Loads of Bull Crap and Bear Crap.

Art of Money

Jon says that the two primary keys to his financial success are “1. Be open to expanding your mind: for me the best methods I’ve found to accomplish this are to interact with people who are richer or more knowledgeable than me and to play the Rich Dad board game Cashflow 101. 2. Take action! It’s a cliché, but it is way better to get started and make a ton of mistakes than to sit around and dream about getting rich.” His blog shares these principles by offering others advice for how to implement them in their own lives. Some recent posts include Ultimate Blogger’s Survival Guide, Monday Morning SEO Tip — Google Exaggerates, and Careful, This Blog Rush is Going to Hurt.

Adult ADD and Money

This blog offers personal-finance and business advice for adults with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). There are often free webinars on various topics, and links to other resources and support groups for those with ADD and ADHD. Some recent posts include Have ADD and Out of Work? 6 Overlooked Reasons Why You are Struggling with Your Finances, and Women with ADHD — Money Issues.

Savvy Saver

“Personal prosperity depends not on how much money you make, but on how much money you keep. This personal finance blog is dedicated to making smart money decisions, living below your means, and increasing net worth.” Find tips for ways to save (including links to online promotions and discounts), regular updates on debt reduction and savings efforts, and reflections on financial management.

Adventures in Money Making

Find advice for all kinds of ways to make money, from business ventures to tax management to investing. Career advice is also offered as a means of increasing earning power. Some recent posts include Tax Havens for Retirees, Buying Silver Coins, and How to Nail an Interview.

Debt Kid

The original Debt Kid racked up over $300,000 in debt through day trading. Debt Kid and two other writers now offer advice to others about how to minimize debt. There are also thoughtful posts about current events in finance, such as legislation regulating lending and credit cards. Some recent posts include Will That be Cash or Credit? Foreclosures Could Depress Housing Prices for Decades, and Consumers May be Able to Avoid Debt with New Credit Card.

Eventual Millionaire

Though she doesn’t have a million dollars yet, Jaime says she grew up knowing that she would eventually be a millionaire. After college, she racked up $70,000 in debt and worked long hours at a job she didn’t love. Now, she works with other entrepreneurs to help them find work that they love while building their net worth. Pick up some tips here for how to do it yourself. Some notable recent posts include How to Start Tracking Your Expenses, Get Rich Quick Isn’t Always a Scam, and Increasing Your Business Confidence.

Not Made of Money

A husband and wife team offer tips on how to save money and live a debt-free life. Some notable recent posts include Got a Debt Problem? Tips to Cure a Debt Hangover, How Living Above Your Means Can Destroy Your Finances, and 8 Financial Mistakes to Avoid for 2011.

Give Me Back My Five Bucks

Krystal is on a quest for financial independence and has already eliminated $20,000 in debt in under a year. She posts about her spending habits, her progress towards further debt reduction and savings, and other personal goals. Find some tips and inspiration through her experiences.

Spilling Buckets

Ryan and Leslie started their blog after outlining some financial goals that included creating an emergency fund, buying a house, and eliminating debt. In their “manifesto,” they pose “Ask yourself this question: What would happen if instead of making a living I designed a life?” In addition to saving and investing, finding purpose and meaning is a part of their “freedom-driven lifestyle design.” Find inspiration here for designing your own life by discovering your own meaning and purpose. Some interesting recent posts include Consumer to Producer: Our Evolving Philosophy, Smart Tips to Cut Your Expenses, and What is Quantitative Easing?

No More Spending

This blog has a simple goal: To get out of debt and stay out of debt. Laura paid off approximately $65,000 in debt in under five years, and now she writes about how she lives frugally and stays under budget. Posts talk about saving, budgeting, financial management, living on a single income, planning for the future, financial independence, making extra money, and more. Notable recent posts include Paying Off Your Mortgage Early and Not Spending for a Month.

Ugly Debty

“One girl’s journey to freedom from an evil amount of personal debt. This blog is from an Australian writer with no financial smarts whatsoever. All advice should be triple checked with someone way better with money than me.” She started with a debt of about $131,000 and has whittled it down to about $42,000. She shares how she manages to reduce debt and save money through different financial strategies.

The Frugalista

Natale P. McNeal writes about “the frugal side of fabulous” on this blog, which shares tips for saving money while still living the fabulous life. The blog also talks about current events and celebrity happenings that are related to finance. McNeal is also the author of the book The Frugalista Files. Some recent posts include 5 Ways to Save Money Right Now, College Debt Rises, and Could You Live Off Coupons for a Year?

Money Mate Kate

This self-employed massage therapist is living debt-free in New York City who is often the go-to person for financial advice in her family. She writes about career experiences, her strategies for minimizing debt, and her reflections on financial management, including current events. Some interesting recent posts include Will Healthcare Reform Go the Same Route as Credit Card Reform? Frugality Blogging–>Enriched Day-to-Day Life, and Penny Experiment 2: $204 for $23.

Stacking Pennies

Follow along with this young professional and her attempts to reach financial goals. She shares some tips and reflections along the way that others can use to develop their own financial plan — and meet their own personal goals.

My Pretty Pennies

This blog is “the journal of a girl trying to change her world one pretty penny at a time.” Lately, there have been a lot of posts about her upcoming wedding and wedding planning, but there are still plenty of posts with reflections about financial goals (among them to eliminate debt, build an emergency fund, and build a wedding fund).

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