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Not on Twitter? You should be! Twitter is an immeasurably useful tool for educators. Beyond building a network of educators from around the world, Twitter chats and free PDs are happening every day — literally — with some of the biggest and brightest thinkers and practitioners out there. Here’s a look at the most useful and important hashtags and chats you should be following so you can have access to amazing education-world people at the click of a mouse.
Get Connected
Even if you’re not into social media, Twitter is one account you should have purely for professional reasons. Many educators use their Twitter only for professional connections as it’s an education super-cache and you can truly connect to authors, thinkers, and fellow educators. The more people you follow and connect with, the more followers you’re likely to get. The wider your net, the more amazing content and connections you’ll catch. The Twitter feed can move fast, but knowing where to find the most relevant content can help. Get your account for free at www.twitter.com and then search for these chats and hashtags. Let’s get connected!
Twitter Chats
Twitter chats happen by searching for a hashtag at a certain time and watching the conversation appear in your feed. If you want to participate, simply post something using the hashtag and @mention (use the @ symbol before their Twitter handle) those you wish to respond or talk to.
#EdChat (Thursdays, 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET)
Founded in 2009 by Shelly Sanchez Terrell,Tom Whitby, and Steven Anderson, #EdChat is the weekly “Bammy Award-winning Twitter conversation that any educator can join to discuss and learn about current teaching trends, and how to integrate technology, transform their teaching, and connect with inspiring educators worldwide.” It also discusses policy, reform and often features major edu-lebrity guests.
#EdTechChat (Mondays, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET)
Started by Susan Bearden, Sharon LePage Plante, and Tom Murray, the #EdTechChat hashtag began in 2013 as one of the first Twitter chats specifically about education technology. People interested in ed tech also use the hashtag #edtech.
#LeadUpChat (Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. PT/9:30 a.m. ET)
Created by Jeff Veal, with co-leads Dr. Neil Gupta, Paul Erickson, and Dr. Todd Schmidt, the very popular #LeadUpChat focuses on school leadership, culture, making change, and growth mindset.
#PBLChat (Tuesdays, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET)
Started by the New Tech Network, #PBLChat is a weekly chat on Twitter that focuses on education and Project-Based Learning.
#LeadLAP (Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. PT/10:30 a.m. ET)
Moderated by Beth Houf and Shelley Burgess, this “chat will focus on the idea that we can lead and make positive change from any position in our school systems. Leadership is not about a title, it is a way of thinking and acting.” LeadLAP stands for Lead like a Pirate — based on Burgess’ book of the same name. Burgess husband, Dave Burgess, founded #TLAP, the popular Teach Like a Pirate hashtag connected to the popular book.
Hashtags to Follow
“EduColor seeks to elevate the voices of public school advocates of color on educational equity and justice. We are an inclusive cooperative of informed, inspired, and motivated educators, parents, students, writers, and activists who promote and embrace the centrality of substantive intersectional diversity.” It started as a “support group for self-determined advocates of color,” growing into a monthly chat and newsletter.
The hashtag of the Deeper Learning network, this is a great one to follow if you’re interested in 21st-century learning. Deeper Learning is a set of six competencies that students need to succeed in and out of the classroom and following this hashtag will connect you to some pretty cool educators and organizations engaging in this work.
Are you an active or aspiring education leader? Follow #EdLeaders for the latest work and musings of administrators and principals.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a hot topic. Use this hashtag to hearing about STEM teaching, projects, and discoveries.
Use this hashtag for discussing special education. There’s also #SPEDChat for those looking to engage in a dialogue.
Quick Hits
Others Way to Get Social!
Through this app, educators can build community, participate in chats, design courses, get support and share resources. Check it out on Twitter.
Instagram has a robust teacher community covering everything from class decor and teaching strategies to teacher style. Hashtags like #teachersofinstagram, #teachersfollowteachers, #teacherlife and even just #teacher will connect you to some really fun content.
TeachersConnect is a multiplatform app and “free online community for teachers,” where you can “share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with teachers like you.” Ask questions, get ideas, connect with other teachers, and learn.
Categorized as: Tips for Teachers and Classroom Resources
Tagged as: Educational Technology, Mid-Career Teacher, New Teacher, Professional Development, STEAM, Veteran Teacher