In the ever-changing field of education, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, research, and teaching methodologies is key. Fortunately, we live in an age where sharing knowledge and keeping up to date has never been easier. Learning networks are essential tools that can help educators like you advance their knowledge and skills, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
Below is a list of a few different learning networks that I am a part of currently.
Facebook Groups:
Facebook groups have become a go-to platform for educators seeking to connect and share ideas. I am currently in several different Facebook groups that are tailored specifically for the field that I am working/interested in. (kindergarten, ed. tech, phonics groups, etc.) Being a part of these groups has been beneficial because everyone is constantly sharing their ideas, as well as, what works for them and what doesn't.
Collaboration Groups:
Collaboration groups provide opportunities for teachers to come together and collaborate on various projects and initiatives. Some collaborative groups I am a part of:
Lamar Collaboration Group (Amanda Mask, Ashley Lee, Lindsey Krueger). This collaboration group has been such a huge help going through the accelerated ADL program. These ladies and I are constantly sharing thoughts, sharing the load of readings, and offering feedback and feedback often. I highly value these ladies input and opinions and take it in to account as I revise and edit my assignments.
Personalized Learning Committee (district level): This is a committee that I was asked to join by my principal. At the district level, I along with several others from my campus meet with other elementary personalized learning teams with Education Elements. This group of educators meets regularly throughout the year to discuss the "Core Four": reflection & goal setting, targeted instruction, collaboration & creativity, and flexible path & pace. This collaborative committee has been super helpful in attaining more knowledge in personalized learning and has really connected to my innovation plan.
Math kindergarten teacher leader team (district level): This committee is another one at the district level. I was chosen by my math coach and further selected by the Math Curriculum Coordinator to join this team. This team meets several times throughout the year to discuss curriculum changes, assessment tools and updates. This team has been beneficial to me to be able to share and learn from other kindergarten teachers in the district. Each meeting has provided me with feedback and feedforward that I can take back to my campus and share with my team.
GFE kindergarten team (campus level): This is the team that I do my daily life with. We are constantly meeting, discussing and problem solving as a unit. We share all ideas, encourage one another daily (sometimes hourly), and just have fun together. These ladies have become more than just coworkers; they have become friends. I really could not do my job without them.
ATPE is a network that advocates for the Texas public education teachers. If ever needed, I am a member of ATPE that provides access to a team of attorneys that can be at my assistance if any employment-related legal concerns if they arise. ATPE also offers a wide range of resources and discounts to their members.
This year I was just asked to be a Class Dojo mentor. I use class dojo in my classroom for a variety of different things including: behavior management tool, communication to whole class or individual parents, classroom economy, grouping students, classroom timer and to share pictures throughout the week on our class timeline. This year I also plan to get students involved in sharing their classwork with their parents through the portfolio option.
I recently just joined this organization, specifically because of their "Raising Blended Learners" initiative. I am highly interested in this since this is the basis for my innovation plan. I hope to gain insight in how to implement my blended learning initiative more effectively and efficiently by being a part of this organization.
In the field of education, learning networks are indispensable tools that can elevate your teaching career. Whether you're a member of Facebook groups, local collaboration groups, or professional organizations like ATPE, these networks provide a supportive system where you can learn, collaborate, and grow as an educator. As I continue to grow and learn I plan to join and contribute to more learning networks. By embracing the power of learning networks I will advance my knowledge and therefore increase the change for success in my students.
Comments