Partners Reflect on Connected Educator Month

Post collaboratively written by staff members from The Fund for Transforming Education in Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Education and Hope Street Group

We had an engaging month of learning in Kentucky.  The Fund for Transforming Education in Kentucky, collaborating with the Kentucky Department of Education and Hope Street Group, participated in Connected Educator Month and achieved the goals established together to--

· help districts promote and integrate virtual learning into their formal professional learning approaches

· stimulate and support collaboration and innovation in professional learning

· get more educators “connected” (to each other)

· deepen and sustain the learning of those already connected

The 31-31-31 approach of highlighting a different educator’s story each day of the month was only the tip of the iceberg for what’s been happening in our state.  People read the daily blog posts, retweeted our CEM daily posts, started following us on Twitter, and liked our Facebook page. This extensive response enabled us to showcase 31 connected Kentucky educators who each replied to four questions about what being connected means and what it has done for them.  Educators shared a plethora of ways they are connected personally and professionally through platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Edmodo, Class DOJO, Remind 101, Dropbox, FriendFeed, Google communities, Wiggio and so many more. Some teachers have even set up classroom twitter accounts and allowed themselves and their students to become part of our global world.

For connections here in Kentucky and through a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), the Kentucky Leadership Academy (KLA) and Battelle for Kids, educators in Kentucky are connecting through Wiggio. KLA participants are finding that they are creating a virtual connection with peers across the Commonwealth as well as using it as a curation site for support materials. Principals from across the Commonwealth serve as moderators and help encourage the strengthening of the virtual network.

Other Kentucky specific connections are happening within PD 360 Kentucky public school districts, schools, and individual users have the ability to set up and participate in learning spaces through PD 360 in the Continuous Instructional Improvement Technology System (CIITS).  These virtual Professional Learning Networks (PLN) provide educators with opportunities to grow and learn on topics or problems of practice in which they have particular interest.  One example of a PLN in PD 360 is the book study on Heidi Hayes Jacobs’ Mapping to the Core.  Anyone can sign up to join the PLN and can participate in webinars with Jacobs as well as participate in reading and discussing the book together.  Educators can use the information learned to inform their local curriculum mapping efforts and standards implementation in units.

Educators shared how being connected has impacted their practice because they exchange information and ideas to try in their classroom with their students.  Many of the ideas shared happen during the weekly #KyEdChat conversations on Thursday evenings.   On October 24th, educators were excited to have Kentucky Education Commissioner, Dr. Terry Holliday, participate in #KyEdChat so they could share with him how they are connected and learning from one another.  Adding to the excitement of meeting and learning from colleagues virtually was the University of Kentucky Innovation Summit in Lexington this week where many of the #KyEdChat ers met face-to-face for the first time, and they were driven to do so because they had already connected online.

Even though Connected Educator Month has ended, educators in Kentucky will continue to learn and be connected to one another across school, district, state, and country lines as evidenced in many of the posts we read during October. 

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 28

Mike Paul

Pre-Service Teacher

Bardstown, KY

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU A CONNECTED EDUCATOR?

In my case, being connected is a way of life. I'm a confessed tech-obsessed 36-year old male, so I have this natural inclination to try out every new shiny object that comes along in the land of technology. I created my first website back in 1997, started blogging and podcasting in early 2006, was an early adopter of services like Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, FriendFeed, Pandora, Google Reader, Gmail… the list goes on and on. I've signed up for so many things that I don't remember them all, often just to get my username before someone else picks it up.

My day consists of starting every morning with a quick perusal of my feeds through Feedly (RIP Google Reader) to see what's happening in my favorite topics. I tweet some items and save a few to read later with Pocket. I also get a lot of my inspiration for blog posts (check out the awesomeness at http://PikeMallTech.com) by tracking different feeds. It's sort of like a fire hose of information coming my way, but I've always got a multitude of topics I can read and share. It's how I navigate the “digital flood” we all face every day.

HOW DOES BEING CONNECTED IMPACT YOUR PRACTICE?

