Professional Learning Network

7/23/2023

A professional learning network (PLN) is an essential tool for any educator. A PLN consists of the people, spaces, and tools that support career-based learning. Utilizing everything possible is a great way for educators at all levels to better their professional understanding. In a TedTalk by Tanya Menon, she discusses how the biggest opportunities in life usually come from unexpected places. She encourages her audience to expand their social network in small ways. Her argument is that by pushing yourself outside of your “normal”, you may find valuable new resources (2017). 

As a new educator, I am constantly adding to my PLN. Each new experience brings me a new resource. I like to think of my PLN as a tree. The people and spaces I use to connect with others are like the branches. Each new branch grows the tree, and new leaves are able to spread from them. I believe my PLN is very strong with people currently. I have a lot of educators in my family whom I rely on heavily. Additionally, I have built my own network of friends and colleagues in education. Connection is something I value very highly in this life so sharing experiences with good people is important to me. Despite all of the people I can rely on to grow my knowledge, I would like to find more professional people to include in my PNL. I have many friends and family members, but not enough close professionally knowledgeable people. I hope that in my first year of teaching I will be introduced to many education professionals to add to my PLN. Below you will find a current branch and leaf model of my PLN. I encourage you to think about your own current PLN as well as how you can improve it.

References: 

• Menon, T. (2017, March). The secret to great opportunities? The person you haven't met yet. [Video]. TED.

• Canva

Author: Katie Michael MAED Student