As individual educators we know
our personal professional development needs. Today we are blessed to have
access and exposure to a multitude of professional growth opportunities. Social
Media has opened doors for us to learn, share, and grow as educators. We now
have immediate access to Best Practices that we can comprehend, dissect,
discern, then apply. We have our Professional Learning Networks to “bounce”
ideas off of, to study alongside, and to cultivate professional friendships.
As a reflective practitioner,
I look back on the traditional ways of learning and I see that it was
beneficial. I am also reflecting on the way I am acquiring new knowledge today,
and I have to admit that I prefer the personalized and immediate format and
style of today’s PD.
Just a few ways to sharpen
the iron…
EdCamp:
The official “Un-Conference, the EdCamp experience will bring hundreds of
educators together for a single day event. Where else can you get breakfast,
lunch and over a hundred breakout PD sessions in a single day? All for free!
Twitter Chats: If you have yet to take advantage of the Twitter
Chat PD, now is the time to jump in. Chats are informal ways where we can learn
and share with like-minded educators. In addition, is it also vital to our
learning to dialogue with those who may not hold the same opinion, belief or
educational practice. Here is an extensive
chat list compliments of: @Cybraryman1
Professional Learning Network (PLN): This network
will help expand the breadth and depth of your personalized learning. Join or
create a PLN today.
Traditional Conferences: Although some may refute the need for local, state,
and national conferences, they (in their own design) can bring a large number of
educators together who possess a single focus. I just
returned from attending the Midwest Education Technology Conference (METC). I
will be able to take back so much information to my school and district.
Shout Outs are in order
for:
·
My Moderating Teams-
#MOedchat (ModSquad) and #PTchatModerating team.
·
My Voxer PLNs- MO
ModSquad, PTcamp, Leading in the Middle, and PTChat Moderators),
·
Chats: #MOedchat
and #PTchat
·
Midwest Education
Technology Conference (METC)
As “Iron sharpens Iron one man sharpens another” so we must continue
to move forward on our journey and continue with the vital responsibility to “sharpen each other”. Make it a great
day or not, the choice is up to you!
