This month I’m celebrating 5 years of creating monthly professional learning opportunity lists. When I discovered the upcoming milestone last year I was surprised at how long I’ve been creating these lists. There definitely have been some months when the 29th or even 31st of the month has rolled around and I’d yet to put together the list, there have been times when I’ve only managed to send out the list once the month has already started, and some moments when I’ve thought about ending the lists altogether. But each time I do consider that, someone reaches out with a comment or email saying how the lists have helped them find a resource and I’m so grateful to hear that the lists are helpful. And so, as I celebrate this 5 year milestone, I am happy to say they will continue.
How it started
I started by putting together a list of professional learning opportunities in August 2020 by type of resource, like networks, social media, podcasts and websites that were helpful. And I found there were just so many incredible opportunities out there, far too many for one post. I was also not keeping track of the webinars I wanted to register for or the articles I wanted to go back to. I’d come across so many and save them or flag them, but then not remember to go back and read them, so I found myself creating lists. And I thought, why not share them?
The first list
The first list, March 2021 is a bit of a time capsule. I included links to upcoming Twitter chats (ah, those were the days), the first edition of the STEM Ed magazine (gosh that was good and I was sad to see it end a few years ago), and tips of using tech like Merge Cubes.
But some things stay the same and I smile that the first item on the list is an article by the great Margaret Merga.
The lists today
The lists are longer now, as I’ve found more places to regularly check for resources, articles and different formats of learning. I no longer include face-to-face events, as the lists are designed to be useful for everyone, no matter where they are. You can find the most recent lists here.
I also have a mailing list now, so the lists can be access both online on my website or delivered straight to people’s inboxes. Currently that PD email list has over 900 subscribers, which is amazing. If you’re not on that list, you can subscribe here.
The future of the lists
The lists will continue. Yes, it takes time to put them together each month, but they are such a helpful resource for my own professional learning and I love that I can help promote the work of others and keep the profession learning.
The lists have always been and will always be for all school library staff, all positions, all levels of experience, and I do try to find a range of articles and webinars that will appeal to a wide audience.