Professional Learning Networks are an excellent opportunity to connect with educators outside your school. The purpose of a PLN is connecting with other educators learning, sharing ideas, collaborate, share resources, and engage in meaningful discussions and to network educators across the world (Poth, 2023).  Today, with technology it is easier joining and participating with other educators, organizations on social media, webinars, blogs, or even creating your own PLN.  Plus, by participating in networks you are practicing to important ISTE Educator standards 1 Learner and 4 Collaborator (Harrington, 2020).  Three strategies I will use in that positively influence my career are continuing using social media educator sites, join professional organizations and continue participating in professional development classes receiving micro credentials and certificates. 

            Joining  national organizations participating in webinars, Professional Development courses provide opportunities to network with other colleagues.  Examples of national organizations are  ASCD/ISTE and National Council for the Social Studies.  Join your local union or association is another opportunity engaging with educators. 

            Reading blogs, journals, podcast and social media p on education keeps provide opportunities in growth  about current trends in education.  For lesson planning topics, webinars and current events Share my lesson is a website for educators in the NEA or AFT.  This helps me keep connected in a less formal format.

In continuing my lifelong learning path participating in PLN’s provide knowledge in the changing landscape of education.

References

Harrington, K. (2020, July 30). The best educator PD comes from your professional learning network. www.iste.org. https://iste.org/blog/the-best-educator-pd-comes-from-your-professional-learning-network

Poth, R., Dene'. (2023, June 28). Building your professional learning network. www.edutopia.edu. https://www.edutopia.org/article/professional-learning-networks-teachers