Although I'm nearly finished with my degree, I've only been in an education program for a little over a year. Being connected helped me realize what was possible as I head for my own classroom. I really didn't know the resources available to today's educator and just how much technology and the Internet has changed, and continues to change, the education landscape.

The tipping point for me was when I attended the 2013 KySTE conference back in March. I suddenly found myself surrounded with a flock of connected educators and I suddenly felt at home. There were several times over the course of those three days that I found myself sitting in a session with tears in my eyes (OK, maybe I was openly bawling) as I saw what teachers were doing NOW with their students and what was possible. My entire outlook on the profession has changed since then and I truly believe that every teacher that wants to step up and dedicate themselves can truly change the world.

HOW DOES BEING CONNECTED IMPACT YOU AS A PROFESSIONAL?

In my experience, I don't know how being connected couldn't impact you as a professional. The resources that you can find if you just spend about 30 minutes scrolling through the #edchat or #edtech hashtags alone will give you enough new ideas for an entire school year.

Plus, with social media, you have full control over the people that you choose to learn from and work with. Even as a pre-service teacher, I understand that in your school there will be people that don't share your vision or work ethic and that you have a difficult time working with in a group. With your connected PLN, you gravitate towards the educators that share the same interests as you and you all grow together. It's very difficult to recreate that in a school setting, simply because you're limited by numbers. With about 628,276,152.4 teachers on Twitter alone (yes, I made that number up, but I know there's a bunch of us), the chances of you finding a large group of educators to collaborate with increase exponentially.

WHAT ADVICE OR RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO COLLEAGUES INTERESTED IN BECOMING CONNECTED?

Here's my recommended process:

• Get a Twitter account (find me at http://twitter.com/mikepaul ).
• Start following any of the numerous Twitter chats on an education topic or a state-centered chat (#KyEdChat is a great place to start, here's a video showing you how to join us).
• Dive in. You have thoughts and opinions; we'd all like to hear them.
  
  

We may not agree, but that's cool. That's how we all grow. It will definitely be uncomfortable for you at first, especially if you're a technophobe. And you may find that Twitter isn't your bag; it's not for everyone. But, you can get a taste of the connected life. Maybe Pinterest is more your speed. Or maybe you just want to read about all the great things that are going on in education before you jump full speed ahead into making your own thoughts known. That's cool, too. There's a way for everyone to connect and make the connection meaningful to them.

My biggest piece of advice is to keep an open mind. Yes, there are concerns behind this great, big, digital world of ours. Yes, we all need to be good digital citizens and we should model that for our students. But the benefits of connection far outweigh any of the dangers and we can deal with the dangers as they come. Just jump in, get involved, and be open to experience new things.

Who knows? Maybe next year we'll be reading your article during Connected Educator month!

Bio:

I teach, I geek, I dad, I write, I math, I husband. Not always in that order. Ravenclaw. Font snob. Husband to Amanda, Dad to BooBoo. Currently a pre-service teacher with the WKU SKyTeach program.  Coming to a middle school math classroom near you, fall of 2015.

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 23

Digital Citizenship Week takes us to Barren County today...

Jaime McMillan

High School English Teacher

Barren County

In what way (s) are you a connected educator?

I remain a connected educator through the use of social media and Internet tools in my classroom.  Over the past year and a half, I have learned to use Twitter as a rich educational tool for myself and for my students.  On Twitter, I had the amazing opportunity to connect with Rob DuBois, author of Powerful Peace.  As I taught Mr. DuBois’ book in my class, we were actually able to interact with him and other professionals connected with his book on Twitter. 

I also use Twitter for other classroom activities and resources as well.  Through Twitter posts of other professionals, I found the Marc and Angel Hack Life blog (www.marcandangel.com).  I have begun using some of these blog posts with my seniors as a read and response activity.  This activity heightened student interest and gave them a unique classroom lesson plan beyond the textbook.

