#RuralEdChat Archive
#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Tuesday April 19, 2016
Welcome, How are you all tonight?
Tonight on we will be talking about what true appreciation looks like.
Let's take a moment and see who all is with us. Please tell us your who, what, and where.
Hi, I'm signing in from NY where it's been summer today
I am a student and education major at huntingdon college. I have been assigned to observe this chat for one of my classes.
Hey, Linda! So glad you are here.
. Welcome, Gabby. We love pre-service teachers here.
I’m here! Just trying to get TweetDeck Loaded! Natalee, HS humanities teacher from Maine.
I hope there are no Q's harder than "what is your name?" tonight. It's been one of those days.
I'm Geoff, and I play with LEGOs for a living at a small elementary school in Midcoast ME
Hi ! I appreciate you all joining us each week. Robin here from SW WI where I'm a library media specialist.
I hear you. Ever since they did away with the desktop version, it's been fun.
That sounds like a great job!
Welcome, Gabby. What's your concentration in ed?
wait… no more desktop of TweetDeck?
I'd like to welcome any new tweeps from to tonight if you're joining in.
I'm Tammy. I teach Computer Sci. in a small rural north Florida school. I love
Kelly from Florida. I'm a full-release Mentor and love it!
I'm trying to focus on the positives given the fact that we just finished 4 wks of testing
I can definitely appreciate that, Linda. Hi and glad to see you!
And my internet has been a bit sluggish today. problems.
As we get started tonight, don't forget to add to your tweets so we can share in your brilliance.
huh. I didn’t know that. I’ve still got it on my laptop. Is that different than desktop?
Nope, same thing. If it's not working right go to the web version. I'm not exactly sure when the cut off date is.
Well, shoot. That stinks!
It just means that you can't download it anymore. Can still use it if installed, but it won't be updated
Just a little less screen size. Not to bad.
I'm Linda from NY where its primary night. I'm officially outside ed. Teach writing teachers to teach writing to teens/adults.
I'm a Library Media Specialist from northern WI, Rhinelander.
I've always used the web version. I like it
Question 1 will be here in just a moment.
Which also means at some point will just stop working well. Why is it that good things always get changed?
Hi Laura! Laura is the kind of librarian who connects kids w/dog books when they need them most!
Hey I'm Teri. I teach grades 6-8 STEM & EdTech in Spearfish, SD.
Hi Teri! Always glad to see you here! Thanks for joining us.
My brilliance tonight's going rather dull. I've got the dumbs.
Hi, Paula from Maine. Just got home from a PD in Tennessee and wanted to check in tonight. Miss this chat!
I was thinking that 2day about the Tinkerplay app. Now its part of Mattel w/awful EULA agreement
One of my students just got a football scholarship to a university in SD. Not sure which one yet.
I'll take your dumbs any day of the week.
That’s okay…I’m so out of practice with chats. Can’t keep up!
**Q1**
How do you show appreciation to your students?
We will use the Q1/A1 format until a conversation gets going.
Hey - if you're looking for T-chats to join in on tonight, I'm hanging out in now, at 9!
I’m trying to think of a good reply…I’ve got nothing.
Leave your address with my secretary and I'll mail my dumbs to you!
A1: Show honest emotions. If you're happy - show it. If you're excited - show it. Be real.
A1 By bldg relationships with Ss & connecting personally I think we can show we appreciate them as people 1st!
Jen! Hi! So glad you are here! Wisco is representing here tonight! :)
EULA's might make an interesting topic of discussion one week.
A1: high fives, fist bumps, compliments, thank yous. Tell Ss what you think makes them great.
A1: Try to show appropriate interest in their lives outside of school- attend performances etc.
YES! They are people first, students second! https://t.co/b3u3Nw8Hb0
A1: Try to show appropriate interest in their lives outside of school- attend performances etc.
A1: Be sincere. Kids can tell when we fake it.
