Blog, The New Resume for Educators

By -
Blog the New Resume for Educators


We don't really use business cards as educators. The people we run into on a daily basis usually work with us. The "resume" is used as just one piece in online applications, but after submitting who really sees it? What gatekeepers or computer programs limit the reach of the resume?

Is the resume dead? No. But it has changed.

A blog is the new resume for educators.

A LinkedIn page is great, but some educators underestimate its value. (Have we connected?)

A Twitter profile is great for connections and discussions.

But a blog, which is free and easy to set up (WordPress.com), is the standard for educator resumes.

A blog makes it easy for a school leader or for district personnel to see if you are a good fit. It allows you to share your learning and work (here's where I share mine). It also displays your ability to communicate and provide valuable resources to the education profession.

I recently toured a few blogs and found valuable insights and ideas from a range of topics:

  • Blended Learning
  • School Leadership
  • Visible Learning
  • Competition in Schools
Consider exploring these blogs below...they each offer a unique value perspective. 

Do you have a blog? Are you thinking about starting one? Let me know in the comments below.

SpedTechGeek


This is a detailed explanation of Blended Learning. Each of the 7 Models of Blended Learning really become entry points for teachers to explore and eventually begin personalizing learning for students.

One Step Edu

This post really captures the essence of a personal vision. The fact that foresight can be taught by raising awareness with students is so valuable. You really simplify it, without minimizing it when you said, "It just means that you are working toward a goal and the realization of that goal. Everything you do is to advance that realization." Great post!


The Teaching Experiment

When I first read Hattie's research on "Self-Reported Grades" I scratched my head. Then I saw it in action. As your well-written post says "The kids were so honest and they took complete responsibility for their grades."

They really do want to learn and be honest about measuring that progress. 

Seeing learning through the eyes of the students is possibly the most visible and powerful learning strategy there is! The student said it best "I was afraid my mom was going to get mad at me for my grades. But I actually got to explain things from my perspective and she was more understanding than I expected."


Planting Seeds at Graham

Here's a discussion around public schools and competition. It's a discussion about win-win scenarios that allow us to create education systems for each student instead of education for all.


Dorothy Vanderjagt

We often hear "...the key to leadership is relationships" however, it's often without actionable ideas. Here are tips for relationships that are spot-on. "People trust and go the extra mile for leaders that they know are on their side and are loyal." These tips show how to build trust with people.


Getting Schooled in Blended Learning

Claire, this was such a thoughtful post. I'm a long-time fan of Howard Gardner's work at Project Zero and am glad you shared those resources. I think this quote stood out the most to me: "But I think equally important is providing students opportunities to tear things apart and see how they work." Really, entire courses or daily sessions could be built around this idea.


Your Turn

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you have a blog? Are you thinking about starting one? Do you need any help in getting started? 

Let me know in the comments below. 

Comments

Post a Comment

What are your thoughts?

Popular posts from this blog

Accidental Diminishers, 6 Types for Self-Reflection

By -
Image
Multiplying results, multiplying your network, multiplying strength in others, multiplying your team's effective - these are all traits of multipliers (here's the amazing book by Liz Wiseman ). On the flipside, there are many actions that can diminish in spite of being spurred by good intentions. In this post, I'll share with you 6 types of accidental diminishers : The Optimist The Rapid Responder The Pace-Setter The Rescuer The Idea Guy Always On Marci Houseman shared the graphic below on Twitter, and I thought it would be perfect to share with you. The Wiseman Group " Being a multiplier means being aware of those times when we have a tendency to be an accidental diminisher. To build capacity we must provide others with the opportunity to learn and grow—even if something is done “differently” than we would have done it." - Marci Houseman The Optimist Being an optimist is a strength, and it's much needed. However, the strength
Read more

How Long Should Direct Instruction Be?

By -
Image
How Long Should Direct Instruction Be? Direct instruction is great, but how long should it be - based on brain research? This is a great reminder from Eric Jensen about the length that most students can cognitively engage (in direct instruction, that is). Thanks  @DavidJHuber , for sharing this as we go back to school. But what can be done in only 8-12 minutes? Here are 5 high-yielding strategies that fit perfectly in this short direct instruction window. 1. Expand Prior Knowledge in Direct Instruction Part of the challenge in teaching classes of students (instead of individual students) is the range of background knowledge. Each student comes to class at a different starting point. Direct instruction can very efficiently build prior knowledge for all students. Present visuals, videos, quick reads, or graphic organizers. Fill in prerequisite background knowledge and push the limits on enriching background knowledge. This will allow all students to make richer connectio
Read more

School Improvement is More than Curriculum and Instruction Expertise

By -
Image
Curriculum and instruction. Those are the foundation of what we do in education, but they are not the center of successful school improvement. Many improvement efforts fail because they focus completely on curriculum and instruction. Campus leaders are prone to making this mistake . After all, principals were teachers, instructional specialists, and curriculum experts. District support staff lean towards making this mistake because most support staff work in curriculum and instruction. And rightfully so - curriculum and instruction are at the center of our business. They just are not the center of successful school improvement. Culture is the center of successful School Improvement Think of Southwest Airlines, General Motors, Facebook, and Google. These are the names of thriving businesses. They are the result of successful on-going improvement efforts focused on organizational culture. They continue as a part of our everyday lives because they have strong organizational culture
Read more