#ALedchat Archive
#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Monday February 1, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself & tell us where you are tweeting from tonight.
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself & tell us where you are tweeting from tonight.
will follow the Q1, A1 format for tonight's chat.
Hello Wayne from WY. K-5 principal and wishing I was in AL. Snow, wind, cold in WY
Christy Bice, AP at Haleyville Elementary and co-moderator for . Looking forward to a great chat tonight!
Kerry Brown, Biology Teacher, Haleyville High
Jimmy Shaw Asst. Super in Florence City & Co-moderator of https://t.co/FzqcTjIo7L
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself & tell us where you are tweeting from tonight.
Michael, HS Principal, Al
Tonight's chat is designed to lift you up! & I will be sharing quotes & invite you to respond w-experience, humor,.
Welcome to the chat , Wayne. It's great to see you again.
Holly Sutherland, principal at HHS, AL. Cofounder of this chat and . Welcome all!
Welcome back, Mrs. Brown! Glad to have you!
Hello ! I'm Jennifer, HS AP, co-founder of this chat and with . Looking forward to a fast and fun chat!
David McCollum; Principal
Great to make it. I miss my AL friends.
Welcome, David! Glad you're back!
Kendrick Myers, AP at Opelika High School
Debbie from Baldwin Co Al, Instructional Coach, Hello everyone:)
Welcome, Michael! Looking forward to hearing from you all!
Nikki here! 9-12 high school librarian in Madison, AL
Nikki here! 9-12 high school librarian in Madison, AL
Tonight's quotes include the following topics: making a difference, education today, finding strength, & a little humor.
April Chamberlain, Technology Coordinator, Trussville
Wayne!! Glad you're here! It's been a while!
Hello All! Wendy Henderson, Instr. Tech Facilitator, Limestone County Schools
Welcome, David! Glad to have you sharing with us tonight.
YOU made it! Way to hang in there.
Hi Leslie from Huntsville AL Freshman Academy Coordinator So excited about tonight's topic! Great idea for a chat!!
Glad you are with us tonight, Debbie!
It was 72 degrees here today.
haven't been on here for a while..... Ready to hear from you guys!
Vickey Sullivan, Instructional Technology Specialist, Madison County Schools, Huntsville, AL.
Welcome, Nikki! Glad you joined us tonight.
Kristi, Florence Middle- Florence, AL https://t.co/x0VpkNuGm2
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself & tell us where you are tweeting from tonight.
Welcome to the chat, Wendy!
Too long I miss my AL friends.
A1....so true, and they usually tell it to me in time, lol
Melissa Mann, collaborative teacher from Madison County Schools.. multi-tasking tonight so will be jumping in as much as possible
Scott Hodges, AP at Scottsboro High School
A1: take the time to talk to students frequently as you will learn much
Hi! Tammy Embry Limestone Co. Instruc. tech facilitator
a1) It is all about people. We work to improve learning, implement curriculum but in the end it all comes down to relationships
tonight just respond to the quote! Whatever comes to mind when you read it!
A1 Amen, I started as a social worker, changed careers to education. As a T, never assume anything about our Ss, Listen always
Good evening happy to be here!
Hey, Tammy! Glad you're here!
A1: We have to be careful not to get caught up in the day to day and overlook what our kids are trying to tell us.
A1: Be the lead listener!
A1- just take time to be a human being and show Ss that their story is important to you
Welcome, Scott! First time in ?
Hey Melissa! Glad you're here! I need to be multi-tasking, too! Ugh!
A1: Letting our Ss know that they matter and that we are listening has to happen before the academics https://t.co/PhHtGmQyeF
Ronda Gamble MS librarian
A1 - Teachers often have to lower their voices to empower student voices.
A1: We need to listen to both spoken& unspoken things students tell us so we can best serve their needs.
I agree. We can't let the busy-ness become more important than a child.
I'm amazed the things I learn about students when I just give them time to talk!
We all connect with different students - sometimes we are put in places for a reason-you never know which child needs you the most
They "talk" to us by their actions, grades, moods, expressions, it's not always verbal...get to know your Ss
a1: Be prepared to be broken by the stories you hear, but also prepared with uplifting and encouraging words.
A1- kids love to talk wi th you and enjoy knowing that you care about their day
Absolutely! Talk less and listen more!
not first time but it's been a while!
