VIETTESOL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2025

The proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” illustrates the value of working together to achieve lasting success. In this presentation, I discuss basic differences between Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) and Communities of Practice (COPs) and advocate for creating small, informal, close networks before expanding to larger, more structured professional development communities. Some goals of beginning networking in less formal, intimate groups are to build language confidence, develop vocabulary, and grow comfortable discussing education best practices. In small groups, members can exercise their talents through mentoring and collaboration, question new ideas, and give and receive nurturing feedback. By starting small and expanding later, educators, particularly those working in low resource environments, feel less isolated and can see their efforts legitimized by other educators who may or may not share similar contexts. Information sharing widens each member’s circle of knowledge and experience gradually, which can lead to specific study groups, action research groups, mini-conferences, and of course, larger Communities of Practice. Resources from the U.S. State Department English Language Fellow Program Trainer of Trainers materials are included for reference.