Professional Learning Network? Yes, Please!

When I was hired for my very first teaching job (3rd grade self-contained), I will never forget a question they asked me. The principal said, "How do you feel about collaborating with others within a Professional Learning Community?" I had never heard what a PLC was before, but I said, "I will beg, borrow, and steal from anyone in order to make progress." I am not sure why I remember it, maybe because I was immediately embarrassed for admitting that I love to network. I have been a member of many Professional Learning Communities for quite some time. I am always eager to find out the newest modification or strategy that resonates with me. At first, I soaked up all of the information I could handle. I attended conferences, joined PLNs, and asked many questions in order to become a Google Trainer. Once I became one, it was my turn to give back. I have led many workshops, breakout sessions, professional developments, and conferences relating to the Google Suite. I create digital lessons, STEM activities, and tutorial videos for my district. I do feel like I have contributed to society and shared my work with the public. 

Our superintendent, when he joined our district in 2016, highly encouraged every employee to start a Twitter account in order to share our story and learn from others. So of course, I obeyed, and I have loved building my PLN with this social media platform. I have learned so many new tricks, gadgets, and techniques as well as been affirmed for my efforts in education. 

I am also a science teacher (taught 4th-5th grade science for 10 years) with a passion for STEM and exciting investigations! Through our regional education service center (Region 9) I was afforded the opportunity to join the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) and participate in the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST). I was in awe at the technological advancements (this is where I began my passion for technology and STEM) and was shocked that my school district lacked significantly in many areas. So, my curriculum director let me attend all of the STEM conferences I wanted with the expectation that I would lead professional development sessions for the regional service center. 

I then joined TCEA and started attending those conferences, learning about Google Suite, robotics, audio/video platforms, coding, GoGuardian, virtual reality, etc. I am truly one of "those people" that enjoy professional development. 

I joined edWeb.net this week in order to extend my learning further. I joined many communities such as Digital Learning and Leadership, Game-Based Learning, Tech Tools, and Emerging Technology. I have already read many helpful tips and tricks.

I believe that in order to stay relevant, one must know the ever-changing atmosphere in which they are surrounded. Being a part of a PLN satisfies those requirements by constantly updating the necessary knowledge needed in order to be successful and current in the field. 

I am a member of:

edWeb

Certified Google Trainers

Science Teachers Association of Texas

Twitter

TCEA

Professional Learning Networks follow this very powerful train of thought... which I will deliver to you... yes, in song form!