Ask yourself this question: Where do you do your learning?
As staff, we've explored topics that help us think about our own learning- phrases such as growth mindset, grit, and learning zone should be familiar to all of us. And while understanding these concepts helps reframe our approach to learning, we need to know what to learn and where to get the learning from.
Our Staff Development Days offer rich learning opportunities, but we can't claim to be life-long learners if we limit our learning to a few Staff Development days a year. At the same time, we all know that conferences and outside trainings cost money and time- both of which are scarce at best. Which brings us back to the question: Where do you do your learning? Some staff in our district have answered this question with these responses:
"I learn so much from Twitter!"
"Other teachers."
"The best PD comes from my PLN."
A PLN is simply a connection with other educators who share, learn, and collaborate with one another. Your PLN could be other teachers at your school site, our district, or across the globe. It could be the answer the question Where do you do your learning?
Two Simple Tools to Help Build Your PLN
Twitter- If you're an educator, and you're not on Twitter, you are missing out on some incredible resources, ideas, and connections. Click on some of these links to see what people are sharing on Twitter. Then check out this document if you're curious for more: Getting Started on Twitter
Voxer- Connect with others through this tool that combines text, voice, photo and video sharing, and a walkie-talkie all in one tool. It's unlike anything most of us are familiar with. You'll need to set up an account to use to use it, but it's a powerful way to grow your PLN. Be prepared to be mind-blown at the number of Voxer groups you'll find on this spreadsheet.
"Alone we are smart. Together we are brilliant." Steven Anderson
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