#EduColor was created both as a resource for intersectional discussions of race and education and as a safe space. Therefore, even though hashtags are open to the public, those of us who started it reserve the right to push back and challenge tweets we see as leading the discussion astray (see “derailing” for more details). This includes using #educolor on bios, blog titles, and paraphernalia.
Welcome to #EduColor’s December chat with moderators Christina Torres (@biblio_phile) and Knikole Taylor (@knikole) as we look back on 2018 and look forward to 2019.
A0: Hi everyone, Mel here. FIrst year teacher in New Jersey. Here because this year in particular has taught me the importance of regular, sustained, and both individual and collective reflection. Ready to reflect *and* prepare for 2019. #EduColor
Hello, @biblio_phile, @knikole & @EduColorMVMT! I’m Cornelius repping Brooklyn, but checking in from Florida! I’m excited to pop into #EduColor while my kids get ready for bed!
Habari Gani, family? I'm Daryl from Maryland and I'm looking to engage in some intellectual exercise and learn how others are reflecting on 2018 and preparing for 2019. #EduColor#Kujichagulia
A1: I reflect in writing it helps me understand what I did right and what I could do better. I write my thoughts after every lesson, blog 2x weekly and reflect by talking with friends who are always willing to listen. #educolor
A1: Despite the mantra that we're supposed to be "Off" from school when break comes, it's really helpful to reflect when you don't have to think about the net day woes. I like to do this by unplugging (which I haven't done), journaling, reading, and talking w/ non educ #educolor
A1 huge thanks to @DulceFlecha for inspiring this question. I struggle to reflect & don't have a structure! I USED to do end of year wrap ups, but have fallen by the wayside.
Reflecting is SO essential though. Hard to know what to do next if we don't know what we did. #educolor
Q0: Hi everyone...Michael Gutierrez, MS Asst Principal in El Paso, TX here ready to listen, gain knowledge and continue to improve upon the work being done and that MUST continue in 2019 and beyond. @EduColorMVMT#EduColor
A1: I have trouble slowing down enough to reflect deeply while semester is on. Also, much of the reflections is about current projects, deadlines, needs of others
This is a special time of year where I can slow my pace and do the internal work that often gets neglected #EduColor
A1: I've tried a million and one ways to reflect with writing/journaling, but it never quite sticks for me. I typically like to just process in my head. I've grown into processing with others and talking through where I'm at. #EduColor
so much truth to this. Educators tend to get stuck with an "in the trenches mindset" sometimes that I think can be hurtful. It's essential to pull out and see the world with fresh eyes. #educolor
A1: Despite the mantra that we're supposed to be "Off" from school when break comes, it's really helpful to reflect when you don't have to think about the net day woes. I like to do this by unplugging (which I haven't done), journaling, reading, and talking w/ non educ #educolor
A0: Hi everyone...Michael Gutierrez, MS Asst Principal in El Paso, TX here ready to listen, gain knowledge and continue to improve upon the work being done and that MUST continue in 2019 and beyond. @EduColorMVMT#EduColor
So much happens during the academic year. Sometimes I feel like I’m surviving... Creating time to catch up with myself during breaks ensures that I’m always moving forward and learning from my mistakes. #EduColor
A1: I blog. I sit with alone first, then with a group of folks. It’s critical because it allows us to keep things in perspective. When we’re in school, we always feel like we gotta keep moving. Reflecting while we’re still is important. #EduColor
A1 cont: one of the perks of moving from classroom to classroom every 40 minutes is that I have travel time between classes to do some immediate reflection, which definitely lends itself to my deeper reflection. #EduColor
A0: I’m Lola! A first year teacher who is looking to start engaging in conversation more often with other educators. I often browse this hashtag, but never participated. I’m excited! #educolor
A1: I’ve spent time evaluating my effectiveness from September- December. How much time have I delivered direct services to student & families? It’s important to me that I am a true resource/advocate for our school and not some clerical bystander. #EduColor
A1: I reflect on how to improve for the remainder of the year, either on my actual teaching practices or improving relationships that benefit my classroom. I don't usually do this at home, but in a different space while I'm on break. #educolor
A1: #EduColor I love reflecting when it can inform creativity. I think we need to be creative as educators and that we cannot forget to encourage that in our students.
A1 cont: one of the perks of moving from classroom to classroom every 40 minutes is that I have travel time between classes to do some immediate reflection, which definitely lends itself to my deeper reflection. #EduColor
A1 #EduColor When school is in session, I’m reflecting on the fly, keeping my plates spinning in the air. When we are on break I can be more intentional and set longer term goals. To be honest, reflecting on the fly comes easier to me.