We also use blogging on my school website for some class activities.  While some teachers use the Edmodo resource for blogging, I have kept my activities tied to my school website blog option.  Here, I set up blog questions for my students to connect with certain chapters or quotes from the books we read in class.  Students then go into the blog and post their responses.  Again, this gives students the opportunity to move beyond the textbook and use social media tools within the classroom.

How does being connected impact your practice?  

My class had two different online response days where we discussed specific aspects of Rob DuBois’ non-fiction book Powerful Peace.  We labeled these activities “TweetChat” sessions.  These interactive sessions piqued students’ interest by giving them a unique opportunity to feel and experience a connection with the author himself.   Also, these TweetChat sessions gave my students and me a sense of worldly community connection as those who interacted with us, though connected with the book, were located in different parts of the country.  Further, those who watched our classroom activities unfold online offered help, resources, and even donated more books to my classroom.  Through this online connection, Mr. DuBois even visited our school and met with my students who read his book. 

In addition, I often conduct short classroom activities using Twitter.  I’ll post a question or multiple questions for students to answer.  Students learn to become precise and succinct in their responses due to the 140 character limit on a Twitter post. 

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Social media such as Twitter allows me to interact and connect with similar individuals who can exchange information and ideas with me about educational practices, resources, and activities.  Being connected on social media has also afforded me the opportunity as an education professional to showcase to those outside the educational realm that progressive, fun, and exciting activities happen in public schools. 

What advice or resources would you recommend to colleagues interested in becoming connected?

Many educators have begun using Twitter and other social media tools as avenues for classroom activities.  The students love these activities, as most students personally use social media on a daily basis.  I find when students are interested in an activity, they put forth more effort and look forward to class activities.  I truly believe that learning at higher levels occurs when students are connected and excited about their schoolwork. 

I would recommend any educator at least try one form of social media for classroom activities.  Twitter, blogging, Facebook, Edmodo, YouTube, and dozens of other options exist.  Don’t be afraid to “get connected” using one or more of these online options for classroom activities. 

Jaime McMillan is a 13 year veteran English teacher at Barren County High School.   Jaime earned a Master’s Degree of Arts in English and Education from Western Kentucky University.  She is known for her innovative teaching strategies that connect the content of lessons to lifelong learning skills for better individuals in a better society.  She has conducted writing workshops for her school and has earned multiple awards for the integration of technology in her classroom.  The Barren County School District named Jaime district teacher of the month in December 2012 for her use of technology and social media in the classroom. 

Twitter @KYTeacherJMc

Linked In-Jaime McMillan

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 22

Continuing Digital Citizenship Week & Promoting Kentucky's STLP Program...

 Jeff Sebulsky

Statewide Program Coordinator 

Student Technology Leadership Program

 In what ways are you a connected educator?

Does anyone remember life before Twitter? When I first heard about Twitter, it sounded like the most frivolous invention of the century because, “why would I be interested in what people do all day?” Now, to be honest, Twitter is my main source for finding and following trends in education that interest me, participating in learning networks, and staying involved with state/national organizations. Also, it’s a great way to connect with the innovators in our field in an active and responsive way.

It’s all about the feeds! RSS aggregators make it easy for me to browse multiple education blogs and websites that otherwise would overwhelm and take over my entire day. Throughout the day, my Feedly account (R.I.P Google Reader) pulls in news and information relevant to my interest and gives me “bit-sized” intros that I can access on the go via my smartphone, my tablet or in a web browser. I can then choose to dig deeper into those articles, or move on.

Email is still a big player for me. I know students aren’t as interested in email, but it helps me stay connected in conversations that I’m having with hundreds of people around Kentucky and the US. The various listserv’s available to Kentucky educators have provided a means to be connected with a network for years.

More and more, I’m relying on Microsoft Lync to connect face-to-face digitally with teachers on either end of the state – sometimes in the same afternoon. Whereas in the past I would have driven site to site, now I can connect with people through the web and still have a natural conversation.

