Growing your #PLN

The world is changing around us.  From the Covid-19 pandemic, economic turmoil, record jobless rates, worldwide unrest surrounding the brutal killing of George Floyd, and Cristobal looming off the Gulf Coast, the only thing that is constant is that we are in a constant state of change culturally, economically, politically and socially.  Our education systems are in a state of flux wondering how to navigate the next several months in wake of these crises.  

What does this mean for teachers?

The days of waiting for government agencies, institutions or even our employers to direct our next steps are over.  As educators, we are entering into uncharted waters.  More than ever before, we are being asked to address the growing divide between the haves and have-nots and all these needs are to be met with zero budget and few role models in positions of power to lead the way. It seems as though we have an impossible task before us, but I am here to suggest that we may be in the best place to actually make a difference.  We have the technology and the tools to have a voice and a hand in shaping what will come.  I hope you'll accept this challenge to dive in and begin the work with me and many others who are using 21st Century tools to transform systems of education.

Find Your Tribe

Social media is filled with educators who are passionate about what they are doing.  To be sure, not all of those voices are finding solutions, but are contributing to the chaos by dividing, disrupting and destroying the work of others.  But, many, many more are working to provide real support for teachers and their students.  Your next step is to discover educators that will support your quest to provide a better education for students in your school,  community, state and country.  Your Personal Learning Network (or PLN) is a group of people you follow who inspire you, teach you and support you to do more and do better for your students.  Your PLN can introduce you to mentors, show you the latest in educational technology, give you practical steps to improve your teaching and address the many challenges you face every day.  The most important role of the PLN is to provide you the support and encouragement you need when you are feeling isolated or overwhelmed.  We are here for each other.  

If you are not already following me on twitter, I invite you to follow me and my #PLN 

• @techknowmath

• #PLN List

Let me know if you need help finding your tribe, I would love to help.

Susan Carriker