A1: Ashley Vinje, 2nd grade at Lake Agassiz. My favorite school memory that comes to mind is a sleepover in my first grade...we all got to stay at the school and do crafts, watch a movie, and play games. #gfedchat
A1: Melinda Blakeman, Reading Specialist, Twining Elementary. Favorite school memory from when I was younger: playing hide and seek on the playground with my still best friends. Current memory: Field day last year @ century #gfedchat
A1: Nathan Olson, 8th Grade Math teacher at Valley MS. My first favorite memory of school was how kind my 2nd grade teacher was to all of her students. Mrs. Sanford was beloved. #gfedchat
A1: Jennifer Neil, 3rd grade, Kelly. Earliest favorite school memory is the little reading house in 1st grade. Everyone wanted to read in there! #gfedchat
A1: Jared Schlenker, assistant professor for the Educational Leadership program at UND. First school memory: first day of kindergarten, struggling to put a puzzle together. #gfedchat
Theresa Ostgarden South MS Business Ed. Favorite school memory is bugging my principal at recess and later becoming friends and my mentor. Thanks @DavidMHanson#gfedchat
Caely Nikle- Grade 5- West: My favorite school memories are from elementary school. Singing songs, playing games, and taking home the class teddy bear are just a few. #gfedchat
A1: Michael Redlin, 5th grade, Kelly. Best Rester in Kindergarten. Was a huge deal at the time, only to find out 20 years later that the entire thing was rigged #gfedchat
A1: Lori Heydt, Reading Specialist, Century, almost any elementary school memory - ice skating at recess, playing heads up/7-up, checking out books in the library... #gfedchat
A1: Ann Herbeck, South, 6th - I lost my 1st tooth on my 1st day of kindergarten & my grandma bought me a cake to celebrate the big event with my new friends! #gfedchat
Amber Mooney-3rd grade discovery. First Fav memory was with my second grade teacher who allowed us to hatch and care for a goose. Gordy. he lived in our school courtyard at Lake Agassiz
A1: Ann Herbeck, South, 6th - I lost my 1st tooth on my 1st day of kindergarten & my grandma bought me a cake to celebrate the big event with my new friends! #gfedchat
A1: Lane Talkington, Librarian at South MS. RIF was a highlight in my small school education, especially the parties that we earned! Line dancing, kickboxing, etc! They were awesome! #gfedchat
A2: I value most about getting to know them beyond academics and get to know the actual human they are, beyond test scores, reading levels, and what they can and cannot do. #gfedchat
A2: I really enjoy watching the kids grow over just the short 2 years I have with them. Coaching helps me make stronger connections which is a highlight of my school year! #gfedchat
A2: Relationships help me know how to better teach students - and it shows the students I care about them. When students know their teachers care about them and know them, they are typically more motivated! #gfedchat
A1: Paige Strom, tech partner at Winship, Century and West. My favorite memory is my 1st/2nd grade teacher: field trip to the farm, writing all day, making pancakes, hatching chicks, and reading in our loft. #gfedchat
A2: I am always amazed (and value) the fact that students try to live up to teacher expectations (behavior and academics) when a positive relationship has been established. #gfedchat
A2: Relationships are everything! It’s what we look forward to when going to school. Kids need to know you care and that you value them and the events of their lives. #gfedchat
A2: I love when students get excited to tell me about a book that they read or something that inspired them in the library.
When you work in small doses w/ 600 kids it's very pleasing to make those connections in such limited time! #gfedchat
A2: I really love it when I see a student make a great gain either in learning or confidence. Probably my favorite of all is when students visit years later or I run into them in public. The lasting impact is really tangible. #gfedchat
A2: I appreciate the small conversations with students that help to build relationships. Sometimes talking about non-academic things help to show you what they are truly interested in #gfedchat
A2: The sense of being respected, and needed for help in educational matters. When we know someone is there to support and provide resources for us to succeed means caring, assisting, and reflecting.