Finally, being connected, to me, also means that I establish/maintain relationships with folks one-on-one and in person. Visiting with my colleagues makes my online interactions with them even more meaningful.


How does being connected impact your practice? 

Being in a statewide role as the Kentucky Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) coordinator, I find myself in a unique situation where it’s necessary to stay connected and fluidly communicate with teachers, administrators, CIOs, students and parents across the state on a daily basis.  Coordinating with hundreds of STLP groups, thousands of students and hundreds of volunteers is certainly much easier than it would have been even 2 or 3 years ago, thanks to tools like Twitter, Facebook, & email. But, the true challenging is growing and developing these groups into communities that feed on the open exchange of ideas and news between each other directly – like everyday is a STLP conference.

Relying on digital connections within the STLP “family” means that our STLP students have opportunities to demonstrate their digital citizenship skills. As a network, we all interact via the “STLPKentucky” Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest site, Google+, etc. In those interactive environments, our students and teachers do a great job of modeling digital citizenship.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Connecting with other educators and seeing what they share via various media helps me understand where I’m at as an educator and inspires me to stay involved and informed about trends and emerging learning strategies. It helps me by forming a framework to see what’s happening in innovative classrooms.

As a district-level administrator and, now, as a state-level coordinator, my access to classrooms sometimes feels limited. I worry a lot about losing my connection to students and other educators. So utilizing connective tools helps me feel as though I’m in touch with today’s learning; which, in turn, helps me guide the STLP Kentucky program in directions to keep it relevant, interesting to students, and worthwhile for teachers.

On a personal level, I thrive in situations where I’m surrounded by people who are leaders in their field and at the top of their game. That motivates me to “up my game” to match the level of innovation they are bringing to the table. Participating in online networks filled with innovative thinkers, interacting with educators on Twitter, etc. helps me stay sharp, inspired, and “in the know.”

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Let’s be honest: there are so many great blogs, awesome Twitter feeds, and online communities that someone just getting started could easily become overwhelmed. And, for many teachers, the idea of adding stuff to your day seems crazy, right?

So where do you start and not get buried? I think the answer is somewhere in the art of being a wallflower. Here’s what I mean…

There’s a lot to be said for just following conversations, blogs, and feeds online without jumping in to comment or participate right away. If you’re not sure where to begin, by all means, follow the conversation on the weekly #kyedchat via Twitter (Thursday evenings each week). The folks participating there are some of Kentucky’s most connected educators – so check out their Twitter feeds to begin expanding your circle.

From there, you’ll gain access to tons of links to great blogs, other Twitter standouts, and resources you’ll want to check out. Before you know it, you’ll find it impossible to just sit on the sidelines.

I think there’s something inside many of us as educators that compels us to ask questions and contribute to conversations. Go for it and you’ll find that your input is welcome and appreciated. Before you know it, you will have gained an entire new network of professional colleagues and resources…all just a click away.




Jeff Sebulsky currently serves as the KY Department of Education’s Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) coordinator. Over the last 12 years, Jeff has also been an educator as a high school social studies teacher, a district Technology Resource Teacher, and a district Chief Information Officer. Now, as the STLP leader, he looks to build on the solid foundation of the program’s previous 20 years of success while reaching into the future to ensure STLP remains relevant, exciting for students and educationally worthwhile for teachers. New areas of exploration for STLP include a focus on coding/programming, tech entrepreneurship, and developing maker/DIY experiences for students. 

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 16

                                        Randy Barrette 
                                                       Hope Street Group Fellow

    World Language & Culture Teacher

                                                        Menifee County High School



In what way(s) are you a connected educator?

I am following several professional networks on Twitter and Facebook, and I read daily feeds from Accomplished Teacher Smartbried (NBCT), ACSD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), Education Week, the ACTFL (American Counsel Teachers of Foreign Languages).
I also lead a group of about 15 world language educators through a PLN on an Edmodo site.


