Twitter Chat FIRSTIE!

Do you tweet? If not, you should!

When Twitter first came out, it was the latest rage. However, I didn’t really understand the point considering it sounded similar to Facebook, which was very established at the time. Therefore, I never created a personal Twitter account.

But then my district continued to post about Twitter Chats in our weekly newsletter. I was curious about what a Twitter chat was so I clicked on the description and found out that it was a forum for educators in our own district to come together via the internet and discuss their thoughts and opinions on educational topics or current trends each week (otherwise known as a virtual Professional Learning Community or PLN). It sounded interesting, but I was not exactly sure how to tweet. How can I participate if I have no idea about Twitter? (Sort of kicking myself for never getting into the hype when it first came out!)

Thank goodness for some help from our district Teaching and Learning blog which posted some helpful info. Check it out here!

Once I set up my account, I made sure to log on during the chat hour on Wednesday evenings from 8-9 pm. I was told to type in #cmsk12chat in the search engine to watch the chat occur and participate when I felt ready. So I did just that. I watched as the chat began and got off to a rapid start. I was having a hard time keeping up just reading! But, I was eager to jump in and began to answer some of the questions asked.

I tuned back in each week afterwards to share my opinion and comment on other educator’s thoughts. I have virtually “met” some really inspiring educators who are passionate about our profession and engaged in making the best decisions for our nation’s students. I always leave the chat smiling and in a great mood. If only I could surround myself by such happy, talented, and caring educators each and every day! (By the way, our #cmsk12chat is named one of the top state Twitter chats!)

I have learned so much through these weekly chats that I encouraged my principal to require staff members to participate in two chats over the summer. Click here to see the proposed assignment and directions that you can tweak for your own school site!

I highly encourage you to GET ON TWITTER! Even if you just want to watch a chat happen, it is still worth it. There are tons of chats out there that you can follow or stop in to share your two cents. Start browsing some in the search bar that might interest you (elementary chat, edu chat, new teacher chat, etc). You’ll find educators all across the United States that think just like you do and love teaching just like you do. It’s invigorating and the best professional development I have had in all of my 8 years of teaching!

Check out our archives to get a feel for what a Twitter chat might look like here. Topics have varied from surviving your first year to challenging advanced learners; many topics to meet the needs and interests of educators of all experience levels!

It might be out of your comfort zone or it might seem like a fad. But I promise you, if you take a risk, try something new and give it all you’ve got…you’re bound to get something good out of it! Stretch yourself- don’t you ask your kiddos to do the same thing each day? Live out your own message to your students! YOU CAN DO IT!

[Learn how to connect with knowledgeable individuals in your niche with my FREE Webinar. Click here.]

Log on, participate in a chat of our choice and share your thoughts below! 

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

• Links:
• Twitter
• Website
• Google +
• Facebook