How to get one of those PLN things everyone is talking about!

Fifteen years ago, I embarked on my educational YouTube journey (back when there were only eight teachers on the platform). These were the earlyyyyyy days of YouTube. It wasn't monetized, too early to be blocked, and most teachers mistook it for an American version of the British band that is with or without us.

But I noticed all the "cool educators" weren’t on the ole YouTube. They were busy networking on Twitter, so ya boi thought it would be more rad than a 1986 bicycle movie starring Lori Loughlin to connect, collaborate, and share projects with them.

I wanted a seat at the cool kids table.

However, my tweets didn't ever catch traction, and I never felt like I could set my tray down at their table.

If they don't give you a seat at the table, build your own table.

So I just started posting videos, creating resources, and doing presentations at every conference that would accidentally let me.

I began sharing my work, and something pretty great happened – like-minded individuals who were also creating and sharing all on their own reached started reaching out to ME.

Together, we built our own table – a vibrant and supportive Professional Learning Network (PLN). Aka Friends Who Also Care About Education and Help YOU Get Better at Education

So what IS a PLN?

A PLN is a community of educators who share your passions and help contribute to your professional growth. Like Bubba and Forrest, you can lean on each other so you don’t get your heads in the mud.

PLNs can encompass teachers, administrators, professors, researchers, social media friends, and even students. It's a network that transcends physical boundaries, fostering collabs and personal development.

To expand your PLN and get on that valuable connection game, consider these avenues:

1. Online Discussion Groups: Join vibrant online communities where educators gather to exchange ideas, seek feedback, and support one another.

2. Attend Conferences: Participate in conferences such as ISTE (I’ll be there if you wanna say what uppppp) to connect with like-minded professionals face-to-face. These events provide excellent opportunities for networking and learning from experts in the field. These connections are underrated imo, so don’t be afraid to connect at them!

3. Embrace Social Media: Explore platforms like TikTok (#tiktokteachers) and Instagram (#teachersofinstagram), where educators share insights, personal struggles, comments, innovative practices, and classroom experiences. Engaging with educational blogs, podcasts, and book clubs can also fill that PLN void in your heart!

4. Collaborate Locally: Don't forget about the incredible resources right down the hallway. Engage with colleagues in your school or district, as well as nearby educational institutions and ESCs. Building relationships with those down the hall from you can lead to meaningful collaborations and support (plus in-person coffee just tastes better than virtual coffee).

Your PLN is more than just a source of information and resources – it's a community of educators who can provide support and help you grow both personally and professionally.

Find your people, and let your vibe attract your tribe (it rhymes, so it has to be true).

Remember, even if you haven't connected with anyone yet, keep building that table of collaboration and growth.

Never stop learning,

Dr. Tarver

P.S. If you have any hours left to fill this summer, you might just find your PLN with some of the Virtual Summer Trainings I’m hosting! Legit, there are some great people that hang in them that I’ve gotten the chance to collab with years later in-person! REMINDER: Get your admin to pay for it, save your money for the beachhhhh.

P.S.S. Doing our first 2 sessions THIS WEEK! ChatGPT in Education and Google Add-ons Roundup! Even if you can’t come, the videos will be available afterward to watch as well!

HAPPY LEARNING THIS SUMMER PEEPS!!