How can you use your alumni network to build your teaching community?

1 Find mentors and mentees

One of the benefits of your alumni network is that it can connect you with teachers who have different levels of experience and expertise. You can find mentors who can offer you guidance, advice, and support in your teaching career, or you can become a mentor to newer teachers who can benefit from your knowledge and skills. You can also find mentees who can challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow as a teacher. To find mentors and mentees, you can use your alumni association's website, newsletter, or social media platforms to search for profiles, events, or programs that match your interests and goals.

2 Join or create groups

Another way to use your alumni network to build your teaching community is to join or create groups that focus on specific topics, subjects, or issues related to teaching. For example, you can join a group that discusses curriculum development, pedagogy, or assessment, or you can create a group that explores diversity, inclusion, or social justice in education. By joining or creating groups, you can exchange ideas, resources, and perspectives with other teachers who share your passion and curiosity. You can also expand your network by inviting other alumni or non-alumni teachers to join your groups.

3 Attend or host events

A third way to use your alumni network to build your teaching community is to attend or host events that offer opportunities to learn, network, and collaborate with other teachers. For example, you can attend workshops, webinars, or conferences that feature alumni speakers, panelists, or facilitators who can share their insights and experiences in teaching. Or you can host your own events, such as book clubs, study groups, or project teams, that invite other alumni or non-alumni teachers to join you in exploring topics or issues that interest you. By attending or hosting events, you can build relationships, gain knowledge, and enhance your skills as a teacher.

4 Share or request feedback

A fourth way to use your alumni network to build your teaching community is to share or request feedback on your teaching practices, projects, or challenges. Feedback is essential for improving your teaching effectiveness, creativity, and confidence. You can share or request feedback with other alumni teachers who can offer you constructive, honest, and respectful feedback that can help you grow and improve. You can also offer feedback to other alumni teachers who can benefit from your perspective and experience. You can share or request feedback through online platforms, such as forums, blogs, or podcasts, or through offline channels, such as phone calls, emails, or meetings.

5 Celebrate or support each other

A fifth way to use your alumni network to build your teaching community is to celebrate or support each other in your teaching achievements, milestones, or challenges. Teaching can be rewarding, but also demanding, stressful, and isolating. You can celebrate or support each other with other alumni teachers who can understand, appreciate, and empathize with your teaching journey. You can celebrate or support each other by sending congratulatory messages, cards, or gifts, by sharing success stories, testimonials, or recommendations, or by offering encouragement, advice, or assistance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?