Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Welcome to #ksedchat! Thanks for choosing to join us this evening. I'm excited to delve into this thought provoking topic: Congeniality versus Collegiality!
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." MLK Jr.'s legacy reminds us of the fact that rights were not always equal, and getting those rights was not an easy journey. He also helps remind us that violence is not the solution. #ksedchat
Hey all, Nathan here! My favorite MLK quote is “let no man pull you low enough to hate him” in a world filled with people constantly trying to tear you down, you have to find reasons to keep your head held high. #ksedchat
Welcome to #ksedchat! Thanks for choosing to join us this evening. I'm excited to delve into this thought provoking topic: Congeniality versus Collegiality!
Jennifer, 5th grade at Derby Hill Elementary in Derby, KS. Attaching my quote. Dr. MLK Jr. shows me that change is possible by standing up for what you believe in and being persistent. Being silent in the face of injustice does nothing. #ksedchat
A1: Miss B here! Just shared this today! “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
MLK’s courage has influenced my world, my friendships, & my family. My table & heart is full of many different peoples, ethnic groups, races & colors!
#ksedchat
#ksedchat Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is such a strong example of courage.
Hi! Lori Stratton, Gardner Edgerton High School. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. #ksedchat
Hi! Beth here! Longtime kinder teacher and co-founder of @go2Science@lorijstratton that's my favorite quote too! "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. #ksedchat
Hi everyone! Azure, 3rd grade teacher from Derby. “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr #ksedchat
HELLO #ksedchat friends! Just got out of bootcamp so I’m hopping along a little late. This is my ABSOLUTE favorite MLK Jr quote... but I honestly love all of his work.
A1: One agrees when they're being congenial. Disagreement can occur during collegiality, but everyone still cooperates together toward a common goal. #ksedchat
Hi everyone! Azure, 3rd grade teacher from Derby. “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This reminds me that taking a leap of faith and pushing forward to a new path is where the adventure truly begins.#ksedchat
A1: I think the main difference is congeniality is focused on being nice and friends and collegiality is more about progress and collaboration. Both are important, but congeniality only scratches the surface of a relationship. #ksedchat
A1:Congeniality is about getting along well, being friendly, warm, & supportive.Collegiality requires focus on development and performance. It means sharing the work, & it means talking candidly, being able to disagree constructively, about professional practice. #ksedchat
Dustin Springer I. Coach/ @theSMSD
Dr. King's legacy resonates with me for several reasons but I am inspired by his belief in love and equality and finding the good that exists in people. I wonder what he would think about the world we live in now? #ksedchat
A1: Congeniality is just good old fashioned friendly and polite. Collegiality benefits from being congenial, but goes further supporting, elevating, and collaborating with those around you. #KSedchat
A2: Collegiality is a shared responsibility or a culture of cooperation. Congeniality is friendliness. If you are planning to form a welcoming committee, pick someone with the gift of congeniality. #ksedchat
A1: Congeniality is surface level relationships like being cordial and kind. Collegiality is depth. Truly understanding and fostering relationships knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. #ksedchat
A1: Collegiality is rooted in the want for change, progression & growth. Congeniality is rooted in appeasement...
I think my friend John Maxwell summed it up best when he said, “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.”
