The Power of a Professional Learning Network

This week I attended the TEC21 Facilitator's Academy at Concordia University, Nebraska. The mission of TEC21 is to coach teachers to facilitate technology-enriched classrooms for 21st century learners. This group of connected educators share a passion for connecting teachers in Lutheran schools as we integrate technology in creative ways. We form a Professional Learning Network of support, encouragement, assistance, and accountability.

A professional learning network is "a vibrant, ever-changing group of connections to which teachers go to both share and learn. These groups reflect our values, passions, and areas of expertise" (Education Week Teacher, December 31, 2014). Our TEC21 PLN is truly a vibrant and ever-changing group. We welcomed six new facilitators for the coming year so we are now a Professional Learning Network of fourteen. This year we will serve over 100 teachers, in 21 centers throughout 10 states from California to Michigan. One facilitator will be leaving to teach in Shanghai soon, yet he still joined us via Google Hangout to participate, share resources, and lead sessions. We share our expertise with each other knowing that collaboratively we can accomplish more than is possible individually. We both shared and learned during an Edcamp format allowing each facilitator to select areas of interest to lead or attend.

This PLN meets monthly online via WebEx to connect, share new ideas, plan workshop agendas, and reflect. We experience in our PLN the dynamic we then create in our teacher groups. We build relationships, establish trust, present new ideas, and provide support and encouragment to help each other grow. During the school year we present ideas then coach teachers to apply them to curriculum. Teachers are energized, classrooms are innovative, and students learn in engaged ways!

My PLN expands even further to include Tech EDGE partners, UNL and Concordia colleagues, classroom teachers with whom I work, preservice teachers, and hundreds of professionals from around the world online via Twitter and Google+. Each of these persons shares ideas and insights with me to help me continue to grow professionally and personally, and I in turn share resources with them to help them learn. My PLN: "a vibrant, ever-changing group of connections to which teachers go to both share and learn. These groups reflect our values, passions, and areas of expertise" (Education Week Teacher, December 31, 2014). I would love to add you to my PLN. Join me on Twitter @FriedrichLaurie!