A1) Being off my normal schedule forces me to reflect. I usually try to practice mindfulness as I'm organizing around the house. Having order in my living space settles me. #EduColor
A1: I have trouble slowing down enough to reflect deeply while semester is on. Also, much of the reflections is about current projects, deadlines, needs of others
This is a special time of year where I can slow my pace and do the internal work that often gets neglected #EduColor
A1: I think being “away” from work provides a bit of a filter...whatever keeps moving to the front of my brain is a problem/situation that needs attention. It is impacting me more than just because it was what I did that day. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
I don't have any particular gift of the written word (at least, not one that I've developed thus far in my life), so mental reflection while sketching or listening to music or walking or some combination thereof is my best practice right now.. I need to ask myself ?s #educolor A1
A1: One thing I like to do when I'm between semesters is re-read things that keep me grounded. My original teaching philosophy; MLK's Strength to Love; anything by Gloria Ladson Billings...#EduColor
A2: I do anonymous trimester reflections with a survey for all my students to let them give themselves AND ME (most impt) feedback (via Google Form). I will also send out emails to parents and have asked for anon feedback there too #educolor
A0: I’m Lola! A first year teacher who is looking to start engaging in conversation more often with other educators. I often browse this hashtag, but never participated. I’m excited! #educolor
A0: I am a newly elected school board member/music teacher. Hoping to learn and listen so that I can be even more effective in my new role to serve all of our students, teachers and community. #EduColor
Q0/A0 Hello, I'm Rebecca and I am a tech coach in southern California. I am joining you tonight because a conversation with awesome, intelligent people is more interesting than Netflix. #EduColor
A2: Normally, I like to have conversations before or after class where I just listen to students riff on any number of topics. Or I’ll record something in my mind of what a student said that stuck with me. #EduColor
Honestly, it's probably because I'm a pre-service teacher 😂. But even when I was in placement full time writing helped me clear my mind. If I don't write my thoughts down my brain won't let me sleep. #educolor
A2: I reflect daily. It’s important for my sanity and is apart of my daily routine. Being a first year teacher makes it very easy to beat yourself up over mistakes. Planned reflection school allows me to pinpoint how to move forward w/o being stuck on mistakes. #educolor
A2: For their final exam, I have my students write a reflective essay using their portfolios and the intro letters from first day of class. I take time during break to really dig into those. Some of the best things I've changed in my teaching came directly from students.#EduColor
A1 I reflect by reviewing the past semester through personal writing & talking w/colleagues. I also spend time reading & looking for connections to my coaching practice. I do so bkz it’s renewing & helpful for new prep. #EduColor
A2: Not in a classroom this year and not directly working with Ss has been a struggle. Grateful for the many Ss who continue to stay in touch- share their successes, failures,triumphs. Keeps me going when the work has me feeling isolated and vulnerable. #EduColor
A2: I asked students to complete a reflection on their reading and writing, + share how I can help them. I specifically asked how important their DRA (reading level) score is to how they view themselves as a reader/writer. Digging into the data this break. #EduColor
A2: Ss give immediate feedback on the lessons that they don't make connections with (for various reasons). I usually look over my notes on that plus feedback from observations and ideas I get from my Twitter Fam on how to improve or enhance lessons. #educolor
I also recruit the help of my students. each month, I ask them to write me a brief letter, mostly open-ended, but asking them to think about the classroom, the learning, and myself (many of them think of it like giving me a report card so they get lols out of it) #educolor A1
I also recruit the help of my students. each month, I ask them to write me a brief letter, mostly open-ended, but asking them to think about the classroom, the learning, and myself (many of them think of it like giving me a report card so they get lols out of it) #educolor A1
A1: I reflect daily. It’s important for my sanity and is apart of my daily routine. Being a first year teacher makes it very easy to beat yourself up over mistakes. Planned reflection school allows me to pinpoint how to move forward w/o being stuck on mistakes. #educolor
A2: Our department host an advisory committee twice a year to hear back from various stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members. It’s helpful and informative. Let’s me know our areas that need improvement. Also, data collection... #EduColor
A2: I asked students to complete a reflection on their reading and writing, + share how I can help them. I specifically asked how important their DRA (reading level) score is to how they view themselves as a reader/writer. Digging into the data this break. #EduColor
That's a good habit. I used to walk around with post-it notes attached to myself while on hall duty, to capture those fly-moment reflections. #EduColor
Love this. I too have been in intentional thought around the question of if I am delivering direct services in the most impactful way possible. I plan to be more mindful about evaluating this in 2019. #EduColor
A1: I’ve spent time evaluating my effectiveness from September- December. How much time have I delivered direct services to student & families? It’s important to me that I am a true resource/advocate for our school and not some clerical bystander. #EduColor
A1: I read as much as possible and try to stretch my comfort zone. Listen to perspectives from teachers, students, admins, parents, policy analysts, equity advocates, journalists. Ask myself if what I am considering benefits everyone, why/why not. #EduColor
A2: Whenever I give Ss a RP, they always give one back to me. I like to spend breaks or weekends reflecting on the feedback they give me about me and my class. Lately, I've appreciated them checking in on me over break telling me what's been up. Thats good feedback too. #educolor
I use Google Forms to do irregular climate surveys and to see how students are feeling about the learning community. I tend to give one after each major break, A2 #EduColor
A1 Self awareness, self reflection and assessment may come a but more clearer when school is not in session as it allows you a clear space to think of how you can improve on facilitating a quality a learning environment #educolor
A1 my son hates reflecting because his school asks him to do it, but im glad they invite him to reflect because to me it’s such an essential human practice that helps us navigate and act in this difficult world #educolor
A2 #Educolor This time of year is great for student involvement in that my one semester #healthed class is about to end. Student feedback will help me shape what and how I’ll teach second semester. I tell semester 1 that their feedback will aid their semester 2 peers.
A2: Our department host an advisory committee twice a year to hear back from various stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members. It’s helpful and informative. Let’s me know our areas that need improvement. Also, data collection... #EduColor
A1: The why of reflecting is simple and pure ... to evolve & elevate into the next best place for my students & teachers that they grasp Through me. Also EVERYTHING depends on stillness for me. Even in the hustle of holidays, my frequency is peace. #EduColor
A2: I often think about the conversations with students and parents that weren’t so smooth and think about what they were trying to say to me that, perhaps, I didn’t hear...I try to be more reflective than reflexive. #EduColor
#educolor A2: I don’t have a “formal” way of incorporating feedback, which is something I should probably look into adding moving forward. I often just focus on student opinions in conversation. I allow my students to have a say in how I change things or even how I instruct.
A2 #Educolor This time of year is great for student involvement in that my one semester #healthed class is about to end. Student feedback will help me shape what and how I’ll teach second semester. I tell semester 1 that their feedback will aid their semester 2 peers.
A1: I do a lot of my reflection I really taking your critical lens to what I've done so far. It gives me a real moment to be still without deadlines and seriously evaluate where my kids are, where we are as community and where I want us to be. #EduColor
Q2 I work primarily w/teachers & I ask for feedback regarding our work together. Sometimes formal, sometimes informal. Not always what I want to hear, but always useful. #EduColor
A2: My mentor teachers and profs are good at giving me feedback + constructive criticism on my lessons and activities. I try and keep their advice in mind. I need to work on incorporating student feedback in 2019. Anybody know how to do this in a primary setting? #educolor
A0: I'm Angela from Kansas. I teach Spanish and have been following #EduColor for the past 6 months and thinking about how I can better serve my students with connections and authentic experiences.
A2: It’s important to take others voices under consideration especially if you’re hearing the same message over and over. However, don’t disregard your inner voice too! #educolor
As I’ve grown, this has been increasingly important to me. This is the 1st year I’ve spent time visiting with families & caregivers at home, in the community & at places of worship... Also, studying with colleagues & visiting their classrooms has given me so much... #EduColor
A3 folks. I was such a mess last year. but in a much better place than I was in September of 2018 lol.
