Twitter is exploding lately with educational chats and cutting-edge practitioners to follow, but where does a novice begin?

This social media tool is becoming a place for educators to follow current trends in education and become part of the conversation themselves. Twitter appeals to educators both young in the field and experienced in their craft.

Look at these three categories to see if you are following any of these contributors to the current education discussions happening at the break-neck speed of Twitter.

The Craft of Teaching:  Eric Sheninger—a Texas educator who not only has his finger on the pulse of education in Texas, but is highlighted nationally in both Scholastic and USA Weekend publications (Twitter handle: @E_Sheninger).  Chris Lehman—a Heinemann author who started, along with other educators, @TheEdCollab who offers online PD from an incredible array of  teachers. He’s witty and passionate about strengthening the craft of teaching (Twitter handle: @iChrisLehman).

Blogs and Websites:

Mr. Schu Reads—This blog, along with the individual, is simply staggering in the weight and heft of material tweeted. An elementary librarian from Illinois and now Scholastic ambassador, this Tweeter has incredible elementary publishing insight (@MrSchuReads). Edutopia—This is a favorite for many educators, for pre-service teachers and even those new to the profession.  There are blog posts that run the gamut from classroom management to teaching with electronic media (Twitter handle:  @Edutopia).

Chats to Follow:

#EdTherapy Chat—This chat refreshes the soul and culls different perspectives from across the country.  Matt Mingle (Twitter handle: @mmingle1) is the co-founder of the chat, and it is the first Friday of each month.  #TeachWriting Chat—an essential chat for every ELA professional. Dual moderators Ben Khulman, a middle school science/social studies teacher, and Lisa Hughes, an elementary special education teacher, stand confidently at the helm. This chat is the first and third Tuesday of each month (Twitter handles: @bkhul2you, @lisahughes196, @TeachWriting2).  #Wonderchat is another chat that refreshes teaching for all disciplines. This chat falls on the first Monday of each month and has such a diverse contributing group, educators the world around can’t help but be drawn into the wonder around them.

About the Blogger: Kelly Tumy is curriculum director for English language arts and social studies in the Teaching and Learning Center at HCDE. During her 25-year career in education/administration, she has loyally served Harris County as an educator in Galena Park, Humble and most recently Crosby ISD. Tumy’s workshops focus on inquiry-based instruction in the ELA classroom. Her passion for cross-curricular connections helps students and teachers see the elasticity in education.