The purpose of this exploratory case study was to explore K-12 educators' perceptions of the use of social media as professional development tools in an independent school district in Texas. The population for the study was approximately 934 teachers, administrators, and instructional design coaches. The sample size was twenty participants. A word cloud and the thematic analysis method of data analysis were used to organize the interview responses and identify common emerging themes. According to the participants' responses to the interview questions, 73% of educators perceive social media to be time-efficient, cost-effective, and an easily accessible professional development option. The participants identified various challenges to using social media for professional development which include the key issues of safety and security, as well as too much information. The results of this study may contribute new ideas to educators and school and district leaders as they consider more effective methods of professional development for current and future educators. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]