21 Century Teacher

A 21st century teacher does have to be connected. PLC's are in place because of the importance of being connected and networking to improve planning and instruction. We are no longer lonely isolated classrooms, and we shouldn't be! Our students do not belong to us alone, they need to have connections with other teachers and other content and experiences. This is why it is so important to work with your grade level to be on the same page with content. Once those students leave our classes, they are all mixed up in the next grade and it is important for them to have similar experiences. A 21st century teacher also does have to know technology well because we have to keep up with our new generation of students. We have to be able to relate to them if we want to engage and connect with them. Reflection is important because we need to constantly improve and stay sharp on new ways to teach old material so we ourselves are engaged like our students. It is best practice. Being a young teacher, I consider myself a 21st century learner and I think that is why as an educator I have a passion for technology and want to use it in my class since I grew up being comfortable with it.