LinkedIn Guide for Educators

On January 23, 2023, I set off on a one-month sprint to learn how to use LinkedIn like a pro.

In addition to committing to the extra, up-front effort of learning about the platform, I also committed to putting in a whole lot less effort beginning February 1. I wanted to blow through all the inevitable rookie mistakes and tuck LinkedIn into my professional life in a sustainable way as quickly as possible.

During that month, I heard from many educators who were also curious about LinkedIn.

Some weren't actively looking to change jobs but wanted to make sure their profile hadn’t gotten dusty. Others did want to keep their job options open and weren’t sure where to start. And there were people, who—like me—were looking for a way to stay connected but felt drained by other social media. And what is it worth to listen to 15 hours of podcasts on a topic if you can’t share a few thoughts with friends?

If you’ve got your own reasons to be interested in a LinkedIn sprint, here are my notes from an intense month of podcasts, trial-and-error, and a few lessons I learned the hard way.

These notes include answers to questions I had as a beginner and facts I learned about the platform that I wouldn’t have even thought to ask.

Here is some of the information you’ll find in this guide:

· How to structure a profile to seem professional.

· Who to connect with and how.

· How to interact without embarrassing yourself.

· How to make up for lost time if you’re behind the curve on using the platform.

· How the platform is different from other social media.

· How to enjoy the experience without feeling burned out.

· Links to find more information on specific topics and a list of the podcasts I listened to.

There is always more to learn, but I hope these pages provide the same thing I try to offer in my books and emails: honesty, nuance, practical advice, and occasional oversharing. And, whether you're trying to start a new LinkedIn profile or update an old one, I hope all of this saves you time and keeps you from learning (as many) lessons the hard way.

Sincerely,

Roxanna

Roxanna Elden is the author of See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers, a staple in school districts and educator training programs throughout the country. Her satirical workplace novel, Adequate Yearly Progress, follows several teachers as their professional lives crash into their personal lives and vice versa. Visit roxannaelden.com to sign up for emails and get a free classroom management troubleshooting guide: Why the Six Most Common Pieces of Classroom Management Advice Don’t Always Work as Advertised—and How to Make Them Work Better in Your Classroom.