Kentucky Connected Educator Patrick Goff

Last year we ran this same series with 31 connected educators. Since the connectedness has continued, we decided to ask a handful of last year's participants to go into more depth about their experiences being a connected educator in the past year. You can read what Patrick had to say last year by visiting this link, and we hope you enjoy his enhanced responses to new questions below.

Patrick Goff MS Science Fayette County

Since October 2013 when you were featured as one of Kentucky’s Connected Educators, in what way has your connectedness continued to grow?

 To be honest, I’m not sure how I could not be a connected educator anymore. There is just so much going on that I need to be connected to stay abreast of what is happening. I have continued to grow my PLC on twitter by adding educators from across the country in science and other disciplines. I also continue to find and follow scientists who help me keep up to date on the current science. Science is changing so fast that being on twitter, connected with active scientists helps my professional content knowledge.

Being connected, I feel has made me a better educator, forcing me to think beyond just my school. It helps me out on a bad day and let’s me share successes I have in my classroom. I enjoy being able to ask questions, put my two cents out there and engage in those healthy difficult professional conversations.

How is your practice enhanced by being connected?

The main way my practice is enhanced is primarily two fold. One would be the professional conversations about my practice. Putting myself out there and asking for advice is critical to my growth. I decided to take a risk, to start writing a blog and having it published for others to read and comment on. Through this blog, I have received constructive criticism and praise. I listen to both, trying to absorb and integrate the advice into my practice.  The second, is being connected to active science practitioners. This connection lets me share up-to-date information with my students, maybe even before it hits the media or science journals. It allows me to connect my students with experts in the field in which we are studying or learning about in real time. Being able to speak with or ask questions of the experts is exciting for my students.

In what ways are you connected beyond Kentucky?

Currently, I participate in the #ngsschat and am trying to grow the @ngssblogs site. This handle is where various science educators who are implementing NGSS are publishing blogs about their journey. It has allowed for science educators across the country to join together and learn from each other. I am really enjoying watching the number of science teachers grow who are willing to publish their blog.

Kentucky Connected Educator Erika Bowles

Principal Erika Bowles Boone County

In what ways are you a connected educator?

I’m not sure how to be an educator who is not connected, actually.  It baffles me that there are teachers in this profession who still prefer to shut their doors and do their own thing.  The power and ultimate potential that comes from putting two or more heads together to achieve awesomeness is second to none.  I’d feel as though I was shortchanging my students it I didn’t do everything in my power to steal as many great ideas as possible from not only the tremendous educators across our Commonwealth, but around the globe.

I connect to educators daily through Twitter and Voxer.  Joining group chats such as #satchat, #sunchat, #kyadmin, #kyedchat, and many more insert me into a community of teachers and learners who know there’s more out there for kids than what’s in their own brains and crave that knowledge and understanding so that kids can be better serviced.  Through Twitter, I’ve developed a PLN, professional learning network.  These are individuals that I rely on for their advice and input and I place value on our professional relationship.  I have grown more in the past year as an educator than I have in the 16 years preceding my indoctrination to Twitter.  From my use of Twitter, I began using Voxer as a PLN device during the week work.  Consequently, I now participate in a Daily Voxer chat with the #satchat group where we extend the Saturday conversation through the week.  I also facilitate two Voxer book studies and use the tool as a communication device with my staff through daily “shoutouts” to spread positive vibes but also to use for walkthroughs in classrooms to give immediate feedback to teachers.

This past February, I created #kyadmin on Monday evenings as a way of connecting with administrators across the state on a weekly basis.  We’ve chatted nearly every week since including a summer book study on Shifting the Monkey by Todd Whitaker.

I guest moderated the #ubdbookchat this summer and that was about the most fun I’ve had online. Fast and furious.  Lots of interaction and energy.  And...Grant Wiggins was in the chat.  Pretty cool stuff.  Pretty awesome connections.

