Professional Learning Network (PLN)

Cult of Pedagogy - Jennifer Gonzales Editor in Chief: A site full of educational wisdom. There are various resources to support the craft of teaching, theory and practice, as well as general support to nourish the educator’s soul.

 

Edutopia.org: All around excellent resource for educators! This site highlights articles around the topics of Assessment, Integrated Studies, Project Based Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Professional Learning, and Technology Integration. However, it doesn’t stop there, they have helpful articles on many other topics pertaining to the world of education.

 

EducationWeek: A plethora of articles, research, opinions, and analysis centered around K-12 education. I appreciate the breadth of the coverage with topics such as Leadership, Policy & Politics, Teaching & Learning, and Technology. One section I’d like to highlight is the Student Well being, which is “Education news, analysis, and opinion about issues affecting the health, wellness, mental health, and nutrition of students.” I feel this resource will continue to be especially helpful as we begin the 2021-22 school year. 

The Balance - Podcast by Dr. Catlin Tucker: Within this podcast, Catlin shares tips to help create a more balanced life as an educator. She interviews other thought leaders to bring some critical advice to educators in order to best meet the needs of our students, while also keeping our own lives in a positive, sustainable position.

Culturally Responsive Teaching - Zaretta Hammond: Zaretta Hammond is a thought leader in the realm of culturally responsive teaching. This is a link to her blog, but I also seek out Ted Talks and podcasts that she participates in. 

 

Learning for Justice: This has been an invaluable resource for me as I strive to create an inclusive classroom for all students. This organization provides many free resources to supplement classroom curriculum and to aid in creating a safe learning environment where all students feel respected and validated. There are lesson plans, videos, articles, podcasts, and more, for all to access via this site.

The Equity Line - A Blog by the Education Trust: The Education Trust strives to better support students of color and low income students by helping to close the opportunity gaps. They state they are “fierce advocates for the high academic achievement of all students– particularly those of color or living in poverty. Their blog is a compilation of stories, commentary and analysis of events happening around the country in an effort to improve education.

Dr. Catlin Tucker - Blog: Catlin Tucker is a thought leader in the blended learning world. Her blog provides many insights and suggestions to create a successful blended learning environment. In addition to regularly reading her blog, I reference her published blended learning books as well to enhance my instructional practice. 

 

Google for Education: Our school district uses the Google Suite, so this is an excellent resource for enhancing my classroom instruction with technology tools available from Google. In addition to describing and sharing the tools, the site shares stories from other educators that have utilized the technology described. 

ISTE: A resource used world wide to guide technology use in education. This site is a helpful reference for technology standards and implementation suggestions. Within their blog they also include stories from educators around the world highlighting successful ways technology is utilized in education.

Brene Brown - Dare to Lead podcast: As Brene puts it, she is having “conversations with change-catalysts, culture-shifters and more than a few troublemakers who are innovating, creating, and daring to lead.” I find this podcast motivating and informative as I slowly begin to take on more leadership roles in my school and community.

 

Dan Rockwell - Leadership Freak Blog: This blog includes short articles about the many facets of leadership. I just recently started reading and following the site, but I appreciate the quick tips and suggestions provided as I consider more leadership roles. 

​