Guest post by Nicholas Indeglio

In my previous post, I shared tips on getting started with Twitter through hashtags and chats. The focus of this post is to help you build your personal network by learning which education rock stars you should follow on the platform.

If you are new to Twitter, the first step is to begin building your network by following people you feel drawn to or can learn from. Once you follow someone, Twitter will recommend similar accounts to follow. Soon, you will have a robust “timeline” that shows the latest posts from everyone you follow. As your community grows, you’ll find that many educational “celebrities” are quite active and interact frequently with others. Here’s a short list of educational juggernauts that every educator/principal should follow:

  • @billsterrett ­– former teacher and principal, and current ed leadership faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • @BluntEducator – humorous account that sarcastically (and accurately) critiques the education system
  • @casas_jimmy – inspirational, educational change agent and a robust web presence
  • @DaisyDyerDuerr – successful teacher, coach, principal, and educational speaker
  • @DrTonyWagner – fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, consultant on the educational documentary, “Most Likely to Succeed,” and an Expert in Residence at the Harvard Innovation Lab
  • @ericjensenbrain – one of the leading authors on brain research and the connection to learning
  • @E_sheninger – one of the nation’s foremost leaders in engaging educational technology meaningfully
  • @gcouros – former educator and leader, and author of “The Innovator’s Mindset”
  • @HeidiHayesJacobs – curriculum expert and nationally recognized author
  • @iamkesler – co-founder of the EduAllStars podcast and Genius Hour contributor
  • @jaymctighe – expert on assessment, school improvement, and one of the originators of the Understanding by Design system
  • @LollyDaskal – leadership- and executive-coaching expert and founder of Lead from Within
  • @lynch39083 – blogger for Huff Post and Education Week, and editor of The Edvocate and The Tech Edvocate
  • @rckstrprincipal – two middle school principals (yours truly and “The Boss” Jon Ross) discussing everything and anything related to principalship and ed leadership
  • @TechNinjaTodd – co-founder of the EduAllStars podcast and author of “Kids Deserve It”
  • @toddwhitaker – nationally recognized author of more than 40 books on leadership and teaching, and professor at the University of Missouri and Indiana State University
  • @web20classroom – educational consultant with a focus on technology and social media, and co-creator of #Edchat

Additionally, many news outlets, educational leadership organizations, education foundations, and other related groups share their own research and provide links to quality articles through their Twitter accounts. They boast hard-working staff and faculty that keep the accounts current with relevant and timely posts. Here are some of the best organizations to follow:

  • @ASCD – an association for educators that provides professional development in many forms
  • @MarzanoResearch – Dr. Marzano’s organization is aimed at maximizing his research to boost student achievement
  • @MindShiftKQED – the educational branch of California news outlet KQED covers trends across the country
  • @NAESP – the National Association of Elementary School Principals supports elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders
  • @NASSP – the National Association for Secondary School Principals supports school leaders from across the United States and in over 35 countries around the world

By following the above accounts, you’ll find many others connected to their networks. Follow them and continue to grow your new professional learning community. Before long, you’ll have a well-developed and laser-focused network that can provide guidance, support, ideas, and fresh perspectives to help pull you through even the most difficult professional times. Best of all, your Twitter network is always accessible to you with the mere touch of a button.

What’s stopping you from connecting and learning on Twitter? 

Nicholas Indeglio, EdD, is the principal of Downingtown Middle School in Downingtown, PA. He is a 2017 Digital Principal of the Year. Follow him on Twitter @DrIndeglio

About the Author

Nicholas Indeglio, EdD, is the principal of Downingtown Middle School in Downingtown, PA. He is a 2017 Digital Principal of the Year. Follow him on Twitter @DrIndeglio

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