Back in 2011 I became enthralled with a social media site called Twitter. While attending the NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference Eric Sheninger opened my eyes to the power of Twitter for professional growth purposes and as a way to brand your school. Some time later in 2012, Scott Rocco and I connected on Twitter and launched #Satchat as a way for educators to share best practice ideas and resources. Fast forward to the present, and I am honored to announce the release of a book that I co-authored with Billy Krakower and Scott Rocco titled 140 Twitter Tips for Educators. The passion the three of us have for this magnificent tool will no doubt come through in this how to guide. 

Want to learn how to set up a Twitter account? How about coming across some clear cut examples of how schools leverage the power of Twitter to tell their story? Thinking of starting your very own Twitter chat? All these questions and so much more are answered for you in great detail. 140 Twitter Tips for Educators provides insights, images, and a wealth of resources aimed at getting the most out of this micro blogging tool. From a personal standpoint, I share my thoughts on how Twitter changed my family's dinner conversation. Billy and Scott also provide practical examples of how Twitter can move educators from good to great. 

So what do you say? Have we peaked your interest to possibly delve into the wonderful world of Twitter? This book is great for the teacher or administrator looking to enhance their impact. It's also a wonderful resource for an entire school or district to tackle. There is something for everybody in 140 Twitter for Educators. The bottom line is that Twitter has done so much for Billy, Scott, and I that we felt compelled to spread the love. Make sure to check the #140EduTips hashtag to stay in the loop with all things Twitter in the world of education. Purchase your copy today by clicking here. 

Here are the endorsements from some of our favorite people on Twitter...

“140 Twitter tips is the perfect PD for those who don't get Twitter in education. You'll unleash learning and get excited about teaching again, 140 tips at a time. #awesome” Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher Mashable "Rockstar" Teacher on Twitter, author: The Cool Cat Teacher Blog and Reinventing Writing, host: Every Classroom Matters.

“Twitter is a tool that educators can use to connect globally and build their PLNs (Personal/Professional Learning Networks). In this book, Brad, Billy, and Scott give 140 practical tips that educators can use to leverage the power of social media to help their pedagogy. Readers will glean chunks of wisdom from the Twitter experts who brought us #Satchat and inspired thousands of educators worldwide.” Sarah Thomas @sarahdateechur. Regional Technology Coordinator in Prince George’s County, Maryland and Digital Innovation in Learning Award Winner.

“Being "unconnected" is no longer choice in the field of education. 140 Twitter Tips for Educators, calms your every fear about embracing Twitter, and provides you with the knowledge to advance your students lives, as well as your career, to heights you never dreamed of!” Glenn Robbins @glennr1809. 2016 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year. Middle School Principal at Northfield Community School in Northfield, NJ.

“Currie, Krakower and Rocco provide something for everyone with their great new book 140 Twitter Tips for Educators. From the novice twitter user, to the seasoned social media professional, one can find rich tidbits on how to get the most out of your personalized/professional learning network. Their collectively leadership in the twittersphere not only positively influences the lives of individual educators, but strengthens the American education system as a whole.”Winston Sakurai @winstonsakurai. 2016 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year. Upper School Principal for the Hanalani Schools in Mililani, Hawaii. 

"Technology in education isn’t going away anytime soon, but it is constantly changing. 140 Things Educators Can Do With Twitter illustrates how all educators, whether they are connected or not, can use Twitter to help them grow professionally and improve their instructional practices. This book is filled with easy to follow strategies to use Twitter: from branding and marketing your school and classroom to becoming an advocate for the education field using Twitter, this book has it all. As a fellow connected educator, I know I learned additional ways to use Twitter to help my staff and myself grow. I would encourage anyone who is looking to get better as an educator to read this book." Bobby Dodd @bobby_dodd. 2016 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year. Principal at Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio. 

I was speaking with Dr. Spike Cook a while back at an educational event and he made mention of the fact that my early morning Facebook Check-Ins from the gym inspired him. Actually his exact words were "how come you don't check in from the gym anymore?" At which point I told him that I stopped working out. But I digress. Recently I reflected on this conversation I had with Spike and wondered if this same sort of story applied to educators and the vast amount of sharing that takes place on various social media sites.

I truly believe that the ideas, reflections, resources, and best practices we share on social media sites inspire others. A simple tweet, Facebook post, Vox, or update on LinkedIn may not seem like a big deal to you, but undoubtedly impact someone else. Over my five plus years as a connected educator I have had the distinct pleasure of learning from so many classroom, school, and district practioners. The exposure to various initiatives, lesson ideas, technology applications, units of study, and educational philosophy has made me better at doing my job.

I would imagine that most educators who share on social do not realize that they inspire other educators. But they do! Ultimately this creates a cycle that directly promotes the success of all students. Social media is not the only way you can share best practices and inspire others. The OpenEd movement has given educators a clearing house of free resources that can be adapted in whatever way you see fit.

There is no doubt that this is one of the most exciting times in education. Technology has allowed educators from across the globe to connect and learn from each other. Sharing and inspiring are contagious and can be a major factor in improving school culture, teaching practices, and leadership style. Just look at what the EdCamp Movement has done at the local, state, and national level. So if you do not think you have something to share or the ability to inspire, think again! You do, and it starts today.

In fact, as you read this blog post I am going to head over to our local gym and work out for a bit. Don't worry, I will check in on Facebook so that everyone knows. Not because I am some buff gym rat, in fact not even close. But because it might inspire one of my friends to do the same. Then, after working out, I will hop on Twitter and look for some inspiring tweets. Hopefully you can do the same.