How does being connected impact your practice ?
From the world language sites I get ideas.  For example, three days ago I was reading a post from a colleague in Virginia who gave some useful ideas for improving student-to-student interaction in the classroom.  He backed this up with theory to help make sense of the strategy and activity.  I tried and it had an immediate and positive impact on my students.


How does being connected impact you as a professional ?

I consistently make comments on the articles published in the Ed Week summaries.  Often times people from across the country comment, or give me feedback.  This has sharpened my ability to argue for what I believe needs to change in areas such as teacher evaluation and teacher preparation programs.  I also benefit from reading and discussing - albeit asynchronously - with colleagues from different background.


What advice would you give someone just starting to get connected?

Find 1 or 2 Smart Briefs that represent your interest area, as mine are World Languages and Teacher Preparation Programs. Follow these daily; take 15 minutes at least.  Set up a Delicious account, or other tool to collect and bookmark important url that you will go back to when you have more time.  Turn this into as much a habit as possible.  Eventually, take a chance and respond, give your opinion; it feels good.  Then learn from others.


Randy Barrette is a High School Spanish and World Culture teacher at Menifee County High School. After completing a tour of duty with the U.S. Army, Randy returned home to study International Relations at the James Madison College of Michigan State University. He then earned a Master’s Degree in International Development from Ohio University. He began his teaching career in Baltimore City Public Schools in 1997. In addition to teaching Spanish, he facilitated the introduction of Mandarin classes, started a Global Nomads Classroom to Classroom Program, and is a school leader in Technology Integration. In 2011 and 2012, Randy was named a top three Kentucky high school teacher through the Kentucky Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program. Randy is a National Board Certified Teacher and served as president of the Kentucky World Language Association. He also teaches Spanish Language and Culture, Methods of Second Language Teaching, and Technology Integration for K-8 teacher candidates at Morehead State University. Randy and his wife of 22 years have also traveled and worked together abroad extensively; one of their two children was born in Pakistan and the other in Thailand.

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 13

Dr. Jim Flynn

Superintendent

Simpson County Schools

 In what ways are you a connected educator?

A wise person advised me long ago that in education, it’s the people, not the programs that make a school…  That advice is deeply ingrained into my leadership vision and work to get our staff, students, parents, and community engaged in advancing the vision and mission of the school system.  Our vision in Simpson County schools is to be a world-class educational system empowering all students to graduate LIFE-READY - academically and socially prepared for college and/or careers! Our mission is to develop each child to their fullest potential and prepare them for the next level of life!  Our mission is driven by five fundamental guiding questions:

• How do we develop positive, professional relationships with our students, their families, and one another?
• How do we ensure all students are taught the standards and skills needed to be college and/or career ready in the 21^st Century?
• How do we measure the progress of our students to these standards and skills?
• How do we provide interventions for students who are struggling to achieve our learning goals?
• How do we enrich and stretch the learning of our students who are meeting or exceeding our learning goals?

In our school system, I have worked hard with our team to create systems, structures, and logistics to bring folks together to learn, collaborate, and work on the guiding questions of our mission.  In addition to our 4 professional development days, we have 4.5 learning community days spread throughout our school year which provides time for professional learning community (PLC) work; follow-up training; vertical teaming and collaboration; and time for other school or district initiatives.  Additionally, our schools are creative with their use of time to create other opportunities for staff collaboration and development.  For example, while the staff works in PLCs from 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM, the Central Office team will come to a school to help with supervision and a school-wide assembly.  Time is a precious asset and we harness it for collaboration and connectedness among our students and staff!

Technology has become an important tool that allows our folks to connect and grow!  All of our unit plans and pacing guides are posted on our website.  Our teachers are leveraging CIITS for classroom and common assessments, units and lesson resources, along with many other resources including PD360.  The PD360 has been instrumental in our LDC/MDC work for example.  We’ve been able to set up PD Groups to learn and share through this amazing resource.  Also, we use GoogleDoc walkthrough forms that are tailored to specific initiatives and help us provide immediate feedback to our staff as progress checks.  For example, we have “chunked” the learning on the PGES framework with our teachers and then use GoogleDoc walkthroughs aligned to the part of the framework being studied to give our teachers specific feedback.  It’s been a powerful model for rolling out the PGES framework!

