The Teacher Down the Hall: Building a Community
In my prior article, I reflected on the current state of professional development in education. As an educator and the new engagement and learning specialist for ATPE, I recognize the urgent need to revitalize professional learning. Today, I am excited to highlight the launch of the ATPE Professional Learning Portal and Online Community. These platforms aim to bridge the gap by providing on-demand learning, webinars, and unique opportunities for connecting educators across Texas.
The ATPE Professional Learning Portal course catalog is as diverse as the population of students in our schools. Gen ATPE courses cater to the newest generation of teachers, SXSW EDU sessions offer innovative ideas from around the world, 2024 ATPE Summit keynote speaker Kim Bearden is sure to inspire, and interactive webinars from experts and peers offer valuable insights. What excites me even more than the current options are the future possibilities. Collaboration is key to the growth and success of our professional learning, and I firmly believe each of you have valuable knowledge and experiences that can greatly benefit others. Consider this your invitation to knock on my door and let me know about your experience!
You may remember my previously sharing the story of the “teacher down the hall” who was my unofficial mentor and helped me navigate my first year in the profession. I know firsthand the value of a true professional network, and every educator deserves that opportunity. The ATPE Online Community is that opportunity for every educator, regardless of location, campus size, or content area, to find a place to share knowledge and receive support. The ATPE Online Community will offer a variety of discussion forums with new communities created regularly based on member activity. The personalized settings allow you to customize the content you are most interested in and participate on your own terms. Our resource libraries offer a place to share your favorite resources and collaborate with other content or subject matter experts. Let’s seize the opportunity to learn from one another and inspire positive change in our educational community.
The ATPE Professional Learning Portal and Online Community are just the beginning of our efforts to enhance professional development and create a thriving network. We are committed to listening, learning, and evolving alongside you. Thank you for your dedication to continuous improvement and I look forward to connecting with you, hearing your stories, and working together to reclaim professional development across Texas.