Finally, I created the first EdCamp in Kentucky (I think…) almost 2 years ago.  We called it EdCampCoop (we are a cluster of schools within the Boone County system centered around Cooper High School).  The following year we facilitated EdCamp Boone for our entire district and EdCamp NKY for the entire Northern Kentucky area in cooperation with the Northern Kentucky Education Action Council.  We are looking forward to hosting EdCamp Kentucky (spring edition) at Boone County High School this April.  EdCamps are a GREAT way to connect with K-12 educators from outside your building to create and participate in meaningful collaboration about topics you want to learn more about.  No agendas, no rules.  Just learning the way you want to learn.  There’s nothing like it.

How does being connected impact your practice in schools/classroom?

Our teachers probably cringe everytime I say, “In my Voxer group…” or “Did you all see that article I retweeted on Twitter?”.  There’s just so much out there that I would not be aware of if I didn’t connect online with educators with such a varied and vast interest in educational initiatives, policy, and practice.  The caution is being able to remain the filter for the building as the administrator.  Not ALL of the fabulous and wonderful things can be brought back to the building level immediately or maybe even in the near future.  Timing is everything, but exposure is as well.  I make certain I’m curating the resources I find online and matching them at the appropriate times and places for our students and our staff.  Some things I find through my PLN are wonderful, but not for us or not at this time.  Enthusiasm for connection is important, but so is tempering of the ideas obtained from connection.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Does it sound cliched to say it allows me to be more “worldly”?  I suppose that’s how I feel.  I’ve only ever been an administrator in my county.  I don’t know what it’s like to work as an administrator in another district, much less another state or another country.  Learning from administrators that work in districts smaller than mine, bigger than mine, with resources that are different than mine, with structures in place that are different than mine, allow me to see varying perspectives to how to perform at this job.  I’m able to see the position from many lenses.  My students gain from this.  The most dangerous words in the English language are “We’ve always done it this way.”  I don’t allow those words to be said.  My goal is to keep reaching out and determining how we can do better for our kids by taking the strengths of everyone and creating the best possible school scenario for our kids.  I think we owe that to our community.  Don’t you?  If not...why do I have a job?

I have to give a shoutout to my co-mods on #kyadmin:  Brooke Stinson, Lou Shanda Carter, Kevin Estes, and Shelee Clark.  They make me a better administrator each week.  I’m blessed they bought into the crazy that is #kyadmin.

PS:  You can join us Monday evenings at 9E/8C.  We’ll hold your hand.  Promise.

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

• Tweechme is an app created by Susan Bearden.  It allows the user to learn to participate in a Twitter chat without getting thrown into the vortex that can be a Twitter chat.  
• I would recommend all teachers in Kentucky participate in #kyedchat on Thursday nights.  The connections that you will make and the amount you will grow in your profession will probably blow your mind.
• I of course think every administrator in Kentucky should be on #kyadmin.
• I recommend creating a Google Plus account.  Begin dabbling in communities that interest you.
• More than anything, take it all one day at a time.  You don’t have to be Super TwitterGirl/Guy.  There’s a name for people like that and it’s Cybraryman. (Oh...also check him out--Google it.  Seriously.)
• I recommend attending an EdCamp.  Immerse yourself in the experience.  Then next time show up with a plan to facilitate a session.  We only grow when we’re challenged.  Make this your year to stretch, grow, and be challenged.

Erika's bio: I am a K-5 principal at Longbranch Elementary School in Boone County.  We are a 4-year old school and I’m the first principal (an honor) of my school.  We combined staff members from 10 different elementary schools to make up our faculty and staff of 86 individuals.  850 students attend our school daily.  Prior to becoming the principal at Longbranch, I was the assistant principal at Shirley Mann Elementary in Boone County, also having the privilege to open this building as a new school.  Before working at Mann, I was an assistant principal and 5th grade teacher at Erpenbeck Elementary in Boone County, a 5th grade and LBD teacher at Stephens Elementary in Boone County, and an LBD teacher at Tates Creek High School in Fayette County.  I also worked for three years at Lexmark International as a technical writer and editor for a brief moment of temporary insanity when I left education to pursue a career in the private sector.  Missing “my people” terribly, I returned to public education and haven’t looked back. If my life works out the best I could possibly imagine in 5 years (don’t we all get that question in interviews?)...I’ll be right here doing my thing with our incredible staff.  Making history.  Creating tomorrow. 

