Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople. These are the three main archetypes of people as described by Malcom Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point. Charlie Gilkey, author of the blog post ‘Maven, Connector, Salesperson: What’s Your Archetype?’ better explains the three types and describes how a person can have a primary archetype as well as a secondary archetype.

In reflection of this reading I feel that I most naturally fall in to the category of Maven, collecting ideas and information. With my position as a technology integration specialist, I move through both secondary archetypes of connector and salesperson, depending on the tasks that I have to complete. As I  become more comfortable in my building and build my PLN by attending tech conferences and meetings with other technology leaders, I am working on my skills as a connector (as well as a maven). I like being able to connect my colleagues and students with others whose ideas support their learning goals.  When I am providing professional development I am using my skills as a salesperson to communicate the knowledge I have collected as a maven and to inspire others to try something new or to improve their skills with day-to-day use of a necessary tool. I cycle through all three of these on a near daily basis depending on what I need to accomplish.

There are people in my current school and my last school who I realize now were key connectors, mavens and salespeople in my teaching career. I can think of plenty of mavens that I have referred to for guidance and knowledge throughout my teaching career. Two teachers especially who I work/worked with very closely always know someone that can help with what I am looking for and are stellar connectors. Upon returning to Vermont, the small close-knit community is even more apparent, where everyone seems to know everyone else. It is also an extremely supportive community where all these connectors and friends of friends of coworkers, truly want to share their ideas and knowledge to see the greater Vermont educational community succeed. Coming from a district about the size of Chittenden County in it’s entirety, it is refreshing to be in a professional community where support and discussion can cross all levels of the education system.