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| Image from http://events.core-ed.org/connected-educator |
What is Connected Educator Month?
We teachers are a busy lot. We spend hours every week finding resources that are perfect for our learners, reflecting on our practice and wondering whether we are meeting the needs of our learners. What if each of us had a group of people at our fingertips who shared resources, gave us feedback, affirmed the awesome things we are doing and gave us constructive support to help out with the things that could be even better?
Cue the PLN- many educators are discovering that we can’t do this job alone and have formed their own PLN or Personal Learning Network; a group of people who challenge and support each other with the ultimate goal being to grow as an educator.
In 2011, Christchurch’s annus horribilis, I joined Twitter and it is without a doubt the thing that has had the greatest impact on my growth as a teacher. I formed a PLN of educators I wanted to learn from by following them and the inspiration immediately started pouring in. Every time, I went on Twitter, even if it was only for one minute while waiting for the potatoes to boil, I came away with a fantastic teaching idea. Although being connected is not just about Twitter, I have to say that joining Twitter is the best Professional Learning I have been involved in. I love being a connected educator.
So what does all this have to do with Connected Educator Month? And what IS Connected Educator Month? It is 31 days of rich professional learning activities which will connect you with thousands of other educators across New Zealand, Australia and the U.S.A. There is a packed calendar of all sorts of events, both online and face to face. You can read more about this here.
The Christchurch Educators Network committee have some exciting things planned for Connected Educator Month right here in Christchurch. We want to celebrate the wonderful things that are happening in our schools, despite the trying circumstances that many Canterbury schools find themselves in. There is lots of amazing learning going on so let’s learn from and support each other.
If you are on Twitter, follow the #chched hashtag for details of upcoming activities. Also, keep an eye on your inbox because there will be an email soon about some events we have planned. If you would like to be on our mailing list please sign up here.
We hope to connect with you soon.
