I have been a Tweeter since 2020…but didn’t really use the social media platform for professional connection, professional development, and professional growth until the past year or two. I didn’t see the relevance. I’m happy to say, I do now, using Twitter most days to connect with educators from literally around the world. My Twitter professional learning network (PLN) includes educators from the USA, Europe, Australia, and Asia, Microsoft Education employees in Amsterdam, Seattle, and Florida, authors, researchers, college professors…I could go on and on. If I need help or inspiration, I send a tweet to see who responds. If a colleague is doing something great in their classroom, I tweet a picture in celebration and in hopes of inspiring someone else.

I am hoping these tips might help you see how Twitter can be a key to expanding your Professional Learning Network and a source of inspiration, motivation, and up-to-date information in your field. Educators – maybe a fun summer professional learning goal?

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Tip #1: Follow ANYONE who interests you! 

When I first started with Twitter I thought of it like Facebook (which I use only personally). I thought that I should personally know all of my followers and those who I followed…NOT TRUE. Follow anyone who interests you. Follow anyone who is associated with your field or the field that you want to be a part of. Don’t be shy! Following someone only means that their posts will appear in your feed – AWESOME!

Tip #2: Use hashtags…but not too many!

Use hashtags to search for posts relevant to your profession or interests. Try a variety of terms and combinations of words, abbreviations, and acronyms to really find out what people are talking about. Use a hashtag or two in each of your own tweets so that they are collected with others of the same topic or in the same chat and so that they are searchable. Don’t overload your tweet with hashtags though, research shows that using more than two hashtags actually decreases engagement with your tweet.

Tip #3: Tweet regularly

Using a hashtag might get you a few likes or comments, maybe even a retweet. But to find those who you really want to follow and to gain followers of your own, you need to tweet regularly. Not just at the conference or when things slow down ( because when is that?!) but at least a few times per week. Include images or links to websites – this will catch viewers attention far more quickly than text only. When you retweet, quote the tweet and add something of your own to it.

Tip #4: Use Moments

Moments are a way to organize tweets based on topic. It allows you find those tweets that you need to reference later – for a link or just some inspiration. I have Moments titled Teaching Inspiration, Office365, Blended Learning, Accessibility and more. When I am going through my feed and a tweet stands out or contains information that I will need to reference in the future, I click on the carrot in the upper right corner of the tweet. From there I can choose to add the tweet to an existing moment or to a new moment. It’s easy as that! You can publish a Moment, which makes your collection public, or you can leave it in draft form and only you will be able to see the tweets that you have saved.

Tip #5: Put yourself out there

I have made some great connections for my classes using Twitter…I simply asked and tagged people in my tweet. What’s the worst that can happen? A “no” or nothing? What’s the best that can happen – a Skype session or a guest visit, a phone call or a letter. It’s a classic case of nothing ventured, nothing gained.

There is more that could be said about Twitter, but this is a good start. What tips would you add? Comment below!

Bonus tip: If you are inspired to create a Twitter account now, please be thoughtful of your Twitter handle (your user name). If you will be using this account for professional purposes, be sure to create a professional Twitter handle…and keep your tweets work appropriate! People have lost jobs or job opportunities due to social media activity…