Want to participate in Connected Educator Month? Consider:

• Participating in #kyadmin chat Monday nights 9pm EST
• Following our blog daily where we will highlight a different educator each day in October
• Adding tips and resources to a shared Google folder

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 20

James Allen

Library Media Specialist

Oldham County

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

Although we teach in the same building, services like Twitter, Edmodo, and SharePoint help me stay connected to my own OCHS teachers. Facebook, and Instagram help us reach out to our students and parents. I also stay connected at a district level with our other Oldham County librarians and school technology coordinators through daily Lync conversations and monthly face to face meetings. Additionally we have a larger district-level cadre of like-minded educators interested in harnessing the power of educational technology (OCTI). Participating in listservs is another method I use to connect to librarians and teachers, not only in Kentucky, but across the country. Finally, and most powerfully, Twitter has helped me to connect not only to my local PLN, but to educators all over the world.

How does being connected impact your practice? 

Staying connected creates opportunities for learning about new and innovative tools, methods, and lessons, which can ultimately support our students. Smore, a digital flyer creation site, is a recent example where following well-connected and informed educators allowed me to learn about an awesome resource that I was able to immediately use to help our students and teachers. Learning about the creative and innovative uses of Google Drive is another example where connectivity really keeps my educational practice as a school librarian fluid and flexible.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

My relatively new and growing PLN has offered me new perspectives, renewed my enthusiasm for education in general, and has increased my desire to expand upon my connections. I suspect this increased excitement comes directly from the act of connecting on a new level with colleagues, often strangers, but still colleagues that are tirelessly willing to share their ideas and help. I believe these new connections have also given me added confidence to reach out to others in our field and to take more professional risks. School librarianship can be a truly lonely boat ride at times, but usually right when I need it, my network reminds me I am far from alone in my efforts.

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

I got my start in being “connected” when I opened my Flickr account nearly ten years ago. The feeling of community, shared interest, and a place for free support was awesome to discover. I’ve applied my experiences with Flickr to my more recent social media interactions. First… do not be afraid. Everyone on Twitter was a new user at some point. Start small and follow just a few users that you find interesting and observe their interactions. Become comfortable with the tools and environment by participating in chat sessions. A few of my favorites are #TLChat, #KyLChat, and #KYEdChat. When you are ready for more use Flipboard, Scoop.it!, or another service to organize content that matters to you and your students. Lastly, share your knowledge, your experience, your expertise, and your unique perspective.

James Allen is a Librarian and School Technology Coordinator at Oldham County High School in his eleventh year of teaching. He enjoys computers and technology, but is especially interested in tools that can genuinely support student learning. James also loves promoting reading and believes that the school library should be a haven of student inquiry and discovery. The moments he is not playing, fiddling, reading, or learning on some type of computer-like device… he enjoys time with his family, practicing photography, and making music.

Twitter: @TLJamesA

Blog: http://ochslibrary.wordpress.com/

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 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

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 9

Pennye Rogers, Hope Street Group Fellow

 Todd County Central High School

Elkton, Kentucky

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

I  am connected through National organizations, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and through professional networks. I try to make some time each day to stay connected to other educators in order to keep up with relevant issues and opportunities.  KEA also keeps me informed about professional development and leadership opportunities to promote effective teaching. 

How does being connected impact your practice? 

Being connected provides a network of experts to offer advice or to keep me informed about topics relevant to my job.  I learn from professionals in my networks and sometimes share my own experiences to help others. 

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Being connected provides many opportunities for real discourse that shapes the way I teach.  I have learned about and participated in opportunities through my network that allowed me to provide my students with classroom materials that my school budget could not afford.  I have been active in grant work that trained me in specific strategies to actively engage students for enhanced learning. 

