Summer is fast approaching; this is the time of year when teachers are preparing students for exams and trying to keep their classes from descending into the Lord of the Flies. When it finally arrives, summer is an important time for busy educators and allows them to relax, recharge, and often work on honing their craft in both formal and informal professional development. With the more flexible work schedule of the summer, it is also a great time to build up your Professional Learning Network (PLN) — especially one that expands beyond the walls of the classroom, of course you should take time to relax as well, I suggest checking these soft cooler picks right here for this summer hotness, or installing air conditioner with the Morehart company.

Here are a few resources to help you do just that:

Build your PLN on Twitter

Twitter has become the online PLN for teachers. If you haven’t yet explored Twitter as a professional development tool, then summer is a perfect time to do that. Check out this article to help you get started. Once you dive in, here are some great organizations and people to follow (in addition to this author of course):

Educators

• @JohnKingatED – The Secretary of Education is an important individual to follow on Twitter. He will post updates on Public Education Policy and highlight various trends in education.
• @TheJLV – Jose Vilson, Founder of #EduColor, Social Justice advocate, author, public speaker.
• @globalearner – Alan November, a prominent educator, speaker, and education trainer.
• @DrTonyWager – Expert in Residence at Harvard Innovation Lab, prominent author, and keynote speaker.
• @Saradateachur – Sarah Thomas, Technology integrationist, social justice advocate, researcher, and prominent speaker.
• @HeidiHayesJacob – Founder of Curriculum 21.
• @web20classroom – Steven W. Anderson, educator, author, and evangelist.
• @AudreyWatters – Educator and writer of @HackEducation
• @AngelaMaiers – Educator, keynote speaker, author, and educational advocate.
• @TomWhitbey – Educator, Tech Evangelist, and founder of #edchat.
• @cybraryman1 – Former Librarian and Educator, Jerry Blumengarten, has resources on just about every topic imaginable including a massive list of PLN Stars.

Organizations

• @DailyGenius – Learn something new every day!
• @EdTechTeacher21 – The official twitter handle for EdTechTeacher; learn tips and tricks, pedagogical methodology, and more.
• @Microsoft_EDU – The official twitter handle for Microsoft.
• @GoogleForEdu – The official twitter account for Google Apps for Education
• @NPR_ed – NPR’s education team
• @Edutopia – Learn about the latest posts and articles from innovative educators.

Follow a Blog

With summer comes a little extra time to do some reading. Here are a few blogs you should sign up for (in addition to this one). If you need help organizing your Blogs, or would prefer not to sign up for blog updates via email, try using an RSS reader. My favorite is feedly.

• EDUWells – Richard Wells is an international leader in the world of education. Read about his experiments in the classroom as both a teacher and an administrator.
• Jonathan Wylie – Every time I read Jonathan’s blog, I learn something new! Use his blog to learn new tips and tricks, explore existing tools, and for deeper discussions on effective pedagogy.
• Cool Cat Teacher – I love Vicki’s blog. She explores everything from the emotional taxation of teaching to effective practice in the classroom.
• The Principal of Change – Eric Sheninger is an educational leader that advocates the role of reflection in educational practice.
• MindShift/KQED – MindShift explores everything from devices in the classroom to the need for recess. You will always learn something relevant to your classroom on this site.
• Cult of Pedagogy – A digital magazine for educators.
• Hybrid Pedagogy – A peer reviewed, online journal that explores the role of technology in education.
• EdTechTeacher – Their instructors post a few times each week and cover topics from technology, to teaching, to the latest in research.
• CMRubinWorld – Writer, Cathy Rubin, regularly interviews some of the most prominent educators in the world. Her monthly global blogger series also features great work from a range of educators.

Subscribe to a new Podcast

Podcasts are great ways to learn new things. Many of them are free, and you can find them in various places (iTunes Store, SoundCloud, Google Play, and more). Here are a few of my favorites:

• BAM! Radio Educator’s Channel – Topics cover everything from worksheets to de-stressing at the end of finals. Shows are relatively short (just a few minutes).
• NPR Education – NPR’s education channel
• TEDTalks Education – The best collection of educational TED talks.
• Education Talk Radio – Educators and leaders talk about current trends in education.
• EdTech Take Out – A podcast for teachers looking for innovative ways to incorporate technology.

Expanding Twitter, checking out new some blogs, and subscribing to podcasts are three easy, flexible, and free ways for educators to expand their PLN this summer (and even into the school year). Check out these examples and leave some of your own in the comments!

Connect with EdTechTeacher This Summer!

Looking for more ways to build your PLN this summer? Connect with EdTechTeacher’s instructors.