Focused PLN

What is a Professional Learning Network (PLN)?

According to Kathy Schrock, a PLN is “a network of others whom you turn to for advice, to learn from, and to collaborate with and offer your own ideas and thoughts" (Schrock)

How will developing PLN benefit me?

It gives me the opportunity to engage and connect with other individuals who are passionate about the same topics. It also allows me to grow as a professional in multiple areas that I am interested in: Teaching English, Social Studies, Librarianship, and Technology). Lastly, it also gives me ownership in creating my own learning environment with individuals I feel will contribute to my growth as a professional.

How will I start my PLN?

Using Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach’s three easy tips, I will create my own PLN

Step 1: Create “one consistent username across all networks to build and manage your online reputation and identity” (Naussbaum-Beach).

This will be a challenging task for me as I am not yet in a permanent role and I am not sure what fall will bring. However, I know that I don’t necessarily like the idea of having my name attributed to my online identity. I like the idea that some professionals have used for example “The Daring Librarian”. I think that name is catchy, easy to remember and there is still some level anonymity to it which I appreciate.

Step 2: “Find a mentor” (Naussbaum-Beach).

While I was TTOCing as a Teacher-Librarian a few weeks ago, I reached out to another TL in my district to learn how to use the Library Manager. I have since been in contact with this TL about reopening library spaces with co-vid 19 protocols. I would say this TL is my current mentor. In addition, when I accept my teacher librarian position last week, I sent out an introductory email to all the secondary TLs in my district.

Step 3: Evaluate who you follow by who they follow

While I haven’t developed a PLN for my career, I certainly have one for my hobbies so I can understand the evaluation process when selecting which accounts to follow. For instance, I love bullet journaling and lettering. When I find an Instagram account I really like, I often see what other accounts the individual is following in order to find more accounts to follow. A more applicable example, perhaps would be evaluating and following reputable BIPOC Instagram accounts for book lists, quotes, history, etc… that are more relevant for me.

Works Cited

Kathy, Schrock. “Creating Your Personal Learning Network (PLN).” Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything, 2020, www.schrockguide.net/creating-your-pln.html.

Nussbaum-Beach, Sheryl. “Just the Facts: PLNS.” Phi Delta Kappan, vol. 94, no. 7, 2013, pp. 16–17., doi:10.1177/003172171309400705.