How a PLN changed my teaching...

   
     Not that we don't have enough acronyms in our lives already, but here's another, and one that has really changed how I teach.  In addition, it has helped to guide me toward the decision to move into administration.  PLN stands for Personal Learning Network, and they are all about connecting with others online across the building and across the world.  It has become a great resource because there is always someone online that can share information, help with something I'm struggling with, or offer advice on all things education.  I established my PLN through Twitter; it was a requirement for a class I took during my first Master's Degree.  Since then, I have continued to grow my PLN and follow teachers, administrators, professors, and developers of educational tools everywhere.
     PLN's are all about collaborating, sharing ideas, and learning from others.  It takes time to build a PLN, but I have found it to be worth every minute it has taken.  I've tried to get more teachers in my building to sign up for Twitter and start their own network, but haven't been too terribly successful to date.  Their loss.
     There are numerous Twitter chats for educators and administrators to take part in, and many have a specified time and day in which educators collaborate.  Some of the most popular chats include.

#edchat:  One of the most popular chats in the Twitterverse and attracts educators from all over the world to discuss everything educational.     

#satchat:  This one includes inspiration from teachers and administrators every Saturday morning.

#DENchat:  Probably one of my favorites.  Hosted by Discovery Education on Thursday evenings.  

#nt2t:  Just recently found this one. It is a chat dedicated to helping teachers new to the Twitter experience.  

     There is also a variety of Twitter chats devoted to content areas, grade levels, and job roles.  There are so many free resources out there.  I've been able to attend informative webinars, join communities that interest, and gain control of my own professional development.  If you haven't started your own Personal Learning Network, please consider starting yours now.  Perform a simple Google search of Twitter Educational Chats; I bet you can find several of interest to you.