#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Ellen, first grade teacher, North Carolina. I had the privilege of having my nephew’s help at school yesterday for Halloween. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@mrkempnz
What kind of teacher am I ... the kind that gets the kids riled up to the point the field trip bus driver threatens to put them on silent bus ride ... hey ... it is not my fault they were air dropping and I air dropped back then posted their air drops to Instagram. #whatisschool
That’s amazing! Have the BEST #whatisschool chat. Thanks to you and Mark for leading it again. I am about to start a 3-day South East Asia Volleyball tournament with my U19 boys team! Pumped!!!!
Greetings to all from Ireland.Kevin here a recently retired Teaching Principal with Irelands first and only Primary School Steam https://t.co/Sf9NCD6NU2 I am retired I haven't engaged much recently #WhatIsSchool
Q1. Every teacher wants to do their best for their students. How do you do this when outside the classroom you don’t have enough time to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and to grow personally as well as professionally? #whatisschool
Q1 Every teacher wants to do their best for their students. How do you do this when outside the classroom you don’t have enough time to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and to grow personally as well as professionally? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q1. Every teacher wants to do their best for their students. How do you do this when outside the classroom you don’t have enough time to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and to grow personally as well as professionally? #whatisschool
A1 This is the very reason #coffee exists. It is widely accepted that coffee was created specifically for the teaching profession, as everyone knew the struggle would be real. :) #coffeeforthewin#whatisschool
A1: you need to take the time to take care of yourself; o/w you cant take care of your Ss -work smarter, not harder - work w/ grade team to plan and moderate Ss work together #whatisschool
A1 I’ve realized since we did our summer #whatisschool series that I was neglecting my health for work. I kept telling myself that appointment could wait till break. This year I’m working on self care so I can do my best without it hurting my health. @ShiftParadigm
In order for you to help others you have to help yourself FIRST! I have to realize that there will always be more to do at school, but it's important to leave things behind at times for your personal health. #whatisschool
A1: I have a private Flipgrid for my 5th graders. They post videos of baseball games, events, or just funny videos that I occasionally watch and bring up the next day in class. It provides awesome and open conversation between me and my students. #whatisschool
A1: I always make sure to let go of whatever is going on outside of school. The Ss have enough going on, they cannot have me being cranky. Seeing them and working with them helps keep me in a positive mood. I also observe my Ts that are amazing at what they do! #whatisschool
A1: I think of the airplane scenarios where flight attendants tell you to put oxygen mask on yourself before helping someone else - take care of yourself so you can take care of your Ss - how can you streamline your teaching & assessment? 2/2 #whatisschool
A1: for example, do more oral assessments - why do assessments have to be written? If you do a written assessment, make it short! It doesn't need to be 5 pages long! #whatisschool
A1: As teachers it is so easy to let school life and home life overlap and combine. You have to keep school at school and home at home. Easier said then done, however, with consistent effort that balance will happen! #whatisschool
A1: in addition to lots of coffee... having a team to call on when you need support and making sure sure you celebrate all the little wins along the way. A positive mindset goes so much further! #whatisschool
A1: you can’t. So you make time and goals (big or small) to take care of yourself!
Personally, I try to watch one tv show a night if I can (the short ones with FF on the DVR lol)! Also Iced lattes from dunkin make me happy 😍
#whatisschool
A1: A misperception regarding the teaching craft is the amount of mental/psychological stress involved. Schools and colleges should integrate care for their Ts into the development process. Plan for it and fund it. Ts are worth it. #whatisschool
A1: stealing from @djacoby there are five essentials to everyday life.
1. Work Time 2. Workout Time 3. Family Time 4. Spouse Time 5. Me Time. These are the essentials on my daily routine.
#whatisschool
https://t.co/MsWhiUKKq4 a recently retired Teaching Principal I urge all teachers to take time out of school/work.We give so much of ourselves to teaching unknown to ourselves .Me time/family time is important #WhatIsSchool
A1: I have also used Google Keep to make a list of things I need to do the next day. That why, when I leave school, I actually leave. It's helped solve the problem of thinking about work while I'm at home. #whatisschool
A1: Accept that balance is really, really hard. So don't kill yourself trying to get it all right. Accept that some aspect of life will almost always be off and roll with it! #whatisschool
A1: it also helps when admin pitch in and acknowledge the workload - one of my admin told a T not to worry about the mats in the gym; that he'd take care of putting them away so said T could focus on PD that day. :) #whatisschool
A1: This used to be me until I developed a strong team that collaborates, shares the workload & responsibility & thereby shares the successes & failures. We can’t live on an island and expect to thrive- that leaves us in survival mode. #whatisschool - Samara (Spanish T)from NYC
Q1. Every teacher wants to do their best for their students. How do you do this when outside the classroom you don’t have enough time to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and to grow personally as well as professionally? #whatisschool
A1 I've been really guilty of not getting enough sleep and exercise. But it doesn't keep me from always bringing my A game when I come to class. I just hope I get this fixed before it catches up on me. #whatisschool
A1: "The MED is “the smallest dose that will produce the desired outcome,” writes Tim Ferriss in The 4-Hour Workweek. “Anything beyond the MED is wasteful.""
