Building a strong Professional Learning Network (PLN) is one of the most valuable aspects of becoming a digital leader. Still, if I'm being honest, it's also been one of the most complex parts for me. I know the purpose of a PLN. I know how important collaboration, shared expertise, and continuous growth are for educators. But actually doing it, engaging, sharing, connecting, has not come naturally to me in this process.
Why This Has Been a Struggle
I think my struggle comes down to a few things:
I'm still learning how to balance everything.
Between teaching, coaching, building an entire innovation plan, updating my ePortfolio, and managing daily responsibilities, adding "engage with your PLN consistently" sometimes feels like one more thing on a very full plate. It's not that I don't value it, I do. It's just hard to figure out how to weave PLN engagement into my routine in a meaningful way.
I'm not naturally a "public sharer."
I am comfortable collaborating in person with colleagues or bouncing ideas around a classroom. But sharing publicly posting thoughts, asking for feedback, or putting my work out there online still feels intimidating. Part of a PLN is having a voice and contributing to it, and I'm still learning how to do that confidently.
It's overwhelming to know where to begin.
The PLN world is enormous. There are Facebook groups, Twitter/X /X chats, educator forums, EdTech networks, blogs, research organizations, conferences, and so many platforms that all promise to help you grow. But figuring out which spaces fit me best or which communities I should invest time in has been more challenging than I expected.
I'm still understanding what "effective PLN use" looks like.
I know a PLN isn't just following people or scrolling through ideas. It's supposed to be interactive, asking questions, joining discussions, participating in communities, seeking and giving feedback. Honestly, I'm still learning what that looks like for me and how to do it without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.
Where I Want to Go Next
I'm learning to give myself grace in this process. Developing a meaningful PLN takes time, and it doesn't have to look like everyone else's. My goal moving forward is to:
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Engage more consistently, even if it's small
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Share pieces of my journey without overthinking
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Ask more questions
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Find communities that genuinely help me grow
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Build confidence in using my voice
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Push myself to contribute, not just consume
I know a strong PLN will make me a better educator and digital leader. I have to keep taking steps even if they feel small or uncomfortable.
Final Reflection
Struggling with something doesn't mean I'm failing at it. It means I'm learning. And the truth is, this struggle is shaping me into a more reflective, intentional, and connected educator. My PLN might still be a work in progress, but so am I, and that's exactly what this journey is about.