A1: I believe we have to create real relationships with our students.
End User License Agreements. Those pesky "read this" that we always skip over.
THIS! Ss should know that we care about all of who they are, not just as S https://t.co/WTk6koHAEY
A1: Try to show appropriate interest in their lives outside of school- attend performances etc.
The fine print we usually skip: end-user license agreement
A1 Tough for me bc I work at 5 schools, but learning names of Ss outside our rooms tells them they are SEEN & important
Ah. Right. We’re supposed to read those? ;) https://t.co/nL3QtzeEn9
End User License Agreements. Those pesky "read this" that we always skip over.
I've been there, and it's tough. Do what you can do, and hope that other staff are doing the same
I work at multiple schools too, so I always give non-contingent conversation. "I love your smile" is frequent.
Cool. Have to incorporate academic subjects in PE now? or PE into academics?
I hadn’t really thought much of that aspect of Lit Coaching. You have a lot of kids!
It's really hard to feel like you're doing enough to get to know students. Seems like playing favorites sometimes
Be present in the hallway & interact.
Clearly Q1 was easy. Are you ready for Q2?
A1: I say thank you to my students, I ask for their input, & I ask about their interests.
Good one !
https://t.co/CLqx6F48bD
I work at multiple schools too, so I always give non-contingent conversation. "I love your smile" is frequent.
This is a big one in my school. My principal asks usto beseen in the halls.
** Q2 **
How do you show appreciation to your colleagues?
A2 Because none of them are really on twitter I can say this: we have an end of the year Friends of the Library party planned.
A1: I try and get involved as a class advisor and am now Student Council advsr to see a different side of the kids.
A2: This isn't me, but the teacher next door keeps chocolate in his closet and shares it freely! :)
A2 As a LitCoach, I leave lots of notes, treats & emails to acknowledge their hard work. This is huge for me.
A2 I laugh at their jokes, too.
I surprise them at their home on their birthday. Sing b-day song, present them w/ a book &I'm gone.
Some days I walk around and hand out High 5's. Literally, just walk into a room and High 5's and say, "Keep being awesome!"
A2 But also by supporting any Q or resource need they have as valid, listening, empathizing, encouraging.
A2: See A1. Most teachers I know dig fist bumps, too https://t.co/rpHIZNVpPW
A1: high fives, fist bumps, compliments, thank yous. Tell Ss what you think makes them great.
A2: I love writing thank you cards to those I appreciate. I know I appreciate getting those.
Very true. I was just wondering when someone would notice that it's really the same. https://t.co/kUtGKLNpp4
A2: See A1. Most teachers I know dig fist bumps, too https://t.co/rpHIZNVpPW
A1: high fives, fist bumps, compliments, thank yous. Tell Ss what you think makes them great.
A2: I try to compliment them when I notice they try something new. I also try to offer help with new tech whenever I can
A2 Also be willing to share stuff from lesson ideas to box of tissues even if the timing's not good for me
A2: in my position, it also means acknowledging success w/tech no matter how big or small, and acknowledging their frustrations
Yes! I love writing them, too. Reflective and connective.
A2 I include them in on selection of books and resources.
LOVE to hear this. Simple and powerful. https://t.co/AOL3wdAFhu
A2: I love writing thank you cards to those I appreciate. I know I appreciate getting those.
A2: Listen. That's what most people need/want, no matter what their age. Actively listen. It means so much.
Truth! Speaking of is on now :) https://t.co/pQPstwoAnK
We need companies to remember the rural school districts out here. Not everyone teaches in a EdTech city
Thank you! Small steps matter; frustrations are ok. Acknowledgement can keep us returning to the work.
A2 When I go to conferences &get freebies-I want to share. Ts deserve pampering!
Thanks, Craig. All students, all schools, all regions.
I have been told that sometimes receiving one of those cards that I've made someone's day.
I love all these great ideas for showing appreciation!