I have worked with our principals and teachers to expand on-line learning resources as well.  We have leveraged on-line learning courseware and programming to help students at all levels in our school system to support both struggling students, as well as those who are meeting or exceeding our learning goals.  Programs like Odysseyware, Achieve 3000, Read 180/System 44, Carnegie Learning/Cognitive Tutor, Math Whizz are some examples of resources that have helped our students learn and allow for 24/7 anytime learning!  Other on-line programs like Edmodo, Wikispaces, and Facebook are being used with students and staff to facilitate engagement in learning and collaboration.  Remind 101 is an app staff are using to send text reminders to students, parents and staff to keep them up to date on important activities, dues dates, and assignments.

I have used both Edmodo and Wikispaces to facilitate staff development and to model the use of technology.  Twitter, Zite, and LinkIn are some tremendous resources for keeping abreast of educational news, innovations, and advancements.  Additionally, both KASA and KASS support online professional communities that I can use to learn from and share with other Kentucky superintendents.  Also, I utilize Lync for meetings and collaboration, especially with external partners across the state.  Finally, I have utilized Vimeo for online videos used for training and communication.

Finally, I use tools like Twitter, facebook, our website, OneCall Now and School Reach to communicate with a wide array of stakeholders.  These tools are effective in sharing best practices, student and staff successes, along with events in our schools and districts.  It also helps set the bar for excellence as I am constantly sharing examples of best practice in pictures, videos and words.  People love the pictures and videos!

How does being connected impact your practice? 

Achieving our vision and mission requires the efforts of many people.  All of the tools, structures, and systems in place allow me to be more intentional in leading, serving, and supporting our stakeholders in advancing our vision.  The tools and strategies I shared above help keep me in tune with what’s working, what’s not working, and possible solutions to help us continuously improve.  Again, it’s the people, not the programs that make the school and school system.  My ability to be in tune and engaged with what’s going on is critical to our success.  Using some of these tools allows me to expand my ability to understand and influence what’s going on.  It also lets people know that I am out and about being close and curious with what’s going on in our schools!  This enhances credibility and a level of accessibility that is beneficial.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

The old adage that it is lonely at the top can be very true.  However, using the resources I have described allows me to connect with other superintendents across the state and nation.  Additionally, I can connect with educators all over the world!  I find it invigorating and empowering to have these connections.  It breaks down isolation and opens a realm of support, collaboration, resources, and learning that was once not possible.  The results we are attaining in Kentucky are not accidental.  Regardless of geographic location, all of us have access to the knowledge, skills, resources, and supports needed to help every child achieve college and/or career readiness by graduation.  We simply need to get connected, roll-up our sleeves and take it!

What advice or resources would you recommend to colleagues interested in becoming connected?

My best advice is just simply start doing something!  Dive in and learn!  For example, I didn’t understand how Twitter could help me as a superintendent.  Now that I started using it, I realize the power this tool has for communication, collaboration, and professional development!  Amazing!

Be intentional in leading and supporting school system stakeholders in becoming connected themselves.  Besides being a role model – remember that actions speak louder than words – plan and implement the systems, resources, structures, and logistics that bring people together…

Finally, have fun with it!  Learning is stimulating and often fun!  Take the challenge and learn something new that will allow you to be a more connected educator!  It will benefit you and the folks you serve!

Dr. Jim Flynn is in his 11th year as superintendent. During his tenure, Simpson County Schools has successfully implemented a common vision that focuses on empowering all students to graduate life ready – prepared socially and academically for college and/or careers. 

Dr. Flynn is the President of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents. The Kentucky General Assembly appointed him to serve on the Local Superintendents Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Superintendents Advisory Committee to the Commissioner of Education. 

