I am a member of Association of Texas Professional Educators also know as (ATPE). I originally joined this learning network as a course requirement for undergrad. I then renewed my membership with ATPE in 2014 just as a precaution for legal matters I also use it to take advantage of the benefits and resources available to members. This organization is amazing because not only are there discounts involved but there are several meet and greet opportunities to network with other teachers and administrators. This organization is very useful because you never know when you will need advice regarding contracts, rights, and other legal matters. Even though you never anticipate needing legal support just knowing that you have someone to support and advice you is a comforting feeling.
I am also on Twitter I follow several teachers, administrators, and school districts. I keep up with activities and some discussion threads for ideas to implement in my classroom and on my campus. I usually just use the ideas and post as resources, motivation, and inspiration. Twitter is very good for finding books, resources, pictures and ideas that you would like to incorporate into your own classroom or campus. You get to connect internationally as well as locally with educators who are very knowledgeable and helpful. I usually don’t contribute much on twitter as much as I benefit from the wealth of knowledge from all of the educators.
Additionally, I am also in a few Facebook groups that I do often collaborate and contribute to discussions. Facebook is one of my favorite learning communities. There are a plethora of topics discussed from classroom management, interview tips, certification tips and resources, lesson ideas, school climate and culture tips. One of the groups that I often participate in is DFW Teacher’s Lounge. I actually have my current position as a result of a job posting that was found in this group. A colleague of mine saw a post soliciting for a Gifted and Talented coordinator that was posted by the principal of one of my current campuses. I immediately found the post and reached out to the principal who then called me in for an interview. I have also posted positions in this group to help find teachers to hire at our current campus. I have had several friends that have secured positions by posting their credentials in this group. One of my friends posted her credentials and had 6 interview locked down by the end of the day. The other group that I frequently participate in is Black Educators Rock and Texas Black Educators Rock. Both of these groups I often collaborate with other teachers, we participate in the meet and greets and there are also resource conferences that are held. I am fairly vocal in contributing in the discussion in all three of the Facebook groups. I am always conversing in discussions, tips, questions and giving advice to other educators.
I am also a member of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented. This is the perfect group for my current position as a Gifted and Talented Coordinator for my district. I am about to access resources that I am able to use and apply into my program. I just recently attended a conference where I met a lot of local Gifted and Talented Coordinators that I am able to go and shadow and collaborate with. This conference was absolutely amazing. So many educators that I was able to network with and learn from. The sessions were jammed packed with valuable information that was relevant to the current needs of my campus. One of the sessions that I attended gave me some great resources and strategies for reaching my large ESL population of Gifted and Talented students. I left that session with so many websites, strategies and resources that I am not only able to use myself but I can take back to my campus to share with my colleagues that service not only gifted students but all students. One concern I had going into this school year was how to service one of my gifted students that is Twice Exceptional meaning he has autism as well as gifted and talented. This learning network gave me great ideas for servicing this student who sometimes struggles academically. I also learned about creating individualized Gifted and Talented plans that are tailor-made for my gifted students so that their goals are more growth mindset focused. I am now implementing the Gifted and Talented IEP’s with my entire district and creating personalized growth plans for my students.
Dakeisha Bell M.Ed 