You don't have to be a programmer or a web developer to create free websites. Making a free web page for teachers takes some time for the initial set-up, but maintenance won't take more than a few hours a week. Free hosts provide tools that make it easy and fun to have a web presence. Keep in mind that your web page will be viewed by students, parents and your colleagues. The content should be appropriate for all visitors.

Choose a free web provider. Spend some time with each and find the one you're most comfortable with. Read reviews of free websites. Decide whether or not you want advertising on your site. Most free providers will place ads on your pages, or offer a reasonably priced ad-free site.

Create a home page with the site building tools the free web page host offers. Put your picture and a picture of your school on the page. Include your email address and the school phone number. Write a short paragraph about your school or your class. Make a link to your school's main web page.

Make a page with a calendar of upcoming events and school holidays on it. If your school posts the lunch menus, create a link to that page.

Use the web host's photo gallery option to upload pictures of your class, photos taken on field trips and candid shots of classroom activities. Post old class photos and student art.

Write a newsletter for parents and upload it to another page. Include announcements and reminders. Write about what the class has been doing. Update it once a month.

Create a page where your students and their parents can check their homework assignments for the upcoming week. Include summer reading lists and extra credit projects.

List honors and achievements for individuals, the class and the entire school on another page. Mention both sports and academic achievements.