-Matt Miller #whatisschool
Q2 Teachers often find it difficult to balance the work and personal aspects of their lives. What’s your secret for having a balanced life? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q2. Teachers often find it difficult to balance the work and personal aspects of their lives. What’s your secret for having a balanced life? #whatisschool
A2 I learned today that pummelo can help my leg cramps. I chose rest today over working on school. I’m working on balance every day. I don’t think I’ve achieved it, but I know I’m making more headway than before. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q2. Teachers often find it difficult to balance the work and personal aspects of their lives. What’s your secret for having a balanced life? #whatisschool
Never been able to make a clean break between home and school. I literally don't know how people are able to put that wall up, esp when you end up grading and planning at home. Thoughts? #whatisschool
Q2: My goal this year was to make sure I don't take work home with me. My family needs me and I need them. I set a time to leave by every day. I've also used Google Keep to keep a checklist of high priority things to do so I know where to start off the next day. #whatisschool
A!: Hello. I'm a fourth grade teacher from Levittown. It's so important to learn how to balance your professional and personal life. I don't have any young children at home, so I do have some extra time to work from home. Rest when needed!! #whatisschool
A2 (in best #yoda voice) Balance one can achieve when highly caffeinated he is. Oh, and having a teacher wife who can tell me when to stop helps too. :) #whatisschool
A2: as funny as it sounds, scheduling! I have a daily to do list which includes work and personal and I follow that. This is based on a semester to do list, which becomes a monthly list, then a weekly list, and finally by day. #whatisschool
A1: When I'm teaching, I'm so focused on the students and the lesson. I don't feel hungry or tired, I don't need to go to the bathroom. Then, after 8 hours of classes, it all comes down at once. I can't explain it, that's just how I feel. #whatisschool
A2: The secret is.... I don't have a balanced life But I have a very understanding and forgiving husband who is willing to support my passion. #WhatIsSchool
A2: identify your priorities for work and personal (start w/ 3-5 each) and start planning to ensure all our met within a given time frame - no excuses!! #whatisschool
A2: "Cheating (leaving some duties for other duties) isn't about shirking duties; it’s about being extremely intentional with your time."
-Matt Miller #whatisschool
Getting my typing fingers ready!! I never have a case of the Monday’s...it is always a case of the Thursday’s. These chats give me something to look forward to when I’m struggling through the day! #masterychat#waledchat#eduAR#whatisschool#gamesfored#ditchbook
Yes! Also, we don’t need to assess every single piece of work a student does. Some things I mark for completion and I’m sure to give tons of feedback face to face. I have my students self assess often. They always know where they stand & I can have a life! #whatisschool
#whatisschool A2 knowing that sometimes in year , exams , assessments you might need to put in an extra shift to handle all the pressures of school life it brings beacuase ultimately we want to make it right for our pupils and give them all the help they deserve
A2- I don't know if I'll ever feel like it's balanced- hard when different things are all pulling in different directions. It's gotten better since I stopped taking work home at night. I'm also much more forgiving of myself than I used to be. #whatisschool
A2: make sure for professional it's divided by personal PD and PD for Ss success; personal divide by fun, spiritual/mindfulness, and fitness/healthy #whatisschool
A2: Balance is so hard. I think we are always out of balance, it’s just being able to analysis our lives and try to give everyone our best when we are with them. #whatisschool
A2: It's simple - teach less! Now I', not a T anymore. I transferred to another role. I know that's not helpful. It's just how it is for me. #whatisschool
Getting my typing fingers ready!! I never have a case of the Monday’s...it is always a case of the Thursday’s. These chats give me something to look forward to when I’m struggling through the day! #masterychat#waledchat#eduAR#whatisschool#gamesfored#ditchbook
A1 Wellbeing of teachers and school leaders is a real issue. It can be difficult, but it’s important to prioritise self (sleep, exercise, nutrition, family, space). Teachers should be able to feel as though their own health and needs are paramount. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 Learned the hard way that yes I could give 100% to students but then burn out and then who gets looked after? They don't want an educational vending machine, so more time is now spent on me. Ss seem happier as a result.
