Fear is not an option when it comes to social media in schools

By Chris Casal + Lisa Nielsen

Cross posted at http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com

Innovative educators know first hand that social media like Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Instagram can be a powerful tool for teaching, learning, leading, and strengthening the home-school connection. In many cases though, others may need to be brought on board. Especially when parents are expressing concerns and unsure of how a platform can be used successfully.

It is the job of innovative educators to ensure parents, colleagues, and administrators know how to embrace the power of social media and also how to address their concerns.  

Here are suggestions for parents, teachers, and administrators in schools embracing social media.

Year 12 is under way. And it's looking great...

Tomorrow may be the first Monday of my 12th year as a teacher, but last week's four days mark a number of new beginnings. It's year twelve. It's a new school. It's a new district. It's a new town. And I'm more excited than ever.

A new school year, a new adventure

So begins the 2014-2015 school year. And so ends my time as a New York City Department of Education teacher.

I am leaving the friendly confines of the NYCDOE after 11 years. It's been a great run. I've taught in a computer lab the entire time, everything from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We've researched, presented, blogged, tweeted, and most everything in between. The DOE has provided me with invaluable experiences and amazing memories. But, alas, other opportunities and adventures await...