Twitter Chats, Books & Blogs. . . Oh My!

A few years ago, Twitter was where I drew the line when it came to social media use.  Well, things have changed!  You can read my post about this revalation if you want.  Here, I just want to share some resources and let you decide if it's worth your time.  
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​I love using Twitter for the connection, sharing resources, and learning new ideas for teaching, coaching or tech integration.   When it comes to tech integration, I can't imagine how else I'd keep up! Everything I share in this post started with Twitter.  A connection, a book recommended, an idea shared... Connecte Educators are the best! 
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​ Twitter chats are an amazing way to start!  My favorites are #satchat, #learnlap, #tlap, #plearnchat, #2pencilchat, #edtechchat, #edtechafterdark (although too late for me to do very often).  Check out the Ed Chat list here for more topics and dates.  A few hashtags I follow athat don't have desgnated chats are #innovatorsmindset, #gttribe, and #leadlap, and many, many more!  You can start as a "lurker" until you feel comfortable or passionate enough to share your thoughts publicly. 
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MUST Follow List: 

@burgessdave @PaulSolarz @shakeuplearning @jmattmiller @gcouros @alicekeeler @markbarnes19 @magicpantjones @cultofpedagogy @BethHouf  @burgess_shelley @jaybilly2 @toddwhitaker to name a few.  These are the people who have shared amazing ideas and are willing to participate in conversations with their followers.  It's awesome to chat with authors of some of your favorite books!
​They are real people after all. 😃 Speaking of books...
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Books for Educators - Perfect for Summer Reading! 

You may notice a theme here.   These books are all from Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. (which I have no affiliation with).   You can read any book from this group and won't be disappointed!   All of the books are on his site with a description of each if you're interested in purchasing any for youself.    

The PIRATE theme is actually an acronym.   Below is how it's described in Lead Like A Pirate. 

"PASSION - both professional and personal
A willingness to IMMERSE yourself in you work
Good RAPPORT with your staff, students and community
The courage to ASK questions and ANALYZE what is and isn't working
The tolls and tenacity to seek positive TRANSFORMATION 
And the kid of ENTHUSIASM that gets others excited about education"
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Each book has a different focus.  Lead like a Pirate is perfect for school administators or leaders.  I'm not an administrator, but I am enjoying the book right now.  Learn Like a Pirate is described well on the cover "Empower your students to collaborate, lead and succeed".  It's geared toward educators who are trying to develop a student centered classroom with a strong community and culture (so, all of us).  Teach Like a Pirate is perfect for any classroom teacher or instructional coach.  This is the one that started the Pirate movement!  "Increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and transform your life as an educator"  My favorite parts are the "Hooks" for teachers to use to engage kids in learning.   Here's a great visual from @jmattmiller Ditch That Textbook with all the Hooks from the book.  
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Last, but definitely not least... Innovator's Mindset.  
I can't tell you how many people I've suggested this book to!  When I was done reading it the first time, I wanted to hand it to every administrator I knew.  
​"Empower learning, unleash talent, and lead a culture of creativity" 
I read it last summer, encouraged my department to do a book study this year, now we're planning a summer book study for teachers in our special education department.  Everytime I read it, I get something different out of it . . . All inspiring & motivating to say the least. 
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BLOGS & PODCASTS

​I have two MUST READ Blogs, which also happen to have Podcasts as well.  Since I love all Google tools, I'm #superexcited to share Google Teacher Tribe.  I listen to this every Monday on my way to work, and I'm not even a Podcast fan generally!  They are on their 15th episode, but the creators have both had their own blogs for quite a while.  Kasey Bell @shakeuplearning and Matt Miller @jmattmiller work together to create an awesome resource for all Google using educators.  Check our their sites, listen to the podcast and follow them on Twitter.  You will learn tons from them! 

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The other one that I read and listen to is Cult of Pedagogy by Jennifer Gonzalez.   She has great ideas and a wide range of topics for educators.  You can also follow her @cultofpedagogy on Twitter.  Episode 67 is the last one I listened to and it's one of my favorites so far. "What to Do on Lame Duck School Days", perfect for the end of the year!

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Well, that should give you enough to check out if you haven't already jumped in.  
I'd love to hear your comments and connect with you on Twitter @specialtechie

I won't take as long to write my next post.  My mind is already spinning with ideas on how to use Google Drawings to create awesome newletters, HyperDocs and more! 
​Thanks for reading! ~Pam @specialtechie