Latest / New Teacher Talk / Ep 139: Why New Teachers Need LinkedIn: 5 Steps to Optimize Your Profile

Transcript

Ep 139: Why New Teachers Need LinkedIn: 5 Steps to Optimize Your Profile · New Teacher Talk

• All right, let's get into it,
• because if you're a new teacher and not using LinkedIn yet,
• you're seriously missing out.
• Let's fix that today.
• Welcome to New Teacher Talk.
• This is the space where we support you through your
• teaching journey.
• Whether you're making an impact in an urban, suburban,
• or rural classroom, there is something here for everyone.
• I'm Dr.
• Beth,
• co-creator of this podcast and a full-fledged education
• fanatic.
• And today,
• we're tackling a tool that too many new teachers overlook,
• LinkedIn.
• Now, before you start thinking, wait, LinkedIn?
• Isn't that just for corporate or business type folks?
• Hear me out.
• Unlike the casual vibe of Insta, TikTok, or Facebook,
• LinkedIn is built for professional networking.
• And yes, that includes educators.
• If you don't have a LinkedIn profile yet, seriously,
• get one.
• It's an absolute game changer.
• You can connect with other teachers, discover resources,
• and showcase the incredible things you are doing in your
• classroom.
• So in this episode,
• I'm going to walk through five power moves or steps,
• if you will,
• to help you set up a LinkedIn profile that stands out.
• Step one, nail your profile pic and banner.
• Your profile pic? Non-negotiable.
• Just needs to be a headshot.
• Make it a clean, high-quality headshot.
• LinkedIn recommends 400 x 400 pixels.
• Your banner should reflect your work as a teacher.
• Think classroom snapshots, education icons,
• or an inspiring quote.
• A good size is 1584 x 396 pixels for a crisp look.
• Need inspiration?
• On LinkedIn, check out Nicole Heaver and Dion Copeland.
• Their profiles are top tier.
• I'll drop links to their pages in the show notes so you can
• see how they're doing it right when it comes to pic and
• banner.
• In fact,
• I'll refer to their profiles throughout this podcast when
• it comes to the other steps as well.
• Step two, your headline = a major first impression.
• The headline sits right under your name.
• It's prime real estate on your profile.
• You get 220 characters, so use them creatively.
• Don't just say teacher or band director for your headline.
• Make it pop.
• Nicole's headline says STEM Teacher @ Central Intermediate
• School | Z space educator.
• See how that tells you what she teaches and how she's using
• tech.
• Make yours specific.
• Showcase your niche as a teacher.
• And own it.
• Remember, you've got 220 characters to do so.
• Step three, write a summary that actually says something.
• Your summary section isn't just,
• I teach English at Greenville High School.
• Make it engaging.
• Share your teaching philosophy.
• What motivates you and the skills you bring to the table?
• Check out Dion Copeland's profile.
• He's been teaching for four years and his summary is short
• but powerful.
• He shares a bit about his journey, what he teaches,
• and his big goals.
• Nicole's summary is just as impactful.
• She even encourages educators like you to connect with her.
• Step four,
• share your wins and teaching insights by posting.
• Posting on LinkedIn?
• Yes, please!
• It's not just for business folks talking about their new
• promotion.
• Educators should be and ARE posting too.
• It's easy to do.
• Hit that post button and share, let's say,
• a cool classroom project,
• a video of a lesson you've loved teaching,
• a resource you've created that helped your students. Both
• Nicole and Dion do this consistently, and trust me,
• it makes a difference.
• Start making your teaching visible and celebrated! And,
• always make sure any videos or photos of your students
• follow your school policies.
• Protect their identities,
• and keep it all safe and respectful.
• Step five, network and get inspired on LinkedIn.
• Follow education leaders who are pushing the industry
• forward.
• A great one to start with, Dr.
• Rudy Ruiz,
• who's rehumanizing education with his organization,
• Edifying Teachers.
• I'll link his profile and org in the show notes,
• plus a fantastic article on the top 50 educators to follow
• on LinkedIn in 2025.
• And while you're at it,
• join some teacher communities on LinkedIn.
• Here are three community groups to check out and get
• started.
• First, Teaching and Learning Network.
• This group focuses on best practices and strategies.
• Second, EdTech and Innovation in Education.
• That particular group has discussions that are obviously
• tech-focused.
• And a third and final group to consider is New Teacher
• Support Group, a safe space for advice and mentorship.
• Here are some final thoughts.
• Setting up your LinkedIn profile is just the beginning.
• Connect, share,
• and get involved because you deserve to be part of a
• network that supports your growth.
• Also, don't forget, we're here for you, too.
• Find us on Instagram and BlueSky @NewTeacherTalk,
• where we drop teacher resources every Tuesday and
• inspiration-packed Thursday Thoughts to keep your energy
• high.
• You're not alone in this journey.
• You have a community of support.
• New Teacher Talk is here to support YOU.
• Make it a great day.