Frequently Asked Questions

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About Registration:

Registering with Teachers' Domain is free and allows you to:

• View as many resources as you like
• Save, sort, and share resources using My Folders and My Groups
• Download resources to your desktop
• See standards correlations for your state

Collection Policy
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Registration | Navigation | Technical Issues | Sharing Resources | Professional Development

Registration Questions:

How do I register/Why should I register to use Teachers' Domain?
Registration is quick and easy, and gives you FREE access to hundreds of high-quality digital media resources from public broadcasting, such as NOVA, Frontline, and American Experience, and other trusted sources. In addition to digital media, resources on TD generally include background essays and discussion questions or teaching tips, and are incorporated into lesson plans. When you register, the resources correlate to the state standards of the institution you selected in your profile.

To register, click the "Register Now" button on our homepage. You must create a username and password for your account, and be sure to include your email address. We'll alert you from time to time about new content and features on the site.

Can anyone (even homeschool teachers) register on your site?
Anyone can use Teachers' Domain for educational purposes—registration is quick, easy and free. During the registration process, we ask you to choose a school or organization so that the appropriate state standards appear when viewing our resources. If you are a homeschool user, please choose an organization that accredits your work, or select a nearby school.

Can my students sign into Teachers' Domain? Should I give them my username and password?
We recommend that your students create their own registration or that you create a general one that all of your students can access. If they register individually, they can then save resources to folders. If they sign into to your account, they will have administrative powers over your folders.

Why can't I find my organization?
We periodically update the lists of organizations in our database. If you find that your organization is not listed, click the "Help, I don't see my organization" link and register your organization. Make sure you search by zip code and double check the spelling of your organization.

Why is my school is not listed correctly?
If the name of your school or organization is present but there is an error (e.g., your school has been renamed) please click the "Help, I don't see my organization" link and register your school or organization.

What do I do if I forget my username and password?
We can email you your sign-in information. Just click the "Forgot Your Password?" link under the password field on the home page and enter your sign-in name or email address, and we'll send it to you right away.

Navigation Questions:

This resource page snapshot highlights the many features of Teachers' Domain.

Media Type: PDF Document

How do I find what I need?
To search for a resource, enter a keyword relating to the topic in the search field. You may also browse our collection by clicking on any subject on the home page.

How can I narrow my search?
Click on "Advanced Search" just below the search window. Narrow your search by grade range, type of media, or permitted use.

Can I save my search?
Resources can be saved in folders (comparable to online shopping carts or bookmarks). Click the "Save to a folder" link under the image on a resource page. Choose a folder and click "Save." Please note that you must be signed in with your username to use this option.

How do I set up my own folders?
When you first sign in, you can save resources to the default folder, "My Resources". To set up new folders, click "My Folders" in the center of the page; click "Manage my Folders" and follow the prompts.

Who wrote the background essays on the resource pages? If I have comments or believe that something is inaccurate, how I should I share my feedback?
The background essays are written by journalists on our staff and are carefully reviewed by content and curriculum experts. However, if you believe that there is an inaccurate statement, we appreciate your feedback. Please email us.

Are there different editions of Teachers' Domain?
Yes. Teachers' Domain now has two new versions - our College Edition for higher education institutions, and VITAL for New York State educators. All three editions are available through www.teachersdomain.org. The edition available to you when you sign in (your default) will be based on the location of the institution on your registered profile. For example, if the institution on your profile is "Public School 334 - The Anderson School" in New York, you will automatically sign in to the VITAL on Teachers' Domain homepage. If your institution is in another state, you will sign in to the K-12 Teachers' Domain Edition.

Are all editions of Teachers' Domain the same?
The VITAL and K-12 Teachers' Domain editions provide the same set of resources, but VITAL also presents a selection that specifically supports the New York Core Curriculum. The College Edition provides a subset of resources appropriate for higher education.

How do I switch between editions?
You can switch between editions by clicking on the "Change Editions" link on the bottom of the homepage or the "My Profile" tab. The edition you are using when you sign out or otherwise leave Teachers' Domain becomes your default edition for your next sign-in.

Technical Issues

I don't have access to the Internet in my classroom. How can I show video clips or other media?
When you do have access to the Internet, download the media to your desktop. Then you will be able to show them to your students without a live Internet connection. Please note that not all resources are downloadable, but you can perform an "advanced search" to find those that are.

Can I make Teachers' Domain QuickTime videos full screen?
If the media is downloadable, it can be viewed as a full screen. First, download the video and open it in the QuickTime Player. From the menu bar, choose "View," and click "Enter Full Screen."

Why can't I download all video clips?
Unfortunately, not all videos have the legal rights to be downloaded. We are working to increase the number of video clips available for download - stay tuned and check back often!

Can I embed a clip from Teachers' Domain into a slide show?
Yes, if the video is available for sharing (add sharing symbol.)

Do I need any special software to use Teachers' Domain?
In order to view the media on the site, please make sure you have an up-to-date browser with the latest version of QuickTime and the latest version of Flash/Shockwave plug-ins installed. These plug-ins can be downloaded for free if you do not already have them installed on your computer. Click on the appropriate link to download:

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/

http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

Can I organize a Teachers' Domain workshop for my school district?
We want to support your use of Teachers' Domain however we can - be it in person, over the phone or via web. Contact us to discuss your needs. We are happy to help.

Sharing Resourses:

How can I share resources I find?
An easy way for you to share resources with colleagues and students is to click on "My Groups". Follow the prompts to set up a group and give that group access to your folders. You will need to share your Group ID Number with the people you invite to join your group.

Will you consider adding my resources to Teachers' Domain?
Teachers' Domain is a project of WGBH, Boston's PBS station, and content is largely produced by WGBH and other PBS stations. We also work with partner organizations and funders to add digital media content. While your materials are undoubtedly a great resource, as a policy, we do not accept submissions by outside organizations.

Can I put a link to Teachers' Domain up on my district's website?
If you would like to link to our content for educational, non-commercial purposes, please feel free to do so. Thank you for helping us spread the word about our resources! Please contact us for help with linking your site to Teachers' Domain. We'll be happy to supply you with text and logos.

Professional Development

Where are your courses listed?
You can view our entire catalog through the "Courses Offered" tab on the Teachers' Domain home page.

Also, visit PBS TeacherLine http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/catalog/ to view courses current offerings and to enroll.

How do I enroll, and how much are the courses?
Teachers' Domain online courses are offered through PBS TeacherLine http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/catalog/. Enrollment for most 30-hour courses is $199. Contact PBS TeacherLine with specific questions at 1-866-864-0828 or pbsteacherline@pbs.org.

Several teachers at my school are interested in taking a course - how can we sign up together?
Your district may license a course and offer it locally with your own facilitator. For more information, please contact us.

How often do courses run?
Courses are offered quarterly and an annual schedule is available at: http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/catalog/. Contact PBS TeacherLine with specific questions at 1-866-864-0828 or pbsteacherline@pbs.org.

Can I earn graduate credit?
Courses are accredited through Adams State College and Indiana University. These institutions require an additional fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment. Pricing information is available at: http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/support/article/48/.

Can I earn professional development units towards my licensure?
Yes, although requirements vary from state to state. Check with your district office and visit http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/ for more information.

Do you offer online courses for K-12 students?
Not at present. Our current course offerings are strictly for pre- and in-service K-12 teachers.