Networking is a concept that transcends various scenarios and circumstances, uniting natural, technological, and human systems through the element of support. According to the Oxford Dictionary, networking is "the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts." This definition highlights the essence of networking: fostering connections that provide mutual benefits.
In education, collaboration has always been a cornerstone. Traditionally, teachers sought support from their immediate network of colleagues, sharing resources, practices, and questions during collaboration meetings. Annual conferences and workshops were the primary means to stay updated with the latest advancements in their fields. The advent of the internet facilitated connections via emails, website visits, and blogs.
Today, a new paradigm is emerging, one that emphasizes fluid, effective, and active communication and collaboration with peers on a global scale. The digital era has ushered in a new age of connectivity and resource sharing, marked by a significant boom in social media usage. Educators are now encouraged to forge connections beyond their immediate circles, embracing a continuous interaction model that includes thoughtful comments, meaningful posts, and knowledge sharing.
This trend signifies a broader shift: educators are more connected than ever, seeking out best practices, learning from one another, and adapting successful strategies to their contexts. Teachers are no longer isolated entities confined to their school or district, we embrace technology, engage with social media, and explore artificial intelligence. We also create new content to share insights on popular topics, enriching the educational discourse and navigating this exciting new normal driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
A well-conceived and purposeful network of contacts offers educators numerous benefits, such as:
Creating a reliable professional network today is incredibly easy and advantageous. Statistics support this, according to Statista, the number of social media users worldwide has surged from 2.73 billion in 2017 to 5.17 billion in 2024. Social media platforms, once predominantly for sharing personal content, have evolved into professional hubs. LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok among many others now host professional content where educators share valuable insights and interact with followers. Facebook support communities are highly active, with teachers asking questions and receiving meaningful advice from colleagues daily.
Building and maintaining a successful professional network requires planning and strategy. Here are some ideas to think about:
For a more comprehensive list of educational social media platforms check out The 20 Best Social Networks For Teachers.
If you would like to know more about successful networking strategies, Oxford University’s Top Tips for Successful Networking provides a thorough list.
In summary, networking is not just about exchanging information; it’s about building a supportive community and fostering connections that provide mutual benefits. Continuous engagement in networking allows educators to enhance our digital and social skills, expand our horizons, and foster meaningful relationships that can be highly beneficial in different aspects of the professional life to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern education.
If you have years of experience or are just thinking on how to extend your professional network, it is worth trying new platforms, sharing ideas, and experimenting with content creation.
Happy networking!
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Luz Stella Martinez has been an international (IB) educator for 10 years, currently working as an independent consultant based in the United Kingdom.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/luz-stella-martinez-g-1b7a2227
