Links

Professional Learning Networks or PLN are crucial in education. In general, we pick up the characteristics of those that we surround ourselves with. As an educator, we are not immune to this and it is important that we surround ourselves with people who inspire us and help us do better. This is so important as an educator because our every action has a direct impact on our students. I have joined a few PLN within my district as well as on social media. Within my district I am a mentor, team lead, Exceptional Leadership Academy II member, GT committee representative, Guided Math framework co-creator, Math intervention support and leveling member. All of these opportunities have taught me different things and have given me chances to step outside of my classroom to explore what I wish to do in future endeavors.

Last year, I joined my district’s first installment of our Exceptional Leadership Academy. Throughout this opportunity we were able to see the inner workings of our district. Unfortunately last year much of our district was impacted by Hurricane Harvey and we were also hacked by a group of Russian hackers. Through this academy, we were able to hear how all of the departments within the district worked together. In addition, we had sessions that focused on counseling, administration, financing, human resources, transportation, maintenance, food services, technology, teaching and learning department, and special education. This year, I have been accepted in the Academy’s second installment. This section focuses on our specific administrative interests. As a member, we are given opportunities to gain administrative internship hours. I am lucky enough to have already gained twenty hours before the second semester as administrator on duty. Additionally, we are in a book study of Daniel Coyle’s Culture Code: The Secret of Highly Successful Groups. At each meeting, groups are to summarize how the current section applies to leaders and are asked to help the group participate in hands on team building activities that go along with what we are reading. I love being a part of this group as it helps me connect with others within my own district that have similar passions. Also, since this group was established to help our district “grow our own” administrators, it is a good networking opportunity for me, an aspiring administrator.

Another PLN that I am a part of is an Ambassador program for Seesaw: the digital learning portfolio. I attended an EdCamp hosted by my district last year where a colleague presented on this and I fully embraced it. After EdCamp, I took this platform back to my classroom where I encouraged myself to use it once in each unit. Shortly after, I ended up using this platform on a weekly basis. Soon after, the ambassador opportunity became available and I applied and completed the mandatory training. Through this ambassador program, I have been able to access and create activities for the platform as well as lead professional developments. Over the summer, two other colleagues and I presented on Seesaw as part of our district’s first summer professional development lead and designed by its teachers. This has given me a new opportunity to help introduce fellow educators to new platforms and present to my fellow colleagues. Before I went on maternity leave a few weeks ago, I was set to present on Seesaw through my campus’ PLC meetings. Unfortunately, I was unable to do this before giving birth, but I am looking forward on presenting and encouraging my campus to use this platform when I return next month.

Social media is a great place for educators to connect with one another. I am very fortunate that my current Superintendent is an advocate of professional social media use and establishing a strong connection between classroom, home, and community. When I first created my professional Twitter account, I followed as many educators and education hashtags as I could. The following are my favorite social media PLN.

https://twitter.com/TeacherMyth -This is a page ran by an ELAR coordinator and author from College Station, TX. On his page, he extends the thoughts from his book Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth by facilitating #TeacherMyth discussions.  For example, a few months ago one of the #TeacherMyth Tuesday themes was teacher self care. Most of the questions were similar to how do you make time for yourself as a teacher, how do you make the most of your work day, and what time do you leave school? These were eye opening questions for some who spend every hour of the day  at school, because that is only burning them out. Having a discussion like this helped some to not feel guilty about taking time for themselves & putting their families first.

https://twitter.com/KidsDeserveIt -I started following and actively participating with this page after I attended an Ed Camp last year. Todd Nelsoney donated a few items for the Ed Camp, so I decided to participate in some of his digital summits. The mindset that Kids Deserve It push a lot of people to do better in their classroom for the kids. They too have weekly chats to join in discussion regarding education.