PLN in CLETS
Each year, as educators think we have mastered the way to run our class but... then we get new materials, students and curriculum. Instead of doing this all on your own with trial and error, try reaching out to other teachers! We all can use ideas when it comes to organization, classroom set up or behavior.
Professional Learning Networks are even right here at Church Lane Elementary Technology school.
The second grade team decided to meet over the summer to divide lessons and split the curriculum. They quickly learned that they all four had different teaching styles. Mrs. Skazis, a twelve year second grade teacher, was the curriculum guru. She knew the content inside and out. Ms. Rueter, a previous fourth grade teacher, knew the direction that the students were expected to go in. Ms. Pycha, the crafty hands on teacher, turned boring assignments into engaging games and activities. The newest member to the team, Ms. Frank, was fresh out of college and was familiar with small group instruction and common core from her undergrad. They also realized that they were each familiar with different online tools which meant they could teach each other the ins and outs of these tools. The group than decided to meet weekly to discuss the curriculum and activities that would be the most engaging, rigorous, and worthwhile. In addition to meeting weekly, the group communicates online throughout the week through a discussion website called Linoit. There the group posts new ideas, comments and questions for the team. As the saying goes “ two minds are better than one”.
Sometimes the best PLN groups are not in the same grade level. Church Lane has a weekly Professional Learning Group that meets in our S.T.A.T. teacher’s room every Tuesday morning and sometimes in the afternoon as well. The group started when the S.T.A.T. teacher, Jessica Whorton, decided she wanted to share her new finding with the teachers in the building. She calls the group Tech Tip Tuesday. Tech Tip Tuesday started out with Ms. Whorton sharing new tools that she learned from her professional developments. The group as evolved into a think tank. Each week spotlights a tech tool and a teacher guru presents the “how tos”. This group has a folder on the share drive to post their ideas and connect via email when they have questions outside of the weekly meet.
Professional Learning Networks are even right here at Church Lane Elementary Technology school.
The second grade team decided to meet over the summer to divide lessons and split the curriculum. They quickly learned that they all four had different teaching styles. Mrs. Skazis, a twelve year second grade teacher, was the curriculum guru. She knew the content inside and out. Ms. Rueter, a previous fourth grade teacher, knew the direction that the students were expected to go in. Ms. Pycha, the crafty hands on teacher, turned boring assignments into engaging games and activities. The newest member to the team, Ms. Frank, was fresh out of college and was familiar with small group instruction and common core from her undergrad. They also realized that they were each familiar with different online tools which meant they could teach each other the ins and outs of these tools. The group than decided to meet weekly to discuss the curriculum and activities that would be the most engaging, rigorous, and worthwhile. In addition to meeting weekly, the group communicates online throughout the week through a discussion website called Linoit. There the group posts new ideas, comments and questions for the team. As the saying goes “ two minds are better than one”.
Sometimes the best PLN groups are not in the same grade level. Church Lane has a weekly Professional Learning Group that meets in our S.T.A.T. teacher’s room every Tuesday morning and sometimes in the afternoon as well. The group started when the S.T.A.T. teacher, Jessica Whorton, decided she wanted to share her new finding with the teachers in the building. She calls the group Tech Tip Tuesday. Tech Tip Tuesday started out with Ms. Whorton sharing new tools that she learned from her professional developments. The group as evolved into a think tank. Each week spotlights a tech tool and a teacher guru presents the “how tos”. This group has a folder on the share drive to post their ideas and connect via email when they have questions outside of the weekly meet.
How can I find one in my school?
1.) Decide what you want to gain from your PLN. Ask teachers around the building that you think will be able to help you meet your goal. (if you want to learn new tech tools find a teacher you know uses technology often)
2. If that doesn't work, fill in the PLN comment box below, I will help you match with a teacher that has similar goals.
2. If that doesn't work, fill in the PLN comment box below, I will help you match with a teacher that has similar goals.