Howdy #txed from Friendswood; it's Barbara, school counselor and author of What's Under Your Cape? eager to head back to school tomorrow, then lead a self-care and #mindfulness learning session in Pearland on Friday!
Chilly and a little stressful! I am UIL Coordinator for our campus and we are hosting our competition on Friday! Eek! Taking a break from UIL stuff to be in this chat! #txed
A1: I enjoy going to Twitter and Instagram to get pumped up. I love seeing other people in action and finding new ideas. Even during a tough day I take a minute to check in and get pumped again. #txed
A1-I do alot of driving so I reflect on what went well and what didn't, then I reflect on how I can make it better or even improve what did go well #txed
A1 I’ve learned to have a cutoff time. I have to have time to dive into things that are not “work” but simply things I’m passionate about in order to balance my life out and handle stress. #txed
A1: So many ideas for #selfcare; here are just a few. I love the delegating idea. Trying to get better at it. I also destress by practicing mindful breathing, power walking, reading for pleasure, baking, taking warm baths. #txed
#txed A1 28th year to teach, and you will have Ss come back to you that you thought you didn't reach and tell you that eventually your words inspired them. Disrespectful teens act on "foolishness" DON'T EVER GIVE UP ON A St! NEVER! #bepositive
A1: I sometimes feel like Groundhog Day, since my own kids are the same age as my students, but I try to take 1 weekend a month to spend adult time with my hubby. Send the kids to the grandparents and recoup!#TxEd
A1: I focus on the positive experiences I've had with my students. It's easy to be drain by negativity. Good experiences can easily be overlooked. #txed
A1: So many ideas for #selfcare; here are just a few. I love the delegating idea. Trying to get better at it. I also destress by practicing mindful breathing, power walking, reading for pleasure, baking, taking warm baths. #txed
Q2 Teachers have to maintain their composure during work almost 100% of the time. What is one thing you do to maintain your sanity during tough times? #tXed
A1: You have to find ways to unplug...even from email...it will eat you alive if you let it! Refill the energy tank! Heather, Principal from Texas here! #TXed
A1: Take time to do something you enjoy - I love to read so I listen to audiobooks going to and from work every day. Keeps my mind from running the to-do list on replay. #txed
#txed A1 Once you realize your job is ALL ABOUT THE KIDS your job will produce joy. Ss that misbehave and negative coworkers will take the back seat to the Ss you are impacting.
Reading keeps me in my happy place at night and helps me "turn off" my brain to any worries or excitements at work - I love the book community on Instagram :) #txed
Q2 Teachers have to maintain their composure during work almost 100% of the time. What is one thing you do to maintain your sanity during tough times? #tXed
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A1: Disconnect from technology and engage with fam when I get home. Always, always, always reframe any stressful situation into an opportunity for growth and enlightenment because I know kids are counting on me like I counted on my Ts #txed
My pleasure. It's one of the slides I made for my What's Your Plan BE? self-care workshop. Took the picture flying home from Santa Barbara. Watching sunrises and sunsets are part of my #selfcare rituals, too! #txed
A2: I make sure I'm breathing right. I take deep breaths, find a quiet spot for just a minute or two. I have a few pictures on my wall that I look at w/ family/friends/trips. A little meditation minute. #txed
A2 - My husband asks me every day, "What is something that made you laugh today?" It always helps shift my perspective from negative to positive when I'm feeling overwhelmed #txed
A2:Honestly....take a break in a quiet spot (the bathroom can work in a pinch), breathe, and then head back out. Sometimes even a quick game of mobile solitaire helps 😂#txed
A2. The “motivational” quotes on my wall are more for me than for my kids. My favorite to help keep perspective: “Sometimes it is kinda fun to do the impossible.” Walt Disney. #TXed
A2: sometimes a knowing glance at teammate is all I need to get me laugh instead of cry... or scream... hahahahaha. Teammates who got your are the best! #txed
Don't disagree, but neither will corporate ed reform @BetseyDeVosED. How 'bout, instead of almighty dollar as #1, we make students THE priority. NCLB, "accountability" industry, privatization profits-it's all abt $. We just want u 2 support r pub schools & teach r students. #txed
Ed Secretary @BetsyDeVosED says federal education reform, including NCLB, hasn’t worked as intended despite good intentions, worthwhile goals & billions of@dollars spent, as she wraps up conference on legacy of #BushObamaSchoolReform at @AEIeducation
A2: Knock out what I can control, let go of what I can't, and keep telling myself, "this too shall pass"...even if it's related to too much enchilada eating. #txed
A2: this hangs in my office to this day...grounds me in everything I’m about...family, service to others, positivity, leading by actions, my faith, and my note my mother wrote before her passing (excuse MJ wings poster in reflection 😜) #txed
A2: Imagine whatever is annoying me at that moment as something that is simply a challenge. Then look for a chance to do or say something silly with a coworker as soon as possible. #TXed