I think I was really struggling with our current political situation. I think the awesomeness of getting back to educolor and a great school helped me start dreaming. #educolor
A1: How? Just going over things. Assessing. Questioning. Resting.
Why? To figure out if this is what I *should* be doing or if it's just what I *want* to do. I'm stubborn. 🤷🏾♀️
#educolor
A1: Reading is my How. I read things I didn’t get to. Re-read things I still need and want to click into. I journal in a pretty blind book. I write things down. I loosely plan. I dance. And I pray. #EduColor
A3: My biggest fear was also my biggest hope: that I wouldn’t have the fight in me after all the nonsense of 2017 on a professional and personal level. Glad I dreamt forward. #EduColor
A1: I sit and think. We just ended the semester, so my Ss end of course reflections give me lots to think about. What is good-but what could be better. I try to write, but haven’t made that a priority. I will in 2019 #EduColor
A3 But really, my goal then was to start getting back to myself as an educator truly committed to this work. I think I lost that when I switches schools by virtue of time and just transition. JUST starting to feel kinda back to myself. #educolor
A2: I try to check in with students informally but many asking more about how they're doing overall as opposed to reflecting. In an environment where I often feel like I'm not enough, its hard to ask for feedback from sts if I feel I can't do much to make things better #EduColor
A2: my kids do a quarterly progress monitoring assignment well they reflect on their own growth and work as well as reflect on practices. I asked what is or is not working and why, and I seriously taken into consideration. My kids really do help make me better. #EduColor
A3) More writing is a goal for every year. This year the goal was met, however it was more personal and reflective pieces opposed to work for public consumption. #EduColor
A2: My mentor teachers and profs are good at giving me feedback + constructive criticism on my lessons and activities. I try and keep their advice in mind. I need to work on incorporating student feedback in 2019. Anybody know how to do this in a primary setting? #educolor
A2. When students gravitate towards me, confide in me...it makes giving up hard.
Aside from the other 7th grade #SpEd teachers, I don't really have a work community.
#EduColor
A3: wow! Jan2018 seems a lifetime ago. I dared to dream of doing the work with no idea where to begin. I was learning from @RafranzDavis@ShanaVWhite@DingleTeach@ValeriaBrownEdu and naming experiences in my life that I had never reflected on. #EduColor
It's not super sexy, but in January, my hopes were focused on how I can take the curriculum/materials I am given, along with the expectations for what I must teach, and challenge it and basically flip it on its head.. I'm happy to say I've been largely successful #educolor A3
A3: In January of 2018, I was preparing to student teach. It ffeels like that was yesterday + a lifetime ago. In a time of major transition, I wondered how the work would connect with my daily teaching (I've now realized they're one + the same) #EduColor
oh my gosh. THIS. It's so hard to include colleagues and community in our reflecting (esp if you're school doesn't have that culture) but it is SO SO SO ESSENTIAL. PLEASE DO IT. #educolor
As I’ve grown, this has been increasingly important to me. This is the 1st year I’ve spent time visiting with families & caregivers at home, in the community & at places of worship... Also, studying with colleagues & visiting their classrooms has given me so much... #EduColor
It means that, if I’m imagining something, I make myself an agent in making that imagination into a reality. It’s a lot of work, but I’m willing to do that. As you’re well aware. #EduColor
A1: Being out of school gives you time to remember why and how you want to go back...you get a chance to recall your priorities and reasons for your work in the first place...your passions have a chance to be reignited #EduColor
A2: I ask my students for feedback regularly. I have colleagues that I go to for different pieces of teaching. I also jot almost daily about what I’m seeing/feeling about what’sbwen going on in my room and at school. #EduColor
A2: My mentor teachers and profs are good at giving me feedback + constructive criticism on my lessons and activities. I try and keep their advice in mind. I need to work on incorporating student feedback in 2019. Anybody know how to do this in a primary setting? #educolor
A3 cont: Hopes: maintaining the connection between the work and daily teaching (reflection on this in 1st tweet). Fears: Everything. Still is my fear. Hard to capture in words... Dreams: to teach in the district I student taught in (this happened <3) #EduColor
A3: In January 2018, I had just sent off my application for school and was waiting to hear back. I remember being super nervous and regretting not having a back-up plan! #educolor
A1: It helps when I unplug from much of it for a while. The space provides needed perspective. Also, reconnecting with people & activities that help me to re-center. Much of the best reflection for me is about prayer & re-discovering the gift of choice and self-care. #EduColor
I've focused on the texts I'm bringing before the students (shoutout #disrupttexts) and the questions I'm asking them, no matter the texts/content/assignment, and then the actions I take WITH my students in response to the learning #educolor A3
A3: I remember wanting to be more courageous for my students, show them love for knowledge that serves to improve human existence not only for each of them but for their communities #EduColor
So true. I talk with my new teachers weekly and I always have them share something that’s going well. They have plenty of time to dwell on all of the things they feel went wrong. #EduColor
A3: Last year I was at a 98% eco disadvantaged school, 50% ELL, and I was frustrated because I felt there was so much more we should be doing...different demographic at my new campus but feel much more equipped to be an advocate for our marginalized students. #EduColor
A2: Through surveying, committee and staff assessments, critical self-reflection and candid evaluation, by comparison to and collaboration with similar programs and by developing your own standards to match up to and surpass #EduColor
A3 #educolor I hoped to read more, listen to more podcasts and widen my PLN. I certainly educated myself but need to turn that into more actionable steps in 2019
Personal: better managing grading
Federal Policy: new Secretary of Education
State Policy: state legislation addressing disproportionate discipline A3
I went 1/3
#EduColor
A1: I reflect in writing it helps me understand what I did right and what I could do better. I write my thoughts after every lesson, blog 2x weekly and reflect by talking with friends who are always willing to listen. #educolor
There have been some intense moments where I truly felt lost and without purpose.
New role, new learning, but without the relationships that ground the work...definitely missing my incredible students.