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A2: The impact that they can have on both of your lives. Knowing that a relationship with you can change so many things about their life -
without you even knowing how! Without positive relationships, a positive school culture/climate isn't possible! #gfedchat
A2: Learning about them and from them! They amaze me every day! Most of my Ss greet me with a smile when I come to pick them up. It makes my day when they are happy to see me! #gfedchat
A2 Getting to know Ss as people: their interests, sharing books, what they do outside of school, favorites & hard times too. Hopefully Ss know I'm always cheering for them #gfedchat
A2: The growth and comfort level with students that settles in as the year goes on....you can walk into the classroom and know the personalities of the entire group....#gfedchat
A2: Building rapport w/ Ss from the start of the year is everything. It builds a comfortable learning environment for the entire classroom and show them you care #gfedchat
A1: Melissa Korslien, Valley MS, Business Ed. Favorite school memory is authoring books in Mrs. Heard's 1st grade class in Ft Belvoir, VA. Never forget a friendly teacher! #gfedchat
A2: I end up spending a ton of time with my robotics students and I love the chance to see them grow and help them reach their future goals whatever they are #gfedchat
A2: The ability to build relationships helps in so many other ways as well- increases engagement, builds trust, helps with classroom management, etc. #gfedchat
A2: Love learning about what Ss love to do when they're away from school! Joking & laughing with them is the best! Both help to make a positive & fun school culture. #gfedchat
a2: the smiles, high fives, hugs, a wave, saying thank you or good morning. no matter how busy we all get, we can all afford the few seconds it takes to pass on positive vibes #gfedchat
A2: Getting to know Ss and their interests and hobbies outside of school. When Ss get excited to share a story about what they did over the weekend. #gfedchat
A2 learning from each other and learning more about each other, it's so rewarding to look back and see how much each child grew and to share that with their family #gfedchat
A2: Really knowing Ss means putting smiles on their faces when you talk about personal things. Getting hugs, drawings, notes, etc. from former students lets you know it made a difference. #gfedchat
A2: I value when my students see me as someone they can trust and will come to me with anything big or small, when you have a close relationship with students it helps build a positive community in your classroom and school #gfedchat
A3: I value learning about their lives outside as school. This helps when planning lessons and to understand why some tasks may be difficult. It can also help to turn a day around if it starts off on the wrong foot #gfedchat
A3: getting to know them beyond academics shows them that you take interest in who they are and shows them you care about more than the grade they earn.
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Q3: I value how the relationship is mutually beneficial. It makes me a better teacher and helps the student to learn as well. The better we all get to know each other the easier it is to meet each other's needs- notice successes, stressors, etc. #gfedchat
A3-Being genuine and building trust with the Ss. They get to see me for me and when they get comfortable I get to see them for who they are. Mutual respect! #gfedchat
A1: I'm not sure why I remember #gfedchat at 8, but 8:30 rolls around and I forget. Sorry I'm joining a little late. Britta Hanson, Elem. Tech Partner, 1st favorite school memory is being the 1st in my class to pass the multiplication facts challenge in 3rd grade.
A3: trust, caring & honesty: you have to give it to receive it. Kids make your day when you need it most & I think we do the same for them. It’s so worthwhile to see them grow & learn. #gfedchat
A2: I love getting to know the students--things that aren't necessarily related to school. I read some teacher who vowed to learn 3 non-school facts about each of his students. I borrowed his goal. #gfedchat
A1: I'm not sure why I remember #gfedchat at 8, but 8:30 rolls around and I forget. Sorry I'm joining a little late. Britta Hanson, Elem. Tech Partner, 1st favorite school memory is being the 1st in my class to pass the multiplication facts challenge in 3rd grade.
