This morning I was putting together an Animoto slideshow of our week in the classroom. While I was watching the completed slideshow, I realized just how much my teaching has changed in just over a year. From what the students do to how they learn to how I teach, I feel like I’m just a shadow of my former self, and that’s not a bad thing.
I was about to tweet out the link to this slideshow, and that’s when I realized that I am nine followers short of 1200 people. These 1200 people are a combination of educators, parents, and administrators, all of whom read my tweets, answer my questions, and share their incredible ideas too. Wow! My PLN (Personal Learning Network) is amazing.
This is when I started to think to myself: imagine if all educators had 1200 people to connect with and learn from? How much better would we all be? Please consider this my very big thank you to my PLN: thank you for all that you have taught me and continue to teach me. I am a better teacher because of you!
Aviva
Those are pretty amazing numbers, Aviva. Congratulations. The numbers are impressive but the people that you’ve made connections with are so diverse in discussion that you can’t possibly help to grow professionally. Congratulations on your first 1200 and best of luck for the next 1200!
Thanks Doug! I completely agree with you. While I’m amazed by the numbers, it’s all of the amazing people that I’ve connected with that I’m amazed by most of all. I’m so glad that you’re one of these people, Doug! Thank you for teaching me so much! I look forward to learning with you and the rest of my PLN in the coming year!
Aviva
It is truly amazing isn’t it- When I reflect on where I have been and how far I have come (especially prior to having a global PLN), it is truly staggering. I use to hesitate in mentioning my twitter pln to my colleagues because it resulted in either the ‘you are crazy’ look or the ‘I don’t believe you look’. Now I share it proudly and tell them if you aren’t connected to something bigger than your building, you’re not learning at your full potential.
Here’s to a great PLN!!!
Dodie
Thanks for your comment! I completely agree with you too. Here’s to a great PLN! I’m so glad that you’re a part of mine!
Aviva
That is a very impressive number, Aviva – 1200. Just think where you’ll be by the end of next year!
Thanks Cyndie! I’m so glad that you’re a part of my PLN! The number amazes me, but it’s not just the number, but the people behind that number that amazes me more. These are all incredible educators, administrators, and parents, and I feel fortunate to learn from all of them.
Aviva
Aviva, you really are an all around amazing educator. You constantly impress me with all that you do with, and for, your students. I’m honored to be a part of your PLN!
Kathryn
Thanks Kathryn! That’s so nice of you to say. I learn so much from you too, and I’m so glad to have you as part of my PLN. I’m glad that we can learn together!
Aviva
I am glad to be part of that number because I have learned a lot from you Aviva! Thanks for being part of my growth as a teacher!
Thanks for the comment, Shelly! I admire you so much, and have learned so much from you too. Thank you for always being so willing to share. I’m so glad to have you as part of my PLN!
Aviva
Wow! You have developed such a huge PLN in such a short time! You are such a committed teacher and learner. Inspiring!
Thanks! I absolutely love having you as part of that PLN. Thank you for sharing as much as you do!
Aviva
Hi! Funny you should mention this…I was just reflecting on the fact that I follow 250 educators (approx) and how amazing this was! It IS amazing, how I am able to connect, discuss, brainstorm, find resources, share ideas with more people than I see face to face in my work environment…and it has completely revitalized my teaching practice, giving it focus, direction, excitement, joy…and this is all thanks to my Twitter PLN.
Great post!
Julie Johnson
betterthanworksheets.com
Thanks Julie! This does make a really big difference. It’s amazing how much we can learn from each other. I’m so glad to have you as part of my PLN!
Aviva
Aviva, I am *SO* glad I met you last December. I have been inspired by how you approach teaching your learners and your own genuine open nature to learning. Thank you so much for everything you’ve taught me. I look forward to much more!
– Ian
Thanks Ian! I’m so glad I met you too. I learn so much from you and feel very fortunate to have you as a part of my PLN.
Thanks for your comment!
Aviva