A balanced life for a teacher means being a student as well. Find something new you've always wanted to do, or something to get better at. NOT "Being a teacher." Take an art class, etc... Then hold yourself to the same standard of practice you hold Ss to. #whatisschool
A2: and set time for massages, facials, mani/pedis, coffee w/ a friend, shopping, going for a walk, yoga, etc..whatever you find relaxing and rejuvenating. #whatisschool
A2: It's simple - teach less! Now I', not a T anymore. I transferred to another role. I know that's not helpful. It's just how it is for me. #whatisschool
A2: having a balanced life has made me better in my teaching. There is so much to learn out there in the world when you stop leading, start listening, & become the learner again. #whatisschool#unexpectedPD
Started a note in my phone titled “Unexpected Professional Development” after several of my colleagues joined me at my dance class. Let’s make this a thing! Where do you do your learning? How do you bring it into your learning space? #unexpectedPD#leadLAP#tlap#langchat#edchat
A2: Teachers have to stop feeling that they must be perfect. With all the new demands, I focus on the important aspects of the job. Building relationships with S's is a priority. And always understand that your family must come first to be truly happy. #whatisschool
A2 I'm afraid I haven't struck gold yet, but what I make sure I do is that I spend time with the family when I get home even if it would mean less than 8 hours of sleep. Also, I don't bring work home. Never in my past 20years. #whatisschool
Q3 During the school year, demands made of a teacher can be all-consuming. In such times, what spefically do you do to foster and maintain meaningful personal relationships while also being the best teacher you can be? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
#whatisschool a2 Nowdays I actually have a water bottle that myst be drunk, a break that must be taken. i look after myself, despite myself! And you know it is modelling better behaviour for my ss. But when I am on, I am all in. Drives ss nuts but gee they are achieving.
A3 November is an all-consuming time. Today I moved two things to different days because I needed to rest more than I needed to do errands. I had lunch with a friend. I have learned to prioritize self care, and then I’m better for everyone else. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Be mindful of your mouth. What nutrients go into it, and what words come out of it. Make conscientious, deliberate decisions. Paying attention to that one area can do so much to improve your self-care. #whatisschool
Wow... well, I drink all those as well... but all my kids know, coffee reigns supreme. Of course, much of it is gimicky for the kids enjoyment... but coffee still wins every time. #whatisschool
In reply to
@raspberryberet3, @supervxn, @ShiftParadigm, @ApraRalli, @MelanyStowe, @legaultlearns, @FoleyKev, @MrsRChambers
A3: Tech helps - time zone madness means I can schedule early early morning FaceTime calls with my kids at uni. And Family dinners every day! #whatisschool
A2: My life is becoming more balanced. My wife told me it had to. For the sake of me. And us. And the family. It is not that easy to do as there is always something else we could be doing. Improving. Making. Marking. #whatisschool
A3: At least for me, planning is essential. I make sure to schedule time with my husband, family, and friends. I never change these plans....even if I'm swamped at work. It always gets done. #whatisschool
I have not been doing a good job at it this year & my new customized planner just arrived *today*!! I hope this helps... I need something! #whatisschool
#whatisschool A3. We do take out time post school for a "sit down" and unload ...and going for lunch to the cafeteria with friends is a good stress buster
A3: As an introvert, my friends and family outside of school are part of a small but very supportive circle. However, I also make it a point to develop positive relationships with my colleagues and co-workers and, of course, my students. #WhatIsSchool
A3: Take the little moment to have a meaningful convo with a colleague when you otherwise only feel like saying “hello” and walking away.
