Social Media
Connections Pushing Our Professional Growth
By JOE SANFELIPPO/School Administrator, October 2017


AS SCHOOL DISTRICT leaders, we are called to support the learning of those in our schools. That learning can’t be limited to those under 18. If we are creating a learning community, the learning needs to be part of everyone’s world.

Developing a cookie-cutter approach to professional development as an organization is as detrimental as a cookie-cutter approach to classroom instruction. We need to realize everyone’s professional journey differs.

We talk at length about how we are preparing kids for a future that doesn’t exist and then tell the adults responsible for those environments that their professional development will take place at a certain time, in a certain place and in a certain way. The fact is you simply can’t meet the needs of all your staff members if you are “professionally developing” them every week from 3-3:30 p.m. in the same place with the same topics. They may comply, but they will rarely go beyond the level of compliance because they didn’t own the process.

Like-Minded Pursuits
Social media is the driver for much of our new learning. Teachers found their way to Twitter, blogs, online workshops and Instagram to spark ideas they could apply to their learning.

We keep three things in mind when we take on professional growth in our district. We give our staff time, resources and opportunity to get better in their professional journey. We didn’t find a particular tool that solved all their issues, but we did find that all tools provide a social connection to like-minded educators, which is where most growth took shape. Connecting staff to people doing amazing things across the world not only empowers educators to try new things, but models the idea we don’t have all the answers, and that’s ok.

» Time. Get your staff connected to use Twitter and Instagram, to review relevant online blogs and to participate in webinars that spark their interest. Many platforms already are being used by staff members for social reasons. Give them time to explore the space so they can find at least one resource to help them professionally.

We tend to overschedule the number of formal training days across the year. Trading a meeting for a chance to explore will help your staff know you value their time.

» Resource. Record (or find) videos on how to use social media professionally. Distribute these in a medium currently in wide use, probably e-mail. That keeps staff in their comfort zone to begin the process. Provide multiple resources that could be used and always provide the “why” and “how” relating to the benefits of using the tool. Develop a resource page with links that help people navigate the tools. Take it a step farther and use a Twitter hashtag that links the learning to an online platform so more people can contribute.

As the leader in your organization, be sure to contribute. It models the way and shows your vulnerability. This empowers your staff to take risks when it comes to sharing their knowledge. (I’ve compiled resources at my website.)

» Opportunity. Continue conversations throughout the year. Use social media platforms to hold asynchronous staff meetings. Within a semester, social media typically becomes a source for credible information. Staff members can connect with like-minded people globally and design a process that works for them. When they own the process, it adds tremendous value.

Modeling Connections
We are clear in our district when it comes to using social media for professional development, the platforms will change but the process of allowing people to own their learning cannot. Our process allows staff members to grow on their terms with their interests. When they own the learning, they will go beyond what we thought possible. If we are expecting teachers to differentiate the learning for their students, we must model the process as an organization.

Making social connections to people doing amazing things outside of our walls will enhance the school experience for students and adults. We are better together.
JOE SANFELIPPO is superintendent in Fall Creek, Wis. E-mail: joesanfelippo@fallcreek.k12.wi.us. Twitter: @joesanfelippofc