Professional networking is necessary in the majority of jobs and careers. However, there are many different strategies a person can use to help get their “profile” or “name” around in a positive manner. An example would be a PWP that is professional and is separate from any personal profile a person may have. Profiles in EdJoin, LinkedIn, Monster, etc. help employers know about your resume and what jobs you are looking for. Networking can help when getting supplies, donations, or help from other agencies or, in my specific case, county or other district aid. By networking within key Adapted Physical Education departments, I am now on an emailing list with many other APE teachers around the county. This helps with collaboration or if I need advice on how to help a student with their Physical Education class. Networking can be done through technology (as stated) or through non-technological means such as: joining an organization, going to Happy Hour with co-workers from your school, helping out at school projects, etc. There are many strategies in order for a person to get their name known for positive reasons. My example is that I use technological and non-technological means to network. I go to happy hour with co-workers from all the schools that are in the Special Education Department, I help out to set-up and clean-up after presentations made by my supervisor, I use my Facebook profile to publicize important events to any of the schools, and I make sure to say hi to all staff as much as possible. I joined CTA, and the district’s RTA, CAPHERD, and go regularly to the National Adapted Physical Education Conference every year. These organizations put me in touch with other equal or similar professionals that could help my career and teaching. Currently I am enrolled in Fresno Pacific University; I am already collaborating with my classmates that reside all around this country.
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