Educator Advice

The importance of building your PLn

Continuous learning is an essential responsibility for today’s educators, especially in a rapidly evolving digital and instructional landscape. As classrooms become more diverse and technology-rich, teachers must remain current with emerging research, pedagogy, and tools that enhance student learning. One of the most effective ways to sustain continuous growth is through the intentional development of Professional Learning Networks (PLNs). PLNs allow educators to connect with colleagues beyond their immediate school site, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and idea-sharing across districts, states, and even countries.

Content-specific teachers especially benefit from PLNs because they face unique instructional challenges within their discipline. English teachers, for instance, may seek strategies for supporting reluctant readers or integrating AI-powered writing tools responsibly. Math teachers can exchange approaches for conceptual understanding or differentiated problem-solving. Science educators can discover new lab simulations, inquiry practices, or safety protocols. History teachers gain access to culturally responsive curricula, primary-source archives, and discussions on teaching controversial topics. Elective teachers—often the only ones in their department—can use PLNs to combat isolation by connecting with specialists in arts, media, music, technology, and other creative fields.

Ultimately, PLNs empower teachers to remain reflective practitioners who engage with current trends instead of becoming stagnant. They provide a steady flow of inspiration, practical classroom innovations, and emotional support, all of which strengthen teacher effectiveness and ultimately improve student outcomes. By participating in PLNs, educators demonstrate professionalism, model lifelong learning, and uphold their commitment to providing high-quality education to every learner.

Professional Learning Network & Resource List

For All Middle School Teachers:

1. Edutopia 
   Offers research-backed strategies, videos, and articles across all subject areas, with active educator communities discussing practical classroom implementation.

2. ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
   Provides global PLNs, technology standards, virtual conferences, and educator communities focused on digital learning and innovation.

3. ASCD
   A leading professional organization offering articles, PD courses, books, and educator forums focused on instructional excellence and whole-child teaching.

4. MiddleWeb
   A dedicated resource hub for middle grades teachers featuring blogs, book reviews, strategies, and active discussion communities.

5. Cult of Pedagogy
   Offers podcasts, articles, and teaching guides on pedagogy, classroom management, instructional coaching, and digital tools.

For English/ELA Teachers:

1. NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
   Provides high-quality research, lesson ideas, conferences, and strong PLNs for literacy, writing pedagogy, and English instruction.

2. ReadWriteThink
   Offers free, classroom-ready ELA lessons, interactives, and resources developed by NCTE and ILA.

For Math Teachers:

1. NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
   Features webinars, journals, conferences, and online communities that promote standards-based, conceptual math teaching.

2. YouCubed (Stanford University)
   Created by Jo Boaler, this site offers innovative math tasks, mindset research, and a strong online community focused on meaningful math learning.

For Science Teachers:

1. NSTA (National Science Teaching Association)
   Provides extensive PLNs, journals, lesson plans, conferences, and science-specific professional development.

2. PhET Interactive Simulations
   Offers high-quality digital science and math simulations and an active community sharing classroom strategies.

For History / Social Studies Teachers:

1. NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies)
   Offers standards, journals, conferences, and educator networks focused on social studies pedagogy and civic education.

2. Stanford History Education Group (SHEG)
   Known for “Reading Like a Historian,” SHEG provides free, inquiry-based lessons and assessments along with a strong online educator community.

For Electives Teachers:

1. NAEA (National Art Education Association)
   Supports visual arts teachers with PLNs, webinars, standards, and access to national communities of arts educators.

2. CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association)
   A national community offering PD, curriculum guidance, meetups, and CS-specific PLNs ideal for computer science and technology electives.