When I first started seriously delving into the world of social media for teachers about a year ago, I worried about making meaningful connections.

I, like many others, wanted to reach out to and attract people that relate to what I’m putting out into the social media world.

It was also important to find other teachers whose content I enjoyed and that helped motivate and inspire me.

With limited time and energy, how can you find other like-minded people and have them find you as well?

Although I have made some great connections with other teachers in the past year, I’m certainly not an expert, so I reached out to 3 other teacherpreneurs who consistently put out valuable and teacher content in a way that’s authentic to themselves!

This is part 3 of a 4-part series on Mindful Social Media:

You can read part 1 here and part 2 here.

Subscribe to stay updated on the last part, side hustles for teachers, and more!

1. Ivana – The Introverted Online Teacher

Instagram * Facebook 

1. 1. How long ago did you start a teacher social media account?

      I started my Instagram a year ago in February 2018! I’ve been a part of teacher Facebook groups since 2016 when I started teaching online but didn’t start regularly sharing until last year.

   2. What social platform(s)/groups are currently your favorite to use for teacher-related content?

      I enjoy Instagram and smaller Facebook groups – my favorite small groups for teachers are listed in this post. I love the positivity and friendliness of the online teacher Instagram community and people share great teacher tips, job opportunities, giveaways, etc. as well.

   3. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? How does this impact how often you use social media, what kinds of things you post, etc. (if at all)?

      Hence the name, I’m an introvert as I do love personal connections but get socially drained very easily. If I have a lot going on in life, I cut down on social media usage to try to avoid getting socially burned out.

      Also, when I started, I didn’t feel comfortable showing my face, so I spent about a year posting just other things (quotes, props, graphics, etc.) that were still engaging and helped make meaningful connections with other teachers. That choice was more due to shyness than introversion, but sometimes they go hand-in-hand. I was pleasantly surprised to see other people that also didn’t feel super comfortable posting a lot about themselves could find their niche and style and was inspired by those who didn’t mind showing their faces regularly.

   4. What are some specific ways you’ve been able to use social media to make close connections with other teachers?

      On Instagram, I love making polls and try to do at least 1 or more a week to see how other teachers feel about different teacher and lifestyle topics!

      Also, I realized that I spent a lot of time at first just lurking and not commenting as much, so now I’ve made it a habit to comment on at least one post a day (usually more). I also do shoutouts in my stories of other posts and accounts that have content I enjoy.

      Finally, I private message people regularly to ask them questions, see if they want to collaborate (such as with this post), and just connect when it seems like we’re like-minded!

   5. What advice would you give to a teacher looking to build connections online?

      Start small and with what you’re comfortable with. That might mean adding text, a Bitmoji, or other instead of your face in your profile if you want to create a teacher account but feel shy like I did. If you don’t want to make a separate account, check out hashtags like #vipkid, #edupreneur, etc. and/or specific Facebook groups that cater to your interests!

      

   2. Sarah – Sarah’s Teaching Corner

   

   Instagram * YouTube

   1. How long ago did you start a teacher social media account?

      I started it a little over a year and a half ago.

   2. What social platform(s)/groups are currently your favorite to use for teacher-related content?

      Instagram and Youtube are definitely my favorite platforms to use for teacher-related content. 🙂

   3. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? How does this impact how often you use social media, what kinds of things you post, etc. (if at all)?

      I think I definitely classify as an ambivert. It really depends on the group of people and the environment that I’m in that brings out my introvert side or extrovert side. On my teacher Social Media, I definitely lean towards more of the extroverted side. I am so passionate about what I do as an online teacher and I love engaging with others that feel the same way. This has impacted me into posting pretty regularly as I love the engagement with other teachers.

   4. What are some specific ways you’ve been able to use social media to make close connections with other teachers?

      Instagram in particular has helped me to meet many different teachers, through their stories and comments. I have used Instagram to share tips and ideas with other teachers. I have also used Instagram to engage with other like-minded teachers. I have been able to learn from others on Instagram as well. It has given me a sense of community that I would not have otherwise being a stay at home mom.

   5. What advice would you give to a teacher looking to build connections online?

      My advice would be to put yourself out there. Comment and engage with those you want to connect with. Share and contribute to those to your online community. Always be kind and help when you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and allow others to get to know you.

    

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   3. Marilyn – Teach Marilyn B-Style

   

   Instagram * YouTube * Blog

   1. How long ago did you start a teacher social media account?

      December 14, 2018 – just over a year ago!

   2. What social platform(s)/groups are currently your favorite to use for teacher-related content?

      YouTube and Instagram – I initially learned everything I could about VIPKid from YouTube. I also really love it for preschool songs and ideas. I have taught small classes of 3-4-year-olds, and the easiest way to learn finger plays, chants, and songs is by seeing and hearing someone else do it! Instagram has been an incredible way to connect with other online ESL teachers. Remote teaching is a great opportunity to work from home, but it’s also really isolating. People in my life don’t really “get it,” so Instagram provides me that teacher breakroom, and the friendships I’ve been looking for!

   3. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? How does this impact how often you use social media, what kinds of things you post, etc. (if at all)?

      I’m an extrovert, but since having kids, some of that energy has shifted, and I definitely need introvert time to recharge. But typically, being around and interacting with others energizes me! I post things as though I’m talking to my friends (which I believe I am!), and I also have a desire to post useful tips that I would want to see.

   4. What are some specific ways you’ve been able to use social media to make close connections with other teachers?

      I talk to other teachers every single day on Instagram. The majority are in the VIPKid community, but there are many who have classroom positions – in elementary/general ed, and secondary! We have all taken turns initiating conversations with one another, reaching out regarding a story or post, and the conversation often continues on and then becomes a friendship.

