Networking is the art of building and maintaining relationships with people who can support, inspire, and challenge you. Networking goes beyond making contacts or exchanging information. It involves building meaningful relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and value. Networking allows you to share your ideas and experiences with others who share your interests and passions, as well as to learn from their insights and perspectives. The benefits of networking as an educator are both personal and professional development, and it can help you to access new connections, resources, and opportunities that can enhance your growth and impact.
Benefits of Networking
Networking has provided me with the opportunity to meet new people and learn from their experiences, insights, and perspectives. It’s also enabled me to share my knowledge with others as well. The short- and long-term benefits of networking for educators include:
- Expanding your personal and professional connections: Networking can help you to connect with people who have similar or complementary interests, goals, and values. You can also access a wider range of information, resources, and opportunities through your network.
- Enhancing your skills: Networking can help you to learn new skills or improve your existing ones. You can also gain feedback and feedforward from others who can offer you different perspectives and insights. Furthermore, networking can help you to develop your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Advancing your career: By networking, you may be able to find new opportunities for growth and development in your career. Engaging in networking can also help you to find mentors, sponsors, or partners who can support or guide you in your career path.
Educator Networks I am a Part of
These are some of the learning networks that I am involved in that have helped me network, grow, learn, and share my knowledge with others:
Network of Coworker/Teacher Friends – I maintain contact with great educator friends where we share ideas and collaborate on projects. This is a network of educators who are not only my colleagues but also my friends. Through this network, I have a personal and professional support system that can help me cope with challenges, celebrate successes, or brainstorm solutions. We also share our work, skills, and achievements with each other, as well as provide feedback and feedforward.
Applied Digital Learning (ADL) – Learning Communities – I have been fortunate to work with amazing peers in the ADL Master’s degree program as a part of the learning communities in the different courses (Summer | Fall 1). By collaborating virtually, I have been able to have different eyes on my work, give and receive feedback and feedforward, grow through learning together, see different perspectives, and witness the great contributions/innovations each member is adding to their organization. These learning communities have provided me with a supportive and collaborative environment where I can learn from others’ experiences, insights, and practices.
Teach For America (TFA) – TFA is a nonprofit organization that recruits and trains individuals who commit to teaching in under-resourced public schools for at least two years. Its mission is to expand educational equity and excellence for all children in the United States. I am an alumnus of this organization, and I occasionally attend and facilitate professional learning opportunities for current corps members and alumni. Being a part of this network has afforded me access to resources, opportunities, and mentorship that can help me advance my career and impact. I also have the opportunity to share my own expertise and experience with others who share my vision and values.
Region 4 Education Service Center – Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4) is one of 20 regional education service centers established by the Texas Legislature in 1967 to assist school districts and charter schools in improving efficiencies and student performance. This has been the home region of both districts I have worked in. I’ve had the opportunity to facilitate learning for educators within Region 4. I have also learned about best practices, research-based strategies, and innovative approaches that can enhance my teaching and learning. Lastly, I have networked with educators from different districts and schools who share their best practices and resources for better outcomes for students within the region.
Raise Your Hand Texas – In the Fall of 2019 and early 2020, right before COVID disrupted things, I was a member of a blended learning cohort offered by Raise Your Hand Texas. Raise Your Hand Texas is a network of educators who are passionate about transforming public education in Texas through policy and advocacy. Through this network, I had the opportunity to learn about blended learning and participate in campus visits where I got the chance to meet educators from a number of districts and observe the ways that blended learning was being implemented in different schools. I also received coaching and feedback on my own blended learning plan and practice.
Edutopia YouTube and Website/Blog – Edutopia is a network of educators who are committed to sharing evidence-based practices that empower students to learn deeply and think critically. I am a member/subscriber of the Edutopia platforms which I use to get ideas and inspiration for a variety of topics that interest me or are trending. The Edutopia platforms provide access to videos, articles, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and other resources that showcase innovative and effective teaching and learning strategies.
I believe that networking, growing, and learning are essential for any educator who wants to stay relevant, up-to-date, and impactful in today’s rapidly changing world. By participating in various learning networks, you can enhance your professional development as well as your personal growth.
What are your thoughts on the benefits of networking as an educator? Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below. I would love to hear and learn from you!
