#OHEdChat was started by an ad hoc group of Ohio educators and other interested people. For information and updates about the chat, visit https://ohedchat.wordpress.com/
Welcome, Heath! Great to have you joining us. We have a beautiful full moon shining down on this chilly Ohio evening . . . would be perfect for a spooky Halloween, but it's a week early! #ohedchat
#ohedchat Good evening everyone... Jeff from Lancaster High. Favorite fall tradition? Enjoying my commute through the Hocking Hills and seeing the great fall colors
What an awesome fall tradition! Thanks for joining us, Jeff! I'm looking forward to a colorful drive to one of my districts in Geauga County tomorrow. #ohedchat
I'm Tricia Ebner, gifted coordinator & consultant in NE Ohio, and one of my favorite fall traditions is picking apples and getting fresh apple cider from a local orchard. #ohedchat
Q1: Trick: Communication is critical in education. What is one trick you have to manage all the communication that comes your way on a daily basis? #ohedchat
Hi everyone! My name is Tori and I am from Ashtabula, Ohio, but I am an education student at Kent State. My favorite fall tradition would be going to our local apple orchard with my family! #ohedchat
Sounds like an awesome time--I may have to make a trip to Circleville next year! (I can wear my "Pumpkin Spice Everything" shirt there, right?) #ohedchat
A1 I log each type of communication I get (email, voicemail) and then respond as my schedule allows, but will always try to respond the same day, unless I need to take time to work on my answer. #OhEdChat
A1 As a preservice T, I'm already realizing how quickly emails pile up, my key is to try to get responses out asap, it's worth stepping back for a few seconds to reply rather than putting it off for later #ohedchat
I know what you mean--I'm the same way. Sometimes it can be a challenge, like days when I have several meetings back-to-back. Any strategies you use in that kind of situation? #ohedchat
RT Q1: Trick: Communication is critical in education. What is one trick you have to manage all the communication that comes your way on a daily basis? #ohedchat
A1: Tackle any questions/problems immediately! Reply to the email as soon as you see it... answer the voice mail as soon as you hear it. If you don't, things tend to pile up quickly #ohedchat
Q1: Trick: Communication is critical in education. What is one trick you have to manage all the communication that comes your way on a daily basis? #ohedchat
I use a notebook and write down who I need to contact, and check them off before leaving my office for the day. Nothing fancy. I have tried google forms, just can't remember to do it, plus I like the check list. #OhEdChat
I've been working on finding that "sweet spot" where I'm being timely in responding, but I am also honoring family time in the evenings. I haven't found an ideal approach yet, but I'm still working on it. #ohedchat
A1: I also read most emails that come throughout the day, but only reply if it’s time sensitive or very brief. I flag them and deal with them when I set aside time 😊 #ohedchat
A1: Robin - IL, I respond to emails that I can immediately answer. Something that takes reflection or research...I take my time so I get it right. #ohedchat
RT Q1: Trick: Communication is critical in education. What is one trick you have to manage all the communication that comes your way on a daily basis? #ohedchat
A1: Occasionally I find I need time to craft the response (as in email), or I know a phone call is going to take a bit of time. Sometimes I'll email or call and say, "I've gotten your message, and I will be getting in touch with you soon." #ohedchat
A2: When I left the classroom I got so many notes and message from Ss — it really was something that will stay with me forever. The impact was clear. #OhEdChat
A2 Many of the professors that I have had over these past two years have been incredibly supportive in my journey to becoming a T. Both at my current school and previous school. #ysuedu#gccedu#ohedchat
A2: Since I am only a student, I have always had people tell me how well I work with kids and what a wonderful teacher I would one day become. #ohedchat
A2: This year on my birthday, a large number of my students made a video wishing me a happy birthday & several shared how I've made a positive impact on them. I'm not an emotional guy, but that really got me! #ohedchat
A2. Ran into a former student and they told me they were having a lot of success in their HS Math class. I’m not sure I helped them get better at Math, but I now know they could see that I valued them as an individual as well as their success! #OhEdChat
A2: gratefully, there have been several over the years. I especially enjoy handwritten notes and try to return them as often as possible. #relationshipsmatter#ohedchat
A2: Most recently, multiple teachers told me last week they strive to get mentioned on my school FB page where I share tech tips and tech use. I thought they were joking at first!!! We all just want to be seen! #ohedchat
