Focus On What You Can Control

Dana GoodierBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Understand your locus of control to make positive changes in education. Build a case for resource and training improvements in your school. Avoid negativity and find supportive colleagues for a successful teaching career. What Is Within Your Locus of Control? Often in schools, if you’re in a teacher position, you’re often in a position of feeling like you don’t … Read More

Sub Better: Network Better

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Network, network, network! Networking is crucial for substitute teachers to secure opportunities and build a positive professional reputation. Building relationships with teachers, leaving contact information, volunteering for repeat assignments, and utilizing social media are effective networking strategies. Teachers and administrators should value and support reliable substitutes, communicate preferences, and provide feedback to ensure a smooth substitute teaching experience. It … Read More

Creating an Effective Professional Networking Plan

Rae HughartBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: When creating a professional networking plan, consider what you want from others and what you can offer to others. Develop a growth plan, strategically set a filtration system for reflection, and manage realistic goals. Time is your most precious form of currency. Each moment you dedicate to a person, concept, or activity strips you of your 86,400-second daily allotment … Read More

Building Professional Connections in Your Network

Kristen KoppersBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Having a professional network and people to connect with is valuable. Even though reaching out can be difficult for some, find ways to connect to people in your school. Make connections with other professionals outside of school, even non-educators. Let’s just be real here for a moment. Having friends definitely makes work —and life, for that matter— better. We … Read More

Growing Your PLN Through Podcasting

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Tech Better

In This Post: The benefits of having a wide Professional Learning Network, or PLN. Ways podcasts can help build your PLN as a listener, guest, or host! In my work with teachers across the country, something that constantly comes up is how to effectively grow your “PLN” or “Professional Learning Network”. More than ever this has become a staple in … Read More