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

 I would encourage all new teachers to become involved in professional organizations such as content-specific groups and KEA.  Connect with teachers you meet through professional development opportunities and take time regularly to stay connected through meaningful discourse.

Pennye Rogers has been in education at the secondary level for 24 years. She currently teaches High School Physics, Anatomy/Physiology, Chemistry, and Biology while also serving as the Science Department Chair at Todd County Central High School in Elkton, Kentucky. Pennye has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a minor in Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Biology Education, and a Rank I in Physics Education from Western Kentucky University. Pennye earned her National Board Certification in AYA Science with emphasis on Biology. She has worked with the Kentucky Educators Association (KEA) National Board Jump Start program for 5 years. She is a member of the Kentucky Science Teacher Association (KSTA) and Delta Kappa Gamma teacher sorority, a board member of the Kentucky Association of School Councils (KASC), and a former member of the state School Curriculum, Accountability, and Assessment Council. Pennye is married with three children and is expecting her first grandchild this year. She lives on a cattle farm and raises most of her own food. 

Kentucky Connected Educators Day 8

Shannon Treece

Eminence Independent Middle/High School 

Principal

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

Networking and collaborating are key to learning and growing as an educator.  There are many ways to become a connected educator from serving on local committees, to engaging in the principal group at my local cooperative (OVEC), but without a doubt Twitter has allowed me to grow my PLN and become a connected educator way beyond the boundaries of local networking.  Twitter has allowed me to connect and brainstorm with people all over the world, in the comfort of my home.  The obstacle of trying to research and find schools doing what you want to visually see no longer exists.  Contacts are literally 140 characters and 1 minute away from reality.  

How does being connected impact your practice? 

We are growing our mastery learning work and implementing Standards Based Grading at Eminence.  In our endeavors to achieve this we have had some questions arise and wanted to see how other schools have addressed the scenarios we were experiencing.  I reached out to Twitter and found the #SBG (Standards Based Grading) chat, participated and began making connections immediately to other schools experiencing the same scenarios.  The conversation was thought provoking and gave us other options to consider as a staff.  It also allowed me to connect with Deron Durflinger the principal of a very well known school in Iowa who just happened to be using Infinite Campus and was also implementing Standards Based Grading.  We used Google Hangout to have a conversation and both schools were able to learn from each other despite having never met formally or traveling for a site visit. That is the power of Twitter.

Another example includes a connection to a high school principal in Massachusetts by the name Patrick Larkin.  He has since moved to central office, but was implementing a 1:1 program in a high school when others were dreaming about going 1:1.  He had much experience and I was able to connect with him and determine what they found to be best practice and what was most effective in their implementation as Eminence was going 1:1.  What I learned via Twitter, would have taken a year or more to potentially learn.  

TeachMeet Events are another great way to learn about technology tools and how to use them.  It is totally an “unconference” style of event, 20 minute sessions, freedom to move in and out, relaxed atmosphere where anyone can sign up to present on the spot.  It is a great place to get ideas to share with team.  This is where I specifically learned about Flubaroo, a grading tool and how to screencast among many other tools.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?  

It makes me accountable…no reason to not know or be learning on any topic.  There is a twitter chat available for any topic imaginable in education everyday.  There is no excuse for not engaging in new 21st century learning, I want to be responsible steward of learning for those that I serve, both staff and students.  Being connected can be overwhelming too at times, I have to work hard to keep the balance.

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

Pick a topic and time that works for you; find a twitter chat and just following along until you are comfortable joining into the conversation.  Attending a twitter chat is a unique experience that truly has the potential to revolutionize PD for educators.  It has for me and it will for you as well, given the time to experience results.   Being connected will open doors beyond what you ever imagined.   It will make you a more informed professional in a field that is rapidly changing to serve those we love the most.

Shannon Treece is a principal at Eminence Independent Schools.  

Follow her on twitter @PrincipalTreece