Welcome to #APTeach chat. We've had over 120 different contributors this year to the chat and its really exciting to have a community that cares this much about our students and these classes! @APforStudents@CollegeBoard
My name is Andrew Sharos and I am the moderator of #APTeach. I am a former #APUSH teacher and author of @All4sand5s Tonight's topic will focus on self-care for AP teachers and students.
A1: I think at least the reflective process is necessary. AP has a great rep. & we are all so much fun, I don't think a lot of Ss and Ps know what they are getting into and need that guidance. #APTeach
A1: Pt 2- I have never been at a school with a cap, but I am not opposed. Our kids have so much more going on than I ever did and they require more emotional support. I think a cap is just one of those extra supports #APTeach
A1 I think in the interest of preserving student mental health, such measures may be necessary—I also think more AP classes should be available to lower grades (10th grade specifically) to avoid upperclass kids loading their schedules #APTeach
Q1: Some schools are beginning to enact policies on a maximum number of AP courses students can take. Other schools are enacting more reflective processes for students before they sign up for AP. Is this necessary and if so, what could/does this look like? #APTeach
A1: We don't cap classes. We've required a teacher rec in the past. However, admin is looking to make the program seem more open to the student body. Each student meets with guidance in the scheduling process. They discuss course load and responsibilities at that time. #APTeach
A1. I think reflection is good, but there also needs to be an element of safety to try something uncomfortable and challenging. Some students don’t know what they could be capable of if they don’t try #APTeach
Q2: How does your school support AP students who are stressed out and have numerous academic and non-academic commitments in their lives? What can we do individually to empathize with our kids?#APTeach
Open enrollment doesn't mean torture. The equity statement from @CollegeBoard says "willing". Are they willing if they don't read the fine print? #APTeach
A1: More reflective processes for identifying and enrolling students in AP is much needed. I teach 9th graders jumping from middle school into AP. Knowing what they’ve signed up for and being sure they are up for the challenge is HuGe!! #APTeach
A1: We are working on a 3 AP course cap. Any more would require reflection/discussion/recommendation. Too often our Ss take too many AP classes to make the Ts that recruited them happy not realizing the workload. #APTeach
A2: My school doesn’t have any thing in place other than the counselors. Students have definitely voiced disappointment in the lack of empathy from some AP teachers #APTeach
A1: Our LIGHT Counselor (think crisis intervention) comes in and talks to my 9th Gr APHuGe Ss at the start of the year and she frequently checks on with me for kids who might need some support from her. Same have to know you care, even though you have high expectations. #APTeach
we have a policy that says 3 class days (on block). I'm in a situation where there are days I don't get any work from kids and before they know it the hole they dug is too deep #APTeach
Wanted to get everyone’s take on accepting late work. I have a very relaxed attitude since I understand life can throw a curve ball but others will not accept any. #APTeach
Q3: How do you care for yourself when you feel like you are hitting a wall in teaching? How do you either hit the reset button or recenter yourself around the "why" we do this? #APTeach
I give some “life happens” late acceptances but if it becomes habitual there are some serious conversations and it might be a privilege to lose #APTeach
A2: Our students are very vocal if things get overwhelming. Students have no problems scheduling times with guidance to express struggles and ideas on how to ease those struggles. As a teacher, my students know they can express their stress to me and I'll hear them. #APTeach
A3: really and truly #APUSH and my Ss are the reason I get up every day and it makes me sad to not be with them. Eating a meal with them always gives me life...and knitting #APTeach
Q3: How do you care for yourself when you feel like you are hitting a wall in teaching? How do you either hit the reset button or recenter yourself around the "why" we do this? #APTeach
A1: think the student needs to go through a lot of self reflection before taking multiple AP classes. The class won’t be worth it if they burn out too soon in the school year. Maybe sitting with the AP teachers and having an honest discussion about the courses first #APTeach
A3: I try to take a half a class, or 10-15 minutes every now and then to just chat with the class. Break up the monotony, share a laugh, talk about things going on at the school. We have to have some "real" conversations to keep us going. #APTeach
I really make it my goal to teach life and not just AP. My kids know how to always reach me and know I keep spare food and the like because they need to be ok. #APTeach
Q2: How does your school support AP students who are stressed out and have numerous academic and non-academic commitments in their lives? What can we do individually to empathize with our kids?#APTeach
A3: I carry on a lot of stress. If my students are struggling, I wonder what I could have done to prevent this. Sometimes, I need time to just have fun and talk about non-econ stuff with my students. A break does a mind well. #APTeach
Q4: How can we better use the colleagues in our building and our fellow #APTeach and @APforStudents colleagues to support one another when things get difficult? #APTeach
