Welcome! Introduce yourself. Tell us what you teach & one wellness goal you’ve set for yourself, your students or your staff for this school year. #BmoreEdchat
Hey everybody! Justin, resident principal from @BaltCitySchools here! Wellness goal for me is to eat lunch. For my students is to move as much as possible. For my staff is to find space to disconnect. #BmoreEdchat
Thanks for this topic @bmoreedchat and allowing me to moderate! I'm Kennedra, a health and physical education champion for Baltimore City Schools! One wellness goal I've set for myself is to go to bed on time! #bmoreedchat
Welcome! Introduce yourself. Tell us what you teach & one wellness goal you’ve set for yourself, your students or your staff for this school year. #BmoreEdchat
My name is Danna, I'm the Founder of Happy Teacher Revolution, and my wellness goal is to meditate for 10 minutes every day using my favorite meditation app @calm ! #BmoreEdchat
Hello! I’m Katie- 4th grade literacy teacher in Baltimore City - My wellness goal is to practice yoga 3x a week. The impact yoga had on my life is incredible! I try to teach the kids some poses too!! #BmoreEdchat
Hi all! Jessica, Ed Specialist at ESC Region 12...my goals is to participate in at least 8 running events this year...my first one this year is the Thin Mint Sprint 5K next month! 🏃♀️ #BmoreEdchat
Welcome! Introduce yourself. Tell us what you teach & one wellness goal you’ve set for yourself, your students or your staff for this school year. #BmoreEdchat
I'm Ashlea! Kinder teacher in @HCPSS . Wellness goal: move every day, and be courageous to value my needs as much as I worry about the needs of others! I take care of others sun up to sun down.. it's time! #BmoreEdChat
A1: Wellness to me means calm body, mind, and environment. It means being able to try all things you want and to not be limited by health and opportunity. #BmoreEdChat
A1:Wellness to me is the practice of prioritizing your own self-care so that you can take care of others. Just like the oxygen mask on an airplane, we need to put it on ourselves first before helping children and those around us. Wellness=professional development
#BmoreEdChat
Hey y’all, hey!! I’m a high school English educator in the phenomenal @BaltCitySchools and my current educational wellness goal (I have a few 😂) is to teach bible journaling after school for colleagues and practice it at home for myself. #FillingMyCupToFillOthers ☕️ #BmoreEdchat
Welcome! Introduce yourself. Tell us what you teach & one wellness goal you’ve set for yourself, your students or your staff for this school year. #BmoreEdchat
Hey #bmoreedchat. I’m Jeremy, CHCO in Baltimore City. A personal wellness goal is to quit coffee (on track so far). Another goal is to effectively utilize two wellness coaches from our district’s health insurance programs.
A1: To me wellness means taking care of yourself. Understanding what your mind and body are trying to tell you and allowing yourself to do what is needed to maintain a healthy balance #BmoreEdChat
Q2: Are you familiar with the WSSC (Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community Model)? What is it? How is the model addressed at your school? #BmoreEdchat
A1: being goofy, laughing so hard you cry or your drink comes out your nose, and remembering what it was like to go fast the merry go round. #BmoreEdchat
Q2: Are you familiar with the WSSC (Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community Model)? What is it? How is the model addressed at your school? #BmoreEdchat
A2. I am familiar with it... it is addressing all needs of a school, child and community—not just the academics. Developing each in physical, social, emotional health. I do what I can to offer support at my school but we are still growing in this. #BmoreEdchat
Q2: Are you familiar with the WSSC (Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community Model)? What is it? How is the model addressed at your school? #BmoreEdchat
A2: WSCC to me means we’re considering every student as a human being rather than a statistic in our academic data. @LandrumMS will be starting E-Track this semester which will allow Ss to join a group of interest & collaborate with the groups during early days #bmoreedchat
A2: WSSC = Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child...collaborative approach for student's health that includes physical education, physical activity, health ed, nutrition services, health services, counseling, employee & community wellness #BmoreEdChat
Q2: Are you familiar with the WSSC (Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community Model)? What is it? How is the model addressed at your school? #BmoreEdchat
A2: WSSC is a comprehensive approach to school community wellness, pulling together all stakeholders for the betterment of student, staff, and community. #Bmoreedchat
A2: heard of it and read a bit on it but never worked in a school that used it. Will say I’m extremely happy with our districts focus on the whole child, and I’m also beginning to see the shift to the importance of adult SEL as well #BmoreEdChat
In our wellness fairs during open enrollment, we gave away 350 Fitbits and @UnderArmour UA Bands. Hopefully the coaches help us build some sustainable wellness programming. #BmoreEdChat
A2: I presented Happy Teacher Revolution, a wellness support group for educators, to the BCPSS Trauma Champions yesterday as part of their AU course aligned to WSSC. We circled up and shared wellness strategies&positive affirmations which can be used with students.