Twitter handle, links to blog, website, etc: Twitter - @jflynnfswildcat; website – www.simpson.kyschools.us; facebook page – Simpson County Schools; LinkedIn – Jim Flynn, Ed.D.; Vimeo – James Flynn

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 12

Jennie Watkins, Hope Street Group Fellow

Corbin Independent Schools

 In what way(s) are you a connected educator? 

I use Facebook and twitter to connect to other professionals in the field of education.

How does being connected impact your practice?

 I have been able to read, discuss, ask questions, on topics such as curriculum and activities that help me meet the standards for my subject and grade level.

Give an example of how does being connected impacts you as a professional ? 

No man is an island and no educator can be successful working in a bubble.  Having the ability to connect with others impacts my teaching and helps me to reflect on ways I can better serve my students.

What advice would you give someone just starting to get connected?

Don't be afraid.  Start connecting with people you already know and then branch out from there.  Ask your connected colleagues to offer suggestions on who to follow and then follow them.

Jennie Watkins has been teaching for sixteen years in the Corbin Independent School District and currently teaches 6^thgrade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Corbin Intermediate School. She also serves as the 6^th grade Team Lead. Jennie earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of the Cumberlands and a Master of Arts in Elementary School Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. In 2007, Jennie was named a Kentucky Elementary History Teacher of the Year Finalist and in 2010 she was named an Outstanding Civic Educator of the Year for Region 13. Jennie serves as the Kentucky Association of Professional Educators (KAPE) District Representative and works as a Teacher/Peer Evaluator in the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System (PGES) Kentucky Teacher Evaluation Pilot. Jennie is also a contributing author to "Mastering the Grade 6 K-PREP in Reading" Test Prep publication for the state of Kentucky. With her husband working as a special education teacher and a son currently majoring in Secondary Education, she has a family of educators. 

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 11

Lindsey Childers, 

Hope Street Group Fellow

In what ways are you a connected educator?

I use Facebook, Microsoft Lync, LinkedIn, Google Docs, PBS Works, and various interactive webinars/discussions to connect with other professionals and experts in this field.

How does being connected impact your practice?

In today's world of education, if you are not connected, it is very difficult to stay caught up with the changing systems, policies, and procedures that directly impact what we do.  There are a world of ideas and knowledge at the tip of our fingers and if you do not choose to connect, you will miss out!  I am able to keep myself updated with curriculum changes, resources, ideas for classroom instruction, management, etc.  I have also created a good system of contacts when I need them.  For instance, my connections on LinkedIn helped me coordinate a speaker for the school I am currently involved in which was great!  I have been emailed or contacted by people that I don't even know because they have heard of me and have questions or want to bounce ideas.  It is a great way to advertise your own talents and expertise in an ever-changing field.  It keeps my personal options open and helps me find quick answers to difficult questions

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

I would echo the answer to question #2. 

What advice or resources would you offer to colleagues wanting to become connected?

I would say first…don't be afraid.  There are so many people that shy away from technology and connecting to others because they don't know what to expect.  Sometimes we feel that if we just don't step into that change, it won't happen.  The bottom line is that our world is evolving faster than we can keep up!  Start with one network, friends that you are comfortable with - don't overwhelm yourself with the color of your background screen or your favorite movies or quotes.  Instead, focus on the purpose of your connection and allow yourself to branch out from there.  You will find that each connection you make will benefit you in a slightly different way so embrace the contacts and just watch how it will increase your knowledge and confidence as an educator.  I think that as your confidence builds, it becomes a little easier to continue to branch out. 

For the past three years, Lindsey Childers has been an elementary school principal at Indian Hills Elementary School and for the 2013-2014 school year will transition into a district-level curriculum specialist/primary assistant principal position to broaden her ability to work with all elementary schools in the district. Lindsey began her educational career as a 1^st grade teacher. She has also taught third and fourth grade over the years before becoming a curriculum specialist and a principal. Lindsey received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude, from Murray State University. She completed her first Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Illinois and her second Master’s degree in Education Administration from Murray State University, graduating both programs as Summa Cum Laude. She looks forward to assisting in the understanding and enthusiasm of educators across the state as the educational system continues to grow and improve in order to meet the needs of all students.  

