Welcome to the third issue of the Edge of Education Carnival, a collection of links to the most innovative teachers using and sharing tips and techniques on the cutting edge of teaching and learning. With 17 outstanding submissions, this is by far our best issue yet.

New research is proving that gender differences are real. Boys and girls are different. From the way their brains are organized to the types of cells in their eyes, groundbreaking studies are showing us just how different the genders really are. In this article, Chris Wondra explains how boys and girls hear differently, and what this means for the way our children and students learn to speak and read.

You already know what bringing a positive attitude and a smile does to your classroom environment. What you may not realize, however, is just how much influence your energy actually has on your surrounding community. According to recent research, emotions can spread like viruses. And what you’re spreading reaches far beyond anything you may have previously imagined.

Receiving a Master’s degree from the University of St. Mary’s has been an immensely satisfying experience for me. I’ve learned and changed and grown in innumerable and meaningful ways. But when it comes to professional development, the St. Mary’s program is second to none. I have applied my new learning and confidence directly to my classes and my students have benefited. St. Mary’s breaks their program into four IDEA categories: Instruction, Discipline, Environment, and Assessment. This article outlines the effect this program has had on my instruction.