Facebook for Family and Consumer Science Teachers: Best PLC’s

I’m sure if 50 people were asked, “what is one best and worst Web 2.0 innovations of all time”, 80% would say social media. Social
media is often associated with negative sentiments; however, 65% of all adults utilize some form of social media. Social media users also have higher education attainment, and make over $75,000 a year. When use of social media was researched by Forbes in 2013, Facebook had the lead for professional (42%) and personal use (37%). Considering the profile of social media users and Facebook, professional development is the perfect place for professionals to learn from others.

A Google search performed by Charmaine S. Bissessar (2014), education and online instruction researcher, resulted in 227,000,000 teacher Facebook sites; indicating teachers are using this space to share ideas, interest, and industry related information. Continuous connections are formed synchronously and asynchronously with peers, and educators are allowed to see what education looks like globally.

I am personally a member of several education related networks, and connected to countless educators on Facebook. However, I would like to highlight the Family and Consumer Science Teachers Facebook group, as one of the best digital professional learning communities I have ever been involved.  Educators in this group, share everything from recipes to policy matters. The group is truly a safe place for the novice educator, and classroom for the expert; there are district and state leaders present as well. The community is organized with over 300 files/resources at your reach and if isn’t there, just post and someone will provide.

I don’t consider myself an expert and am no longer working in FACS; however, I interact in this group daily and look forward to spreading the word. FACS educators, if you love to share best practices, or need a community of support, request an “add” to this group!

Candice Mott a 2015 Region I ACTE Fellow