(P.S. I want world peace too though! 😉)
#ksedchat
A1: Collegiality is a shared responsibility or a culture of cooperation. Congeniality is friendliness. If you are planning to form a welcoming committee, pick someone with the gift of congeniality. #ksedchat
Q2: With collegiality we need to remember to be congenial. We have to remember that our Ss see and hear how we treat our colleges, and if we do it then they'll think that behavior is ok. #ksedchat
#ksedchat well there has to be acceptance and kindness in both. And the sum is greater than the parts so we are all better together. Many people forget that. Communication (face to face) is key
A2. I think they should coexist as that you can have disagreements and constructive conversations without being a jerk. Knowing triggers and how coworkers respond is helpful to keep things congenial while still being collegial. #ksedchat
A1. Congeniality is the kindness we may show each other but there is so much more power in colleagiality. You are working towards a common purpose or goal. It can get "sticky" but I assure you the results are far more powerful! #ksedchat
A2: I believe in being kind, mild mannered, & considerate of one another - but not at the cost of sugar coating, avoiding real issues or losing progress. However, sensitivity to others is essential in communicating & getting results! #ksedchat
A2 I’m reminded of the old saying “treat others the way you want to be treated” this translates to the education world by modeling to our Ss a healthy working relationship ship, which is what we require of them everyday #KSEDchat
A2: Both are needed for working together. However, there has to be shared vision and buy-in and that comes from deeper relationships encompassing difficult conversations if jeeddd and honesty. #ksedchat
I'm loving this conversation so far. I think this topic lends itself so easily towards improved relationships with one another and ultimately more student achievement/success. #ksedchat
A2. The similarities are rooted in relationships but I believe congeniality has far less substance. Colleagiality is built on mutual respect and understanding which at it's heart is where the foundational beginnings of cengeniality lie. One begets the next. #ksedchat
A3: In my previous district, we had the norms from Cognitive Coaching posted during PLCs and Faculty meetings, as reminders of the expectations. #ksedchat
A3. We need to be willing to listen as much as we put out. It’s a give and take. If we make sure our teammates are open and comfortable sharing then there is less division. We need to be comfortable taking feedback as well. Setting up expectations for that is important. #ksedchat
A3: BIG trigger for me! I need to feel validated in my work & ideas - but not just to “appease” me. I need accountability through questions, not accusation!
“You could have done this better.”
Vs.
“What would you do differently next time to enhance the lesson?”
#ksedchat
A3: It’s not always easy, but when you set egos aside and understand that your work is for the students and not for your self, it’s easier to be accountable. I also try to ask for critiques, which creates an environment of growth vs (right or wrong). #ksedchat
A3: Accountability has to begin with relationships and trust. Those things have to built over time before accountability can even occur. At that point, then constructive conversation can be accomplished. #ksedchat
As a new teacher this is super vital! I know that I'm still trying to navigate through some things and I am just not sure how to go about asking somethings without sounding rude or condescending. #ksedchat
A2: When there's collegiality (a common purpose/vision/goal), it is much more "fun" to work together- so a natural outcome is congeniality. But you can have congeniality on the surface without everyone working together to accomplish a common goal. It's about the depth. #ksedchat
A3: build relationships with each other, that way when you have the hard conversations you will know it comes from a place of caring and concern #ksedchat
A3: Choosing goals together and having team members pick the parts of projects that play to their strengths is much more effective than a few people assigning "jobs" and getting frustrated when there is not buy-in. #ksedchat
#ksedchat by setting norms, determine what is important, , respectful discourse, shared workload, keep a scoreboard...the book New School Rulws and Disciplines of Wxecution are good references
A3. It begins with honest and an understanding that we are here for the betterment of our children and community. We can't be afraid 2have fierce conversations to hold each other accountable because our "WHY" is far 2 important. But we must remember to do so w/ respect #ksedchat
We had PD today and had to critique our co-workers PBL ideas with an "I like..I wonder..and I suggest" statements. I really enjoyed giving/gaining feedback. It was much healthier than some critiques I've been a part of. #ksedchat
A3: I would love to be able to have more accountability discussions. I want people to keep me accountable, otherwise I won't be able to grow and reach my full potential. #ksedchat
The sucker punch to the gut is it makes me feel they didn’t think I was worth investing time or effort in to really give constructive criticism. The moment it becomes about OUR egos & emotions as the teachers - we’ve lost sight... & I’ll stand by that forever!
