5 Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) for Educators
Professional development and networking are vital in any field, and that’s especially true for educators. Whether it’s coming up with fresh ideas for lesson plans and classroom activities, seeking mentorship and support from veteran educators, or cultivating resources for technology integration or for meeting state standards, teachers need one another’s expertise. That’s why working with other educators in personal learning networks (PLNs) has become as important in an educator’s day as the time he or she spends teaching in class. Below is a short list of PLNs that already exist, followed by some resources to help teachers build their own The Educator’s PLN is a Ning site (or online platform for creating your own social network) that facilitates connections between educators. Resources for Building or Finding Your Own Educators, which learning networks do you belong to? Related
Teachers and Community Members Practice TLC with PLCs | Edutopia
In movies like Dead Poets Society and Dangerous Minds, one heroic teacher single-handedly transforms an entire school system's dysfunctions. It's a nice storyline perpetuated by Hollywood, but far from reality in most schools. "We need to let go of the idea that heroic individuals will change schools," says Richard DuFour, an education consultant who specializes in creating professional learning communities in schools. "Instead of looking for superheroes, we need to work collectively to help everyone be successful." PLCs -- groups of educators and community members who work together toward common goals -- are becoming more commonplace in schools as savvy teachers strive for constant improvement in everything from creating lesson plans to changing school culture. They can focus on any subject of interest: technology, improving reading scores, or project learning, for example.
How to Create a Professional Learning Community
It takes careful planning to form a useful and functional PLC, but once the foundation is built, the benefits will soon be evident. This how-to article accompanies the feature "Teachers and Community Members Practice TLC with PLCs." Here are a few tips to consider when planning a professional learning community: Teach Participants How to Collaborate The success of PLCs hinges on collaboration, but don't assume it'll come naturally. Credit: Edutopia As a PLC facilitator, Nancy Krakowka, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at the district's Cutchogue East Elementary School, knows that collaboration doesn't happen overnight. Krakowka's group worked to find a common goal -- creating student portfolios. Create an Atmosphere of Trust To the educator accustomed to closing the door, sharing information about techniques can be discomforting. It's up to the school leader to establish trust. Aguerrebere suggests asking teachers to pair up and observe each other's classes. Allow Enough Time
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