••• when walking around checking work, talk to students/compliment on something/praise their aesthetic work. #whatisschool
Q3. During the school year, demands made of a teacher can be all-consuming. In such times, what specifically do you do to foster and maintain meaningful personal relationships while also being the best teacher you can be? #whatisschool
Homemade? That's A LOT of effort! You're really devoted to a healthy lifestyle. I envy you. I have the self discipline of a couch potato. #whatisschool
In reply to
@raspberryberet3, @ShiftParadigm, @eduappsandmore, @ApraRalli, @MelanyStowe, @legaultlearns, @FoleyKev, @MrsRChambers
Q3. During the school year, demands made of a teacher can be all-consuming. In such times, what specifically do you do to foster and maintain meaningful personal relationships while also being the best teacher you can be? #whatisschool
A3: keep sight of perspective. What we do is all about relationships & connections. When things get manic, return to the basics and look at the bigger picture #whatisschool
A3: sending a quick text, facetime, or actually call someone to talk for a few minutes -build it into your day - go for lunch or coffee/tea with a co-worker who is also a friend - :) #whatisschool
Q4 Please share a time you said YES to an additional work commitment, when you really wanted to say NO. And what did you do about it? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
I've gotten good at telling work "no." It's community theatre I've been saying "yes" to. They express a need, I'm happy to fill it. Take a guess which one expresses more gratitude............ #whatisschool
A4 happens all the time. Helping others with their tech issues, driving a bus. (this one wears you out, but I've grown to love it), list goes on. #whatisschool
A3: Take time to do something that helps you refresh/renew. I started playing soccer again. I have a kick. Chat to some mates and exercise all in one opportunity. Its tough…but fun! #whatisschool
A4 I used to say yes to every tutoring request. When I found myself at school for several hours on Saturday and staying late every school day I realized I had to set limits for my health. It took me over a year to acknowledge this was a problem. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
I'm not even sure how almonds make milk... I drink it (store bought) but I've never questioned how it's made. I predict I will fall down the YouTube rabbit hole later. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @raspberryberet3, @supervxn, @ApraRalli, @MelanyStowe, @legaultlearns, @FoleyKev, @MrsRChambers
A1: I create, provide, and attend PD sessions. I network like crazy to find resources, opportunities, and ideas to support my teachers. I listen to audiobooks or podcasts to and from work to unwind and feed my brain #whatisschool
A4: How about the times I didn’t. Cause there are lots! Sometimes me saying yes affects lots of other people, so I am becoming more mindful of saying no, or ‘let me get back to you’. #whatisschool
Q1 Every teacher wants to do their best for their students. How do you do this when outside the classroom you don’t have enough time to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and to grow personally as well as professionally? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
#whatisschool A3 Be happy with yourself. You may have heard this one before, and there is a reason for that - it remains the best place to start. ...make time, understand yourself more to understand others better, never sacrifice who you are for someone else
A4: literally everything for 6 years until I actually put “Say no if it isn’t going to help me grow in the way I want” in my goals that were discussed with my supervisor and published for all of the heads of school to see. Helped me to stick to it! #whatisschool
Q4: Many times :) But being a team player counts Big Time and once committed I focus on how it impacts kids and that always brings it back to my ‘why’ #whatisschool
A4 When you know the impact of your contribution to school, it would be difficult not to say YES. Commitment and rowing in the same direction toward school success is such a strong driver. #whatisschool
A4: I once agreed to coach JV girls softball because no one else wanted to do it. I knew nothing about coaching or softball (running is my sport of choice). I spent many many hours trying to learn the sport and how to coach. I still sucked. AND my teaching suffered. #WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool a4 Got some really good mates now who trim back what I take on in tge new job. When a job role was forced onto me, I glad i had the self respect to know it would kill me, was undoable and quit.
A2: Have clear expectations of what you will do and not do: to students, marking will not be done by tomorrow and no answering of emails after 6pm, for example. You have to set limits and respect them in order to be respected #whatisschool
Q2. Teachers often find it difficult to balance the work and personal aspects of their lives. What’s your secret for having a balanced life? #whatisschool
That was a great idea to ask them to help you stay true to your goals. I might use that next year. I can also do better at saying no. Have you read @LysaTerKeurst The Best Yes? #whatisschool
In reply to
@sspielb, @ShiftParadigm, @LysaTerKeurst
A1: I don't. 😎 I'm completely consumed by my students and my work. I tell co-workers all of the time to recharge their batteries, or they won't be good for anyone else. Then I go to work... on the weekend... all of the time. I clearly need help. 😂 #whatisschool
A2: Absolutely need to see the secret/answers to this question. I absolutely have not mastered the balance of work, school, family, etc. It is 6:37pm, we had cereal for dinner, I’m in my pajamas, I’m watching tv with my 4yo, and doing PhD course work. #whatisschool
A5- I step back when no one is getting the best of me- not my family, not my students, not my friends. If they're all getting tired, distracted me then it's time to reset. #whatisschool
A5: Such a hard Q to answer. But when stepping up/back/pausing impacts negatively on the learning of our students we need to proceed with caution. Having said that, we need to look after ourselves to be the teachers we need to be. #whatisschool
A5 If it is for Ss and not at the cost of yourself or family, then it is time to step up. If you are suffering, then pausing or stepping back is it. You're do less good for Ss if you are suffering. #whatisschool
A5: evaluate what exactly is the issue or situation. Determine what would improve upon stepping up/back/pausing. See which outcome feels right 💕 #whatisschool
Ask myself which one, five months or five years from now, I'll wish I had done: step up, step back, or hit pause. Take the long view. What do you want your memories to be of when they are all that's left?
