As summer draws to a close, I can't help but think what a summer this has been. I come from a family of teachers. We have always been a reflective bunch from mother and father, to my beautiful bride, to aunts, uncles and cousins, there are teachers everywhere. Seldom does the conversation stray from education. But after this summer, I feel like my educational family has grown.
For a long time, I swore off Twitter and most social media sites for that matter. I'm not entirely sure why especially since I've always been a strong believer and user of instructional technology. But I did. When I finally took the plunge, I learned more in the first three months than in ten years of professional development. Teachers and administrators from Australia to Canada from East Coast to West Coast of the United States have become collaborators, mentors, and colleagues. People who I have never met in person have been willing to share ideas, lessons and opinions freely. Chats, blogs, resources, articles and laughs scroll down my screen daily.
On this back to school eve, I am grateful for meeting all of these new colleagues and expanding my PLN. My excitement grows as I think about the new things to try and share. When the school year begins, I know I will be a better teacher because of my interactions with the people I have met through Twitter this summer.
Based on my summer experiences, three questions have arisen that I wish to attack this school year:
1) How can I share all these new ideas with colleagues within my school district while also opening their minds to the global possibilities of a PLN?
2) How can I continue to challenge my students through real-life learning experiences in an engaging classroom environment?
3) How can I meaningfully reflect on my practices while sharing trials and tribulations with others?
The train is set in motion, and I look forward to learning, sharing and reflecting throughout the school year. I have been lifted off the island and now realize that there is a global community of teachers looking to do the best they can for their students each and every day.
Good luck and have a great school year.
Excellent post! I have had the same experience this summer and it has definitely improved my teaching and motivated me even more for the upcoming school year. You are obviously a passionate teacher and your students and school are very lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of the insights you share. I look forward to communicating and collaborating in the future! Have a great school year.
Oliver Schinkten
@schink10
Joel,
ReplyDeleteI had the same feelings and experience... but two summers ago. SO GLAD I DID. But here's what I've learned in the past year... You cannot force Twitter on to teachers. I believe it's like Vygotsky's ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development)... They'll join when they're ready (just like we did). So... here's my advice for all your exuberance... One step at a time. One idea at a time. They'll join - one person at a time. Share WHY you're doing what you do, instead of HOW. With that being said, I believe you'll have one of the best school years YET! And then... next year? WOAH!!! Enjoy!!