#EduColor
Hopes were to see evidence of measurable impact of @BONDEducators efforts to improve workforce diversity in our school district. Getting positive feedback in district-wide memo from the school system was a great way to end the year. #EduColor
A3: My hopes were to find a school that that had a sense of community amongst the staff, and a district with strong support for teachers. My dream was to be able to remain my authentic self in the classroom, so that my students would truly get to know *me* #educolor
Q3/A3 Last January, I was diligently working on a course on Access and Equity in STEAM for UC Riverside Extension. I gained insight, made a new best friend and grew as a person. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to participate in this work. #EduColor
Hopes = creating a school vibe that makes each kid feel seen and heard....and each grownup feel agency and ownership. Fear = all the obstacles to doing that! #Educolor
A3: I also just feared that people (at the top mostly) don't truly value classroom teaching. I was hoping that my love for teaching would help to inspire others to let us do what we do best. #educolor
A3: My biggest fear was the unknown of new opportunities but then I decided that new opportunities should be nothing to fear! Just a jumping point to new adventures! #educolor
A3, Fear: #DeVos n #45 extending their racial state violence in this country n the schools
Hope: #educolor was gonna keep grindin, cuz that’s what folks do #educolor
#EduColor A-sidenote: anyone else in a slight panic thinking back to January 2018? All that has happened?All that hasn't happened? *deep breath* *holy crap*
A4: Rejection, rejection, rejection...by being rejected from the roles I thought I deserved, I found the depth of my own title and profession and the freedom within it and expanding from it...now I am growing more than ever #EduColor
#Educolor A3 Also, I just saw A3, so my biggest hope was that...after I graduated, I'll be getting a job, my own classroom.... My biggest fear, right now, is as the longer I'm away from a classroom, the longer my passion fades.
A3, Fear: #DeVos n #45 extending their racial state violence in this country n the schools
Hope: #educolor was gonna keep grindin, cuz that’s what folks do #educolor
Lurking on #EduColor chat tonight... in full relaxation mode at home with a lifelong friend and just put her toddler to bed. If you identity as an educator and parent, God bless you.
A3: my hopes and dreams were realized in 2017= blessed Doctoral study which then drove many of my fears including affording to pay for classes, life’s bills and working full time. But God. “I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope... #EduColor
A4 My mind is constantly blown by the resilience in my students and school community. Perspective. Efficacy. Integrity. Humbled to witness... #EduColor
#Educolor A3 Also, I just saw A3, so my biggest hope was that...after I graduated, I'll be getting a job, my own classroom.... My biggest fear, right now, is as the longer I'm away from a classroom, the longer my passion fades.
A1: Honestly self doubt and worry are where a lot of my reflections come from. I'm a worrier. I worry about my kids, my lessons, my biases, etc. But then I get to work. I reflect so I can move forward. #EduColor
A3: I was a 2nd year and felt like I wasn’t effective. I needed to learn how to use my data. Most of all I needed to learn how to ask for help. #educolor
A3) Trying to balance all that I was doing the professional move I was trying to make without shortchanging the children I was teaching everyday ..making sure that their needs were met while pursuing my next move ...A lot of man hours and sacrifice but I wouldn’t change #Educolor
A3: My fear has always been my naïveté...until I realized my idealism was my biggest strength and the root of the enthusiasm we so desperately need in the field of education #EduColor
#EduColor A-sidenote: anyone else in a slight panic thinking back to January 2018? All that has happened?All that hasn't happened? *deep breath* *holy crap*
A4: I took some time to sift through the “feel good” Pinterest type goodness on Twitter and discovered some really meaningful new resources and approaches to this work. I see a need for it everyday. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A5: I have several, but really: meeting @biblio_phile for the first time. That closed a circle for me. Also, my blog was unblocked from NYC DOE schools this year even after the TED talk I did in front of the chancellor. 😂 #EduColor
A3: Fears in January 2018 for our work circled around our fatigue and collective anger with all that is wrong. Hopes and dreams lie the space of revolution and our work being the change agent for what ails us. #Educolor
A3: I had hoped to disrupt narratives more and push my Ss and my colleagues to be more aware of our biases. I wanted to be more present w/ my Ss. #EduColor
A4: I definitely was not prepared for all the emotions I felt in 2018. Towards October I decided to start saying yes to different opportunities and make more of an effort to be open-minded. #educolor
this year, I realized that I am, indeed, capable of being an excellent teacher.. self-confidence has never been a strength for me, but through the support of some Super Friends and through working on myself, I'm feeling great about who I am as a professional #educolor A4
A4: Fall 2017 I had a horrible classroom placement. I feared student teaching, + then *surprise* @megruss23 (my cooperating teacher) came into my life. I'll open and close by saying that I was blessed with a lifelong teacher + friend (#lifepartner) #EduColor
A3: I was hopeful that people would begin to understand the urgency of the work and how necessary it is for educating us all, not just our students. #educolor
A4 I think I really started to question where my voice fits and how to re-center my work where it matters, particularly working in a new school and community. Whose voice needs to be particularly engaged in my work? #educolor
The what we can improve list turned into our goals that we then prioritized. When break started we were still on our first goal lol but it also helped to see what the kids value #EduColor
A4: A Couple of things surprised me. Donald Trump is still president (yes, it's shocking). And we've gone another year without the education of our young babies being a national priority. Thus, our Edu System is running in place and we no time to be stagnant. #educolor
A4: I’m at my 3rd school in 3yrs and I expressed my concerns about how my principal delivered a message to new teachers. He apologized to us as a group. It was then I knew he was real. #educolor
A5 #EduColor My blog grew, my fundraiser sent 2 teachers to the national conference, I picked up 3 keynotes for 2019....and I managed to do a pretty good job at being a husband, dad and son. It was a good year for me personally. #blessed
#EduColor A4 cont: I walked into the classroom + the first thing I heard was "I love you": student-to-student, teacher-to-student, student-to-teacher. I found my home in that classroom and it was the greatest gift 2018 could've ever given me. Love you @megruss23 <3
A4: Hypocritical stances of "allies" -all seems fine under cloud of "embracing diversity"until systems are challenged, power-players are challenged& when as a PoC you say- I don't need yr seat at table bc I brought my own& I'll sit/stand where I choose. I've earned it. #EduColor
A4:Hypocritical stances of "allies" -all seems fine under cloud of "embracing diversity"until systems are challenged, power-players are challenged& when as a PoC you say- I don't need yr seat at table bc I brought my own& I'll sit/stand where I choose. I've earned it. #EduColor
Q4/A4 I think taking the time to listen and not being concerned with being heard as much has broadened my perspective. I try to have the courage to put aside the approval of others and do what is right and good for it's own sake. #EduColor
#Educolor I'm in this mode too.... My spring student teach. placement was in a school that had a really strong focus on EduEquity, being away from that, I gotta admit, I feel lost. Kinda in just a haze at times.