#whatisschool
Q3. During the school year, demands made of a teacher can be all-consuming. In such times, what specifically do you do to foster and maintain meaningful personal relationships while also being the best teacher you can be? #whatisschool
A4: Constantly. Stressed about it. Lost sleep. Did the work. Repeated the cycle. I usually take on extra if I think it will help others. I struggle to acknowledge/accept that I cannot do it all. Definitely trying to work on this. #whatisschool
A5: I never seem to know when or which. It is usually at the request of others. I’m told to take care of myself better and slow down. I can really tell I need to follow that advice. You cannot help others when you have nothing left to give. #whatisschool
A5: I am the worst at this. When you feel that first tickle in your throat, rest. (Or that first night you can’t sleep,or when your calendar is too full, the list is insane). I tend to wait until I’m knocked out and on a Z-pack (current reality) to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n. #whatisschool
A6: I am naturally humorous, sarcastic, energetic, and eager to make a fool of myself if it brings smiles to others. Luckily, this helps in times of stress. Laughter (even pity laughs) go a long way when it is a rough day. #whatisschool
Thanks for joining us today, Scott. I hope you've made some great connections. There are so many awesome Ts who show up every week for #whatisschool. Have you met @sspielb@ChrisQuinn64? @ShiftParadigm
In reply to
@saschnit, @sspielb, @ChrisQuinn64, @ShiftParadigm
A5. If I find something is energizing me then I know it is time to step up. I also think understanding your own "stress indicators" is key. For example, I know if I start to become closed off to new ideas or collaboration then it is time for me to take pause. #whatisschool
A5: Step Up: when I'm confident I'll make a positive difference; Step Back: when there's someone better, smarter, and more effective than I am; Pause: when I'm too stressed, to overwhelmed, and during summer vacation! #WhatIsSchool
A5 excellent question, I have been meaning to read The Dip by @ThisIsSethsBlog where he discusses that very question...When is ok to quit!?! #whatisschool
Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime.I know #WhatIsSchool
We have to take a pause at times to remember our own children are important. They’ve grown tremendously resilient over the past few years #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @supervxn, @MeagDS, @ApraRalli, @MelanyStowe, @raspberryberet3, @legaultlearns, @FoleyKev, @MrsRChambers
A6 I'm naturally a ham. My kids know that they will always laugh in my room. They never know what stories they are going to hear. Laughter is a part of me everyday. #whatisschool
and make sure both of you aren't doing things at same time, kind of like married actors - take turns w/ PD so one of you is home with the kids every night. #whatisschool
In reply to
@MrGPrimary, @ShiftParadigm, @supervxn, @MeagDS, @ApraRalli, @MelanyStowe, @legaultlearns, @FoleyKev, @MrsRChambers
A6- I have some pretty incredible colleagues that can always find the lighter side. In class, I'll ask my Ss to test the 'laughter is contagious' notion and as soon as 1 starts, everyone else joins in. We also dance. And sing. Helps to end our days with smiles #whatisschool
I sing cartoon jingles all the time. Even middle schoolers love it... they think it is the funniest thing. Granted, I'm such a great singer, how could they now. :) #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @BerniMoreno, @ShiftParadigm
Thank you so much for adding your positive presence to #whatisschool today. We appreciate your participation. Please remember we will start at 6pm EST starting next Thursday, November 8. @mrkempnz Special thanks to @ShiftParadigm for his awesome gift for designing our slides:)
It is a daily struggle to find that balance, correcting work in order to give worthwhile feedback to pupils seems to be the biggest issue for me with 34 kids in the room #whatisschool
Thank you so much for adding your positive presence to #whatisschool today. We appreciate your participation. Please remember we will start at 6pm EST starting next Thursday, November 8. @mrkempnz Special thanks to @ShiftParadigm for his awesome gift for designing our slides:)
Really love the humor piece. It should go without saying that laughter is the best medicine but it is easy to forget that when the going gets tough! #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @Math912Teacher, @MeagDS, @ApraRalli, @MelanyStowe, @raspberryberet3, @legaultlearns, @FoleyKev, @MrsRChambers