A2: I value the opportunity to get to know students in grades K-5 and all the fun little hallway moments. You can learn a lot in the hallway...what event they are excited about, what they are sad about, etc. #gfedchat
A2: When they have a genuine relationship formed on mutual respect and trust. People showing respect for others makes for a positive classroom experience for all which spills over into other areas of the school. #gfedchat
A4: I do feel like everyone in my school has a champion. I think when you have Ts invested in Ss like GFPS does, then building positive relationships with Ss is a natural outcome #gfedchat
A3: Personal relationships create a whole new micro climate in the school building that affects teachers and students. I have to mention Winship Elementary - they are so great at this!! #gfedchat
A3: We support the underdog by trying to focus on every school activity (not just sports); give out character cards; try to acknowledge all students daily #gfedchat
A3: One example I can think of is recommending students for the Sprint grant where they can get access to internet and computer at home. I try to check in with students who are struggling daily just to ask how they are doing. #gfedchat
A4: I think that we really try! It is hard with so many students but I think that MTSS helps us know the whole child and who in the school is working to be their champion. #gfedchat
I'm not sure that all students need a "champion," but they do need someone in the building who knows who they are and can make a connection with them. #gfedchat
A4: I don't believe that EVERYONE has a champion in our schools. Some teachers have what it takes to go the extra mile and make those connections. Some teachers it's a little more hard. We need to help teachers make connections to help our students make connections. #gfedchat
A3: Positivity spreads. Simple things like greeting kids at the door or remembering to ask about something they were doing over the weekend...kids will forward that. #gfedchat
A4: I don't think every student in our school FEELS they have a champion, it can be a big and somewhat impersonal place at times.....just getting to know students by asking simple questions like what they did over the weekend tells them that they have personal value....#gfedchat
A4: I believe it is something we are working towards, but I don't think we are there yet. Between the new students coming in and out and changes in staffing, we are always making new connections. Unfortunately, I do believe a few kids get missed. #gfedchat
A4: I feel like Ts are natural champions for the Ss. We need to continue to communicate that we are there for them (or any other trusted adult at school, too). #gfedchat
A4: I believe everyone had a champion! By creating a positive environment for Ss, and Ts, it’s possible for everyone to be successful and do their best #gfedchat
A4: Showing interest in them outside of academics..find that inter cheerleader and model it for the Ss so they see what being a champion for others looks like
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A4: optimistically I’d love to think that each child has a champion. Realistically, the relationships we develop with kids is crucial to their success and often we become the champion #gfedchat
A4: Probably not. I would like to think that every student has someone in their corner but this isn't always the case. I can make daily connections with all students in my classes each day. #gfedchat
A4: Champions pay attention to the little things. Ex. Greet each student with a sincere smile (kids know "fake smiles") ... and sincerely wish them a good rest of their day (if possible, by name) when they leave ... the fundamentals! #gfedchat
A4: Absolutely, for a lot of students that's the thing that keeps them in school. Making that connection can be huge for students and also hard for teachers at times #gfedchat
A4: I hope they feel that way! We need to be checking in with our Ss and with staff beyond grades and assignments. A little care can go a long way #gfedchat
A4: I think educators would indicate most children have a champion, but it would be interesting to pose the Q to students. The answers might be different. Perception is key. #gfedchat
A4: I wish that was the case but I fear it isn't. I think that most teachers really try though. They need to do their part be reaching out sometimes though too. #gfedchat
A4 - I think our staff at Head Start does a great job of making sure all children have a champion. Our staff works together and our office staff is amazing and supportive to both teachers and students #gfedchat
A5: I had a meaningful productive relationship with my cooperating teacher in college. She helped me really understand balancing teaching and life. #gfedchat
A4: I think we try very hard! We try to notice and help ALL students - even those sometimes that don't always seem to need one. We certainly look for ways to encourage and affirm each student and let them grow as a person! Realistically it is super hard at times! #gfedchat
A4: I think we believe each student has a champion. not sure every student knows/feels like they have a champion. I try to look each Ss in the eyes every day and talk to them not at them.
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A4: I'd like to think that every student does have a champion...but I don't know that for sure! I do believe every student DESERVES to have a champion! #gfedchat
A4: I hope that every child has a champion. Smile and/or say hi to everyone in the hallway, celebrate successes, learn about Ss out of school activities, and just listen. #gfedchat
A4: Unfortunately, I don't think that EVERY S has a champion. As Ts we REALLY try to cheer on every S, but sadly some get missed or may FEEL missed #gfedchat
A4: Unfortunately I don't think every student feels like they have a champion, however I believe they should all have a champion that never gives up on them. Love that @LakeAgassizGFPS has Ss choose a staff member as their mentor/champion. #gfedchat
