Thanks to 21st century resources, long-gone are the days when teachers had to wait around for admin-organized professional development and growing opportunities. And becoming a real leader in the education world is simpler than you might think. Here are 3 ways you can make a big difference without carving out too much of your limited time!
Moderate a Twitter Chat
We’ve written before about fabulous Twitter chats. What we didn’t know until recently was that #5thchat shares the moderation job! (And we’re pretty sure that if you offered to do the job once for another chat you love, they’d be thrilled)!
If can consider signing up to moderate #5thchat, please do! Thanks! https://t.co/v9E6T2bppR pic.twitter.com/ChMg96IsFy
— Paul Solarz (@PaulSolarz) March 24, 2015
Moderating is as simple as preparing 5-8 conversation-provoking questions, welcoming and calling Twitter users to the chat, posting/responding to questions, and maintaining the chat’s pace. I moderated my first chat this last Tuesday–not only was it a remarkably rewarding hour spent, but I was able to learn from and connect with dozens of new like-minded teachers across the country!
Organize an EdCamp
Labeled an un-conference, Edcamps remind me of Twitter chats–only in person. Passionate educators come together without prepackaged keynotes, distracting vendors, or hefty fees–they decide together on topics and sessions the day-of. It’s authentic idea-sharing among educators at its best! Anyone can request an Edcamp-in-a-box to organize an edcamp in their area, too! Just submit your application during the four open windows each year (March 1-15, June 1-15, September 1-15, December 1-15) to receive a box of nametags, post-it’s, guidelines, and more.
Guest Blog
Have an amazing idea but don’t want the burden of maintaining your own blog right now? A great solution is to submit a blog post for another educational blog, such as Edutopia, EdTechReview, or yours truly! These blogs will usually work with you to help with the editing process to create a high-quality piece that will allow your voice to be heard around the world.
What are some of your favorite #edleadership experiences?
Photo Credit
Featured Image: _Somebody