A2: A student once stopped by my middle school classroom on her way to her high school class and handed me a letter she'd crafted in crayon. Her words were so powerful. I carry that letter to this day in my work tote. #ohedchat
Q3: Whatever our role in education, we often have "housekeeping" tasks of one sort or another to manage. What strategies do you use to handle that aspect of your work? #ohedchat
A3 My general rule for myself with housekeeping is to just get it done. If it has to be done eventually, there is no good reason to keep putting it off. The few extra minutes now are worth it. #ohedchat
A3: These are the tasks that can weigh you down if you don’t manage them. For me it’s all about priorities — which of those tasks need attention and which can wait. #OhEdChat
A3: I use “stickies” on my MacBook (google note works too) to make checklists for all of my tasks. This keeps me organized for deadlines, prioritiation, etc. Without it, I would lose my mind! #ohedchat
A3: I try to set up a schedule or routine for "housekeeping" tasks I need to perform regularly, such as paperwork. Things like training on Public School Works I try to do right away--too easy to forget otherwise! #ohedchat
Q3: Notes & reminders (both on paper and digitally) are critical. I recently installed an Amazon Echo in my classroom, and even my students are now asking Alexa to remind them of things! #ohedchat
Q3: Whatever our role in education, we often have "housekeeping" tasks of one sort or another to manage. What strategies do you use to handle that aspect of your work? #ohedchat
When I had a "side-gig" in direct sales, we read a book called Eat That Frog, and these are the kinds of things he was talking about--just get it done, rather than putting it off. #ohedchat
RT Q3: Whatever our role in education, we often have "housekeeping" tasks of one sort or another to manage. What strategies do you use to handle that aspect of your work? #ohedchat
A3 I try to use our LMS "Schoology" whenever possible to send a message out to all Ss & Ps for updates, tests, etc. It gets them in the habit of checking in to that system & cuts down on the # of emails. #OhEdChat
I love this. I used to do this in my classroom. Now I'm in a different place almost every day--but this kind of strategy doesn't have to be tied to geography! #ohedchat
I've tried to put this on my calendar, too. When I used a paper calendar, it worked better. Not sure why I'm letting the tech change that routine. #ohedchat
Q4: Treat: How has your PLN, whether in social media or face-to-face, supported and encouraged you in your work? How do you do the same for them? #ohedchat
Q3: Whatever our role in education, we often have "housekeeping" tasks of one sort or another to manage. What strategies do you use to handle that aspect of your work? #ohedchat
A4: As a student, all three things have helped me meet new people who share the same beliefs in education and it really helps to share ideas to use in our future classrooms! #ohedchat
A4: I have connected with many remarkable educators in Twitter and PLN. What an amazing resource to drive our own PD - and I’m watching Netflix! #ohedchat
A4 My PLN has been huge for me as a preservice T. I have learned so much and hope to continue building relationships with schools all over the country. I try to help bring out new ideas that I am learning in school and I plan to help preT's in the future #ohedchat
A4: Following other educators, innovators and leaders has given me just a wealth of ideas to learn from. When I see something I interact — that interaction is priceless. #OhEdChat
A4: I have found by participating in different tweet chats I gain a lot of new ideas and concepts to apply in the classroom. I try to throw out some new ideas for others as well! #ohedchat
That's awesome! Keeping building those PLNs, both social media and in real life. Having connections locally and across the country has been wonderful. #ohedchat
RT Q4: Treat: How has your PLN, whether in social media or face-to-face, supported and encouraged you in your work? How do you do the same for them? #ohedchat
A4: I would love to expand edchats with some folks in my building, but also try to get students involved. Imagine what learning we can do WITH them!! #ohedchat
Q4: Treat: How has your PLN, whether in social media or face-to-face, supported and encouraged you in your work? How do you do the same for them? #ohedchat
A4: I've really appreciated the encouragement and support my PLN has given me in taking on new challenges and roles in education. I also LOVE how social media makes it possible for me to stay connected with colleagues from across my career. #ohedchat
A4 (part 2): I also love being able to encourage and support others. Sometimes we just need a "sounding board" for ideas. Love being able to "listen" via texting, Messenger, phone call, over coffee. #ohedchat
I've had a few students (and even a couple of parents!) reply to and/or retweet my answers on #ohedchat before. Its really cool to see that connection take place!
