Kentucky Connected Educator Robin MeMe Ratliff

MeMe Ratliff Jefferson County

In what ways are you a connected educator?  I began to explore the Twitterverse in 2011, and quickly discovered a growing network of physical educators using the hashtags #physed and #PEGEEKS who create and share resources.  I began to realize that I was “in a bubble” here in the states, especially as a physical educator in Kentucky.  I continued to build a PLN that has become my most beneficial means of pedagocical learning.  We have biweekly global chat sessions (#PECHATS), frequently have Google Hangouts to have more concentrated discussions on specific topics, and give honest and timely feedback to each other as we strive to better our instruction by sharing and learning with like minded physical educators.

As I have become more involved with social media, I’ve also discovered connections to other leaders across Kentucky.  Through venues like CTQ, #kyedchat and the Fund for Transforming Education’s collaboration with the Gates Foundation initiative ECET2 (Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching), I feel I have become more invested in the educational processes affecting educators in the Bluegrass state.  I also believe in trying to help new teachers succeed, so I am involved with my alma mater, Morehead State University, and Eastern Kentucky Power in creating a new initiative aimed at increasing the number of national board certified teachers in my home region of Eastern Kentucky.  

How does being connected impact your practice in schools/classroom?  I have a constant source of innovative learning styles and activities.  I can see how educators in other countries and states introduce material to their students, how the new national standards are implemented by teachers who are at the forefront of my profession, and can read about amazing educational opportunities as soon as they become available.  More importantly, I can bring another classroom into my own via Google Hangouts with other #physed members.  My students have been able to interact with children in other states and nations, a resource made available only through being a “Connected Educator” utilizing the power of social media.  

How does being connected impact you as a professional?  My global PLN has improved my quality of teaching.  I’ve been able to read several blogs and integrate what I’m discovering not just to my instruction, but with a Facebook group for  Kentucky physical and health educators I created and moderate, disseminating information that I find from my social media portfolio.  I have become a very respected source for new and seasoned educators alike.  Through my work with ECET2 and the Fund KY, I was nominated and selected to be on the Gates Foundation Teaching Advisory Council, becoming the first physical or health educator selected.  I am on a planning subcommittee for the national ECET2 convening in New Orleans later this month, and I was a project lead for a regional ECET2 event in Louisville.  

What advice or resources would you recommend to colleagues interested in becoming connected?  My advice would be to start slow and build.  Google “twitter 101” and you will find a plethora of resources on a variety of topics.  Watch some of the suggested YouTube videos and understand the power of the hashtag.  Understand that you don’t have to tweet often to learn.  Find 10 people to follow in your content area and for one week, watch to see how they conduct themselves.  Give yourself a profile pic, start with some comments (and not several retweets) and then, when you begin to feel comfortable, share.  Build your interaction base deliberately and carefully.  Just because you follow someone means you have to continue following them.  Be specific and respectful.  Read blogs and don’t be afraid to start blogging yourself - every successful blogger had to start somewhere.  Don’t be afraid to share, because #sharingiscaring and you never know who might take something away from what you share.  Say thank you at all times and remember that anything you say “could be used against you” if worse comes to worse.  

Robin MeMe Ratliff (@meme3rat) has been the physical and health educator at Greenwood Elementary in Louisville, Kentucky since 1997.  She was selected as the 2013 Kentucky Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and is a member of the Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council.  MeMe is a leader of a successful Professional Learning Community in Jefferson County Public Schools and is active in the #KYSHAPE network and has completed the Physical Activity Leader training offered through the “Let’s Move Active Schools” program.  At Greenwood, she not only teaches, but coaches cross country, serves as the academic team coordinator, is the Jr. BETA Club sponsor and sponsors the 5th Grade Safety Patrol.  She is actively involved in the Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching (ECET2) initiative at both state and national levels.  Ratliff is an Alumni Ambassador in Louisville for Morehead State University and served for 6 years as an MSU Alumni Board Member.  MeMe also served as an advisor for the Sigma Sigma Sigma social sorority, of which she is a proud alumna.