The Power of Community: How Networking Transforms Teaching Careers

Teaching is more than just a profession — it’s a calling, a lifelong learning journey, and a deeply interconnected experience.

While educators spend much of their time fostering learning communities and relationships with students and families, their own professional growth depends on the networks they build with fellow educators. The most valuable career opportunities, professional development, and even clinical placements for student teaching often arise from personal connections and professional networks rather than job boards or online applications.

This is exactly why Moreland University is dedicated to fostering a strong, engaged educator community. Through online webinars and professional learning and in-person gatherings like our recent Moreland community gathering in Bethesda, Maryland, we are creating spaces for teachers to network, share insights, and build relationships that fuel career growth and educational innovation.

But why is networking so crucial for educators, and how can you make the most of it? Let’s explore the power of teacher networking and practical ways to build a community that supports professional growth.

Networking: The Key to Career Growth for Educators

A recent Rolling Stone article put it plainly: “In 2025, one thing is for sure, networking is no longer optional — it’s mandatory.”

While this is often said about the business world, it is just as true in education. However, we have known this for years: In 2020, Forbes reported that 70-80% of job openings are never posted, and at least 80% are filled through professional network connections, making networking essential for accessing hidden opportunities and building strong industry relationships.

For teachers, this means the best opportunities — whether it’s a new teaching position, a leadership role, or professional development — often come through having the right connections.

Moreland’s growing alumni and candidate network is designed to support educators in making these connections. Through in-person gatherings, online communities, webinars, and referral opportunities, we provide spaces where teachers can:

• Learn from one another’s experiences
• Discover new professional development and certification opportunities
• Stay informed about open teaching positions and career pathways
• Gain mentorship and guidance from fellow educators

At our recent Moreland community gatherings in Bethesda and Atlanta, teachers engaged in meaningful discussions, built new relationships, and left with expanded professional networks — all over great food and themed drinks including the “TEACH-NOW Spark” and the “EmpowerMINT Julep.”

Jazzmyne Townsend, 2025 D.C. Teacher of the Year, with Moreland’s Joey Pearson at the event.

A cohort of Moreland alumni coming together at the event

Best Practices for Teacher Networking

Networking involves lasting connections that support your career at every stage, so building a strong professional network is one of the most valuable steps you can take in your teaching career.

Research from Cambridge University highlights that successful networking for educators is rooted in three key elements: community, knowledge-sharing, and long-term professional growth. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, mentorship, or professional development, the right connections can open doors that job boards simply can’t.

Have you ever wondered how some educators seem to effortlessly advance in their careers, find new opportunities, or stay ahead of industry trends? The answer often lies in the strength of their professional network. Below are some of the best strategies to help you build meaningful relationships and expand your network as an educator.

• Start Small and Reach Out to Peers: Begin with small steps. Reconnect with former colleagues, professors, or Moreland graduates. A simple message checking in or asking for advice can be the start of a valuable connection.
• Leverage Online Communities: Networking includes engaging online. Moreland’s Facebook group enables alumni and candidates to exchange resources, publish jobs, and share professional insights. (Candidates and alumni can our Facebook group here.) LinkedIn offers spaces for professional discussions and job postings.
• Attend Professional Gatherings: Events like Moreland’s community gatherings are a fantastic way to meet fellow educators and district leaders. Consider joining local and national education conferences, webinars, and workshops to expand your network.
• Give and Take: One of the most effective networking principles is to offer help before asking for it. Share lesson plans, recommend resources, or introduce someone to a colleague. By providing value to others, you naturally build relationships that benefit you in return.
• Tap Into Referral Programs: Many organizations offer incentives for referring strong candidates — including Moreland! If you know someone considering teacher certification, you can refer them and earn a $200 Visa gift card when they enroll using your unique referral link.

Networking plays a critical role in job seeking, particularly in the field of education where many opportunities are filled through professional connections rather than public postings. Building relationships within the education sector — teacher associations, HR networks, and professional learning communities — provides early access to unposted teaching and administrative roles.

Teachers can also expand their career opportunities by engaging in both jobseeker networks (focused on hiring) and professional communities (focused on learning and mentorship). To maximize career prospects, Moreland candidates and alumni should leverage the alumni network and professional communities to stay informed about job openings through our Facebook group.

Moreland’s Commitment to Community and Career Support

Moreland’s mission goes beyond teacher certification. We are building a thriving, lifelong network of educators who support and uplift one another. Our alumni have gone on to lead classrooms, schools, and districts — sometimes thanks to connections made through Moreland’s community.

If you joined us at our recent Moreland community gathering in Bethesda, thank you for being part of an inspiring night! And if you couldn’t make it, we hope to see you at the next event. Check out and download photos from the event here.

Teaching is a journey best traveled with others. Whether you’re advancing in your career, looking for mentorship, or simply connecting with fellow educators, your network is a powerful resource. Find your community in education knowing that Moreland is here to support you every step of the way. We can’t wait to see how our growing network continues to connect, support, and elevate educators everywhere.

Not yet a part of Moreland’s community? We’d love to have you join us. Explore our programs to see how we can help you jumpstart or grow your teaching career.