A4: It would be nice to have a welcoming committee for new students and staff to welcome them, share the culture of the school, and be available for questions. The committe could be made up of staff and students #gfedchat
A4: Unfortunately I don't think every student feels like they have a champion, however I believe they should all have a champion that never gives up on them. Love that @LakeAgassizGFPS has Ss choose a staff member as their mentor/champion. #gfedchat
A4: I will say that at least a couple of times a year a difficult student trusts me to help them or confides in me and it catches me off guard. Sometimes you don't always know the impact you are making. #gfedchat
A4: It's crucial for our students to have a champion--someone they KNOW believes in them! I worry that some students get missed or feel they are not seen or heard. #gfedchat
a4: Im not sure if all the students feel the same way, but I believe that there is at least one person that would be a champion for each student...invest by starting with the little things...wave hello, ask how their day is going #gfedchat
A3: Mentor/Mentee adoption, using a collaborative effort by coming together in a peer/mentoring team. Counseling dept. can help and intervene where necessary for support
system. #gfedchat
A4: Unfortunately I don't think every student feels like they have a champion, however I believe they should all have a champion that never gives up on them. Love that @LakeAgassizGFPS has Ss choose a staff member as their mentor/champion. #gfedchat
A5: both parties having a positive attitude, being able to vent to one another, knowing you can turn to the person for advice when you need it #gfedchat
A5: being able to depend on each other - no matter what. Communication, a person to talk to that gets what you are going through - or at least will listen with empathy! Laughing and jokes (even bad ones) are the best!! #gfedchat
A5: my grade level team at BF. We have open communication, equally contribute to the work, listen to each other, and it helps that we share kids for subjects as well. #gfedchat
A4: I hope that all Ss feel like they have a champion at school. I think that being present in the hallway in the morning and afterschool to greet Ss and ask them how their day/weekend was will help with Ss being able to make connections with Ts and find a champion #gfedchat
A5: meaningful and productive professional relationship...every person in my department. i feel we all communicate, collaborate, laugh, and support each other
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A5-I was lucky enough to work closely with someone that became one of my best friends for 5 years. We learned a lot from each other, could share ideas, listen to concerns, and work together to help Ss. #gfedchat
A5: Relationship between my first boss and myself. She was a good reader of people and always asked how I was doing and how she could help or support me. I loved that so much about her #gfedchat
A5: Definitely the ability to collaborate and shoot things down and the personal willingness to look at things I'm doing and collaborate and fix them #gfedchat
A5: As a first year teacher I was assigned a mentor in my school. This experience provided a great deal of support and I gained a great friend. #gfedchat
a5: they knew the balance between me needing to vent and me needing advise. being able to let that professional relationship turn into a friendship #gfedchat
A5: Having someone to brainstorm ideas with and talk about struggles. The only way to grow is to step out side of the comfort zone, but it is not always easy. #gfedchat
A5: Some of the best relationships I have had in my life come from this profession. It is so important to get to know each other and support each other. We need to recognize each other's successes and also look out for each other when we struggle. #gfedchat
A5: I have become lifelong friends with several of my former coworkers.. we have common interests, humor, & similar professional goals. #gfedchat#missthem
A5: I have become lifelong friends with several of my former coworkers.. we have common interests, humor, & similar professional goals. #gfedchat#missthem
A5: So many to think about as an educator. But when you have students coming to your house after they have graduated and have shared so many meaningful things. Getting engaged, new job, meet girlfriend, recommendations, new job, advice on a home... #gfedchat
A1: Brittney Hoff 2nd grade Lake Agassiz swooping in late bc of bedtime, GUK, & ear infection. Fav memory: kindergarten, someone brought in a tree squirrel! #gfedchat
A5: Feeling valued & supported by your colleagues is invaluable! So nice to have friends who understand what you are going through, bounce ideas off of, & just listen and laugh together. #gfedchat
A4a: Listen, believe, confirm, assist, and empathize. We do not walk or carry each others' backpacks, and shoes. Some make judgement prior to truly understanding.#gfedchat
although I guess laughter doesnt always equal productive but for me I feel like im connecting through laughter...thanks 3rd grade team @rcorbin040@AndeeThompson1#gfedchat
A4: I like to believe that every child has a champion in our school and I think that everyone really does try to make that statement true. It's important to make a connection with the "troublemakers", the quiet ones, and all types! #gfedchat
A2: relationships are first, everything else second. Ss are more apt to work harder when they know you care about them and what they do. When you only care about the grade, they know and it shows. #gfedchat
A4: I believe that every student has the possibility for a champion. It may take some time to find them, but not all teachers have that connection that is needed. #gfedchat
A5: I had such wonderful and supportive working relationships at the Dickinson Area Public Library! We really did rally behind each other and lift one another up! We made work feel like play! #gfedchat