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 10

 Ken Mattingly

 Rockcastle County Middle School
Rockcastle County Schools

In what way (s) are you a connected educator?

I have used internet resources for many years in my classroom.  Sometimes it may involve lessons I’ve found online, or learning simulations, or data I use with my students.  When I started teaching I had a room and a textbook, and I was pretty much constrained by that.  Now I have access to a wealth of information and am able to do a much better job engaging my students in the learning.

More recently, I’ve started to participate in chats on Twitter that focus on standards-based grading (which is something I’m very passionate about).  These chats, which involve following a Twitter conversation that includes a hashtag like #sbgchat, let me interact with people all over the country and the world.  I’m able to share my expertise and learn from others.  We share resources, blog posts, and methods for promoting standards-based grading.  There’s a Twitter chat for just about anything, and there are lots concerning education.  You can find a list of chats with times here.

Twitter chats and blogging allow me to expand my personal learning network or PLN.  There are lots of good ideas in my building, but if I can have access to people outside my building who are trying different things or have different experiences than I do, it can really leverage my practice.  

How does being connected impact your practice?  

Being connected gives me access to other experiences and ideas.  For example I’m currently working on using Edmodo with my classes.  There is always a learning curve with anything new, but instead of blindly trying Edmodo out I was able to get some guidance from my PLN.  People offered ideas on how they incorporated it into their classes, ways to use it for assessment, and others I wouldn’t have thought of, at least not initially.  This help puts me in a position to successfully use Edmodo, whereas otherwise I might find it so frustrating that I wouldn’t use it at all.

Now I also have an Edmodo group for my science department that we use for sharing information about and working on the NGSS standards.  This gets back at the heart of being a connected educator.  We don’t have to physically be present to have meaningful conversations and share our work.  This frees us up to communicate when and where it works best for us.

Likewise, sharing my work on standards-based grading on Twitter causes me to reflect on my practice.  Why do I do what I do?  How does it impact my students?  Is there a better way or room for improvement?  These questions cause me to be very intentional in my planning and evaluation.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Being a connected education helps me feel more like a professional.  Teachers are often called professionals, but are either not looked at as such or don’t think of themselves that way.  I view a true professional as someone who is serious and focused on their career.  A true professional strives to improve their practice and stay abreast of the current research.  A true professional knows that they can always get better at their career and that each day is another opportunity to do so.  Being connected helps me with all of these.  I’m able to keep my finger on the pulse of education through chats, blogs, and email updates.  It allows me to continually refine my craft and improve.

What advice or resources would you recommend to colleagues interested in becoming connected?

My first piece of advice would be to find one aspect of teaching that you are passionate about and search for a couple of good blogs on that subject.  There are many great teachers out there who blog about their experiences, and reading their blogs can really push your own thinking.  Secondly I’d recommend joining a Twitter chat.  They are very fast paced and can be overwhelming at first, but they are a wealth of information.  You may want to begin by just lurking and following the conversation.  After you feel more comfortable begin to offer your own thoughts on the questions being asked, and respond to others posts.  It’s a great way to find people to follow on Twitter and grow your PLN.  These two things will help you get your feet wet, and will in turn expose you to other resources and ways to be connected.

Ken Mattingly has 19 years of experience in sixth and seventh grades and holds National Board Certification in early adolescent science. He has worked on implementing classroom assessment for student learning practices in his classroom for the past eight years and helped with the implementation of standards-based grading in his school. During the past four years he has worked with multiple school districts across Kentucky to help develop a vision of balanced assessment, promote transparency in grading practices, and shift the teacher and student focus to the learning instead of the grade. 

Twitter:  @kenmattingly
Website:  kenmattingly.weebly.com
Blog:  kenmattingly.weebly.com/kens-blog.html