The most important voices in the school. https://t.co/PImvtZAW2M
A1 - Teachers often have to lower their voices to empower student voices.
A1: Sometimes, u r the only light in a child's life. A serious responsibility & 1 of most important, IMO. https://t.co/7kiAckQ35l
that is why I love teaching art. I have a lot of time with each student.
A2: This is EXACTLY why I went into education!!
A2 - If all teachers adhered to this, then all students could be truly served!
A2: Relationships matter!
A2: I try to talk to, teach & treat kids the way I wish I had been treated.
Be available....they can't communicate if you aren't open to them. Get in the hall, stand at the door, hang around at break.
A2 I needed someone to be my "champion" to motivate me to have the mindset that "I can", I try to be that person for my Ss daily
Yes! When you truly know your students, you know when something is wrong!
Elaine Frix, 3rd grade teacher, Haleyville Elementary
I can develop the kind of relationship that many of the kids need.
A2- This one is one I try my best to follow. If it hadn't been for a few caring Ts & Admins, I have no clue where I would be.
Unfortunately, you may be the only one they have that listens and cares.
So true! We need to pay attention to the nuances as well as the obvious!
Every student needs an advocate! Sadly, sometimes those advocates can be only be found at school.
a2) as a trouble maker kid now principal, I always want to listen & show compassion when working with kids who tripped up.
A1: Be there with a smile and open-mind. Hopefully all Ss will find a safe place with some teacher.
A2- we are so much more effective when we remember we once too did not know or needed an extra push
You do an awesome job with this, Nelson! Our students are blessed that you are at HHS! https://t.co/3UWQlfz1gn
I can develop the kind of relationship that many of the kids need.
The adults we support do too. "Everybody deserves a champion" https://t.co/0jLcIDRubn
A1- kids love to talk wi th you and enjoy knowing that you care about their day
Agree! Teachers made a difference for me-I want to make a difference too.
Welcome back, Elaine! Glad you are here.
A2: When I was younger I knew my Ts were there because they wanted to be, it was more than a job..I wanted to be that teacher
Great point! And welcome to !
A3: Every child deserves a key!
A3 - We have an obligation to do our best to create lifelong learners. Education is the key
Quote 3--I like this, Education gives options and choices in life.
Ditto! I thought it can be better for kids than it was for me. One teacher inspired what it could be like https://t.co/GynTkjtLcf
A2: This is EXACTLY why I went into education!!
A3 W/ education comes the skills to "question", the ability to problem solve and become lifelong learners, 21st century success
A3: Teachers should embrace this as well as students. Learning is a lifelong pursuit. Why not learn together?!
I don't think if it as sad. I feel proud that we've been given that responsibility, & glad that our kids have us.
A3: Many of our students feel stuck in a cycle...we can give them the key to a new way of life. Give them hope.
A3: It's about showing our Ss that they can reach higher and be more than what they think they can https://t.co/rZt9ZssCtm
A3 "Information changes situations"
A3: We aren't limited to a few doors that will open when we have an education. MANY doors can open.
I agree, but I thought it was sad that many do not have advocates at home.
A3:YES,exactly! education is bout having key 2 open any door u want, out of any situation u want! https://t.co/9w4bA8XIAH
A3. As teachers, our goal should be to teach students how to be self directed learners
A3: YES! Education is the key to unlock doors and reach full potential. It takes you anywhere you dream.
A3-quality education is great equalizer for all-poor, rich, white, black, male, female. True educators know this; it drives them
A4: Sharing the book, One, with my elem school this month. The message is...sometimes it just takes one to make the difference.
A3: Education can open the doors to many opportunities.
a3) It opens so many doors and gives a choice of which one to use.
A4 - Ts have the unique opportunity to educate the future generation. What a powerful experience!
Quote 3: Education opens doors.
A4 Giving back, paying it forward, community service... Teaching our Ss their responsibility & duty of being a citizen, we model
I can't wait to read Zero and Two! I'm coming by tomorrow!
and the way we define education needs to be broad. Learning happens even on a job site as an apprentice welder.
A4 Definitely, we learn to give back - the more we know the more we can give
a4) I will substitute Life for education in the quote. Education just gives us more tools for this idea,
A4: We have so many small communities where it just takes one to make a huge impact to the rest.
Each Time I get frustrated & think we're doing a horrible job conveying this,a S does something great https://t.co/CrcQuKksG3
A1- One of my favs. Grateful to be part of so many stories. It's all about making eternal investments! https://t.co/78lL4yM4zu
A4: Being a good role model and making a difference in the community. Teaching Ss what a model citizen looks like.
A4: We need to emphasize making a difference as much as do making the grade or score on the test https://t.co/piZPGBf9US
A5: Body language speaks louder than words. Be the one a student wants to talk to!
A5---could be the first smile a child sees that day.
A5 I look fwd to people that brighten my day. Sometimes smiles and kind words are few & far between but more precious than gold
A5: A smile, hello, and a quick chat can go a long way to make a child's day!
A5 The culture you create in your school/classroom needs to envoys a feeling of safety/belonging/caring.. a smile & hello go far
A smile should be the first thing a student sees upon entering the school and the last thing upon leaving! https://t.co/XctgfH33v8
A5: I've found that the attitude you project is often the attitude you get back.
Agree 100% my dad had 8th grade ed but he lived that every day & smartest man I ever knew.
A5-It costs nothing to smile, but the dividends paid are like compound interest.
A5: This is why I try to greet my students & faculty everyday !
A5: You never know, a Ts's smile might be the only friendly face a S sees that day.
You may be the only smile a child gets!
"When you get give, when you learn teach" - Maya Angelou
A5: That smile might be the only smile some Ss or Ts have seen that particular day. You might spark the smile that keeps on going.
A5: Ss need someone in his/her corner. We need to be the advocate.
A quote for a quote! I love it!
A5: How would you want to be greeted? Smiles are valuable & pay it forward ten fold!
A4: hanging in my class many years ago, "wanna be happy for an hour, watch tv, for a day, go to Disneyland, for a lifetime...give"
A5 just a smile and calling a student by name in the hallway can make his/her day--and mine!
A5: Check out the children's book, Happy!
A5: It sets the tone for the day and the Ss notice the Ts who smile. The only smile they get may be at school...
a5) The situation does not change whether you smile or frown but your attitude toward situation sure does.
A5: Never underestimate the power of a smile..it could change the complexion of a person's whole day!
We remember the negative 10 times longer than the positive, be the positive!
A5 - Every once in a while in the hall find a student with a stern look - say "smile!" It completely changes their demeanor
A5: You don't want to take one step forward to take two steps back.
A5---well, that sums it all up, huh?
shared the series of books with me, great message in all.
Note to self & faculty: YOU matter!
A6 Our Ss are watching us every minute of everyday, Model the behaviors you want your Ss to learn,ale the difference
A5: We all have a teacher that changed our life in one way or another. Be the positive role model.
A6: Everything you do has an impact and meaning to someone.
A6 That is the greatest burden of teaching. What you do matters...both positively and negatively, what you do matters
Another quote for a quote! Loving it!
A6) the only more important work on the planet is mom or dad and husband or wife.
A6: All means ALL, without exception, without excuse.
Absolutely! You are going to impact someone everyday. You choose if its positive or negative!
A6: Amen! Only another educator understands...the exhaustion yet fulfillment knowing we gave our all https://t.co/9WhN81cnuH
A6: Every moment, every single day COUNTS! It is up to you how you choose to live/conquer it.
A7: Yes! Where would we be without advancement! Got to grow thinkers!
"Be the change you want to see" Mahatma Gandhi
A7 - Gotta keep learning and not be afraid to fail. Learn from your mistakes and enjoy the journey of life.
A7: We need to tech our Ss how to think not tell them what to think.
A7--its so important for Ss to believe in their own abilities to be great. We need to challenge them.
A7- If we are ever going to achieve this goal, we must all be willing to do new things in our schools. https://t.co/LzYQg8sPaI
RT A7: We need to tech our Ss how to think not tell them what to think.
A7 Do we really believe that?
A7 - Innovation is the reason for a little autonomy - create and teach like crazy and watch them learn
Where would we be without those who rocked the boat? In a cave without electricity and wifi?
a7: sure inspires the thought of more risk-taking in our schools.
A7: Ss can do so much more than they think they can. Just need the support and confidence.
Don't kill curiosity by repetitive non meaningful activities, class should be a "learning environment" learning from mistakes
Bored to tears! https://t.co/QWkkZIjS0Y
Where would we be without those who rocked the boat? In a cave without electricity and wifi?
Have to develop a growth mindset, Ts, Admin, & Ss to achieve this goal
A7: Change is not always a bad thing! Changing grade levels, school systems, and coworkers has been great for our family.
We have to focus in learning- not assessment. We seem to be on a better path to learning in AL. https://t.co/iedIXAKlWg
A7: Then why do we allow 4 almost no time 4 students to create & lead their own learning?
A8 Awards day begs to differ.
a8-hope some legislators read that one.
A8: yes, bc I've been asked about my SO many times in my adult career...😂😳
A7, what if Lewis & Clark said no to exploring? Why tell Ss no to their own exploring?
And we are so glad! https://t.co/5e7e8bmwXU
A7: Change is not always a bad thing! Changing grade levels, school systems, and coworkers has been great for our family.
A8 teaching to a test, only creates Ss who learn to jump through the right hoops, they don't learn how to learn..metacognition
A8: Far too much time with lengthy asmts. Increase formative asmts and instructional time.
A8: I love this.Teach more than just the TEST!Teach life skills, love, & empathy. That is what truly matters in life anyway, right?
A8: Truth! Lifelong learning is not standardized and learning is about application not just knowledge https://t.co/7AxFXn5VJZ
A8---somebody share this with our congressmen. Education should be about the whole child, not a test score.
Now that is a true goal toe quip people to be thinkers and to learn how they learn and how to learn https://t.co/Cza6eEDhko
and, regardless of how they come to us. We must be ready to teach and help them to be ready to learn.
You gotta watch that video I just tweeted!
A8: We just attended an AMSTI workshop on how pedagogy trumps curriculum. Slowly changing the focus in schools
A9 Be the guide to their learning, not the sage in the stage!
A8 if we truly believe that students learn better when engaged, then what are they learning from test prep?
A9 not just knowledge, but applied knowledge gives life. I love this quote
A8 I believe if we grow the kid the scores will come - increase the desire to learn and to achieve. The test is a byproduct
a9) I think we do both because we have super hero powers like that.
A9: It's not about adapting our students to fit our mold. It's growing our students to be thinkers, inventors,...
A9: Plant and tend a seed. Watch it grow!
This is such a great point, but so hard for some Ts to switch from knowing everything to actually learning from Ss
A9: I see this as helping 2 expose Ss 2 things they may never have seen or heard of b4 Need 4 global connections & collaboration
Who knows the careers and experiences our students will encounter? We have to prepare them for the unknown.
this came up in a PD, the strategies/pedagogy primary, content becomes the context to tech higher level learning
A9: Guide students to think outside the box to solve real-world problems.
A9-we have enough tearing down.... We must build and help Ss grow.
I agree. Help the students fill a void that we didn't know was there!
If we are teaching students to think, they can listen to opposing views and actually form a solid opinion. https://t.co/2wmfuX7Sx1
A10: Makes me think of the commercial where they think everything on the internet is the truth!
a10) One of my favorites. Ed in and out of classroom has allowed me to expel some awful thoughts I had. Hope to help others too.
A10, Awesome quote, everyone has a purpose and wants their thoughts shared but is afraid of that one person who makes fun.
A10- Ss sometimes have trouble viewing perspectives. It's great to give them the knowledge to see and hear them
A10 Having tolerance of others opinions, able to express thoughts/question and learn, vital to the future of ED & society
a10) this thought will continue to make our country great, if we fail to use it; it will be to our loss as a country
This presents a great opportunity for Ts to model a supportive, caring classroom where all voices are heard.
A10 Tolerance isn't a bubble test. Helping students respectfully form & articulate their beliefs = why I'm in education.
gtmonroe1999 Kids think in such black & white terms Help them see the grey & that diff. situations call 4 diff solutions
A10 to achieve this we must create a culture of safety, trust, & respect in our classrooms
A11: Being reminded that our Ss are always watching us gives us strength to keep pushing even when we want to wave the white flag.
A10: It is important to look at all-sides to determine your feelings. An open-mind leads to great learning.
A9-we have enough tearing down.... We must build and help Ss grow.
A11, it's all about character, what are you doing when no one is watching/listening?
LOL! Me today! Some days it's tough to be on your game w/ all cylinders firing!
Great role models for determination!
I love that - not administration, not the "state", or any other entity, but accountability to the Ss matters most!
A11: Can't quit, won't quit!!! It isn't in my VOCABulary! If you do not succeed, try, try again!
A11 All ages- eyes are on the teachers.
A11: Someone is always looking up to you. Be an inspiration.
Can we post these quotes in schools across AL!! Great discussions for all PLC's & classrooms😊
Yes. But is is not the only essential component. Some forget that. https://t.co/BNwvOnHezq
Don't you think assmnt is essential to learning? Not stdzd testing, shoot - not testing! - but solid assmnt for learning?
Everywhere you go, someone is always watching! My own kids won't go to Walmart w me bc its like we are on parade. ;)
A11: They are why we do what we do, even on the days that wear us out to the point of tears https://t.co/eaZfPErB2n
Trent Givens, HY Teacher, Haleyville High. Sorry I'm late. Trying to fix my car.
Makes me think about all the little times I quit. The times I could go 10 miles but do 9 bc its acceptable https://t.co/rPpnyw3NHz
You should check out our this evening! https://t.co/cTUW14Bjt2
Can we post these quotes in schools across AL!! Great discussions for all PLC's & classrooms😊
Great idea! https://t.co/vcowd8Fvop
Can we post these quotes in schools across AL!! Great discussions for all PLC's & classrooms😊
A12 Stay out of Teachers Lounge!! Surround yourself w/peers that inspire you, who have growth mindset!
A11- Education is a glass house -always be the example
Every student needs a tribe to support and encourage them along!
A12: It's easy to get beat down in your job! Surrounding yourself with positive people gives you strength to keep fighting.
A12: Don't let people who have different values or beliefs be dreamstealers in your life!
I try to stay away from football in , I mean I am a Yankee and still welcome. Seriously cool! https://t.co/z3LNpp1Wl0
I try to stay away from football in , I mean I am a Yankee and still welcome. Seriously cool! https://t.co/z3LNpp1Wl0
Welcome, coach! Glad you joined us! Jump right in!
A12, begin with the end in mind & always work toward "what's next?"
A12: We should all be on the same team, heading for the same goal, with the end in mind! Do NOT work against each other.
You can be a fountain or a drain. I choose fountain!
A13: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger! Keep on keeping on!
A13 - Another reason to always be an advocate to Ss b/c you never know what they endure outside of school.
Absolutely! You are exactly right! RT A13
A12- Ss need a positive support group
A13 On these days you have to dig deep, taking care of yourself to find inspiration, so you can be your best for your Ss
A13, repeat of A12, begin with the end in mind, think win-win, & be proactive.
A13: It is all worth it and tomorrow is a fresh start.
a13 it's one day at a time.
A13:Saban asks players after a bad drive,"What's next?We must continually ask ourself this question.We make mistakes.What's next?
A13- My favorite comment to everyone "this too shall pass"
a14) AMEN! Even though I now lead them, still AMEN!
Thank you all for an encouraging and renewing chat! It is educators like you that keep the system sane!
is trending! I think could trend alone with all these great questions!
is trending! I think could trend alone with all these great questions!
A14 when PD is "spray & pray" this quote is dead on! Create Personalized PD for Ts:) Meaningful team/community building as well
I agree! Awesome graphics! https://t.co/WoX1T3bAQf
is trending! I think could trend alone with all these great questions!
Thanks for always making me so welcome y'all. I have to come to your great state & visit. Out early. Have a blessed week.
Amen, sister https://t.co/W9i2syzGk3
A14 when PD is "spray & pray" this quote is dead on! Create Personalized PD for Ts:) Meaningful team/community building as well
Great tonight! I love my PLN! Have a great week everyone!
Thank You for a Wonderful Chat!! Great way to begin the week, reflectively!!
Hope to see you again next week! Have a great one!
A15: truth. College Ed classes live in ideal situations. Had a student teacher once who only lasted on day.
A15: Vomit and the smell of vomit powder.
Follow and join us March 5th! Voice and choice in PD. Participant driven!!
Servant Leadership says you try to help them find what's best for them, and education is not it https://t.co/VKq0gA0fYs
Thank you for being here!