A4: I went to the @KlingensteinCtr Summer Institute that completely challenged the way I view classroom instruction. Those two weeks at the boarding school left me feeling super inspired to teach and lead in the fall #educolor
A4: What surprised me this year was, even after some of the L’s I took, I collected enough W’s to make up for them. It kept me in the classroom one more year. #EduColor
A5: One of them...my wife and two daughters met a tough, tough young man I had been working with for 2 years...the respect he showed them was a beautiful thing. And boy, he was a great writer. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A5: One of them...my wife and two daughters met a tough, tough young man I had been working with for 2 years...the respect he showed them was a beautiful thing. And boy, he was a great writer. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A4: 2018 will be the year that my confidence grew into authenticity. It’s no longer about if I’m enough for others but it’s about being authentic to my own being. That has surprised me and I love it! #educolor
A5: Participating in these chats and connecting with other educators of color (shout out to @JEFordNCTOY) has helped me be more intentional about the work I do. I'm still learning and growing in this work. #educolor
You can’t learn everything at once and that’s the scary part of being a new teacher. Everyone knows how to do everything and you know absolutely nothing. You certainly can’t be great at all of it. Take your time. It will come. #EduColor
A4: I started a podcast with the bestest (@_msadamsteaches)! Starting this podcast has allowed me to meet a lot of great educators and push my own reflection process. Creating this weekly content has made me a better educator and leader #educolor
A4: A series of events this year have reminded me to trust my spirit. Bad things happen when I don’t listen to my instincts and live in my truth. #EduColor
A5) Professionally earning a Teacher of the Year Award meeting the griot @juliaerin80 and getting the opportunity to pursue administration personally family family family #Educolor
A5 This year I was able to spend time with many of my #EduColor fam & have conversations that left me a better person. This space & these people give me so much.
A4: I started a podcast with the bestest (@_msadamsteaches)! Starting this podcast has allowed me to meet a lot of great educators and push my own reflection process. Creating this weekly content has made me a better educator and leader #educolor
A5 Favorite professional moment - leading restorative practices training in three different states, and many counties; spreading the word on that goodness is my heart. Personal? My babies, every day.... #educolor
Thanks! XD #Educolor we've created a club of sorts, now just sorting out logistics on how to meet w/parent approval, 'cause trying to do that + making sure other kids don't misbehave or get home properly, doesn't do for a good RPG session.
A4: And the obvious, I got fired mid-year for speaking up and speaking out. This moment has forced me to sit still. And really reflect in silence. What do I want? Who am I? Where am I going? From here, i'm going to teach overseas. Going to certainly be a challenge #educolor
A4: I taught a fresh high school writing class-meant to norm/prepare our Ss for HS writing expectations (Ss come from 60 middle schools) They pushes me to be better and refine my teaching in ways my Jrs and Srs don’t. They made me better. #EduColor
A4: A series of events this year have reminded me to trust my spirit. Bad things happen when I don’t listen to my instincts and live in my truth. #EduColor
Like to spend last 10 mins. Of each day at the office to reflect. I have an index card that has my personal mission and dreams written. I reflect on if I have met those today and what I need to do to improve tomorrow. It’s easy to have to rush home & not get this in. #EduColor
Like I was more so concerned with me and my own practice. But now, I"m wondering how I can better myself for others out there doing the work. #EduColor
Just got done with dinner and am hopping in to listen and learn from @EduColorMVMT Excited to be in the same side of the world for this #Educolor chat in real time!
I so get that. Felt that same, particularly in a new setting or when things get tough. I think our brains try and make us focus sometimes. Glad you're feeling good :) #educolor .
A4: Spent the last six months advocating for ed issues relevant to my region, but also listened to perspectives I would have normally ignored. In spite of major resistance, I remain optimistic our public schools can thrive. Considering “all the things” opens my mind. #EduColor
So when I’m in break I revisit my mission and dreams and try to recommit to visiting them daily as a reminder to why I am doing the work that I do. #Educolor
A6 - I struggle when I run out of efficacy and I get out of those slumps with my work fam, especially @coachboblac Big struggle is pushing those disruptive and crucial conversations, out on a limb, but he’s got my back #Educolor
Q5 Professional: Getting published again, and invited to present workshops at two international conferences on education, and getting an online job at my Alma Mater. Personal: Helping my students get teaching jobs and get into graduate school. #Educolor
Like to spend last 10 mins. Of each day at the office to reflect. I have an index card that has my personal mission and dreams written. I reflect on if I have met those today and what I need to do to improve tomorrow. It’s easy to have to rush home & not get this in. #EduColor
A6: I struggled with not letting folks take me out of my element, especially at work. Being an educator of color *and* conscience is tough when our ratings are based on compliance. But the kids and I made it together. #EduColor
A5: Appreciation from my students for being a compassionate teacher who pushes them to be their very best. They are kind and share their appreciation often but it's overflowing during the holidays. #EduColor
A4: I was surprised at how much of a team sport teaching really is. I knew collaboration was important, but now I really understand what “it takes a village” means. Also surprised at how much personal information kids want to know about their teacher 😂 #educolor
A3 Hope: That I could help one more teacher help one more student, each day. Fear: We will all get swallowed in the muck & misery of this system. #EduColor
A5: Professional - a graduating student won a scholarship I had provided a letter of reference for.
Personal - Bean (my 8 year old) making her first basket at practice. 🏀She inspires me.
#EduColor
A5: My personal + professional highlight/favorite moment was getting hired in the district I student taught in. I love where I teach. I'm honored to be in the presence of such brilliant young people, colleagues, + admin who push each day to be better and do better #EduColor
can you folks hold me accountable just like, making sure I'm actually connecting with you all and being accountable to the work? Please? Really? It won't be a bother. I'm worried I get caught up in my private school bubble and I NEED it. #educolor
ps I'll pay you with HI photos
A5: My personal + professional highlight/favorite moment was getting hired in the district I student taught in. I love where I teach. I'm honored to be in the presence of such brilliant young people, colleagues, + admin who push each day to be better and do better #EduColor
A5; My favorite professional moment was being the referee/host of my school’s Poetry Battle Royal. My favorite personal moment was voting with my grandparents in the 2018 election. #educolor
#Educolor A6. I just want a classroom y'all....