Q2 Teachers have to maintain their composure during work almost 100% of the time. What is one thing you do to maintain your sanity during tough times? #tXed
A2: I play the ukulele. I play and we sing together to destress. This is us every morning, on this window sill singing to the students with special needs. It's the BEST therapy ever. #txed
I don’t have a strict favorite author - Right now I am listening to Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica. And since one of my #oneword goals was to read Bible more, listening to that in the morning. #txed
A2 contd. Also changing my room lighting, quiet music on Pandora. I can do that with the Students. helpful for everyone! mindfulness breaks as needed also! #txed
#txed A2 I get through most of my tough times in class with humor. I redirect the improper behavior the best I can without interrupting the learning, then I create a POSITIVE experience for the WHOLE class. I usually go through each year WITHOUT a referral. #SMILE#BeHappy
A2 I have quiet time every single morning by myself to get my head in the game. If I feel stress creeping up throughout the day, I read an affirmation or listen to calming encouraging music. #txed
A2 quiet alone time...momentarily shut my door to take a minute; hang with PK/K Ss; text a friend; listen to my new anthem “This Is Me” from Greatest Showman...no joke lol i listen to it on my drive in every AM! #txed
A2 Find a like-minded colleague to vent the frustrations I can’t let go and brainstorm how to move forward. Or if I’m monitoring students working, talking through my frustrations (in my head) to calm myself. I talk to myself a lot. 😬 #Txed
I got a Yoga mat for Christmas; can't wait to sign up for classes. Thinking Goat Yoga would be a blast, too, because it's bound to make me laugh! https://t.co/pZBZVCQS9f#txed
A3-I can only control what is in front of me. Many things happen outside of my control. Draw the line of worrying too much what is out of my reach. #TXed
When I am stressed, I have my friends to talk me through it but more importantly I remind myself of my why, step back to look at Ss and Ts from a different view, & allow myself to just be to enjoy. #txed
A3 It’s taken me a long time but I can’t control the world so I do what I can & leave school at school most days. It’s something that helps me be the best each day. #txed
A3 it’s okay to say no; sometimes you have to say no...even when it’s scary/not easy; realize to do the best thing for my Ss sometimes requires me to do the best thing for me too; not everyone is going to be happy and that’s going to have to be ok. #txed
A1: My husband bought me this for Christmas...I pass by this everyday before I leave for work! A great reminder for me to stop and take time to do things for myself.
#TXed
I play ukelele- never thought to sing during arrival!!!! Don’t know if my principal will be excited about this or not- get excited @cheadhorn !!! #txed
A3-Family first. I'll draw the line if my family needs me more than work does. Still learning to balance this but I have to take care of my girls. #TXed
A3: When I drive away from school, I mentally close every single door so that I don't take it home. It'll be there again tomorrow and my family deserves me to be home with all of my heart! #txed
A3: My campus has a LOT of parent, um, involvement. I had to set boundaries for my classroom to ensure that healthy interactions prevailed and I didn't put the needs of parents ahead of the needs of kids. #txed
#txed A3 -Three boundaries. 1 -- Don't connect with students on social media. I work at middle school, I don't live in one. 2 -- Go home by 5 pm. 3 -- Stay away from negative relationships.
Please share a picture; it's our favorite time together. Start with "You Are My Sunshine" and see where it takes you. Once a S told me it was the last song she sang to her mom before she died, we were hooked. Sing is EVERY morning! #txed
A3: When I drive away from school, I mentally close every single door so that I don't take it home. It'll be there again tomorrow and my family deserves me to be home with all of my heart! #txed
If I know that adding something more to my plate will take too much time away from my family, then I have to say no. It’s a boundary that I’m working on, but one I have to make. #TxEd
A3: Not a strong suit for me. I am trying to balance more than set boundaries. Balance what I want and need to do for school with what I want and need to do for home so everything gets some attention. That is probably the definition of no boundaries 😂 #txed
Q2: laugh, sometimes cry, and try to always go back to my why. As an admin the thing that helps me most is being back in the classroom role so I give teachers an extra off period once a year so I can teach class + be with kids. #happyplace#txed
Q2 Teachers have to maintain their composure during work almost 100% of the time. What is one thing you do to maintain your sanity during tough times? #tXed
you shared some good music ideas before i remember! i also like the noisli website. youtube aquarium or fireplace loop also helpful if you can't escape your classroom! #txed
A3: Our admin has establised “No work Wednesdays”, the campus closes early for teachers. It is more like a forced boundary, but I do appreciate it! #TXed
#txed A3 If anything I am an introvert. I need my ME TIME! I get this each day during lunch. SUMMER is a HUGE me time period. I reflect and have quite time. I can't teach with the energy that I do without this. This picnic table at Pt Neches Park is my "prayer closet".
