Professional Learning Networks

Learning and networking is what has kept me going as an educator. The amazing learning experiences I have had and the connections I have made has made my career more fun and enjoyable. I have been a part of some networks I am not currently involved in, but I want to share them with you. They are included because of the impact they had on my teaching. These are the three I am focusing on currently:

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The New Tech Network is where I go when I want to see what projects other teachers are working on in their classrooms. To keep us connected the network just created a Slack channel for us to communicate more often. Several times per year we have professional development delivered to our campus by the network coaches. Our campus has an assigned coach to help us when we need it. There are school across the US that are part of the network and being able to connect has been an asset to designing projects.

This year TCEA offered membership with no fee, so I joined. I was unable to attend the annual conference which I've heard is amazing. It looks like they are having a conference for elementary teachers this summer. However, I am still learning. I tune into their podcast, receive weekly emails, and attend lunch and learns.

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My goal was to find a network that I can learn more about blended learning. I am still working on finding the exact right group. I started communicating with someone from UTeach about their blended learning PD. I think they want to offer it to a group, however I want to see if I can take it to learn more about blended learning and to connect with others teaching with a blended learning model. This is a work in progress. They even offer a class on project based learning and blended learning, the perfect pd for my innovation project.

I have started following Dr. Catlin Tucker's blog to learn more about blended learning. I have read two of her books, Balance with Blended Learning and Blended Learning in Action. I also follow her facebook group, Balance with Blended Learning. Building networks to support my innovation project is at the beginning stage.

After reading the article, 4 Ways to Build a Strong Learning Network for Innovation and Growth, I decided to use their suggestions.

Diversify your network
Focus on an essential question
Find a network that goes beyond one and done
Find a place that supports your social and emotional well being

Going forward, I will use these 4 ways as guides when deciding to join a professional network. To learn more about my professional learning network experiences and thoughts, read the blog I wrote about it.

Past, Present, and Current PLNs

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