Last week I had my midyear review with my principal. Happy to report that it went swimmingly. During our discussion she asked me how I stay so current on research and new technology in education. It was a simple answer – my PLN.

In Alec’s talk about connectivity last week he offered a definition he uses for PLN. While I think that it is fine for people to have definitions, what seems more important to me is that they are productive. Some people “google” for lesson ideas, I ask my PLN. Without my PLN I would spend a great deal of time recreating the wheel. Without my PLN I would probably never have made it to my first Edcamp, or my second, to which I roadtripped with a few fantastic educators I had met in person only once or twice but felt connected to thanks to Twitter. Without my PLN I am not sure that I would be able to maintain my same level of passion or drive as an educator. Without my PLN I would not be as excited about being a part of the inaugural #PLAYDATE happening next Saturday in three cities. Without my PLN I would probably spend a lot more time reading chicklit instead of the constant barrage of brilliance that presents itself in my Twitter stream.

As educators we often get locked into the classroom, both physically and metaphorically. The stresses of a lesson gone bad or a student that manages to irk every fiber of our being can become the whole focus of our experience. Our successes might be celebrated between a few colleagues with whom we have lunch but the reflection opportunity is quickly covered by the other important gossip or disaster of the day. In order to feel connection, we have to make a connection beyond the walls of our school buildings. We have to provide ourselves with a network of people that will share our experiences, celebrate our successes and provide feedback and support in times of need. It is often said that it takes a village to raise children. It is equally important to remember that teachers need a village of teachers who support one another and help each other be better and stay passionate. Thank you to my village.