Top Twitter Chats for Teachers

June 18, 2015

By Rebekah Schilperoort

Twitter has become a treasure trove of information, networking opportunities and resources for serious educators. Twitter chats—centered on various educational topics—are where much of this communication happens.

In 2011 there were just a handful of education Twitter chats—now there are hundreds, making it difficult to know which ones are the most beneficial. While some take a broad look at education, others focus more deeply on one topic. 

Jerry Blumengarten, who for 32 years taught in the New York City school system, has worked at cataloging and curating the many education Twitter chats and online educational resources at cybraryman.com. He said teachers are benefiting from participating in chats because it allows them to connect to a global community and easily get the help they need with lessons and teaching techniques. 

“It’s a great place to connect, learn and share with a passionate global network of educators and those interested in bettering learning,” Blumengarten said.

There are educational Twitter chats and hashtags on virtually any subject you can think of. Music (#musedchat), urban education (#urbaned), biology (#biology) and bilingual (#bilingual) are just a small sample of the multitude of topics. To get you started, we’ve compiled a helpful list of some of the most popular chats among the educational community on Twitter. 

#edchat

When: Tuesdays, 9a.m. PT/noon ET & 4p.m. PT/7p.m. ET.

What: Considered the most popular education Twitter chat, people from all over the world come together virtually to learn about current teaching trends, integrating technology into teaching and connecting with inspiring educators. It’s also used as a conversation thread on Twitter outside of the weekly organized discussions.

Who: Founded in 2009 by Shelly Sanchez (@ShellTerrell), Tom Whitby (@TomWhitby) and Steven W. Anderson (@Web20classroom).

 #edtechchat

When: Mondays, 5p.m PT/8p.m. ET.

What: This chat turned two years old in May and explores the ever-changing realm that technology plays in education.  

Who: Dreamed up by five educators as a response to the rise of technology in the classroom: Tom Murray (@thomascmurray), Katrina Stevens (@KatrinaStevens1), Sharon LePage Plante (@iplante), Susan M. Bearden (@s_bearden), and Alex Podchaski (@ajpodchaski).

#satchat

When: Every Saturday, 7:30a.m. PT/10:30a.m. ET.

What: If you’re looking for a "global discussion for current and emerging school leaders," this is the chat for you. Topics include everything from professional development to the latest effective leadership techniques for educators. Its popularity spawned two related chats for other geographic areas: #SatchatWC for people on the West Coast and #SatchatOC for educators living in Oceania region.

Who: Co-founded by Brad Currie (@bradmcurrie) and Scott Rocco (@ScottRRocco) in April 2012. See Currie’s site for more details.

"In a Twitter chat, there's room for everyone and space to connect at whatever level desired."—Nader Twal (CA '03)

#sschat

When: Mondays, 4p.m. PT/7p.m. ET.

What: Social studies topics are discussed, and the last Monday of each month is a combined English and social studies chat (#engsschat).  Head to the site for a full topic calendar plus information on related chats, #hsgovchat and #worldgeochat.

Who: Launched in 2010 by social studies teachers Ron Peck (@Ron_Peck) and Greg Kulowiec (@gregkulowiec); moderated by Dan Krutka (@dankrutka), Melissa Seideman (@mseideman), Michael Milton (@42thinkdeep) and Joe Sangillo (@JoeSangillo).

#ntchat

When: Wednesdays, 5p.m. PT/8p.m. ET.

What: This popular chat for new teachers celebrated its five-year anniversary in May. According to the founder's website, #ntchat was created to "provide weekly mentoring and focus on the needs of pre-service teachers world-wide."

Who: Started in 2010 by education/tech blogger and former principal Lisa Dabbs (@teachingwthsoul).

#kinderchat

When: Mondays, 6p.m. PT/9p.m. ET.

What: Join this chat to collaborate on ideas and thoughts on kindergarten, early-childhood education and more. See the #kinderchat website for more details.

Who: Founded by kindergarten teachers Heidi Echternacht (@hechternacht) and Amy Murray (@happycampergirl).

#gtchat

When: Fridays, 4p.m PT/7p.m. ET.

What: Gifted and talented educators, parents and experts share resources and insights about gifted issues.

Who: Founded in 2010 (powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented) and moderated by Lisa Conrad (@gtchatmod).

#tlchat  

When: Second Monday of the month, 5p.m. PT/8p.m. ET

What: This chat for teacher-librarians covers such topics as how school libraries can transform learning, digital citizenship, eBooks, common core and more. Check out the website for more information on upcoming chats.

Who: Managed by former school librarian Nikki Robertson (@NikkiDRobertson) and high school teacher-librarian Linda Dougherty (@ljdougherty), among several other volunteers.

#spedchat

When: Tuesdays, 6p.m. PT/9p.m. ET.

What: This chat and hashtag is used daily and at its weekly scheduled time for research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities.

Who: Moderated by Damian Bariexca (@_drdamian), Chris Vacek (@ChrisVacek) and Matthew Ray (@MrMatthewRay).

#ptchat

When: Wednesdays, 6p.m. PT/9p.m. ET.

What: The weekly conversation connects parents and teachers to encourage a more collaborative relationship to better meet the learning needs of students.

Who: Launched in 2011 and moderated by founders Joe Mazza (@Joe_Mazza), Gwen Pescatore (@GPescatore25) and Dana Sirotiak (@dsirotiak). Check out iel.org for more information.

Tell us in the comments below: What are your favorite education Twitter chats? Plus, check out the full Twitter Educational Chat Schedule compiled by Blumengarten and others. 

GET THE LATEST FROM MILKEN:
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Follow us on Instagram