#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Hi #caedchat Scott Petri, HS History teacher checking in from freezing cold LA. 52 degrees tonight. BRRRR. Looking forward to learning how to better support teachers from @Jstevens009
Please take a moment to introduce yourself with name, location, and how you are enjoying your Winter Recharge (some may call it a break, but we all spend that time differently).
#CAedChat
Hi all! Kim from Corona. Digital Learning Instructional Coach for PYLUSD. Spending time on the couch ...once I slowed down, I got sick. Boo. Hopefully raring to go tomorrow. #CAedchat
Observation: @Netflix gets a major uptick in usage over Winter Break. And my guess is that it's a lot of teachers just kicking back and chillin'
#caedchat
Hello! Leila here in Escondido spending time this break being grateful for sleep ins, family, good food, worship and strolls along the coast pondering and mulling over ideas for moving forward in 2019. #caedchat
OK, tonight's questions will be tossed into the magical tweet machine by me, so feel free to chime in as you see fit. Question 1 coming right up!
#caedchat
----------
Q1: Who is someone on Twitter you can rely on to lift your spirits, challenge you, and/or support you when you need it? Feel free to tag that person and send them a quick message of gratitude for what they do!
#CAedChat
----------
A1: For me, @LS_Karl is someone I know to push on conventional thinking, support a great idea, and always work to make others better without the need for reciprocity.
#caedchat
A1:@AppEducationFox is the person who has encouraged me in my darkest professional days as well as my most inspiring. @bobgoff reminds me of my true purpose whic is to love and @DrDBL and @RBLindsey41 have cultivated my cultural competence #caedchat
----------
Q2: As you prepare to return from break (I know, I know), you have a new/new-ish teacher at your site. How do you plan to support that teacher to make sure the rest of their school year is their best.
#CAedChat
----------
Tashia from SoCal, middle school Spanish and ELD teacher. I've been relaxing this break reading my way through a stack from my classroom library. I managed to read 6 books last week!
#caedchat
A2: I continue to make myself available to demo lessons or plan with teachers. I am promoting the idea of "swapping" out current practices for some updated ways to integrate tech. Trying to avoid the terms "new" and "change" #caedchat
Good evening! This is Shawn in Fresno. Just got back from 11 days of travel to see family in San Diego and the Central Coast. So glad our district has one more week. Time to relax and recuperate. #caedchat
A2 - I love helping new teachers when they want help. Offering to answer questions, bounce ideas off each other, handing over lessons that have worked in the past. Whatever they need. We truly are #bettertogether#caedchat
A2: Check in with the teacher frequently to see if there are any questions I can answer or resources I can provide. I think the key is making someone feel comfortable to ask questions, as often times folks won't because they think it might be a "dumb" question. #caedchat
----------
Q2: As you prepare to return from break (I know, I know), you have a new/new-ish teacher at your site. How do you plan to support that teacher to make sure the rest of their school year is their best.
#CAedChat
----------
A2: Second semester can be a grind, so I try to give new & new-ish teachers more support through check-ins and offering to teach a day for them. Even if it's just a drop-in to see how they're doing, contact with our new teachers is so important.
#caedchat
----------
Q1: Who is someone on Twitter you can rely on to lift your spirits, challenge you, and/or support you when you need it? Feel free to tag that person and send them a quick message of gratitude for what they do!
#CAedChat
----------
Ah shucks @brentcoley - I can’t even remember a time when we didn’t have our little “group” ❤️ I have leaned on you guys a lot lately. Thank you! #CaEdChat
In "Power of Moments" by Chip & Dan Heath, they talk about creating moments like @fitbit does. Not a "hey, you made it a year" through teaching; more like a "hey, you earned the Titanic badge" after 26 months of teaching... or something like that, to make it more fun.
#caedchat
I am the newbie on site!!! I am taking literal notes so I can help someone in the future. It’s hard because you don’t know what you don’t know. #CaEdChat
A2: this is my first year at my site (assistant principal). I want all my teachers that I’m assigned to “evaluate” to feel known and supported. I ask them directly how I can advocate for them. And I try to steer our conversations to getting to know each other “for real” #caedchat
For sure. At the same time, you DO know that people love feeling appreciated, so that's an easy one to accomplish.
You're great at that, so it'll be easy for you!
#caedchat
A2: Being the “newbie” right now- I have appreciated having someone I can trust and ask “dumb questions” of- who has been so helpful @SSWeissWillis and the staff has been kind and check up on me. #CaEdChat
----------
Q2: As you prepare to return from break (I know, I know), you have a new/new-ish teacher at your site. How do you plan to support that teacher to make sure the rest of their school year is their best.
#CAedChat
----------
----------
Q3: As a teacher of n years, you know that the second half of the school year can be a grind. What do *you* do to make sure that you are taken care of in some way?
