Polly+Miller's+NLI11+Teacher+Leadership+Plan

Before the New Literacies Teacher Leader Institute, I was under the impression that as a teacher it is a very negative connotation to have a “digital footprint.” However, after I heard Steven Anderson’s discussion about using Twitter as a professional development tool, and as means to establish my teacher persona in a positive manner, I began to reflect upon how I will build my positive professional digital profile.

First, I will create my own digital profile via Weebly. On this website, I will include information pertaining to my personal life, my educational career, my educational perspective/goals, teaching experience, and other educational related experiences. I will also include images of myself, so if a colleague or other educator does not know me personally, they will have an actual visual of me. I think it’s important to put “names with faces” and this will be a simple solution for this mnemonic. By having an actual space other educators, colleagues, and students can visit they will be able to get to know me as an individual, and an educator. Eventually, I will begin a blog on this website. The blog entries will vary; however, I will categorize them by subtopics. The blog entries will include my thoughts about education in general, educational issues, activities/lessons I am teaching, articles I find interesting, etc. – basically, anything related to my educational life. Finally, I will link my professional Twitter/Facebook account.

The Facebook account will suffice as another way for others to connect with me on a very personal level – even actual communication. Prior to the NLI, I had already decided to create a professional Facebook account where my students (prior, current, and future) can add me in order to stay in touch or ask education-related questions. This idea was actually prompted by one of my students this past spring semester. He begged me daily to add him on Facebook; but I refused stating I did not add my students. Then he suggested I make an account just for students. After reflecting from NLI, I decided to act upon my student’s and these innovative ideas, and really connect with my students, colleagues, and other educators in a professional digital realm.

I’m actually a “rookie” to Twitter – so much so that I recently joined three weeks ago. Therefore, after hearing Steven Anderson’s argument that Twitter is a great professional development tool, I was instantly enthralled! Now, I’m addicted. I cannot wait to really build my professional circle via Twitter and stay up-to-date on the latest educational issues, topics, teaching strategies, and general opinions. Essentially, I strongly believe Twitter is a fabulous tool for staying connected and up-to-date as a New Literacies teacher.

Presentation:

I will present my website, and opinions that I’ve shared above at the school(s) I will teach at upon graduation. Similarly to Steven Anderson, I will inform my colleagues and staff about the positive way they can present themselves online. Also, I will encourage them to be pro-active about their “digital footprint” and should “market” their technological profile.

Prior to my presentation, I want to discuss the educators’ opinions about possessing a “digital footprint.” To me, this is a great way to open the presentation and let educators express their perspectives; thus, making connections with other educators and truly articulating their thoughts. After I have discussed my opinions about “digital footprints,” and the validity of creating a positive professional profile, I will allow a thorough reflection session. As an educator (and personally) I thoroughly believe in the value of reflection. I will ask the educators who viewed the presentation to take a few moments and reflect upon their opinions about their own “digital footprint” by briefly writing three to five sentences. I will let people volunteer to share their changed or static opinions. As an “exit” to the presentation, I will ask the educators to please visit my website, add/communicate with me on Facebook, and follow me Twitter.

Finally, I will use a presentation tool such as, VoiceThread or Prezi to present. I think both of these tools are a unique way to convey ideas/meaning. Furthermore, these “Cool Tools” create an avenue to display the New Literacies I now possess. Essentially, I can use these digital gems as an opportunity to educate fellow educators about the New Literacies.

Revisions:
 * Here are things I learned:
 * Social media should be used as possibilities to many job opportunities, rather than a hurdle.
 * I should consider how I want to “brand” myself online by using appropriate websites and other media tools. When branding myself I need to consider my professional and personal boundaries. Furthermore, I should use social media, websites, and other digital technology as an opportunity to create and mold my professional image.
 * Specific tools I can use to “brand” myself:
 * Twitter
 * Edublogs
 * About.Me
 * Flavors.me
 * Weebly
 * Wiki
 * A school website – my college and/or employer
 * Facebook is not the main tool I want to use to market myself. I agree it will be a challenge to monitor the activity on the social networking site. However, my goal with Facebook is to keep in constant communication with my students (past/present). Currently, Facebook is the streamlined social networking tool, and I believe it will be the easiest way to keep my students updated. The majority of my students already have Facebook, so this would be an easy way to communicate with them. Also, I’m very familiar with the program and can navigate well.
 * Using Facebook in a very professional manner:
 * I will post homework assignments, class work, and anything related to my current class on blogs. Students will be informed at the beginning of the year to regularly check Facebook to keep up with coursework they missed, or as a friendly reminder.
 * I will have the option to Facebook chat to assist students with homework, or communicate with guardians.
 * I will use Facebook messaging, to allow students and guardians the opportunity to disclose private information.
 * I can utilize the Facebook wall as a means to keep a positive persona for my students (current/past). However, I will protect my wall/Facebook account by setting strict privacy settings. Meaning, all posts, including texts and images, must first be approved by me before they are linked to the page.
 * //Areas I needed to strengthen://
 * Link to my webpage: []
 * Link to my Twitter: []
 * Educators I follow: []
 * Educational trends I follow:
 * #edchat
 * #engchat
 * Facebook used in a professional manner is detailed in the “Response to your Questions” section of the revision.
 * I will contact my previous employer, Michelle Thigpen at Duplin County Schools, and request to give a professional development seminar on creating, establishing, and maintaining a positive web identity for teachers. She is now the principal at E.E. Smith middle school. This past spring semester, I taught for her at Beulaville Elementary School. However, at the end of the school year, all principals and vice principals were reassigned schools for the upcoming year. I think as a new principal there, she will be eager to welcome a New Literacies Teacher Leader into the atmosphere.
 * I student taught at Apex High School during fall 2010. I can contact my cooperating teacher, and the principal, and schedule the same professional development seminar at Apex High School.
 * I can contact my old high school, East Duplin, and ask to hold the same seminar!
 * I can blog about my previous and developing opinions and experience with creating, establishing, and maintaining a positive digital identity.