#BmoreEdchat
That’s exactly why I call them scholars... being well or whole doesn’t happen in one class or session. I tell them, “Go to the gym once and see what happens!” 😂🤣 #LifelongLearning#BmoreEdChat
A2: I am familiar with the model. It's a model for a comprehensive look at Wellness in a school community. It is also 1 thing that almost every system thinks is awesome and almost no system will invest the time or resources to implement it with fidelity. #BMoreEdChat
Shanna...check out https://t.co/2tqsryF7Nq schools have some of the components but not all. The goal is to have all 10 components in every school and reach every student. #BmoreEdchat
#BMoreEdChat A3: The mistaken belief that additional time in instruction in reading and math will be more beneficial than working towards a healthy school environment. Also, the lack of leaders to prioritize wellness over AP/SAT scores.
A3 I think one challenge in prioritizing wellness is the urgency of the work that needs to be done. It can be challenging to keep wellness in mind unless we are very mindful and deliberate about it. #BmoreEdchat
Preach! Go to the gym! Practice deep breathing, practice self talk...take a walk/jog/run...get active with a friend. So many benefits from practicing wellness! #BmoreEdchat
A3: Sometimes wellness becomes “another thing,” which can add to the stress of our never ending to do lists. To paraphrase @SonjaSantelises, this isn’t another thing to add to our work. This is THE work. #BmoreEdChat
A3: Fiscal budgets are always a challenge. However, our profession takes IMMENSE time and effort. Sometimes our mindsets make us forget about taking care of ourselves first. #BmoreEdchat
A3: one of the biggest challenges that can hinder the WSSC model is standardized testing. The stress of having the highest scores can blind the importance of building relationships #bmoreedchat
A3: One challenge is that we tend to work in silos and while we all share similar goals there are actual physical barriers, in addition to logistical barriers, that make it difficult to have meaningful collaboration. #BmoreEdChat
A3: I think the secret is figuring out ways to embed wellness INSIDE the parameters of the school day for staff, students, and community. Oftentimes wellness is thought of as only occurring before/after school and on weekends. We need to foster SEL of staff as PD
#BmoreEdChat
A3. People who aren’t WHOLE are attempting to implement WHOLEness strategies! Don’t get me started... lol. Everyone isn’t equipped. Case in point—the R. Kelly travesty has rattled and resurfaced tidied emotional baggage for many. #BmoreEdChat
Drops mic. Exits stage left. Crowd begins with slow clap, followed by thunderous applause after processing the magnitude of this statement. #bmoreedchat
#BMoreEdChat A3: The mistaken belief that additional time in instruction in reading and math will be more beneficial than working towards a healthy school environment. Also, the lack of leaders to prioritize wellness over AP/SAT scores.
https://t.co/oxeczAJUtr Absolutely! It's a comprehensive approach to student wellness that includes 10 components such as physical education, health education, counseling service and employee wellness #BmoreEdchat
@bmoreedchat q3: running other people over with our urgency. This work is important but it's also important to take time to reflect and consider others perspectives #bmoreedchat
We can't do it in Sept. (Back2school), Oct is good, Nov/Dec are Holidays, Jan/Feb are snow, March is testing, April is Spring Break, May is good....but it's so late why start now. June...ha ha.... thats summer. & repeat...... #time#BMoreEdChat
In reply to
@justincholbrook, @MsTuckerRocksPE, @bmoreedchat
Retweet! Absolutely...kids whose wellness needs aren't met can struggle academically. Therefore, meeting their wellness needs, helps us to meet their academic needs! #BmoreEdchat
Natalia, ESOL in Baltimore. A2 We have great components of it at our school, that have become a tradition, like marathon participation and quarterly goals celebrations. Some initiatives come and go as people transition to other locations. Miss staff Zumba! . #BmoreEdchat
#BMoreEdChat A3: The mistaken belief that additional time in instruction in reading and math will be more beneficial than working towards a healthy school environment. Also, the lack of leaders to prioritize wellness over AP/SAT scores.
