SOCIAL MEDIA: THE NEW DIGITAL CV

Dear Educators,

Last week, I was making a couple of grant applications and one thing that stood out for me was how all 3 of the applications demanded I input my social media handles. Considering how intentional I have been over the years to communicate my values and work through my social media accounts, I felt good and even a little bit proud as I typed in my social media handles. After those applications, I couldn’t help but reflect on the number of educators who say “Social media is not for me” or “I’m not a social media person” My question is, if they had to be the ones making these applications what would they fill in the social media aspects of these grant questionnaires?

In today's digital age, our online presence extends far beyond the classroom. With social media becoming an integral part of our personal and professional lives, it's essential to be intentional about how we portray ourselves online. From Twitter to TikTok, LinkedIn to Instagram, our profiles serve as windows into our values, passions, and professional identity.

As educators, our social media accounts are not just platforms for personal expression but also tools for professional development, networking, and connecting with students and parents. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the following:

-Reflect Your Professionalism: Your social media accounts should reflect the same level of professionalism you maintain in the classroom. Ensure that your profile picture, bio, and content align with your role as an educator and uphold the values of your institution.

-Mindful Content Sharing: Before hitting the share button, pause and consider the implications of your content. Whether it's sharing educational resources, insights from your teaching journey, or personal anecdotes, ensure that it adds value and reflects positively on you as a professional.

-Engage with Purpose: Engage with your audience intentionally. Respond to messages and comments promptly, foster meaningful discussions, and use your platform to amplify voices and causes that matter to you and your community.

-Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries between your personal and professional life on social media. While it's essential to show authenticity, certain aspects of your personal life may be better kept private to maintain professionalism and protect your privacy.

-Continuous Learning: Use social media as a tool for continuous learning and professional growth. Follow educational thought leaders, participate in Twitter chats, join professional groups on LinkedIn, and leverage platforms like YouTube and podcasts for valuable insights and resources.

By being intentional about our social media presence, we can harness its power to positively impact our professional lives and the educational community. Let's use these platforms not just as means of self-expression, but as vehicles for inspiration, collaboration, and learning.

Agnes Onyekwere

For:

Edu-Media Mate