#CAedChat
----------
A2: As an Elem School Principal, I have a few new teachers. It’s all about building relationships with them. For some, 1:1 check ins, for others it’s grade level mtgs for reflection & refinement. #caedchat
Bill Ouchi talks about Total Student Load https://t.co/CeNuL39TUM as being an important factor in building relationships and improving teacher-student relationships, not to mention student achievement. This is why @UTLAnow is going on strike Jan 10. #caedchat#strikeready
A2) As a second year Teacher, I appreciate it when colleagues take the time to reach out. I've received incredible support from a few fellow teachers who have unknowingly talked me off the proverbial edge. I didn't even realize I was close to burn out. It creeps up fast
#caedchat
A3 In my 16th year of teaching, I have learned to spread out my grading to make it more manageable. My grades are usually done 2 weeks before the deadline, which frustrates students who want to turn in late work. Sorry. Learn time management. #caedchat
I don't anymore...but I used to take a personal business day and go scuba diving to just get away and have a mental health day. And when spring arrives I always tried to take spring break off #caedchat
A3 - I don't anymore...but I used to take a personal business day and go scuba diving to just get away and have a mental health day. And when spring arrives I always tried to take spring break off #caedchat#caedchat
@Jyoung1219 you just filled my bucket. I can’t even begin to describe how much your friendship means to me. For years, you’ve inspired me and encouraged me. I am so very thankful to know you and to get to call you friend. #caedchat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @Jstevens009, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219
A3: I have gotten better at compartmentalizing rather than the false idea of multi-tasking projects. A "me" day helps too :) I am taking up an art class and participating in #edumeat with @jcorippo#caedchat
Truth. Most people just want to be heard and appreciated- and feel like they aren’t messing up. Those things are free. It’s those small gestures that offer huge gains. Kudos! #CAedChat
A3) Self Care! I have bi-monthly massages scheduled and I signed up for yoga near my school, planning on going weekly. I also try to plan my favorite lessons for times when I know students will need something different to stay engaged.
#caedchat
----------
Q1: Who is someone on Twitter you can rely on to lift your spirits, challenge you, and/or support you when you need it? Feel free to tag that person and send them a quick message of gratitude for what they do!
#CAedChat
----------
A3: It's important to balance the stressors of the job w/ taking time to do things for pleasure. I'm not always good at this but have learned it's essential to unplug. Turning off notifications on email has been huge for me. I still check it a lot but do it on my time. #caedchat
----------
Q3: As a teacher of n years, you know that the second half of the school year can be a grind. What do *you* do to make sure that you are taken care of in some way?
#CAedChat
----------
A3: 17 years as a teacher, 5 as an admin. I’ve learned that I need to advocate for myself and put family first in order to avoid burnout. 2 personal days planned for late January for a Santa Cruz woodsy retreat with my wife will work wonders! #CAedChat
A3: I sing in a choral group at our local performing arts center. It is impossible to think about anything but the music when you sing. It forces me to breathe #caedchat
Feeling like you are in control of yourself and your surroundings (as much as possible), that you are not stumbling through days/weeks/months/meetings/plans/etc.
#caedchat
A2 We will have a few new teachers at @CompassCs (still hiring, too, FYI)! We have a great team to support new staff, & I will continue to make myself available to chat, observe, connect & share our core #ARTIC values & #CompassExperience family feel. #caedchat
----------
Q2: As you prepare to return from break (I know, I know), you have a new/new-ish teacher at your site. How do you plan to support that teacher to make sure the rest of their school year is their best.
#CAedChat
----------
A3: A while back, @robertkaplinsky recommended that I read Essentialism by @GregoryMcKeown. It made me shift my perspective and focus more on what mattered to me.
#caedchat
A3: After 31 years in the wonderful world of public education one thing never changes. There is always more to do. So my advice is learn to say “enough for today” #caedchat
----------
Q4: 2019 can be a year of risk-taking in the classroom. What is one risk you’re willing to take in your role that you think will make you better at what you do?
#CAedChat
----------
AMEN! There will always be something else to do. There comes a time with you just have to go home, and that time doesn't have to be at 8:00 p.m. :) #caedchat
A3: After 31 years in the wonderful world of public education one thing never changes. There is always more to do. So my advice is learn to say “enough for today” #caedchat
----------
Q3: As a teacher of n years, you know that the second half of the school year can be a grind. What do *you* do to make sure that you are taken care of in some way?
#CAedChat
----------
A4: I'm at the district office and this semester I am working to bring more student voice into the work we do. Collectively, we don't include their voice enough #caedchat
A4: I’ve never liked the term “risk taking” I prefer to think in terms of embracing, challenging, being brave enough to. I’m embracing vulnerability this year. #caedchat
Let me follow up Q4 by suggesting that you print out your response and post it somewhere visible as a reminder throughout the year. Yeah, paper. That stuff.