A3: Absolutely! And this is not as difficult as people think it is.. Having a mindfulness moment at the beginning of the school day after students say the pledge...starting a staff meeting with deep breathing. These are some suggestions. ##BmoreEdchat
A3: I think the secret is figuring out ways to embed wellness INSIDE the parameters of the school day for staff, students, and community. Oftentimes wellness is thought of as only occurring before/after school and on weekends. We need to foster SEL of staff as PD
#BmoreEdChat
A4 SEL is that missing piece when we talk about the whole human being, its the key to making sure mental & emotional needs are met to ensure all around health #BmoreEdchat
We need to break out of the silos and sit down and talk about it OR go for a walk and discuss how can we better embed wellness strategies!! #BmoreEdChat
LOVED staff Zumba! Often times, staff members have talents. There may be an avid jogger/walker on your staff willing to lead a walking club. I lead Zumba for staff at my school one year. Have seen Ts get together & do a boot camp in a classroom. #BmoreEdChat
A4- SEL is a CRITICAL component of Ss growth and development. As a PK teacher, it is vital to Ss success, and it helps mold and shape a positive, fruitful, and productive classroom climate. #bmoreedchat
A4. Knowing how to manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships... being more optimistic than pessimistic, lol. 🤷🏽♀️ #BmoreEdChat
A4: SEL is applying skills necessary to manage emotions, conflicts, emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and make good choices. Wellness doesn’t come automatically for everyone. SEL supplies us the strategies to get us to a state of wellness #BmoreEdchat
A4- SEL deals with coping mechanisms, learning how to deal with challenges in a positive and fruitful way. Learning how to engage with peers, making friends, building self-help skills and self-confidence. Building healthy relationships with others. #BmoreEdchat
Right on target Geoff! That's one reason I enjoy the School Health Council meetings because it's a great place for collaboration and breaking down those barriers. #BmoreEdchat
Hello. Edwin. Former BCPSS 9th grade SPED Math, currently teaching reading and leadership with local afterschool programs. This year I vow to be more reflective. #BmoreEdChat
A4: SEL is what can determine wellness because as humans we are often led by our emotions. If we can’t control or understand our emotions we will never find the balance to create healthy wellness. As educators it means we need to take the time to empathize w/ Ss #BmoreEdchat
A4: SEL supports social awareness, relationship skills, and self-regulation. SEL is important for ALL students, from PreK to secondary and beyond! Teachers must actively practice and model SEL to their students, it's the human connection piece of the puzzle.
#BmoreEdChat
A4: SEL (Social Emotional Learning) ensures that a person knows how to deal with their own emotions and self-care enough to be able to adequately cope with others and the world around them. #BmoreEdchat
A4: Strong opinion warning:If we aren't weaving SEL (mindfulness, self-regulation,etc.) all day, we're missing out on a HUGE opportunity to model finding/creating/feeling wellness in context.This is Ss reality & if they learn now, imagine what Ss can do as they grow! #BmoreEdChat
#BmoreEdChat A4: Developing a toolkit of skills and mindset for who you are and how you interact with others as well as yourself in all walks of life. Learning to keep the glass half full even when it feels really empty
#BMoreEdChat A4 Wellness and SEL: The self awareness piece is key. Teaching students and adults to tune in to their body/mind, and identify how they feel or what they need.
A3: Exactly. In order to ensure Wellness in our students we have to train teachers to educate the 'whole child' through social emotional learning everyday in every lesson. #bmoreedchat
A3: Sometimes wellness becomes “another thing,” which can add to the stress of our never ending to do lists. To paraphrase @SonjaSantelises, this isn’t another thing to add to our work. This is THE work. #BmoreEdChat
A4: Strong opinion warning:If we aren't weaving SEL (mindfulness, self-regulation,etc.) all day, we're missing out on a HUGE opportunity to model finding/creating/feeling wellness in context.This is Ss reality & if they learn now, imagine what Ss can do as they grow! #BmoreEdChat
A4: I love @caselorg’s SEL definition: process through which we acquire & apply the knowledge, attitudes, & skills to understand & manage emotions, set & achieve goals, feel & show empathy, establish & maintain positive relationships, & make responsible decisions.” #bmoreedchat
So huge to help students understand how their emotions play a key role in their learning-why are we reacting the way we are & how can we work on understanding why others may be reacting #BmoreEdchat
Teachers and school staff need training and help themselves. This is why Dr. @SonjaSantelises’ statement isn’t received by all. The stories... smh. It’s a heavy work across the board that is very possible if employees are WILLING. 🤔 #BmoreEdChat
In reply to
@kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises, @SonjaSantelises
Stealing @kstoryscotti answer for q3 to answer q 4:
A4: In order to ensure wellness in our students, we have to train teachers to educate the 'whole child' through social emotional learning everyday in every lesson. #bmoreedchathttps://t.co/jGrbrBqJaW
A3: Sometimes wellness becomes “another thing,” which can add to the stress of our never ending to do lists. To paraphrase @SonjaSantelises, this isn’t another thing to add to our work. This is THE work. #BmoreEdChat
A5: There can’t be dedication for whole child if whole teacher isn’t happening! Educators must have a work life balance & a hobby out of education that can help Ts manage the daily stress. When we take care of ourselves we are mentally equipped to support our Ss #BmoreEdchat
A4: That's why it's so important. Our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and others play a huge part in everything we do. We have to teach students to manage themselves to improve their chance of success! #BmoreEdChat
A5: Students need to feel safe in our classrooms. They will not be in this state if they do not have a teacher who focuses on relationships and emotions. Student wellness requires teacher wellness. #BmoreEdchat
A5: HTR believes that teachers should not have to sacrifice their wholeness or well-being in order to perform well professionally. We need to celebrate teachers who set boundaries, rather than the ones who burn the candle at both ends. Self-care isn't selfish!
