A list serv is a mailing list of people with similar interests. They exist on the Internet pertaining to many different topics. List servs automatically distribute messages sent to all of the members of a particularly list. Educators have hundreds of listservs to choose from that highlight various topics within education. The only prerequisite for using list servs is that teachers must have access to e-mail. List servs provide an easy way for teachers to connect to other teachers around the world. Through list sevs, teachers can meet other educators, discuss topics of interest, and share ideas.

List servs are very easy to join. Many times all you need to do is submit your name and e-mail address. Once you have joined, you will start receiving messages from the list serv. Members of a list serv can view conversations until they feel comfortable joining in the discussion. On a list serv, you can also respond directly to a specific person or post messages for all to see.

Here are some listservs that you could join as an educator.

RTeacher
This website is devoted to discussions about literacy education as well as using the Internet. Teachers nominate other teachers for the Miss Rumphius Award.

Classroom Connect
Teachers can connect with others about technology issues or other topics within education, find another teacher to connect with (over 100,000 teachers available).

KIDSPHERE
Teachers can sign up and talk to other teachers about any topics within education. They can also share books, ask for suggestions or advice, or discuss the pros and cons of many educational practices.

WWWEDU
Discussions take place about the use of the Internet in education.

MIDDLE-L
Discussions for teachers interested in middle school. Sponsored by ERIC.

SCHOOL-L
Primary and secondary school discussions of many topics related to education including technology.

Education World
Teachers can join nine different mailing lists on various topics in education such as lesson planning, reviewing educational websites, dicussing early childhood education, etc.

K12OPPS
This website posts announcements of interest to educators such as free software, contests, conferences, training opportunities, educational Web sites, etc. K12opps is appropriate for teachers and parents of primary and secondary students (ages 6-18), as well as higher education
teacher preparation programs.

Teachers.net
Including over 50,000 teachers, this website allows teachers to join many different kinds of mailing lists by subject area, grade level, special interest, projects, technology, etc.

FirstYears
This website is designed to help student and beginning teachers as they face new experiences in teaching. The mailing list serves as support and a sounding board for new teachers connect with other teachers.

EdWeb
This website contains a comprehensive list of educational listservs to join.

The Teacher's Guide
This website contains all sorts of listservs for teachers in different areas such as technology, music, math, history, etc. There are also specialty topics like: research, counseling and human development, inclusion, etc.