Professional Networks

Resources for New Learning

A professional learning network is not built overnight. Build your network around strategies and practices that are personalized, self-selected, and empowering. As a coach, lean on your network for new learning, fresh ideas, and engaging experts to support various stakeholder needs. Think about contributing not just consuming.

Driving Question: How might we contribute to a greater community of learning?

Please read these publications to learn about building your professional network.

How to Build Your NetworkStrong personal networks don’t just happen at the watercooler. They have to be carefully constructed. Here’s how to strengthen your connections.

3 Steps for Building a Professional Learning Network (Opinion)English teacher and instructional technology coach Brianna Crowley offers practical advice on creating professional learning networks built on intersecting layers of relationships.

5 Steps to Building Your Personal Brand From ScratchWhenever you engage, shine a light on your values.

8 Tips to Help Grow Your Professional NetworkEstablishing a strong professional network can benefit your business several ways, from receiving feedback by bouncing ideas off successful entrepreneurs and business owners to opening doors that were once closed -- building your professional network should be something you are always working on.

EDUBLOGS: WHAT IS A PLN? COURSE

If you see a "Jumpstart Your Job Search" pop-up window, click outside the pop-up to make it go away.

Guiding Reflective Questions

Drawing with two hands. One is holding a lit light bulb. The other is holding a question mark.

Could I teach a course on the process of building a PLN to someone else easily? Why or why not?
When you have free time, what do you find yourself doing? How might this become part of your professional network? Consider who might benefit from you sharing this experience.
How might we encourage others to change their actions and thoughts through a PLN? What might you have to share? What might not be comfortable for you to share, yet?
Does a PLN mainly support your current state or future state? How might the connections of today influence the actions of the future?

Putting It Into Practice

Make a list of 5 things you are passionate about. Reach out to the person you would consider the “leading expert” on each of those things. What might you ask them?
In the article 5 Steps to Building Your Personal Brand From Scratch article by Clement Lim, he suggests honing your uniqueness. What is the thing that you are best at? Share your expertise with your network.
Go to a new space to learn and connect. What does this look like at school, in Philadelphia, or in another country? Consider what it will take to stay connected.
Recruit someone to complete the EDU Blogs What is a PLN? course with you and build together.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse