An informal learning community for educators worldwide. Our passion for learning and connected learning experiences help us to improve our teaching practices. #txeduchat features guest moderators every week.
Welcome everyone! We've got a rockstar first year teacher Cara Earnest from Fort Worth ISD with us tonight to talk about lessons learned in her first year. Please introduce yourselves. #txeduchat
#txeduchat Jerry Toups HS Math Tr from the Houston, TX area. Been teaching Ss to #AlwaysBelieve since 1990. What a career. 28 years of waking up and wanting to go to work.
Q1/A1 = Be flexible means that it's okay to know when to change up your lessons when they don't go exactly as you thought they would ... or when you get suggestions on how to make them better! #txeduchat@ablairbradley
A1: I am flexible by realizing that things do not often go as planned. I am willing to veer off the lesson plan if a teachable moment arises, and I know teaching can be unpredictable. #txeduchat
A1 To me, Flexible means go with the flow. Being willing to jump in as needed, do something for the good of your students, and move forward with your day. #txeduchat
#txeduchat A1 Keep remembering, your job is ALL ABOUT THE KIDS! Always be flexible with each student. Students learn at different rates and with different techniques. It's the Trs job to figure these out. #BeFlexible & #Believe in your Ss.
A1: You must adjust the lesson based on the learning needs of your students. You never hold tightly to your plan. You must be willing to go in the direction that your students need you to move in to accomplish the learning. #txeduchat
A2: A backup plan can come in handy when either something occurs in your own personal life or when technology fails. For example, my projector broke halfway through my lesson on Friday, and I had to think on my feet and adapt. #txeduchat
I think you bring up a really important point about personal issues. We have to show up and be "on" almost no matter what happens on the way to school. #txeduchat
Q2/A2 ... also, have a spare change of clothes and shoes available!! I was stuck running to my portable in a downpour and my shoes were soaked ... you don't want to have to teach in wet shoes!!! #txeduchat
A2 Backup plans come in handy when a lesson fails, tech doesn’t work, or there’s a need for something else. Anything stem or an extension is helpful. #txeduchat
#txeduchat A2 You NEVER know when you will be absent. ALWAYS have a back up sub plan in your desk. As you gain experience you will sense if your Ss have grasped the lesson. You will develop "back up" ways to present the material.
A2: A backup plan is very beneficial when you are checking for understanding and realize the class has not understood the fundamentals of the lesson. It is time to teach it a different way. #txeduchat
A2: Or air... because our awesome Tx weather keeps the temps swinging daily! I love to keep fans and blankets in my room for Ss to use! The blankets especially come in handy on rainy days, when they have to run between buildings. They appreciate the thoughtfulness! #txeduchat
A2: leave little forms to be passed out to students by the sub. They fill out their name and period, then the sub picks them up at the end of class to mark their behavior. The class with the best behavior gets a treat. Subs never had a problem after that! #txeduchat
A2: yes! I didn't know my projector didn't work until the week before school began and I had to start the school year thinking on my feet! fun times :) fun observations! :) haha #txeduchat
#txeduchat A2 Sub Lessons I have made about a dozen 30 minute videos that teach Algebra concepts or go over STAAR test problems IF THE INTERNET is up and technology is working, these are great sub plans. https://t.co/7Q1LvxMVfU
A3: I go on Twitter and engage with amazing educators who are a part of my PLN such as @lauriesmcintosh, @StantonAlana, @RaeHughart and many others. At school, I try to surround myself with positive people because we need more encouragers and less critics. #txeduchat
A3: STAY IN YOUR BUBBLE!!! Remember WHY YOU teach. Don't let the negativity suck you in. Every career has drama, and teaching is no different -- but no other career is as rewarding!! So remember WHY you are there - for the Ss. :) #txeduchat
A2 im Julie & teach 5th gr. I built a google site for guest ts & gv link w all st names and important instructions. It’s in my plans just in case everyday. #txeduchat
@txeduchat A3: As simple as it sounds, just practice kindness. I try to remember to apply the same level of patience and empathy that I offer my students to my interactions with other adults on campus. #txeduchat
#txeduchat A2 sub plans Bike down White Oak Bayou in @VisitHouston and learn about Quadratic Functions! https://t.co/5SJpiDBZy0 Great sub plan. Lots more on YouTube, search Jerry Toups
By building relationships and seeing the difference first-hand. When they come to you and open up to you, there is no other feeling like it! #txeduchat
#txeduchat A3 Your job as a Tr is NOT about your coworker relationships, ITS ABOUT THE KIDS! Stay out of negative conversations. I eat lunch in my room and get some quite time. #BePositive and you will repel the negative.
A4: Open-minded means to have a growth mindset ... don't get "stuck in your ways" as a teacher and think that you have everything mastered ... it's good to grow and learn and try new things! #txeduchat
A4: Open-minded means to have a growth mindset ... don't get "stuck in your ways" as a teacher and think that you have everything mastered ... it's good to grow and learn and try new things! #txeduchat
A4 Open minded about new challenges, new adventures, how we haven’t done it in the past. Open minded opposed to just doing what you’ve always done. #txeduchat
A4: I think of it also as being curious...curious about people, the world, & ideas. When you are curious, you keep an open mind in the desire to learn more, without judgement. #txeduchat
There once was a children’s musician who, before introducing a song would say to the parents, “Repeat after me: ‘I’m a willow. I can bend’”. Educators are the ultimate willows, flowing with flexibility. #txeduchat
#txeduchat Agree! "Your belief system" really colors how you see everything and how you interact with Ss and Ts. Understanding your own beliefs, can help you gain a better perspective.
