Love it or hate it, social media can be an incredible resource and provide you with a PLC (professional learning community) to support your teaching practice. What I love about it is the opportunity I have to LISTEN to what others are saying and ideas they are sharing. This is so important for me to get out of my comfort zone and find a community of people I’m not surrounded by normally that can give me feedback and ideas. I find objective points of view that support good teaching practices in my IG-PLC.
In addition, using social media to connect with your students can be very beneficial. One teacher in my district has a Facebook group for her 1st grade class and she shares wonderful stories from that virtual space. For me, I just use Instagram but it is a tool for me. I have a separate teacher page from my personal page. It’s important to keep personal space personal and professional, professional.
Use the teacher page to connect with your students and other teachers. When sharing pictures of your class, use emojis over their face or have permission from parents. Make sure the school knows about that page and include it in all of your communications- newsletter, website, etc. The connections you make with students are fun a lifelong in this virtual space because all students have a voice. Use the time now to get set up.
What I love the most about my teacher IG is the professional networking opportunities! Find teachers that inspire you and provide that “cheer squad” as a teacher. Whenever I get frustrated and down in the profession, my IG circle ALWAYS pulls me up and reminds me why I do what I do. I love the resources and ideas I get from other teachers too. That is the best part and has changed my teaching practice so much.
So why am I mentioning this now? SUMMER IS THE BEST TIME! As you are planning, make those connections now with other teachers. Join free professional developments, see how other teachers are planning for the new year and ask questions. My most fun lessons come from inspiration from my teaching circle. I have a small group of teachers I check in with every day and they never disappoint me with so many mind blowing ideas and resources. Most of all they share their love of teaching. Below are a few of my most favs in different levels I have taught that have great followings, incredible resources and they empower me to be a better teacher:
Elementary Level: @justaprimarygirl @hellofifth @fantasticallyfourth
Middle/High Level:@buildingbooklove @toocoolformiddleschool @peacefieldhistory @thehouseofmangle
Teaching General: @teachergoals @tchr2tchr @cultureresponsiveteaching
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