A4: I'm blessed to have a couple of close friends at school who know my stressed face. We always check on each other outside of school on social media messages or texts. It just makes the school so warm and feel so safe. Makes my whole world! #txed
A3: Now my secret is out. If I know someone is negative or cranky when I pop in their room I tend to stay standing in the doorway so I can leave quickly. Positive vibes get me inside the rooms. #TXed
A2: I play the ukulele. I play and we sing together to destress. This is us every morning, on this window sill singing to the students with special needs. It's the BEST therapy ever. #txed
A4: I have the best wife on the planet, who also happens to teach the same grade level that I do. She speaks truth into my life constantly, and it's not bull honkey, because experiencing the same things. #txed
A3: Our admin has establised “No work Wednesdays”, the campus closes early for teachers. It is more like a forced boundary, but I do appreciate it! #TXed
A4 It def helps to be married to an educator who can just listen and know exactly what you mean! My teaching team and principal are also key to making it through stressful times. So important to have individuals around you who can bring diff perspectives and a fresh view! #Txed
A4-at school I work with an awesome staff who is willing to help when needed and at home my hubby is always thinking how can he make it easier for my wife so he cooks and cleans #txed
A4: I only have one other team member in my grade, so we support and help each other a lot. My hubby at home. He is so level headed, and gives good advice, and has taught a lot longer than me, so he knows!#TxEd
A4: Our leadership-team staff birthday card shows how much fun we have working together. Wendy, our AP, is AmAzInG. And our principal JT (who was one of my students in Spanish class when I first started teaching) does a great job! #txed
A3 healthy home to school ratio. It’s never really balanced. But each day I tell myself I am doing the best I can and that my intentions are good. I refuse to let negativity influence who I am inside. It’s taken me a LONG time to get that! #txed
In regards to 8.5% cap. Here is a sample of the SPED Indicator #13 from 2005 PBMAS report. You can see the 8.5% cap listed as the standard. In this case this district was below the cap so they received a "0" for performance level rating (vs. 1,2, or 3-worst) #txed#txlege
Q3: I am not great about boundaries between work and home BUT I do try to keep weekends just about home. I also try to make sure I get at least a 20 min lunch to myself. #txed
When I share the story in my learning session about how I got the uke three summers ago, there's invariably a participant who buys a ukulele right there in the workshop! #txed
A4 My family and close friends are my biggest supporters, but also hold me accountable to keep priorities in line. Their encouragement keeps me going! #txed
A4: I have the most amazing support system both at work and home. Family and friends who feel like family make up my village along with our outstanding leadership team and my awesome #PLN- Thankful for everyone of them. #txed
A4: My Core Leadership and Office team are Da BOMB! A very close knit family with very different personalities..who each bring a unique strength to our team! #peoplearepriceless#txed
Q4: I have some key coworkers that I can share things with and a mom who was a teacher plus my growing twitter peeps. They make up my teaching support system. #txed
A4: At school our leadership team (including all of the office staff) is right there for each other. We also remind each other when we are staying too late. At home my family keeps me in check with time, Especially since I am bad about taking "me" time.
