English poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main” (Ha, 2016). This poem was wrote 400 years ago, but its core message is timeless. Today, an autodidact (self-thought person) rarely succeed. Social psychology says that there is an innate need of the individual of belonging to the group. Professionals need to keep up with new technologies and new advancements in their field of experience. Professionals need to keep up with new technologies and new advancements in their areas of expertise. The field of education is not the exception; therefore, a group of teachers that frequently meets, shares knowledge, and works together to increase teaching abilities and the academic performance of students is named a professional learning community, or PLC (Professional Learning Community, 2014).
I had not realized that I am an avid consumer of several PLCs such as the TeachingChannel, edutopia, EdSurge, and Google for Education. Usually, I follow these networks on Facebook, and I only read some articles that really interest me. Also, I visit these sites if I need to get some specific information. I am not going to change the way I interact with these networks because my array of PLCs has been significantly amplified during the last month. In the same way, I had not realized that I am already a member of other organizations, and I am not consuming nor contributing to them.
- I am a member of the AmeriCorps Alums. It is a community of, alumni, engaged citizens and civic leaders that gets things done for America. Alums’ mission is to support alumni of all AmeriCorps programs to grow as civic leaders, for life. For the moment, I am a modest economic contributor to the program. Shortly, my goal is to find an education-related program in the North Texas Chapter and be an active contributor. Also, my intention is to consume some of the online professional development webinars. Topics include a wide array of subjects, ranging from leadership and resume assistance to career panels and graduate school.
- I am a member of the United Educators Association (UEA), an organization that is an independent association representing more than 23,000 Dallas-Fort Worth public school employees. Besides the legal services, the UEA offer its members developmental sessions that are designed to help them complete their CPE hours. Furthermore, all UEA workshops are approved by the SBOE for CPE hours. These workshops are taught locally. Also, the UEA organizes several meetings throughout the year where its member can socialize and share mutual interests. In the coming school year, I will take advantage of all the perks of being a member.
Due to the above written, it is obvious that I was living in the limbo without realizing of all the professional development opportunities around me. During week two, I joined edWeb.net. A network that provides, among other services, professional education for educators. I have not consume any of the 800 programs that are available for viewing on demand, but I am positive that shortly I will do it. Also, I will be an avid consumer of some of the 300 live webinars hosted by edWeb each year. Participants earn CE Certificates after viewing an edWeb webinar. edWeb has several online sub communities that are a great way to share information and resources, meet new colleagues, and provide professional development. One can join an existing community on edWeb or create your own. I plan to join the Using Technology for Language Instruction. It is a PLC that provides a place to explore all aspects of using technology to improve both world language learning and English language learning of English Language Learners (ELLs). The edWeb community is mainly composed of teachers distributed as follow: Preschool 24%, Elementary 35%, Middle/Junior High 25%, High School 25%, and College 8%.
During this week I carefully searched for PLCs that fit my present and future professional needs. I decided to join three different PLCs that will provide me a holistic education: a foreign languages PLC, technological PLC, and distant learning PLC.
- The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages(ACTFL) is an individual membership organization of more than 12,500 language educators, students, and administrators. The ACTFL is dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all levels of instruction. My purpose of joining ACTFL is to consume their services in multiple formats: on-site workshops, national conferences, and facilitation; videoconference sessions for coaching and follow-up; and online webinars and learning modules.
- The Association for Educational Communications and Technology(AECT) is a professional association of educators and other professionals whose activities are directed toward improving instruction through technology. The AECT members carry out a wide range of responsibilities in the study, planning, application, and production of communications media for instruction. The AECT has become a major organization for those actively involved in the designing of instruction and a systematic approach to learning. It provides an international forum for the exchange and dissemination of ideas for its members.
- The United States Distant Learning Association (USDLA) is committed to distance learning with a broad spectrum of distance education professionals – K-12, higher education, corporate, government, military, telehealth, and homeschooling. Today, with more than one-third of college students taking an online courses, USDLA stands out as a remarkable resource for educators and administrators who want to enhance the learning experience. The USDLA has a national presence, but its real strength lies in the Chapters across the nation. In a practice modeled after distance learning itself, Chapters will incorporate technology to accomplish their goals across their regional areas. My goal is to become, someday, a USDLA contributor because the work of the USDLA is done through volunteers. The USDLA is not equipped to provide personalized assistance to researchers. Rather, the USDLA have tried to make a wealth of information available on a self-service basis.
As Professor Thibodeaux stated, “Think big, start small.” Well, I think big, and, even though I started real slow, I will reach my goal; complete my graduate education.
References
Ha, T. (2016). John Donne’s solemn 400-year-old poem against isolationism is resonating today.QUARTZ. Retrieved from http://qz.com/716088/john-donnes-solemn-400-year-old-poem-against-isolationism-is-resonating-with-brits-today/
Professional Learning Community. (2014). GLOSSARY OF EDUCATION REFORM. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/professional-learning-community/