Very true. My students missed out on Google Expeditions b/C we were too far from them. https://t.co/Hx6i0m5mcL
Truth! Speaking of is on now :) https://t.co/pQPstwoAnK
We need companies to remember the rural school districts out here. Not everyone teaches in a EdTech city
And praise folks behind their backs, lavishly.
That is so true. It's a skill we could all practice. https://t.co/8rj8vdE8mz
A2: Listen. That's what most people need/want, no matter what their age. Actively listen. It means so much.
:( Can we say not fair!!!
Yep. They are making a big effort in WI after WEMTA. Here's hoping they go rural rural.
Showing is at the heart of what we're discussing here, for sure
Q3 may be a tough one. Get ready.
It sure has for me on the receiving end. Simple but so heartfelt. Words are home for me.
** Q3 **
How do you survive a culture where appreciation is missing?
Oh, gosh. That's so hard. You have to be the voice of joy and praise and excitement and smiles. Fake it til you make it?
This IS a tough question! https://t.co/fI039Z5PIx
** Q3 **
How do you survive a culture where appreciation is missing?
A3 You still notice and let others know you appreciate them. I do believe that that small step makes a huge difference.
A3 I think missing or miscommunicated are congruent here. Intentions may be there. The mark might miss.
Yes! I agree! Even if you're the only one. Set the example! Attitude of gratitude! https://t.co/99j7fdHxmU
Oh, gosh. That's so hard. You have to be the voice of joy and praise and excitement and smiles. Fake it til you make it?
A3: I think it depends on where culture perpetuates from
A3: Twitter for motivation! Continue appreciating others and work to change the culture. Encourages appreciation
A3: Find a supportive PLN community - Twitter, , whatever - they've been my life-line when in rough culture
Totally agree. Gotta start somewhere.
A3 And if it gets to the point where you just know you can't be the only one anymore, then you move on and find another place.
"Linda Aragoni: Culture Consultant at the Ready!" Hire this educator!
A3 "BE THE CHANGE" you build a culture of appreciation by your actions, not reactions!
at the same time, reactions are really human. Humanizing spaces for me is vital.
Yes! If you can't find support in your building, find it outside! Love my PLN! https://t.co/qWr0qGJkl7
A3: Find a supportive PLN community - Twitter, , whatever - they've been my life-line when in rough culture
Create appreciation for others. Mention what you do that is deserving. Integrate ideas that promote appreciation!
Yes If it's not there, build it!!
https://t.co/oW7zTeM51a
A3: Find a supportive PLN community - Twitter, , whatever - they've been my life-line when in rough culture
A3 But always remember places you've been that don't have a culture of appreciation,2help really appreciate the ones that do.
Much agreed! Key places to find support for the rough times!!
A3 And when people start complaining tell them you know places that are far much worse off.
A3 I agree with and . Be the change!
"Culture Consultant" really sounds like a 21st cent job title--job where there's basketball hoop in meeting room
Parents, too. Wonderful community of parents that support me in my school
ping pong table and slushie machine for sure!
I'd have to agree with that. We need to react. Then next step actions are key! https://t.co/g0qiad6S4o
at the same time, reactions are really human. Humanizing spaces for me is vital.
Yes, Paula. Move forward in action with positive focus.
I wish I had discovered the power of a positive, supportive PLN years ago. My career would have been SO different. Less stress.
I know what you mean!! Love that I have it now, though!
Couldn't agree more. We're here now. We're all in this together. Gratitude for PLNs. https://t.co/A9XhXM937U
I wish I had discovered the power of a positive, supportive PLN years ago. My career would have been SO different. Less stress.
Yes, Q3 was a doozie. Here comes Q4.
I'm sure you've wondered a few times how your life would be different without ;)
I have tried to stress this with my colleagues, but they don't seem to get it. I keep trying! https://t.co/0xTzVZ2avx
I wish I had discovered the power of a positive, supportive PLN years ago. My career would have been SO different. Less stress.