But otherwise, I've struggled with myself and engaging w/ S behavior that's become more prevalent. I have to fight against that authoritative upbringing so I react w/compassion instead of...
But I don't know if I'm succeeding
A7 - in 2019 I will keep pushing the envelope in all the spots I exist with those hard conversations that stretch all of us...and I’ll make sure I surround myself with the peeps who will hold me to that goal 👍🏼🙏🏼 #Educolor
A5a: Favorite moment of 2018 was welcoming our son into our family. We are blessed beyond measure with this noble and happy spirit in our home! #educolor
A6, trying to rally colleagues and students around pushing for #critical race and #ethnicstudies at the university and in K12 in the philly area. Want to listen intently to #educolor community abt ways to continue to move forward in the race of liberal and conservative #racism
hahahahahhahaha
I mean, yes x 10000 to the first. So essential and please know people are here for you!
But also lol how many times do I need to tell the babies my whole life story and why I'm not married! #educolor
A4: I was surprised at how much of a team sport teaching really is. I knew collaboration was important, but now I really understand what “it takes a village” means. Also surprised at how much personal information kids want to know about their teacher 😂 #educolor
A6: I teach in a small school and the faculty’ isn’t as collaborative or reflective as I want—for my own growth. I need to continue to build a PLN outside of my school. #EduColor
A7 #EduColor Every year I choose a #oneword to shape my practice/behavior. This year I’m torn between ‘calm’ & ‘evaluate’. Either way after many years of focusing on others I’m going to focus on myself to become better at what I do. My community can hold me to my #oneword
Ok but honestly this was life-changing. Not in the like "I got a personalized popsocket" life-changing (though that is, trust me), but like, spirit-changing, love-changing, community changing, LIFE CHANGING change changing. Love y'all. #EduColor
In reply to
@thel0rdbyr0n, @juliaerin80, @ValeriaBrownEdu, @DingleTeach, @ChristieNold, @triciaebarvia, @mrsjjee
A2: I used to be afraid of feedback until I realized Ss gave it all of the time when they asked if we could do an activity or listen to a song again the next day. It gave me courage to ask formally at the end of last quarter for a reflection of our time together. #EduColor
A3: I was worried, honestly. I was worried that the #decolonizecurriculum#Crt, and anti-bias thing would become trendy and get watered down.. lose its power. I've worked hard against that tendency in my district as I've seen it happening. #EduColor
A5: Prof- being selected to present at 3 conferences in 3 countries re bias/inclusion; Pers- being in the room when my 1st grandchild was born. 💗#educolor
A4: I was surprised at how much of a team sport teaching really is. I knew collaboration was important, but now I really understand what “it takes a village” means. Also surprised at how much personal information kids want to know about their teacher 😂 #educolor
ummmm I think you have this backwards because any time I see your pic or a post my heart explodes with joy and love and I just WANT TO GIVE YOU A HUG ok soon enough calm down Mel #Educolor 2019!!!
A5: Getting free tickets from the American School Counselor Association to go see Michelle Obama in Philly with my students, BEING INSPIRED and doing the best and deepest School Counseling of my life on a last minute school trip from Philly to Jersey #EduColor
A6: I struggled/still struggle with playing Politics in the work place and being an authentic truth teller. I loathe code switching. And I dont' like feeding people's egos for the sake of children's education/liberation #educolor
A4: surprised me deeply how much impostor syndrome I felt planning and heading out to speaking engagements/conferences. Sought advice and had a friend in my corner over texts cheering me on. Thank you AJB. #Educolor
A5b: Favorite professional moment: the opportunities that didn’t develop that allowed me to continue to work with my current team. It was and has been the best for my family and myself. #educolor
ummmm I think you have this backwards because any time I see your pic or a post my heart explodes with joy and love and I just WANT TO GIVE YOU A HUG ok soon enough calm down Mel #Educolor 2019!!!
A5: Professional- this is a minor one but, finally feeling confident enough in all the new division strategies to teach them without questioning myself.
Personal- Graduating from college! #educolor
Q7 I want to continue to lead by example (being a first gen education professor) & bring quality resources and programs to those in the education field as well as their learning communities. I just need continued support, feedback, and guidance from those in the field. #EduColor
I’m recasting this as a commitment, and I commit to continue encourage both my students AND I to unapologetically speak to power and demand #otherwise. #educolor
A5: Talking with principal at HS, student stopped to thank him for an enrichment opportunity: “it was life changing.” We both looked at each other after she left and teared up. Education is so much more than a career. #EduColor
A7: To continue to develop my practice and grow to meet the needs of my students. To also rwach@our more to those outside my school for collaboration and conversation #EduColor
A6: I struggled with being more honest and vocal about my feelings (re: Islamophobia and racism in schools). I'm so grateful for my amazing peers who have encouraged and supported me! #educolor
A7: I want to explore what it means to be a Black male teacher in an international context. I'm also looking into exploring how to make education a national well damn, international priority. We must! I also want to persuade more teachers to stay in the classroom lol #educolor
A6: I struggle a lot with self-doubt and following through. I've tweeted about my need to step away from edu books to reconnect with who I am as an educator, rather than trying to replicate some method in a book by said-famous person. It's hard to trust yourself. #EduColor
A5: Really enjoyed PoCC 2018 - so many good folks there committed to The Work - being in room to hear @DeanJulie read from her book & speak her truth, the wisdom of Marian Wright Edelman. #EduColor
A7 Learning and sharing fuel me. I want to share more of why truly moves me and push others to do work that matters. Please hold me to that. Make sure I’m not sitting silently or drowning in the weeds. #educolor
A4: honestly, I was surprised at how resistant my staff was to anti-racism in anti-bias training. It shocked me because he's our educators I know, trust, and have seen do amazing things. I was so hurt to see how many of them could not see past their own privilege. #EduColor
I have surveys every term that I send out to students and parents/guardians. One of the mandatory questions is “what’s one thing I can do better?”. The responses are so helpful! #EduColor
A7: I will continue to push those I work with to try even harder (and I’ll do the same) to build solid meaningful relationships with kids and to always emphasize understanding, redemption and inspiration as transformative practices. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
#Educolor A7 I thought I was actually gonna be part of an initiative to further the educational equity focus of my University, I need to come check on that, I want to be a part of something like that again. Being in that physical space was cathartic and empowering.