   5. What advice would you give to a teacher looking to build connections online?

      Just start! I actually wrote a blog post about why I started my teacher Instagram page. It feels a lot more authentic than other forms of social media, which is why I spend the majority of my time connecting there!

      

3. 4. Miranda – The Teacher Tank

   

   Instagram

   1. How long ago did you start a teacher social media account?

      I started my @theteachertank account less than a year ago in May 2019 while I was in graduate school. 

      Honestly, I didn’t use social media to connect with teachers AT ALL during the 4 years I was in the classroom. I feel like I was in survival mode the whole time and I can’t even imagine what my teaching life would have been like if I was trying to document everything during those 4 years. None of this was even on my radar until the past year!

      Once I was “out of the trenches” and able to really see how educators all over were using social media and technology to create their own career paths and connect with others, all I wanted to do was share it with other teachers. I felt like my eyes had been closed to so many amazing opportunities that I didn’t even know existed.

      I know there are a lot of teachers like me who love education and want to build their career around it, but may not want to stay in the classroom until retirement. I feel like there is so much guilt that comes with thinking about leaving the classroom, but with today’s technology you can still carve out your own path within education! I started the teacher tank to help show other teachers the possibilities and help build their dream career, whatever that may look like.

   2. What social platform(s)/groups are currently your favorite to use for teacher-related content?

      Instagram is definitely my go-to platform! It has the perfect mix of visuals, education, and conversations. I’m in several FB groups and they each have their own benefits, but Facebook groups for me have an extra added layer of pressure to always be engaging and have a bunch of rules that make you question twice before sharing anything. In my eyes, each post on Instagram is like a new conversation topic, so it opens the door to have those “intimate” conversations with your friends while also encouraging/reaching new people to connect with to join in.

      Instagram to me is like a spark that helps people connect, start conversations, and inspires them to take action faster than any other platform. If you see a teacher trying something and you like it, you can go ahead and try it the next day. People share on there because they WANT to learn from each other and I love watching people try new things because they were inspired by something someone else shared.

   3. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? How does this impact how often you use social media, what kinds of things you post, etc. (if at all)?

      If you asked me this a few years ago I would have 100% answered extrovert, but now I would definitely consider myself an ambivert. I think I spent a lot of my life trying to be everything to everyone and was such a “yes” person (especially while I was teaching) that it was what led to my own burnout. Now my self-awareness levels are through the roof so I’m able to be super selective about what I spend my time and energy on.
      
      When it comes to social media, I started out very insecure because I DO NOT like photos of me in any shape or form. It’s not that I dislike my appearance by any means- I am very much happy in my own body! I just specifically don’t like taking pictures of myself. Even on my own private Instagram account I barely have any photos of just me.

      I started to put myself out there on Instagram because I know how important it is to physically show up to help build those relationships with other educators. If I only shared information on my account I’m sure people would still find it useful, but the more that you show your face and show your human side, the deeper the connections you can make. I created my account to connect with other teachers and the messages I have to share with them are far more important than my insecurities I have with being on camera. 

      The only reason I continue to show up on Instagram is because of the amazing responses that I get each time I do. It may not show up in likes or comments for the outside world to see, but it has paid off every single time in other ways. Trust me I absolutely have my days where I’m starting to doubt myself and don’t feel like showing up- but then as if they knew I needed a boost I will magically get a message from someone thanking me for what I shared on my last post because they feel the same exact way. If putting myself out there helps other educators feel like they aren’t alone and feel more empowered to take action in their careers I think that is way more important than the rash I get on my neck every time I go to record a video- lol.

   4. What are some specific ways you’ve been able to use social media to make close connections with other teachers?

      I want every teacher I come into contact with to realize that I am on their team and rooting for them no matter what. It can feel lonely sometimes whether you are in the classroom with students all day without adults or if you’re out of the classroom and working alone most of the time. There’s not nearly enough recognition in the education profession so I make it a point to acknowledge, praise, and encourage as much as I can.  I have made sure that every interaction I have on social media is a positive one where I am reminding people how much of a good job they are doing and help build them up. This principle alone is what has helped me build connections more than any other tip/trick/hack/group ever could!
      
      It can be as simple as reacting to their story with an emoji, sending a DM letting them know you love their new website update, asking how that event went that you saw them preparing for this past month. I truly take the time to get to know the people I connect with and want them to know and understand that whether or not we ever have the pleasure of working together that I am here with them on their journey and rooting for them from the sidelines. The support system you help build is what builds your confidence and continues to push you to keep showing up. Because you’re not doing it for just you anymore, you’re doing it for them too!

   5. What advice would you give to a teacher looking to build connections online?

      Try not to get caught up in the vanity metrics (likes/followers/etc.) because it’s easy to do. Focus on building relationships with the right people! It’s better to have 100 friends to engage with that have the same interests and goals as you rather than 1,000 random people who won’t really care or connect with the content you’re sharing.

      Don’t hold back from sharing something because someone else is already doing it. Imposter syndrome is very real and can leave teachers feeling like they have nothing “special” to contribute or say when really EVERYONE’S voice/mindset/unique flair is important.

      Don’t expect to grow a huge audience if you don’t take the time to engage with other people. You can’t just post pictures and expect to make a bunch of friends. The whole point of building an engaged community is to ENGAGE! Spread the love and it will come back to you. Nothing happens overnight but you do have to show up to find success!

      

    

4. If you enjoyed reading these experiences, stay tuned for part 4 where I go over all the apps and resources you need for your teacher account in 2020!Have any specific questions or want personalized info about teaching online, educational jobs, etc.? Email me at introvertedonlineteacher@gmail.com
   

   Sincerely,

   

   The Introverted Online Teacher