A3: Teaching is such a personal profession. So much heart goes into each day. However, I think when there are relationships and the goal is at the center of conversations and the focus of the work - it is easier to have the courageous conversations. #relationships#ksedchat
So true! Growth mindset in our teaching practices has to be learned and practiced by us just as much if not more than we teach it to our students. #ksedchat
Hello @ElizRussellEdu, @MrJSellen, and #ksedchat! I'm Rebecca from Nevada. I hope all of you had a great Monday!
“Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Martin Luther King Jr.
Q4: If we are not being civil and congenial with our colleagues how can we expect to have the respect and relationships that allow for the progress and growth necessary for our Ss? #ksedchat
A4. There needs to be some congeniality first. Why would I take advice and criticism from someone who isn’t nice to me? Who isn’t polite enough to say hello in the morning?#ksedchat
A4: I'm thinking it could, but....
My thinking is that your can be collegial without being congenial, in a more professional manner, but some congeniality would make the exchanges so much better! #ksedchat
A4. I believe it is always important to be respectful and seek first to listen and understand. But collegiality doesn't mean always agreeing. Respect is always necessary though. #ksedchat
A3: sorry I’m behind! Our amazing leader @usd271sgs helps us set norms as a staff. We hold each other to that commitment and have to trust each other! Same team! #ksedchat
Not an answer but a word of thought for my #ksedchat friends.
My pastor once said from the pulpit, “I’m not trying to step on toes. I’m trying to pierce hearts. If I got your toes - I missed.”
Wow. WHAT IF WE APPROACHED OUR GROWTH/CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM/HONESTY LIKE THIS! 🙌🏻
A4: I believe no. You have to have both due to the fact that they both help establish respect in relationships. If we don’t respect each other, can we effectively work together for the growth of our students? #ksedchat
A3: If you have respect for those involved and REALLY listen even when you disagree it is much easier to communicate clearly and be heard. Build on common ground and look for points of agreement within the disagreement. #ksedchat
A4: Sometimes being congenial means avoiding conflict, so yes I think collegiality can and needs to exist in some ways without congeniality so real and sometimes hard growth and problem solving can occur. #ksedchat
A4: I think it would be difficulty see myself as part of the team, if my coworkers weren’t congenial. Why would I want to work with those who who didn’t take the time to foster a work relationship #ksedchat
A5. As an admin I use the pic (it’s about developing others). When I taught, I tried to have students reflect how their words-actions-behaviors moved them towards reaching short term and long term goals. You must have a target in order to reach it. #TLAP
A4. Great question! I'm sure it can but think about how much more effective and enriching life would be with living, respectful, understanding in working towards the same goal. I don't think one can authentically exist without the other. #ksedchat
A4: You have to know your team and give each person what they need and in our profession, we expect kind, caring exchanges. But there are times that conflict occurs when working toward a change, that’s when we should fall back on our shared vision and push through. #ksedchat
A4: I think it could! Open & honest communication, where everyone has a voice, and you get to know others practices sounds like a pretty great place to exist to me! #ksedchat
A4: My opinion- I think in theory, yes - but since our profession is one of the heart, collegiality without congeniality would be difficult. I suppose you could accomplish a task together without congeniality, but long-term impact would be difficult without both. #ksedchat
Q5: If everyone in the building is working for the better and success of Ss, and they are all on the same page, then the Ss will thrive. If that positive atmosphere is there in the building then the Ss will thrive in a positive, caring, and friendly environment. #ksedchat
A5: As long as there is respect and understanding in those collegial conversations, it can only stand to improve S achievement. Honestly, isn't that what we're doing here, in Twitter chats? #ksedchat
A5. I see collegiality and student achievement in two ways. 1 let’s work together to make sure our Ss get the best. 2 what am I doing to stretch and strengthen my Ss through constructive feedback. Or even, do I allow them to push back when they feel the need? #ksedchat
A5: Educators working together respectfully towards common goals can change schools for the better for all students. It can be quite powerful. But all teachers need to be heard. #ksedchat
A5: If we preach “students come first” - students need to come first before our pride, our fear & our self doubt. Teaching is a MODEL for students of a relentless pursuit of betterment. Settling is for rocks & sediment. I’m looking to improve & rise! LET’S GO & GROW! #ksedchat
#ksedchat Carrie Horn. 1st grade teacher at Graber elementary, USD Ducking in for a minute. This photo shows my favorite MLK jr. quote. Hate is exhausting. And keeps us paralyzed from making change happen. https://t.co/nxerZtGhqX
A5: Students sense more than we give them credit for. They will thrive in a healthy, loving, caring, and purpose-filled environment. It’s our job to make sure they know that place is within the walls of the school building and beyond. #ksedchat
A5: Having worked in situations on both ends of the spectrum of collegiality, I'd say there is a high correlation to student achievement. Actions do speak louder than words and staff disfunction is mirrored in student behavior. #KSedchat
A5: Student achievement HAS to be the center of what we do, so working together towards that is critical. Our school hashtag this year is #powerofWE because it takes all of us working together doing #whateverititakes. #ksedchat#collegiality
A5: On the same note, as educators we should never DARE ask students to do something we aren’t willing to model?