A3 I try to find fun and chocolate! Some days it’s a kids high five in the hallway!! Historically I am not good at this!! I will go back to old lesson planners to rejuvenate my brain a bit #APTeach
My why hits me at different times. I could feel the most stressed at times and a student interaction will remind me why I'm here. They help me re-center. #APTeach
A3: I give a reflection survey and ask Ss what they enjoy about the class, lesson, my style, or just leave a free space for comments. Their answers always surprise me! Sometimes the littlest things mean the most to them. #APTeach
Q4: How can we better use the colleagues in our building and our fellow #APTeach and @APforStudents colleagues to support one another when things get difficult? #APTeach
Q4: How can we better use the colleagues in our building and our fellow #APTeach and @APforStudents colleagues to support one another when things get difficult? #APTeach
Q4: How can we better use the colleagues in our building and our fellow #APTeach and @APforStudents colleagues to support one another when things get difficult? #APTeach
A4: Our AP community is a resource in itself. I have always referred to other teachers for insights in how they do things and ideas of how I can approach my issues. We are all going through this together. Why not reach out for help? #APTeach
Q5: How do you find balance between creating rigor and accountability in AP classes, but also being fully human and understanding the commitments kids have outside of your class? #APTeach
A5- sorry I’m late! Just got home from an event. Biggest thing is KNOW YOUR KIDS. You have to also collaborate with other AP teachers and coordinate- it takes a village! #APTeach
Q4 We just competed a book study with All 4’s & 5’s and I think this time together sharing ideas & frustrations has helped foster support & encouragement among us. #APTeach
A2: I try to adjust deadlines with in reason and give them project and test dates in advance to help them learn how to plan. I also openly talk aboit their need for selfcare. #apteach
A4- we recently did a peek into AP classes- ‘APeek into AP.’ We showcased classes to reluctant students- after this I would like to create a showcase for our teachers to see the great engagement and teaching strategies their colleagues are doing. #APteach
A1: I think it is important for students to think critically about the number of commitments they have (academic and otherwise). Ideally, if we teach them how to do that then they should be able to make those decisions. #apteach
A5: I think really and truly it's just about letting the kids see the human. I was so sick the two weeks before Thanksgiving and it highlighted the give and take we have. If you reach that understanding your golden #APTeach
Q5: How do you find balance between creating rigor and accountability in AP classes, but also being fully human and understanding the commitments kids have outside of your class? #APTeach
A5: I think really and truly it's just about letting the kids see the human. I was so sick the two weeks before Thanksgiving and it highlighted the give and take we have. If you reach that understanding your golden #APTeach
Q5: How do you find balance between creating rigor and accountability in AP classes, but also being fully human and understanding the commitments kids have outside of your class? #APTeach
A5. I give them a detailed plan of each unit so they know when items are due. Communication is key in finding a balance between rigor and empathy #APTeach
A5: Get to know them outside of class. Go to their games, performances, etc. Show up to events colleagues are putting on with the same students you teach. #apteach
A5: Just be human. I feel that I need to present my material in a manner that makes students realize this is important for their success. Any work I give must have a purpose, but not everyone will get it or have the time I want them to have for my class. Listen to them. #APTeach
Q6: This is our last #APTeach before Christmas and we are taking January off for the holiday break. So in that spirit....
What is your favorite "gift" you've been given through your involvement and experience in AP? #APTeach
A6: I swear I'm not crazy- but honestly the best "gift" is the APUSHer community and the AP Readings. The family from the Reading is ALWAYS there and you bring back so much for Ss #APteach
Q6: This is our last #APTeach before Christmas and we are taking January off for the holiday break. So in that spirit....
What is your favorite "gift" you've been given through your involvement and experience in AP? #APTeach
A6: My favorite gift was always on July 7. Not because that was the day scores were released. But it was the emails, texts, and news coming back from the kids. The pure excitement of accomplishment. What a gift. Its the best feeling in teaching. #APTeach
To meet some incredible students who are overcoming huge obstacles to take the chance to challenge themselves. I have had several dreamers and what they have accomplished, 😮 I’m honored #APTeach
A6: This time of year is always a gift to me. My course lasts only a semester. We all get reminiscent of our experiences together and remember we won't be with each other any more after the break. To hear all of their wonderful thoughts of our class is the best gift. #APTeach
A6. My wonderful students past and present!! I have some the most infamous stories about AP class antics!! My Reader friends and PLN on Twitter!! I love my AP colleagues and content #APTeach
As always, I am humbled to chat with you all. Thanks for making 2018 a great year for #APTeach. We have so much to be thankful for and that list certainly includes each other! As always, email or tweet me with topics and we will pick it up again February 6th.
