Tweets and Teachables: My Journey as a Gen-Z Science Teacher on Twitter

 

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Hello, fellow educators and science enthusiasts! If you're reading this, you've likely embarked on a similar journey as me—a high school science teacher who just so happens to be a proud member of Gen-Z. Yes, I'm part of the generation that grew up with smartphones and social media, but until recently, I had yet to dive into the Twitterverse for professional networking, linked HERE. So, let me share my exciting experience of using Twitter to expand my personal learning network and how it's been a game-changer for me.

Let me start by saying that I wasn't exactly a Twitter pro when I decided to give it a go for professional development. Like many of my fellow Gen-Zers, I was accustomed to using social media for personal connections and entertainment. However, the idea of using Twitter to connect with other educators and science aficionados piqued my interest.

To kickstart my Twitter journey, I followed a curated list of 15 accounts that promised to enrich my professional life. From organizations like NSTA (National Science Teaching Association) to Bill Nye, the Science Guy himself, my Twitter feed was soon buzzing with fascinating science tidbits, educational resources, and thought-provoking discussions. It felt like I had joined a vibrant digital science teacher's lounge, and I couldn't have been more excited.

One of the key highlights of my Twitter experience so far has been participating in live chats. If you're new to this, live chats are real-time discussions where educators, experts, and enthusiasts gather around a specific topic, often using a designated hashtag to facilitate the conversation. These chats provide an incredible opportunity to learn, share ideas, and connect with like-minded individuals.

After sending my first #edchat pictured below, I immediately was pulled into the conversation! Here's the beauty of Twitter live chats: they're incredibly welcoming and inclusive. I quickly discovered that educators from all backgrounds and experience levels were participating, and everyone's input was valued. The chat was a whirlwind of ideas, resources, and questions, and I found myself not just learning but also contributing to the conversation. It was exhilarating!

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What impressed me most during the live chat was the sense of camaraderie among educators. We were all there to learn from each other, to share our experiences, and to support one another in our teaching journeys. The diversity of perspectives and ideas was mind-boggling. I came away from that chat with a trove of new resources, teaching strategies, and a newfound sense of professional connection.

But the benefits didn't stop there. After the chat, I had the opportunity to follow and connect with many of the educators I'd interacted with during the discussion. This opened up a whole new world of networking. Suddenly, I had a virtual community of educators who were passionate about science education, just like me.

Since that first chat, I've become a regular participant in various Twitter live chats, each focused on different aspects of science teaching, pedagogy, and educational technology. I've delved into discussions on STEM education, explored the latest trends in science curriculum, and even picked up some fantastic classroom management tips.

Another delightful surprise was how Twitter encouraged me to reflect on my own teaching practices. When you see what other educators are doing in their classrooms, it's hard not to be inspired. I found myself experimenting with new teaching strategies and incorporating fresh ideas into my lessons. Twitter became not just a source of information but a catalyst for my professional growth.

Of course, it's not all about live chats and serious professional development on Twitter. There's also room for a bit of fun and humor. Memes about the struggles of grading papers, gifs that perfectly capture the chaos of the classroom, and the occasional science-related pun brighten up my feed and remind me that teaching is not just a job but a journey filled with laughter and memorable moments.

As a Gen-Z educator navigating the Twitter education community, I've been amazed at how this platform has enriched my professional life. It has connected me with passionate educators from around the world, expanded my knowledge, and inspired me to continuously strive for excellence in my teaching.

So, if you're a fellow educator, whether you're a digital native like me or a seasoned pro, I encourage you to take the leap and explore the Twitterverse. Follow those education accounts, participate in live chats, and don't be afraid to share your own insights. The world of Twitter is waiting for your unique perspective, and you might just find, like I did, that it's a treasure trove of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Happy tweeting, fellow educators! 🚀🔬 #ScienceEdTwitter

P.S. Here are all of the amazing accounts I followed, filled with very practical resources and many varying opinions on education. Here are 15 accounts you might consider following:

@NSTA - National Science Teaching Association for updates on science education trends and resources.

@scifri - Science Friday for science news, education resources, and engaging content.

@NEAToday - The National Education Association for education news and advocacy.

@Edutopia - Edutopia shares innovative teaching strategies and resources.

@NGSSchat - A community for discussing the Next Generation Science Standards.

@NASAedu - NASA's education account for space-related educational content.

@AFTunion - American Federation of Teachers for education news and resources.

@EdSurge - EdSurge covers the intersection of technology and education.

@BillNye - Follow Bill Nye for science updates and entertaining educational content.

@STEMTeachTools - Offers practical tools and resources for STEM teachers.

@TeachThought - TeachThought shares educational insights and resources.

@CultofPedagogy - Jennifer Gonzalez provides teaching tips and resources.

@edutalkradio - Larry Jacobs shares education-related podcasts and interviews.

@PBSLrnMedia - PBS Learning Media provides educational resources and lesson plans.

@TeacherToolkit - A source of teaching ideas and tips for educators.

These accounts cover a wide range of topics related to science education, teaching strategies, and educational trends, which can help a high school science teacher stay informed and inspired in their profession.