#TXed
A5: I like to walk the building after school and just check on people before returning to my office to get work done. After school seems to be a time I can offer help to the stressed. Also consistent attendance at plannings and weekly walkthroughs. #txed
The teaching support system at school rocks, teamwork, innovation encouragement. At home, my mother is a retired teacher & my sister teaches. My wife is a support ninja. Always been helpful in becoming a better me #txed
A4: The teaching support system at school rocks, teamwork, innovation encouragement. At home, my mother is a retired teacher & my sister teaches. My wife is a support ninja. Always been helpful in becoming a better me #txed
I try to listen (not thinking to respond) and then offer to take something off their plate or help them complete something. Sometimes just listening & laughing do the trick. #txed
I need to do a better job of this, but emails and shout outs on social media are good. People need to hear that you appreciate their efforts. Digging in and helping with the event is also powerful. #TxEd
A5: The best thing I feel I can do is listen to them and share my own experiences. We are not alone in what we do or feel. And surprise someone with an occasional cup of coffee or treat. #TXed
I'm one of the people who usually lives closest so I may hang out at the school later just working on various projects. I watch to see if others are constantly working/stressed. #txed
A5 I ask how I can help or what I can do. If I know they won’t give me a way to help, I tell THEM what I’m going to do to take something off of their plate. Or, I listen, and I try really hard not to offer unwarranted advice. (Still working on that one!) #Txed
A5: If I see you staying for hours after everyone else leaves on a regular basis I'm going to start bugging you about going home and helping you figure out how. #txed
A5: I will periodically put little treats and trinkets in our school family's boxes to lift their spirits and remind them that I'm here to support, encourage and care for them. #txed
A5 talks, hugs, help if I can. I think most teachers are helpers and problem solvers. It's a natural thing to want to help. Ooh. I also offer chocolate..lol #txed
A4 I only surround myself with positive people! My tribe is there to support each other through everything and for every kind of advice needed. We are constantly bouncing ideas off one another trying new things to improve one another and our school culture. #txed
A5 I listen with just the intent to listen. If they want advice I’ll give it if solicited but sometimes it’s just nice to have someone listen and say “I know, right?!” #TXed
A5 I try to practice the power of presence. I'm there to listen, help make activities, write notes, whatever they need that day to know that I'm there to help #txed
Annotated Screenshot from 2005 PBMAS Manual regarding score assigned to campus or district based on Indicator #13 which is the percentage of students identified as SPED (8.5% cap). #txed
A5 I have a basket of chocolate just for staff on a shelf in a cabinet. Whenever there’s a need, they come and grab a few pieces. Something about chocolate does it all. #txed
A5: Listen intently & then mention some things I have done in a similar situation. Also, offering breaks if possible to cover a class if needed. Offer to help with small things. Often those small things are big stressors #txed
Q6 What re-energizes your batteries? What motivates you to keep going every day? Share a gif, music clip, book, quote or idea that speaks to you. #TXed
A5: Listen intently & then mention some things I have done in a similar situation. Also, offering breaks in some way if possible when needed. Offer to help with small things. Often those small things are big stressors #txed
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A5: Always willing to see how I can serve them. If there is something that I can do for them that makes them smile then it is a go. Our campus also does some random goodie deliveries. We play music and shout going up and down the hallways with goodies. #txed
A6: also a line of poetry "tired moments find me a delightful treat" is a constant reminder that I'm fortunate to exhaust myself with work I enjoy. #txed
A5 By being “present,” and actually listening to their problems, offering a hug or shoulder to cry on, helping out with the work load, covering their class while they gather their composure.... #txed
A5: I am a distraction during faculty meetings for that reason. Sometimes people just need to laugh. Also, my team and I genuinely care for each other and have each others' backs.
#txed
Find anything you enjoy doing it and just do it. Be able to disconnect from time and prioritize what is really important. Focus on that. For me it’s family and friends. #txed
A6: Connections energize me. Watching children connect with one another and knowing ... knowing that they matter ... knowing that everything's going to be alright. That's a huge spark of passion for me, when they KNOW. #txed
A6 I just got this in the mail tonight, and I can’t wait to read and recharge! Following educators like @hopekingteach and @WadeKing7 motivate me daily! #txed#bethewildcard
#txed A6 What motivates me? I KNOW I impact the Ss I am blessed to be involved with. My school allows me to bring my #Believe theme beyond my classroom walls. When you create a happy memory with a kid, BLESSINGS are produced. Having a job that produces #JOY = #priceless
A6 Coming home and hearing my husband’s constant reminders to me to hang in there. Giving me encouragement, because he knows why I do what I do. It’s how I’m able to do it all again the next day... #Txed
Final thought on 8.5% cap for tonight: I do not blame @teainfo for this cap, even though sourcing their PBMAS manuals. Instead, after reading the message from @GovAbbott on this subject, I want to offer evidence that schools and districts not responsible for cap.
#txed#txlege
I preach having dual citizenship. I am professional and maintain my composure at work. But I can also cut loose and play hard when not at work. There has to be a balance to remain sane. #txed
Q2 Teachers have to maintain their composure during work almost 100% of the time. What is one thing you do to maintain your sanity during tough times? #tXed
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