As a teacher, I never really thought about LinkedIn nor had too much interest in it. I created an account on day. I don’t actually remember doing it, but I must have because every once in a while, I got a request to “connect” with someone who I had met at a conference. I never did anything with it because LinkedIn was for people who worked outside of education. Right?
I have found that assumption to be so far from true! If I could go back and change my response to those connections (in other words, not hitting DELETE), I most certainly would! I would connect, foster and grow relationships with educators, presenters and the incredible people I chatted with at the many vendor booths I visited (mainly to get the SWAG!). If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken the time to respond to those LinkedIn connection requests and put out some of my own!
Building Connections with Beloved EdTech Companies
There are some educational platforms that really make a point to strengthen and support their connections to teachers and educators. They recognize the value of educators using their product and sharing it with other, and make a point of honoring those teachers. These are the types of companies that want to build connections and communities with educators; they want their ideas and their feedback. When you find a educational technology company that changes your teaching and transforms your students’ learning, work to become a part of their community. Many of these companies have certified teacher or ambassador programs. These programs not only provide great resources, but they also provide support! And as an added bonus, if you share their product with others in a training session, they offer great SWAG!
I have explored and played with so many programs over the past 15 or so years, that I’ve lost count. But there are a handful that really standout. They have products that I felt so strongly about that I’ve presented them at local workshops, and some I have even presented at larger state and national conferences.
I have become an ambassador in several programs that stand out. I’m a Seesaw Ambassador, a WeVideo Ambassador, a EpicMaster Teacher, a Formative Certified Teacher, a Schoology Ambassador, a PowerSchool Champion and a ClassCraft Ambassador. I’m proud of my affiliation with each one, and am honored to be part of their community! As a member of each of these elite groups, I’ve been able to strengthen my professional network on LinkedIn. I connected with community leaders, fellow participants and company leaders.
Those connections can prove invaluable. They can be the connection you need to find that next career. I let so many opportunities slip by that I can’t get back. When I see how fostering these relationships, as I did with Schoology, PowerSchool and Classcraft, has really helped me find my way to new opportunities, I realized that by not fostering others, I missed out.
Creating Opportunities to Make Connections
Schoology is a learning management system that focuses on K-12 learners. Our district adopted it a few years ago. I love Schoology for its adaptability and integrations. Students are enrolled in courses, designed by educators. These courses can be customized with kid-friendly, interactive pictures and text. There are over 200 integrated tools like Khan Academy, Nearpod, BrainPop, and Google Drive. These tools are safely housed inside the LMS, and integrate seamlessly with assignments. Schoology also provides opportunities for teachers to create assessment, discussions and polls.
I have trained many teachers in the use of Schoology. This has included not only the basic set up, but also how to effectively set it up and use it to engage young learners. I became an ambassador right after I attended my first SchoologyNEXT conference (which by far was one of the best conferences I’ve ever attended!)
This ambassadorship also led to a similar role into PowerSchool (PS acquired Schoology last year.) Through these groups, I was able to make strong connections within the company. When PowerSchool had an open position for a Customer Success Trainer, I jumped in! Although the position wasn’t for Schoology, I think I excitedly mentioned my connection to Schoology a couple of dozen times. I was offered a position as a contract trainer, and have recently joined the Schoology team! I couldn’t be more excited!
Of all the programs I’ve ever used in my own classroom, ClassCraft was a huge game changer! I fell in love with this program from the first time I opened the app! I was so excited about this program and the positive effects it had on my classroom, I couldn’t help talk about it to ANYONE who would listen. I began providing professional development opportunities at our local edtech summits as well as our state VSTE conference. I also might possibly have “highjacked” the Classcraft booths at FETC and ISTE, letting my excitement take over. Becoming a Classcraft Ambassador was a no-brainer for me!
Although I’ve since left the classroom, I’ve continue to share Classcraft with other teachers. Now, I haven’t found a job with ClassCraft yet, I have made some important connections. Reaching out to some of the Classcraft Crew I met (pushed out of the way?) at FETC and ISTE was one of the best moves I made. I have received some incredible advice and encouragement from a few that has helped as I transition to this new career. (**If any of my Classcraft peeps are reading this, I’m open to contract training, ID or more!!)
Take Time to Build Relationships and Connections Today
Fellow educators, build those relationships and seize those opportunities. If find a edtech product you love, claim it! Seize opportunities to join communities and become part of an ambassador program. Take opportunities to train others how to use the program at local, state or national conferences. Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with the people you meet along the way. The relationship might not seem like a big deal at first, but hold it close. Those relationships might make a world of difference if you choose to venture down the path to a new career.
More than a Teacher 