Professional Network. The term isn’t anything new. We all know the saying “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know!” Professional networking is a great way to learn new things and to move up the “corporate ladder.” Well, in education there really isn’t a “ladder.” So what is the point of the professional network then?
Learning! Teachers are not just teachers! We are students too! We are constantly learning new things to advance the way we are teaching content in our classroom. That is where our Professional Learning Network (PLN) comes to help us. Who or where are we going to get our support from?
This week’s challenge was to make a web of my PLN, featured below:
What stood out to me the most was how many bubbles I had coming off the internet. I know I constantly am using social media to inspire me or collect resources for my classroom. Seeing all those bubbles got me thinking: 30-40 years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible! How lucky am I to be a teacher in today’s society where this technology is available to me to collaborate with others virtually!
My PLN has grown immensely in the past couple weeks. Not only am I working with my new colleagues at my new school, but I’m, almost daily, still collaborating with colleagues at my previous school. We are always sharing ideas and asking for advice, even though we are no longer in the same building. A teacher’s PLN isn’t just about “climbing the ladder.” It is who we turn to for help, ideas, inspiration, and comfort. A teacher’s PLN is a toolbox of information that make life a little bit easier (and if all else fails, we have coffee and Target).
Teach & Tech 