Modern Teachers

I just finished reading the article The 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have from edudemic. This article got me thinking about how "plugged in" teachers really need to be! I think it's very important for teachers to stay current with technology and know how to use it to create learning opportunities for their students.

After all, how can you teach 21st Century Learners if you are not a 21st Century Teacher?

This article outlined ten skills teachers must have to be successful in the modern classroom. I personally think you need more than ten skills, but it is definitely a place to start! No need to get overwhelmed, right?

Okay, so here is a list of the ten things you "must have" to be a modern teacher: 

1.) Build Your PLN

2.) Establish Real Relationships

3.) Understand Where Technology Fits in Education

4.) Know How to Find Useful Resources

5.) Manage Your Online Reputation

6.) Know How to Correctly Blog

7.) Slow Down

8.) Make Social Media Work For You

9.) Don't Be Afraid of Failing

10.) Know When to Disconnect 

I think I have a few of these skills already in place and can use them proficiently. I know that I definitely am not afraid of failing and am willing to try. I have several ideas for the coming school year and most of them involve pushing myself to use technology in a new way. I'll keep you posted on how it all goes!

I'm also great at finding useful resources. My Pinterest board is overflowing with wonderful ideas. And yes, I have used a lot of them in the classroom. I'm not just using my boards as an on-line hoarding spot, promise! ;)

I feel that I know how to "correctly blog", but this will be a great way to practice! This will also help me widen my PLN. I'm so excited to start connecting with other educators in the district, state, and beyond!

I know that I need to get better at "disconnecting" especially from Pinterest! I constantly find myself pinning away! From my phone, iPAD, laptop... You get the picture, right?

I know that I need to work on a few more of the items on this list, but I'm hoping that I will feel a little more proficient after completing the Summer Tech Challenge.

It's a big cyber-world out there and I feel like I am just starting to explore it on an educational level.

So what do you think? Are you a "modern teacher"?