Unconventional Leadership

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are loud and colorful.
Others are quiet and reserved, but make no mistake, they are still leaders.
Leaders don't wait for someone to give them a title, they just lead in quiet spaces.
From the teacher who stays behind after school to help a new teacher, to the teacher who comes in early to tutor a student for free.
These are all forms of leadership, and they often go unnoticed.
Another area of leadership and connectivity that in some spaces may go ignored is within online spaces out of the context of the school setting.
Professional development is a passion of mine, and something that I've felt for a long time is that teachers get better when they are in each others spaces.  Yet, in my experience, there's not much time made for classroom visits between peers during instructional time, or hearing other 'teacher experts' share their techniques and strategies on planning days.  Now that we are in a more digitized age, there are a myriad of opportunities for teachers to connect in online spaces as well.

1.) Participating on Twitter.

Twitter is a great place to find like minded teachers who are pursuing depth in their practice.  If you are looking for an opportunity to learn from some great teachers, really amazing discussions are happening on Twitter, and you're missing out if you're not participating.

Here are some of the folks to follow.

@mrsrussellsroom


@teacher2teacher


@iamvlewis


@ichrislehman


@rusulalrubail


@mrssackstein


@thejlv


@kleinspiration

2.) Facebook groups

There are all kinds of teachers that have Facebook groups for mentorship, community, and collaboration.  Many of them are very active!  Funny stories, cute memes, great teaching ideas and authentic conversations abound.  If you enjoy Facebook, find a community that meets your needs based on grade level, subjects taught, or general interests relating to teaching.

Here are some groups I recommend.


Mrs. Russell's Teacher Tribe


Primary Teacher Collaboration Group


Simply Kinder


Black Educators Rock

3.)Instagram

Looking to connect with some teachers on a more personal level?  Instagram is a great place! Teachers share pictures of pets, kids, interior design ideas, classroom schemes and fun and successful classroom interactions and projects.  In one quick scroll through, you can find tons of things to pique your interest!

Here are some of my favorites.

@misskindergarten


@thefirstgradeparade


@educationtothecore

4.) Blab

This a great way to chat about teaching practice, swap ideas and connect with some of your favorite teachers all from the comfort of your couch! :)  The roundtable discussion aspect of the app keeps your interests and keeps things fun!

Here are a few Blab shows I follow.

The Teacher Blab Show


Connect with the Teaching Tech teachers here.


Teaching with Culture & Diversity In Mind Blab

There are other places and spaces that folks enjoy such as Periscope and Voxer.  These are spaces that I've heard offer great ideas and support as well!

So, my charge to you is find one that you can connect to that you haven't in the past!  Use my list, or ask around with some of your teacher peeps! :) Get connected and share your ideas in a platform that speaks to you.  Your voice is important...make sure that it gets out there!  Lead others to grow with you!