Professional Learning Networks through Twitter/X
A quality educator is one that is constantly reflecting. We need to think about how we can improve and do better for our students. But how can we do that? The best and most effective way to improve our own styles, viewpoints, etc. is by connecting with other teachers. A strategy that worked for them, may work for us! Whether the professional learning network (PLN) is in person, on Facebook, or on Twitter, all platforms serve the same purpose- connection.
Having a professional account on a social media site has always appealed to me. I always wondered why my school district did not encourage this as a way for not only students and parents, but district admin, to get a glimpse into the classrooms. With that in mind, I was excited to create a professional Twitter/X account to begin connecting with other educators across the nation.
The first thing I did was search for organizations and people to follow on Twitter/X. I already had a few in mind because of different podcasts or content creators that I regularly follow. Once I had that established, it was like spreading butter on bread! The posts were flowing onto my screen with the exact content and positivity I was looking for.
GIF/Image Source: Tenor
As I did initially follow organizations and people I already knew, suggestions for others were also made available. I began following the more active accounts after perusing their recent posts to expand my daily feed. That was the right choice. Exposing myself to people and organizations I already followed on other platforms was not teaching me anything. Using the suggestions to open my mind to others was the push in the right direction. Once that happened, I instantly began seeing the new content I was looking for.
One of the resources that struck me the most was one that I was not intentionally looking for. To clarify, I am always on the hunt for the newest strategies and activities that can increase student engagement and retention. However, this resource was geared more towards supporting myself and other educators. The original poster (@technologylaura) shared the link to the Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model’s (TEAM) Best Practice Video Library.
This library is incredible! The link takes you directly to their website where one can find pre-made PowerPoints with embedded videos of teachers and students working towards the different rubric components. For example, in the Questioning slide deck, not only do the slides provide detailed descriptions of what effective questioning is, but a linked video is also embedded to show quality questioning in action!
This resource is also useful for new teachers or teachers that are being evaluated as the rubric domains align closely with that of the Illinois evaluation process. Whether this is your first-year teaching or your fifteenth, it is always helpful to refresh our understanding of best practices!
In addition to different resources, I also learned more about educators across the nation and their personal experiences in the classroom. By participating in a Twitter Chat with both English/Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies (SS) educators, I gained more understanding and also reassurance as what I have been seeing in the classroom in comparison to classrooms across the nation.
For example, in the #ENGSSCHAT, we discussed students and their reading capacity. We shared observations and trends from the last few years in connection to the pandemic.
Image Source: Author’s
Image Source: Author’s
It was interesting to see that both ELA teachers and SS teachers shared similar experiences. One educator even noted what steps she was taking to try and combat the issue and still support the students. The advice and support present in this chat was remarkable.
As this was my first #EDCHAT on Twitter/X, I did not know what to expect. I did not know the protocol for responses either. It was overwhelming at first as the clock ticked closer to the 7:00 pm start time. However, once I got going, the hour flew!
Having a professional learning network (PLN) is essential to the professional growth and maintenance of SANITY in any educator. We all need a backbone. A PLN can provide not only that emotional support, but also the instructional support as well. We are a community that builds each other up on a regular basis, and for that, I will always have a place to be at 7:00 pm on a Monday.
This is a great post, Daniella. It sounds like you found a helpful resource and some new excitement from your chat. Thanks for sharing.
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