Q6: I want to be a better listener and be available to support other educators especially new teachers. If you need a mentor or a friend I’m your girl! #educolor
A6: I struggle to reflect, process, and connect my lived experience with the work. I make intellectual&academic moves but don’t yet have support system to do the heart work. I’m afraid the heart work will crush me. Also afraid I will fail miserably if I don’t do the heart work.
A5: My favorite professional moment was graduating with my MAEd in May!! My favorite personal moment was resisting the urge to cut my hair this year. #educolor
A8: That we would push towards actual student voice and agency, not just in conscious pockets, but as an MO. Not just for my school, but my entire district. #EduColor
A7 Learning and sharing fuel me. I want to share more of what truly moves me and push others to do work that matters. Please hold me to that. Make sure I’m not sitting silently or drowning in the weeds. #educolor
1. anytime you are working with kids is "your classroom"
2. The internal work is hard and I'm proud of you
3. you are here and succeeding and we got you <3 #educolor
A8: that we really start to break down our biases and have the hard conversations that we need to have about inclusivity as well as about excellence in our classrooms and how we moved past “good enough” #EduColor
A5 My favorite professional moment was presenting at 2 conferences. My favorite professional/personal moment was meeting @TheJLV at an STL event. My favorite personal moment was my daughter’s college grad. #EduColor
A7: I'm committing to + holding myself accountable to truly co-teaching. Not "I'll pull my group every day", but real, sustained, meaningful collaboration that benefits my ELs + ALL students. + I resolve to making this explicit to my co-teachers in 2019 #EduColor
A5 My favorite professional moment was presenting at 2 conferences. My favorite professional/personal moment was meeting @TheJLV at an STL event. My favorite personal moment was my daughter’s college grad. #EduColor
A4/A7 I was truly surprised this year to be named English Dept. chair based on my circumstances, One goal for this year is to turn more of our focus to equity and excellence.
A6: Struggle(d) with knowing my own potential and believe in myself to take more risks knowing that I can impact education on a larger scale(outside of my students). My community can help me work on following that purpose and passion. #EduColor
A7: Still haven't decided what resolutions I want to make. 2018 was a great year, so I guess I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing. I want to see how I can help my community rather than them supporting me. I think it's time for me to give back. #educolor
A4: planning my slide decks this week 4several conferences and sessions in 2019, I’m reminded that the feeling of “not being enough” is always present &the need 4us to quote, cite and offer up some other “expert” other than ourselves is torture. 1/2 #EduColor
A7: I’m super close on deciding on moving forward with a Ed.D. I think 2019 is the year to begin that process so any advice would be greatly appreciated! #educolor
A7: My fervent prayer for 2019 is to give myself time and space to unlearn,relearn,and grow into acceptance of all that has brought me here. To use it all to disrupt systems of oppression and model for Ss a healthy way of engaging in this work. #EduColor
Q7 I will also continue to push the need for teaching the importance of parent and community interactions with pre-service and in-service teachers. Educators: I am doing research and need your feedback: https://t.co/VIQ7ZcR28c#Educolor
A8 I want to make sure we are intentionally advocating for all students and helping them grow into their own, not trying to mold them into mirror images of ourselves. #educolor
A8: @EduColorMVMT That they stop pontificating, positioning & place-holding prattle & de-center whiteness, dismantle constructs that keep SoC, EoC marginalized in the very spaces that they claim to be inclusive. It is going to be uncomfortable. Own it & move forward. #EduColor.
tinkering in education falls right into the hands of power, it will never free us...so we need to move however slowly toward decolonized relationships with each other, with the land and the universe. #educolor
#Educolor Oh yeah, that mindset in 1. helps a bit, the consistency is difficult though, since we have kiddos moving through areas every 15+ minutes. Although, I think after 5 years working in the same school, the consistency of MY practices is much more easy to commit to.
A8: that Ss and faculty alike realize that their stories aren’t whole-but a single perspective and that we have to recognize that their are other stories and perspectives and it’s our job as Ts and humans to accept and emphasize with those different perspectives #EduColor
A8a: My dreams and aspirations for my school always include doing my part to help open the eyes of those I get to serve so that they can discover their diverse, beautiful gifts and the gifts of those they work and learn together with. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A8: My dream for my school in 2019 is a detailed plan and strategy on how we can be a true community resource. We’re right in the middle of the neighborhood. Stronger families, stronger students. #EduColor
A4: Reminds me of this old tweet I found from the one and only JLV ... @TheJLV Thanks for these words. Truly. Made me change my whole mindset/open to new possibilities & in 2019... “it’s what I said. It’s what We say.” #EduColor 👊🏾
A6: I struggle a lot with self-doubt and following through. I've tweeted about my need to step away from edu books to reconnect with who I am as an educator, rather than trying to replicate some method in a book by said-famous person. It's hard to trust yourself. #EduColor
A6: I struggled with the red tape of working in a large district and also with people who have the mindset that large systems can’t change for the better. These self-defeating thoughts always tried to take over my courage. I just try to deflect it back with shine #EduColor
A8
me/classroom: better representation of worlds outside the hegemony
school: more awesome discussion on including
world: more commitment to focus on kids/communities to take down power structures
#educolor .
A7: I want to explore ways to incorporate more authentic cultural musical experiences for my students and help them understand how music can be a powerful tool in building the world we want to see. #educolor
A8: My greatest hope for 2019 is that our students feel safe so they can learn and grow into the inspiring beings they are! I commit everyday to be an advocate and to help them remove the barriers that might hold them back. #educolor
#Educolor More A4. This idea of be the teacher you needed as a kid and the savior mentality as being flat out wrong. Being in the moment and the now helps dispel all of that
Many of us had similar dissonances in the transition from our academic lives in higher ed, to the realities of most classroom teachers. They can be very different worlds. #EduColor
#Educolor A7 I thought I was actually gonna be part of an initiative to further the educational equity focus of my University, I need to come check on that, I want to be a part of something like that again. Being in that physical space was cathartic and empowering.