#BmoreEdChat
Ultimately every single person has a story to tell. Problem being that if nobody helps write it or tell it....somebody else will. Wellness provides the energy to write each sentence and chapter. #BmoreEdchat
In reply to
@MrsHallScholars, @kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises
It is not implemented in my program, however I bring that model into my classroom and interactions with Ss. The model acknowledges the many aspects of being that we as humans exhibit. #BmoreEdChat
A5 start with modeling it for students as well as colleagues-take time to breathe, laugh & make sure we have white space in our calendar to recharge #BmoreEdchat
A4: A big part of SEL is being vulnerable and open to admitting that our initial understanding of Ss behavior is usually wrong and our reaction is usually for our benefit, not for the Ss well-being. This is a life’s work as a caregiver or teacher. #BmoreEdchat
A5: Part of a whole teacher wellness approach may be access to SEL supports. Support for staff has been a surprising (to me) outgrowth of our new Student Wholeness Specialists in 20 schools. (Here are some SWS’s!) #bmoreedchat
A5 start with modeling it for students as well as colleagues-take time to breathe, laugh & make sure we have white space in our calendar to recharge #BmoreEdchat
A4: I agree Amber. I think some of us struggle with that every day part. I've done a presentation called "Minds on Movement" for teachers where I demonstrate making SEL and wellness a natural part of a lesson. #BmoreEdchat
#truth Saying "no" shouldn't be seen as not being a team player its about knowing our limits & burning bright when needed, not burning out #BmoreEdchat
It requires, oftentimes, a rethinking of the commonly accepted notions of what school and schooling is. That is difficult for those who don’t come with that mindset. #BmoreEdChat
True on the training. Schools can't start small though & build big. Can look at starting Wellness Councils in our schools with students, staff, parents and community members. We can then look at how to implement small changes in our buildings. #BmoreEDChat
In reply to
@MrsHallScholars, @kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises
I AGREE! It's big work but DOABLE. I've a dream to start book clubs in @HCPSS . I think it starts with T language when interacting with Ss. I.E:"How many times do i have to tell u 2b quiet" vs "show me how we take care of our school"(& if Ss don't know, talk it out!)#BmoreEdchat
In reply to
@MrsHallScholars, @kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises, @HCPSS
I have found that honoring people’s stories through writing, listening, telling and celebrating is one of the most connections to wholeness #BMoreEdChat
Ultimately every single person has a story to tell. Problem being that if nobody helps write it or tell it....somebody else will. Wellness provides the energy to write each sentence and chapter. #BmoreEdchat
In reply to
@MrsHallScholars, @kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises
True on the training. Schools can't start small though & build big. Can look at starting Wellness Councils in our schools with students, staff, parents and community members. We can then look at how to implement small changes in our buildings. #BmoreEDChat
In reply to
@MrsHallScholars, @kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises
A4: Agreed...attended a training that included a breakdown of student behavior today. Student behavior is often more than what we can see from the outside looking in. #BmoreEDchat
The image is a good response to Q4. It incorporates aspects of SEL and WSSC. The learning environment has to “see” the individual child and all that he is and experiences. #BmoreEdChat
I AGREE! It's big work but DOABLE. I've a dream to start book clubs in @HCPSS . I think it starts with T language when interacting with Ss. I.E:"How many times do i have to tell u 2b quiet" vs "show me how we take care of our school"(& if Ss don't know, talk it out!)#BmoreEdchat
In reply to
@MrsHallScholars, @kstoryscotti, @SonjaSantelises, @HCPSS
A4 SEL competency is crucial for ESOL teachers and students as they are overcoming often traumatic experiences of transitioning into the new country, new academic setting, adjusting to new food, sounds, and smells. #BmoreEdChat
I think that's a point to explore. Our Teachers bring concerns to class every day too. There's a great activity to do with staff called the backpack activity. It focuses on how Ts and Ss come to school w/their emotional backpacks already full. #BmoreEdchat
A6: Model self-care in diff ways...when you see Ts that are stressed or who have failed to properly care for themselves, help them take the first step by finding a way to get coverage for their class, even if it's just for an extended lunch. Small steps matter. #BmoreEdchat
Exemplary statement. All of us have grown up in a hyper competitive, grades based system, that has rewarded and punished us since we were 4 years old. We are part of a cycle that repeats. The first step when flogging a dead horse is to dismount #BmoreEdChat
A3: Sometimes wellness becomes “another thing,” which can add to the stress of our never ending to do lists. To paraphrase @SonjaSantelises, this isn’t another thing to add to our work. This is THE work. #BmoreEdChat
Team #bmoreedchat, a great conversation tonight! Have to step away a bit early. Thanks for an awesome dialogue about wellness and social/emotional learning! Have a great rest of your week on purpose!