People can't figure how you can be friends with ppl you just know on Twitter. Blows their minds.
Our resources should reflect their needs and asking them is essential.
And the support of even one parent can mean so much! Love fostering those positive relationships
I know it wouldn't have been as much fun. "I found a peanut, found a peanut, found a peanut just now." https://t.co/u6ulDAg180
I'm sure you've wondered a few times how your life would be different without ;)
So many of the like-minded colleagues I met through Twitter & Voxer have become genuine friends.
These spaces demand their own fluency.I think many r afraid to try speaking here.Like learning a new lang or to read!
** Q4 **
Let's have some fun...tell us someone you truly appreciate. Give them a shout out.
Thank you for being those friends to me.
Some I still haven't met f2f, but the connection/friendship is real!
Absolutely. I've found it super-beneficial to be involved in our parent group
Right. Common interests and shared encouragement overcome lack of F2F meetings.
A4. for being amazing supporters,collaborators and otherwise.Just great to have them in education.
A4: I truly appreciated our IT Director who left our district last Friday to pursue a new position in a local hospital.
A4: I appreciate because every time I walk into her school she makes me feel valued and appreciated. Thanks T!
A4: Shout out to & my most excellent co-mods!
I appreciate who is always up for sharing ideas, laughs, and dog photos.
A4: I appreciate because as a supervisor she has always been quick to point out strengths.
A4: I so appreciate for all the literary connections she's helped me make! She connected me with
A3: I like involving Ss in solving problems in the school.
A4: I appreciate because without it my mornings would not start with as much joy!
A3: Next week I start a project w/gr 4 making game boards for younger Ss to practice ELA/Math skills using BeeBots
A4 I appreciate who is always an encouragement, generous with his listings
I appreciate , and for all their great book recommendations!
Looks like lots of great educators being mentioned in tonight. Follow some new people to grow your PLN.
A4 I really really really appreciate my library school peeps! A3
A4 I appreciate who makes me wish we could talk at length instead of in 140 chars.
I appreciate my WoW team at school!
I appreciate for all the technology related things he has helped me with over the years!
A4: I know I can't name them all, but my ELA Flip Voxer group is a life line!
Going to do a little plug and appreciation at the same time. I appreciate all the people who sign up for and+
Question 5 is on its way. Get ready to reach into your memory bank.
I appreciate for letting their amazing selves shine through in these spaces.
Sorry to miss but I'm on Cape Cod w/ the 7th grade at . Perhaps a future chat on Experiential Ed?
I appreciate and for all the laughter at work.
** Q5 **
What has been your favorite "Teacher Appreciation" gift? Why?
So the gameboard one I discussed earlier is a response to lack of T time to design them, under use of BeeBots
You've got it. Pick your date. It's all yours. We want to hear all about it. https://t.co/B7qXRHtPuu
Sorry to miss but I'm on Cape Cod w/ the 7th grade at . Perhaps a future chat on Experiential Ed?
A4 She's not on Twitter, but I really do appreciate my mentor for this year, Rebecca Newsom. So appreciate her honesty&smarts.
For sure! We miss you, John. Enjoy the stars with your kiddos.
A4 Have to give a shout out to for sharing at and generally promoting education and social justice issues
I appreciate & for their inspiration & continued mentorship in librarying.
A5 The notes from families and students where they get real specific why they appreciate me. Those I keep forever.
When I was moving across the country several parents got together and got me gas cards. Most appreciated gift ever.
A5: I've gotten donuts/muffins and cute notes on School Librarian Day. Makes me feel appreciated.
He's a voice I look for here. https://t.co/8wIGoE4Fbq
A4 Have to give a shout out to for sharing at and generally promoting education and social justice issues
Great set of questions tonight, Tammy.
A5: I love the letters from my students. I also love the artwork they create just to hang on my walls.
