Kentucky Connected Educator Day 18

 Michelle Hendricks

Hope Street Group Fellow

Bullitt County Schools

In what ways are you connected?

 Connected: Via social media with teacher networks created from past professional developments/trainings with teachers around the country; then the obvious.  Facebook, believe it or not, gives me much of my information.  National organizations (NSTA, ASCD, NCTM, KEA, etc.)...reading, reading, reading--there is SOOO much information out there; just not enough time to utilize all of the resources.

How does being connected impact your practice?

Wow.  The teacher networks I'm involved in around the country are fabulous places for idea exchange...mostly because the people involved in those types of communities are go-getters, who are constantly looking to improve their practice and try new things.  The most vibrant and active community that I'm part of stemmed from attendance at the Phil Mickelson-Exxon Mobil Teacher's Academy, which teachers had to apply for and be accepted as a part of.  I think the types of teachers who are actively seeking out opportunities are the ones most likely to be forward thinking and open to change.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

I would echo what I said in question #2 and add that conversations with active teachers are inspiring and beneficial professionally and in daily practice.  They help you become part of a virtual PLC.

 What resources or tips would you recommend to colleagues wanting to become connected?

I would recommend anyone to find a little bit of downtime and do some surfing, join a professional organization, read the ads, take a little bit of time to browse KDE, Google educational catchphrases that you're interested in, watch some TED Talks, check out the Facebook pages of educational organizations.  There is SO much out there.

Michelle Hendricks is in her 9th year of teaching in the public schools. Currently a 4th grade teacher at Freedom Elementary in Bullitt County, Michelle began her career in special education, teaching in both high school and elementary settings. Michelle is originally from Michigan, where she earned degrees in Education and Theatre from Hope College. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University. Michelle is an alumnus of the Phil Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teacher’s Academy and the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy programs. Before entering the classroom, Michelle spent several years touring the country as a children’s theatre educator. Through this experience, she realized that no matter where we are—in northern New Mexico or eastern Kentucky—kids are kids, and they deserve the very best that we have to offer. Michelle is interested in the development of curriculum and instructional practices, as well as finding ways to effectively share relevant information to empower educators.