A6: I visited a school the other day where a principal closes the building at 4:45 and kicks everybody out to spend time on themselves. Wellness must be a school priority with actions that match. #bmoreedchat
Love this illustration! There's a great activity called the backpack activity. It's basically this illustration but it includes how teachers are coming to school to teach with their emotional backpacks full of the same concerns as students. #BmoreEdChat
A5. Just as we do with Ss, we also have to recognize that T’s are fully human as well, experiencing the full range of experiences and emotions. Ts have to feel safe to express themselves and get the support they need. #BmoreEDChat
We need to model how to laugh at ourselves as well, when we make a mistake or take a risk that doesn't work out we need to share it - like flubbing my rendition of Don't stop Believing during 4th grade Karaoke challenge! #BmoreEdchat
A6:Maryland spends $100 million per year because of teacher turnover. We must invest in workplace wellness PD for educators in order to keep great teachers in the classroom. Teaching can be isolating, there must be more opportunities to foster human connection.
#BmoreEdChat
A6: more time for PLCs, co-teaching models, and better collaboration with higher ed can provide the needed time for wellness and shared understanding of what students can do if we value each and every child for who they are, not what we want them to be. #BmoreEdchat
A6 we use restorative circles with students daily & working more to use them with staff as we come back this year-we need to take time to get to know one another and share successes as well as struggles #BmoreEdchat
A6: Provide spaces in schools for Ts to share and discuss. Also include wellness activities such as mindfulness moments at the beginning of a staff meeting instead of launching write into the meeting agenda. Have Ts circle up, breathe and connect #BmoreEdchat
A5: above all else we must teach educators in urban settings to identify #SecondaryTrauma in themselves and then multiple strategies for self-care. I truly believe we lose more good #CityTeachers to secondary trauma than anything else #BmoreEdchat
We need to model how to laugh at ourselves as well, when we make a mistake or take a risk that doesn't work out we need to share it - like flubbing my rendition of Don't stop Believing during 4th grade Karaoke challenge! #BmoreEdchat
Wellness wasn’t a buzzword but I remember having quality PE instruction 2-3 times/week in elem school, and recess time outside pretty much every day through 6th grade. We also had quiet/silent breaks, which today could be called a mindful moment or meditation ☯️☮️ #BmoreEDChat
In reply to
@MsTuckerRocksPE, @3Kids4e, @bmoreedchat
A6: I'm going to come back to my one work for 2019 here: stillness. And sometimes during the day that looks like a handful of mindful breaths before I speak or act. #BmoreEdchat
A6. Create a school culture that supports, encourages, rewards and elevates Ts. It is a noble profession and Ts have to be made to feel that. Also, Ts need ample planning and break time throughout the day!! #BmoreEDChat
I agree but the investment has to be made on both ends! Teachers (don’t get mad at me, lol) need to stop complaining when attempts are made to create change. I have seen it for myself and I’m over it. #BmoreEdChat
One huge takeaway for me after @responsiveclass training was the idea that ALL behavior is a way students communicate a need. If we want to support the behaviors, we must seek first to understand and listen with our hearts AND minds. #BmoreEdchat
In reply to
@MsTuckerRocksPE, @NACADAJosh, @responsiveclass
Thanks for allowing me to moderate and organizing the Tweets Justin! I've been sharing the chat with other @BaltCitySchools colleagues too! #BmoreEdChat
A6: #BmoreEdChat Training and PD are needed for all departments in our system to develop this #wellness & #SEL muscle. Get off the train we’re riding and slow down take real action.