A7: I think it is a culture thing....if your administrators aren't feeding into negativity, neither will the rest of the school. I have worked in two different types of schools in this aspect and I truly believes it comes down from higher ups. #gfedchat
A7: When you get the inkling that things could turn negative or veer into "choppy waters" leave the room and find your own space.....one where you can listen to music.....#gfedchat
A7: Find your “EDU Family/Tribe” at your school or online who will push your thinking, encourage you to ascend to greater heights, support you during challenging times, provide you with positive energy and hold you accountable. #gfedchat
A7-This can be hard, but I do try to get any negativity I feel out of my system by taking a break (when possible) music, working out, etc. Then I try to focus in on the positive. Perspective is important! #gfedchat
LAUGHTER! its my answer for everything LOL it lightens the mood and destresses. life cant be so serious that we forget to enjoy the ride. just LAUGH. #gfedchat
A7: find something to help you let go of the negative things, if you look for positive things you will see more positive things- focus on the positive! #gfedchat
A7: I try to surround myself with positive people and go out of my way to make plans to spend time with them. For me, it is always important to be busy, be around people, and have things to look forward to. #gfedchat
A7: I feel like avoiding negativity has really gotten more difficult with the presence of social media, but distancing yourself from negative people helps. #gfedchat
a7: same answer from Q6. "create a habit of gratitude and watch your life transform." even if its the smallest moment of success. even little by little leads to something bigger than before. #gfedchat
A7: Trying to focus on what's really important, why I want to do what I do. Then, shut out what is not helpful or edifying. And I like to take a walk. #gfedchat
A7: I'll be honest, some days it's hard. I keep a "smile file" of things Ss have made for me or cards I've gotten at school. I also look at pictures of my baby! :) #gfedchat
A7: Pay attention to / recognize the difference between complaining and identifying a problem. (One is the first step to making something better .... the other is ... well ... complaining...) #gfedchat
A7: Find your “EDU Family/Tribe” at your school or online who will push your thinking, encourage you to ascend to greater heights, support you during challenging times, provide you with positive energy and hold you accountable. #gfedchat
A8: my why is because of that realization and that look in a students eyes. Especially if they are really learning and enjoying what they are learning. #gfedchat
A7: Meditation, exercise, sleep, hanging with positive friends and colleagues, reflecting on my interactions with others and asking for feedback from others if I feel I was being negative. #gfedchat
A6 & A7: Personal growth and spirituality has become a big part of my life the older I get. I have found several great podcasts that really help put things in perspective. @realrobbell gave me a great quote: "You are a human being, not a human doing." #gfedchat
A8: Always remember you make a difference....when former students go out of their way to tell you they enjoyed your class, your sense of humor or the way you treated them....it all comes back as to why this job is worthwhile and why it matters.....#gfedchat
A8 Kids are my why and I keep them front and center remembering that some of them don’t have healthy relationships in their lives and maybe school is the place for them to feel part of something important. #gfedchat
a8: everyone needs someone. someone to believe in them when no one else will, someone who will listen when everyone else talks, someone who will walk besides the when everyone else walks ahead. #gfedchat
A8: I do it for the impact. I also do it because going to school has never felt like work. This year I have really struggled with the apathy shown by my students. It's a daily challenge to build empathy. #gfedchat
A8: My WHY is the relationships I make with Ss and watching them grow. I've felt a little "burnt" this year so I am working very hard to keep this the focus each day I walk into school #gfedchat
A8: Seeing students succeed and be proud of themselves and what they have accomplished. After a long day think about at least one positive thing that happened. #gfedchat
A8: my why is because I love seeing the smiles on my Ss faces every morning. Even though some days are harder than others, they are what make it worth it, seeing them grow is an amazing feeling #gfedchat
A8: My WHY are the students that don't have as much support at home. Love working with kids everyday, but even more for the students that may need another person telling them they can do it! #gfedchat
A8: I had a blast in school being involved in Speech and SO which helped shape me into who I am today. I want to help do that for my students and help shape them and their high school experiences to make them the best they can be #gfedchat
A8: The impact on students. If a student enjoys coming to my class every day, I will always use up that energy if it means making a difference #gfedchat
A8: I think we forget that our why is really about changing the world we live in and making it a more positive world, a more just world. Our world needs us now more than ever. #gfedchat
A8: Making a positive change in a child's life. Continue to keep kids first and make my decisions as such. If I make my decisions in support of the child and get questioned, I can easily answer with I am doing what is right for students #gfedchat
A8:@hopekingteach new book she says teacher's are the wild card in Ss life because they have no control over the hand they are dealt. So KIDS are my reason why
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Thank you to all who engaged in the #gfedchat discussion tonight on “Positive Culture” moderated by @paigestrom
Please check out #gfedchat next week when @AmyRogers27 leads a discussion on "Level Up with Breakout Boxes" #gfedchat
