We all need somebody to lean on.
Who is someone you can lean on? In the professional world, we call these people- PLN's or Professional Learning Networks. They are your go-to people. They may dress similar, act like you, or have the same beliefs. The video below includes researcher, writer, and teacher Tanya Menon. She explains how Professional Learning Networks are built and how people "bump" into each other and connect daily. She also mentions how it can be a constraint to only cling to people who are much like you. It is so important to have a Professional Learning Network that includes a variety of people, attitudes, and personalities.
I created a PLN map that shows the many useful people and resources in my professional life. While making this map, I didn't realize how many people I can lean on within my building. I also chose to add a digital PLN. I have a professional Instagram that I use to collaborate online (@teachingwithmisscarlson). I can connect with teachers who live all over. I can share my ideas with other teachers and bring their ideas to my classroom. This network can seem stagnant. As of now, I do not have connections from this on my PLN map. I believe this is the case because it is not as convenient as walking down the hallway to my co-teacher's classrooms. It can also be easy to hide behind a computer screen and only interact when you want to online. Although, because it is self-initiated I still do benefit from this network.
The article Teaching, Pedagogy and Education states, "The ability to connect and communicate with other teachers online supports professional collaboration" (Tour, p. 186). So why limit yourself to only face to face connections when you can expand and collaborate with a new tribe nationwide or even world wide?
References:
Tour, E. (2017) Teachers’ self-initiated professional learning through personal learning networks. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 26(2), 179-192, DOI: 10.1080/1475939X.2016.1196236.
TedX Talks, 2017, video retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlC9gC-7vRE