This is particularly true when working with Ss from different backgrounds (whatever those backgrounds are). We are sometimes quick to judge w/o understanding based on our experiences. #txeduchat
A5: Being present at outside of class events is a great way to find your "tribe" and connect with other teachers in ways that go beyond the day to day classroom stuff. #txeduchat
#txeduchat A5 Twitter is the BOMB! Genius Trs to follow from all over! So easy to get inspired. USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO SPREAD POSITIVE! #ItWorks Your message will go BEYOND your classroom walls to the school and even the community. #AlwaysBelieve = example
A5 1/2: To connect w/Ss, you MUST learn their names. And, learn about what interests them. Ask how they are doing. For co-workers, be willing to ask for help and give help. Give thanks when it is due. #txeduchat
A5 most of my friends are ten yrs old. Yes I find it important to befriend colleagues, but my sanity depends directly on my relationship with the preteens. #txeduchat
A5: Everyone has those days when they just need a friend to listen to them. They do not need to be told to cheer up. They just need you to sit with them for a minute so they can process what happened. The best friends always know how to listen. #txeduchat
A5: YESSSS!! This is where you will find those who mirror your mindset! I'm lucky to have @robgar26 as a fellow new teacher who dresses up on all the spirit days as well! Find those who bring out the best in you, because in turn, you will bring out the best in your Ss. #txeduchat
A5: 2/2 Connections must be purposeful, yet authentic, if that makes sense. The connection mindset must be ever-present, but not forced. Ss are great at observing "fakeness." #txeduchat
A5 Find your tribe, your niche, & your positive lifeline. Some do twitter, others do F2F. Above all, find those that SUPPORT, UPLIFT, & INSPIRE YOU! #txeduchat
As Ts, we are naturally focused on giving ... sometimes to a fault. To take care of ourselves, we need others who are willing to help us! Love this! #txeduchat
A6 Take advantage of each little opportunity (in the hallway, at lunch, at recess, during dismissal time) to make personal connections with Ss. Listen to what they have to say! #txeduchat#relationships
A5: Also joining & participating in educator organizations in your content area can be a great way to connect to others that are teaching your subject! For example, as a science teacher, love @TXScienceSTAT#txeduchat
#txeduchat A6 The Tr / St relationship = keystone of education. LOVE ALL YOUR Ss. My goal is for my Ss to describe my words and actions with the Fruits of the Spirit in May. #Positive = the way. POWERFUL parent letter attached. #Blessed
A6: The best way to build relationships is to find out what your students care about. Find what it is and talk about it with them. That is the best way to make a connection. You will be amazed at how much they seek you out to continue talking about that in the future. #txeduchat
A6: This is my BIGGEST tip of all - NOTHING else matters if the Ss don't think you care about them! They won't care how smart you are, or how late you stayed up working on that lesson plan. Get to know them and SHOW UP for them. Sometimes we are the ONLY ones who do. #txeduchat
@txeduchat Pay attention to your students. Really notice them. Compliment a new pair of shoes, haircut, how they showed kindness to someone. It takes effort, but well worth it. #txeduchat
You're so right! My Ss used to say, "uh oh, Ms. McGee has THAT face today." They are observing you and taking notes at ALL times, particularly when you care about them and they KNOW it. #txeduchat
Let students know that they matter. Show them that how we treat each other matters. Step into their stories and welcome them in to yours! Be joyful and passionate as you create experiences to spark their growth and relationships! #txeduchat
A6 last week students submitted interests in a google form. Those are all merged into docs. When students come to my class, I have something to chat w them about. #txeduchat
YES! My students have seen that face as well as me drop everything to assist another student who needs assistance or deescalation. My actions are watched constantly. #txeduchat
Okay, let's turn the tables. What advice do all of you vets out there have that will help our first year teachers finish the year strong. Let the sharing begin! #txeduchat
A6: Also, attend an event or game if you can. They notice. And parents do as well so its a win-win on the relationship-building front. I went to my first goat show this year, and it was awesome. #txeduchat
Okay, let's turn the tables. What advice do all of you vets out there have that will help our first year teachers finish the year strong. Let the sharing begin! #txeduchat
Ask yourself what you want to be celebrating in June and DO that. Savor every second. Take care of yourself so you have energy to care for others! #txeduchat
Okay, let's turn the tables. What advice do all of you vets out there have that will help our first year teachers finish the year strong. Let the sharing begin! #txeduchat
#txeduchat A7 Always maintain your POSITIVE vibe. NEVER EVER give up on your Ss. You may not reach your Ss this year, but THEY WILL REMEMBER YOU if you don't give up on them. Teaching = #AboutTheKids
Be excited to have each day with your students. It’s not always glamorous but you are the constant in your students lives each and every day. #txeduchat
Thank you! I learned that self-care lesson the hard way my first six weeks ... went too strong, too fast, for too long. I love the idea of creating a celebratory goal for June. Thank you! :) #txeduchat
Treat Ss with the respect you want from them-Model that behavior. Love them and let them feel that. Don't be fake- they can tell and they won't trust you. #txeduchat
Okay, let's turn the tables. What advice do all of you vets out there have that will help our first year teachers finish the year strong. Let the sharing begin! #txeduchat
YESSS!!! As a first semester teacher, I often had to remind myself that I may not be the "perfect" teacher for them, but I was the "RIGHT" teacher for them. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE - and there is NO SUCH THING as PERFECTION. #txeduchat
Thank you for the opportunity! I love what I do! It's HARD, but it is oh so WORTH it! Huge shout outs to @ablairbradley and @rphifer2015 for an amazing year so far. I'm lucky to have such wonderful support and mentors!!! #txeduchat
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@txeduchat, @ablairbradley, @ablairbradley, @rphifer2015