A5 Just remember why you chose to be a teacher. For me, I feel that God has called me to do for students what others will not. The students are worth our best, so that's what we need to give. #ohedchat
A5: I think one of the most important things to think about during those times would be the impact you have on your students and to think how important you can be to them. I feel like that is such a great feeling. #ohedchat
A5: Step away from the school! Leave the ungraded papers on your desk for the weekend. They will be there when you return Monday. I promise. Sometimes you just need to unplug. #ohedchat
A2: What always puts things in perspective for me are the handwritten notes from parents and students. They remind me why I started a career in this profession. #ohedchat
A5: Find that colleague to vent to - and not your spouse! I’m grateful for some amazing friends and colleagues who I can use as a sounding board. #ohedchat
A3: I try my best to keep collected materials to be scored to a minimum, and I don’t take home student work on weekends. That doesn’t mean I don’t spend 15-20 hours a week of my own time planning, though 🙃 any advice for how to reduce personal time spent on work? #ohedchat
I think this is an "ages-old" question--for me, technology has helped me be more efficient, but there is still personal time spent on planning, preparing, etc. #ohedchat
A5: I go “back to the drawing board”, I reflect and I surround myself with my PLN that support my vocation for education. I always get refreshed with #ohedchat, it my “Go To” PLN!
A DJ on the morning show I listen to while driving to work talked about the difference it's made in her evenings when she leaves her cell phone charging in the kitchen, rather than taking it with her to the living room. #ohedchat
A1: as communication is very important I think managing communication is done best now a days through emails. Whether it is with colleagues or parents this is a great way to quickly communicate and set up meetings for more thorough in person communication. #ohedchat
A5: I find myself needing to step away--sometimes it's just long enough for an hour of brisk walking. Other times, it's an evening stepping back, unplugging. #ohedchat
Q5: I take a nap 😂 and I make sure to spend time with family and friends, my husband, and sometimes some alone time is necessary to recharge. Taking a day “off” from everything helps me reset! #ohedchat
A2: I am not an educator yet, but in my field experience last year my mentor teacher gave me a heart warming message that I helped a student with ADHD really understand the lesson. My one on one time with her got her to focus better to find a solution. #ohedchat
A5 Steer clear of any Eeyore types! Surround yourself with folks who will listen unconditionally, offer positive energy & suggestions when you are beaten down & worn out! Negativity begets negativity but positivity improves your mood & circumstances #OhEdChat
I know what you mean--there have been Wednesdays when I've felt like I should just go to bed early, but everyone here always helps me find a good perspective and feel upbeat. Sometimes it's hard to wind down after the chat! #ohedchat
A6 The best joy for me is seeing my students succeed. No matter how small the success, the look on their faces when they understand can't be beat. #ohedchat
A3: to do lists are my best friend! I love having it written down and being able to check off what I am done with so I don't have to worry anymore. This helps me get the job done, classroom jobs can always help too! #ohedchat
I love the nap idea. (Why did I resist naps as a kid???) I took one Saturday--trying to fight off the cold I am now "enjoying"--and that hour or so was WONDERFUL. Great reminder! #ohedchat
Q6: What brings me joy may be cliche, but it’s the smiling faces and enthusiasm of the learners. They are always excited to see me, without fail, each day! Their eagerness is contagious, even on the “bad” days. #ohedchat
A6: Igniting that spark and spark in students. Isn’t this the point of the entire thing? Also, building relationships with students and colleagues, both of whom make me better everyday. So grateful for my peeps! #ohedchat
A6: As a student, it is such an exciting feeling to one day become a teacher that your students will look up to and will admire and I think that is such a rewarding feeling. #ohedchat
A6: I think the most joy I get is working with all of the people in the school community. Colleagues, students, and parents are what makes the job worthwhile! #ohedchat
A5: I always say keep yourself healthy, mentally and physically before anything else. We cannot be our best self if we aren't healthy. Take time to take care of you, read a relaxing book, have a spa day, whatever it takes to help. Then get back to work #ohedchat
I've gotten a few of them from the students that I am tutoring in Youngstown City, I can tell that they appreciate my effort, it's something they have rarely experienced in the past. #ohedchat
A6: What brings me joy is the learning--for students, for my colleagues, for me. And it's not just the learning, but the relationships we build as we're learning. #ohedchat
A6: the greatest joy to me is being surrounded by children. I love being able to make an impact on them as they too make an impact on me. Their imagination, creative minds and innocence give me hope for the world especially when at times it can seem so bad. #ohedchat
A6 A 6th grader in my ELA class today told me that a book, Where the Red Fern Grows, I suggested, was the best book he had EVER read & that it made him tear up! (He whispered that part) Connecting w/ a book deeply enough to bring tears in 6th grade brought me joy!! #OhEdChat
#ohedchat will be taking a one-week hiatus on October 31, but we'll be back on November 7 with the second part of our monthly series on supporting our newest colleagues in education. Join us 11.7 at 9 PM ET!