#caedchat
A5: Be more present in classrooms. Ts have to know I am there to support them in addition to ELs. But coordinating ELPAC testing is going to make it rough. #caedchat
I agree! Sometimes we need that visual reminder that only a static piece of paper can bring us! Otherwise it might be hidden in hundreds of tabs... #caedchat
A4: my risk is going to be to continue to push the envelope of culture-shifting. New principal and new assistant principal (me) means a big opportunity for change, and we’re embracing it! I know I have weirded some people out, but overall it’s going so well!#caedchat
I'm not sure where I'd be if I didn't have my #strataproblems family. #caedchat As for @voxer the app still hasn't fixed the stupid data/wifi cache issue, which sucks... but.
In reply to
@ArcherEdTech, @chaugen, @mrsfadeji, @darrenmassa, @LisaTeachesTech, @markrounds5, @voxer
A4 What is your definition of risk taking? Most research shows Ts are not good at it. Also most educational innovations do not have positive effects on learning. This is not to say we shouldn't try new things, but we should share our results. #caedchat
----------
Q5: New Year’s Resolutions don’t go very well for me. What is your One Word that will help you make 2019 the best year you could imagine?
#CAedChat
----------
I use visual reminders all the time. Pieces of ribbon, trinkets, jewelry bells, shells, all kinds of trinkets have reminded me of goals, values and special people and moments #caedchat
A5: My #oneword2019 is "Intentional." My goal this year is to be more intentional about making connections with & supporting those I serve, reading (daily devotions, PD, and for pleasure), and spending quality time with family. #caedchat
----------
Q5: New Year’s Resolutions don’t go very well for me. What is your One Word that will help you make 2019 the best year you could imagine?
#CAedChat
----------
A5: My One Word for 2019, and a big reason why I'm stepping away from moderating #caedchat as well as a lot of other digital spaces, is FAMILY.
Over the past few years, I have been welcomed on here as family, but that meant neglecting people in my presence. That needs to change.
A5 My one word is partnering. Trying to do this with my English & Science teachers so that History is more relevant to students. Let 2019 be the year we kill the silo mentality in High School. #caedchat
----------
Q5: New Year’s Resolutions don’t go very well for me. What is your One Word that will help you make 2019 the best year you could imagine?
#CAedChat
----------
A4 Not a risk, but a recommitment to collecting & analyzing data, finding new types of data & sharing results w/all stakeholders. First big survey is out by our @CompassCs#scholars, 4 our scholars. Excited to see the results & talking next steps through w/our #CCSSLC! #caedchat
----------
Q4: 2019 can be a year of risk-taking in the classroom. What is one risk you’re willing to take in your role that you think will make you better at what you do?
#CAedChat
----------
A3: When I was in the classroom, I learned Nov/Dec & Jan/Feb were tough months. After yrs, I also learned the home stretch was so great. As a new admin, I faced sad reality of same pattern & it hit me hard. I need to keep running-helps me filter the noise from the day. #caedchat
Good for you, John! It can be so easy to be pulled away from our families. I too am looking to be more intentional about spending more quality time with my wife and kids. Time is too short. #caedchat
----------
Q5: New Year’s Resolutions don’t go very well for me. What is your One Word that will help you make 2019 the best year you could imagine?
#CAedChat
----------
A5: My One Word for 2019, and a big reason why I'm stepping away from moderating #caedchat as well as a lot of other digital spaces, is FAMILY.
Over the past few years, I have been welcomed on here as family, but that meant neglecting people in my presence. That needs to change.
A4: Biggest risk I’ve taken was stepping into role as new admin this yr. This yr will continue to be full of risk taking, AND I’m looking forward to the continued growth from it all. #caedchat
Thanks, Dan! We have so much on our plates. I've learned it isn't going to happen, whatever "it" is, if I'm not intentional about making it happen. :) #caedchat
Finally:
----------
Q6: One of our own, @jenwagner, needs our support. Please take a moment to send words of encouragement as she takes on The Big C. If you would like to read and contribute, please do:
https://t.co/rWn0Hdkqym#CAedChat
----------
#CAedChat A little late, but I’m Christina from California. I’m enjoying my winter break by relaxing and spending quality time w/those who matter most. I had a tough semester in many respects and am enjoying finally feeling like me again and getting back in the Twitter universe.
As I close out the final #caedchat of 2018, I send a sincere THANK YOU to all who make this space one worth entering. From the beginning, you embraced the idea of starting a chat focused on issues important to California and I am forever grateful for the things I've learned.
A6: I don’t know @jenwagner, but I know enough tweeps who DO to have come across her story and her writing about her circumstances. I’m so inspired by her faith in the face of great challenge. May we all be simultaneously so strong and vulnerable! #caedchat
May 2019 be paved with much love, good work and and a strong community of educators who continue to come together to love and support the mission of educating all of our children. Thanks for alll of those who engage with #caedchat