A8b: My dreams and aspirations for my school include us all gaining an understanding that unity that we build together will impact us all in the ways we need. And those who have things in order MUST learn to uplift those that don’t. #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A8 I dream for my school community that we let go of "my" and move to "our" - our kids, our classroom space, our work. Being a push-in teacher in 7 classes a day has taught me the important of letting go of claiming "things" aside from claiming + living the work. #EduColor
A8: This is my dream for the world, really. Lofty maybe, but my dream. Less talk about those people, when POC are discussed. More appreciation for differences and more understanding tha we are more similar than we realized. #EduColor
A9: All of bell hooks teaching books. Oddly in grad school I pulled from Fannon. Self-help memoirs are great. My students are in the world. I have to be a social scientist. #educolor
A9 Also shameless plug: please offer to write/share your story/be interviewed for column on edweek (https://t.co/8YMSSFf6Z0) as I really want to start sharing/centering on folks outside of me when I can.
seriously.
please
#educolor
a huge aspiration is to bring the family into the classroom more.. like we had a NASA scientist (a student's mother) come in to talk about climate change last month.. I want to invite all of who my students are into the classroom community #educolor A8
A1: I’ve journaled all year and sit before the new year and read all of my notes. It’s insightful to see the themes. I also write from the heart and pay attention when the passion shows us. #EduColor.
A6: I struggle a lot with self-doubt and following through. I've tweeted about my need to step away from edu books to reconnect with who I am as an educator, rather than trying to replicate some method in a book by said-famous person. It's hard to trust yourself. #EduColor
Thank you for being brave enough to share your journey with us. You have allowed the community to support you, and your journey will help someone else. Thank you! #EduColor
A8: I dream of authentic interactions that center students, their families, and the communities we serve.
Believe in the work we do, commit to it, live it.
#EduColor
A6: I struggle to reflect, process, and connect my lived experience with the work. I make intellectual&academic moves but don’t yet have support system to do the heart work. I’m afraid the heart work will crush me. Also afraid I will fail miserably if I don’t do the heart work.
Yeah, what's cool though is they asked me as a student who graduated from their program, that was very validating, especially since I was very vocal about what they need to fix for their GenEd program. #Educolor Though, things happened.
The focus was on aliteracy and it got me really thinking/considering the multiple ways we can be aliterate. My faculty is all white (and mostly male). My Ss are mostly white an all male. They are aliterate as it relates to the stories of POC, poor, etc. I have to #DisruptTexts
A9: Will be reading White rage, but just finished white fragility and now am reading the troublemakers. All resulting in paradigm shifts for me as human, mother and educator. #educolor
A1: I love on my daughters and myself. I honor other educators by checking in to make sure they are rejuvenating as well. Why? We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves. #EduColor
A8: I would like for my school/district to continue to work on equity and elevating student voices that are not often heard enough. There's always room to grow. #educolor
A8: That “compassion” will become our modus operandi, not just a word we throw around during PD/staff meetings. I hope we will embody it & each member of our community will be honored & treated with compassion. #educolor
To help my students, particularly my boys, to recognize that social emotional learning means not only learning, but leading the learning to help others. I want to be intentional about helping them to not hide from their greatness! #EduColor
A7: my goals are to strengthen the classroom community. I often feel like community building for me can often get lost in understanding content and other responsibilities #educolor
A3: fear- not being sure I could face the environment admin was creating plus social issues (racism, sexism, gun violence, etc.)
Hope-calm myself and articulate my thoughts, be brave and stand up for my babies, students, and myself. #EduColor
A8c: Another personal aspiration is to continue the work systematically and quietly. Not everything we do for kids needs to be blasted on Twitter. I know, the kid knows. We’re good. #EduColor
My reading:
Hope in the Dark, Solnit
Whatever @ValeriaBrownEdu puts on #ClearTheAir
The Carters’ Everything Is Love
oh, and the Hamilton soundtrack
#EduColor
I have thrown out almost all books by white men in favors of non-white stories. I’ve done some of this in the past, but we’ll now read more non-white stories than white stories. It’s a type of aliteracy I can change.
A9 This is my favorite question. Everything I’ve ever read by @PedroANoguera has changed my life, along with Start Where You Are, from Richard Milner and WE GOT THIS by my buddy @MisterMinor#Educolor
In reply to
@EduColorMVMT, @PedroANoguera, @MisterMinor
Q9 Attend conferences that are applicable to your subject area, and use EACH OTHER as resources. Aspire to new implement resources and techniques each week, month, etc. #Educolor
A7: I want to incorporate social justice into my school counseling work and find the grants and support to do so. I also want to help other School Counselors see the importance and integration of social justice as an essential part of our advocacy work #EduColor
I struggle w/the reality of working within this busted system. Trying to create/force change in uncomfortable spaces, but I’ve found that each challenge has given me more strength. Comm can support by doing what we do—listen, encourage, tell the truth, be allies. #EduColor
Throughout the year I stay in close contact with my students and their families. I become their extended family. Relationships created throughout the year are acknowledged through written communication to those who support my students and families. This will continue. #EduColor
A4: I was totally surprised by the level of engagement and deep learning that occurred in a course in which I chose new texts and planned a course that I really wanted to teach! #EduColor
A4: What surprised me this year was, even after some of the L’s I took, I collected enough W’s to make up for them. It kept me in the classroom one more year. #EduColor
I feel ur fire Pat. ALL that heat is how I feel about reading. Disrupting white canon, flooding schools w/culturally relevant AND sustainable texts/books and ensuring teachers have spaces to lock into comprehensively responsive pedagogical practices #EduColor
A8: I hope staff can set aside their discomfort or fear of losing power/control and truly allow student-driven learning to happen. Students are capable of far more than some of us realize. #educolor
folks folks folks let's help out!!
I mean @TheJLV may or may not have a book.
Also I love @TheWeirdTeacher's work
Also Bell Hooks. Freire. @PedroANoguera.
and also, try to take time to read things just for you, too. :) #educolor
Thank you for joining us tonight! And special thanks to hosts Christina Torres (@biblio_phile) and Knikole Taylor (@knikole) for our conversation tonight. #EduColor
