Carlow Today & Tomorrow | Blog

Educators who invest in their relationships are preparing for success throughout their careers.

Networking strengthens professional and personal development. Teachers and education leaders who connect with colleagues, mentors, and professionals from diverse occupations are building a vast support system. These relationships can empower educators as they navigate their careers.

Making Connections

There are many reasons why networking is important for career development. It leads to an exchange of ideas and information. It boosts confidence and social well-being. Whether connecting with like-minded people who share the same career or individuals from different backgrounds, networking exposes education professionals to wider opportunities. 

Building a professional network is especially important for teachers. Prospective teachers searching for their first positions find mentors through networking and learn from the experience of veterans. Teachers of all experience levels can share strategies for teaching, classroom management and curricula. They improve by comparing techniques with other professionals in their field or diverse fields.

Education administrators also benefit from networking by drawing on different perspectives to advance practices in their schools and beyond. They stay up-to-date on the current issues affecting education.

Overall, networking gives educators a chance to communicate with people who understand their struggles, fears and accomplishments. 

Benefits of Networking for Educators

To summarize, here are some of the benefits of networking for educators:

• Exchanging ideas—gather new and valuable information that provides a fresh perspective.
• Create partnerships—connect with educators from different schools, business people, community members and others.
• Find future opportunities—keep a pulse on the job market and other ways to advance professionally and personally.
• Improve skills and knowledge—compare teaching techniques and classroom experiences.

Educators who expand their network create platforms for discussion, support and collaboration. Doing so grows their influence beyond the classroom.

In-Person and Online Networking

Networking is done in person or online. In-person events include conferences, seminars and development workshops. Online connections can be made on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter, which offer a way for individuals to engage with a large population of professionals.

Online networking may be a good first step for those who are intimidated by the idea of going out and meeting strangers. Online interaction includes commenting on a post, sharing upcoming events and asking for advice for educational topics.

Whether they are seeking in-person or online interactions, educators can find networking resources and events through various professional organizations. The National Education Association (NEA), Association of American Educators and several subject-specific education groups are available. 

Build Your Network at Carlow

Connections are powerful when developing your career. Contacts influence growth by providing knowledge, referrals and support. Most of all, networking builds self-confidence, which is a key to success.

Carlow University offers networking opportunities through professional development workshops and conferences for educators, parents, students and community members. These activities and events include our Educator Workshop series, sponsorship of yearly conferences, Fall Symposium, and virtual workshops.

Carlow also offers a variety of master’s degrees in Education, including in Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education and other specializations. These education degree programs are designed to equip you with the skills you need to create change inside and outside the classroom. Choose the MEd program that is the right fit for you.

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