Respect.
Honesty.
Teachability.
Resilience.
Challenges.
Goal setting.
What am I doing to model that for students by surviving instead of thriving? #ksedchat
A5: Strong, respectful collegiality bleeds into strong relationships among all stakeholders & increases S achievement. Ss don’t care how much you know; they want to know how much you care. When Ss see respect/empathy to all they know you are genuine & will work harder. #ksedchat
A6. I think congeniality creates a positive and safe atmosphere. Sometimes the first smile a kid sees is at school. Let’s lift up our school environment by being congenial when it matters. #ksedchat
Right back atchya! This chat group has become a LIFESOURCE of encouragement and accountability for me! I love the connections I’ve made!! Go #ksedchat !! 🤘🏼
A6: I feel that if our S see the Ts being congenial toward one another and to them, it makes school a place where they feel safe, welcome, and where they want to be and look forward coming to. #ksedchat
A6: Genuine politeness can make the school environment better, but fake "niceness" doesn't help anything. Students will sniff that out quickly! #ksedchat
A6: Ss pick up on the congeniality or "fake" relationship between Ts and believe its okay to demonstrate as well. When they witness Ts having collegial conversations they begin to demonstrate them with their peers as well. #ksedchat
A6: Congenial behavior usually makes people happier and happy students typically learn better. :-) I take exception to "kindness awards" and such however as they tend to ring hollow and end up with not so nice behavior sometimes. #ksedchat
A4: collegiality could occur but you need a solid foundation and to build relationships with congeniality. Hopefully that leads to driven staff, peer observations and an open mind! #ksedchat
A6: Being only syrupy sweet with others - will only lead your students and staff to getting stuck in mediocrity. Being a moving river, cutting a new path, moving, going somewhere new? Now that’s a flow I can get behind! #ksedchat
Although there may not be a direct correlation between teacher congeniality and student achievement, the absence of congeniality amongst staff members more than likely creates the absence of collegiality which we know has a direct impact on student achievement. Q6 #ksedchat
A6: This can be eithe rplairice or negative. What do you want students to sense? Positive vibes that lead to a safe day of learning with a growth mindset or negativity that breeds failure and a fixed mindset? I’m going out on a limb here and say option 1! #ksedchat
A5: Relationships drive outcomes plain& simple. If positive relationships exist achievement grows! What we do matters every day & when we can work together for the betterment of our children& each other & set that positive example EVERYTHING falls into place handsomely #ksedchat
A7: I went to the training and conference for the “Color Code” system used in education. I found it SO facinating to find out HOW to approach my coworkers (and students! hello!) in their “nonaggressive” language - while still keeping it real! #ksedchat
A7: I am a firm believer that it comes from the leadership of the building and buy-in from the stakeholders. An exceptional leader can make or break a building. There will always be naysayers, but the positives can overshadow them! #ksedchat
