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 to #txeduchat ! We've got Dr. Amy Fast joining us tonight to get us thinking about our teacher leader possibilities. Introduce yourselves and tell us how you're leading on your campus!
Hi all! I’m excited to host #txeduchat tonight!! I’m Amy Fast, author and high school assistant principal. I’m passionate about empowering teachers and students to change the landscape of education. Can’t wait to “hear” all your thoughts!
Hey! I'm Abby, a pre-service teacher studying elementary and special education at Grove City College in Pennsylvania, but I'm currently working with a virtual co-op from Texas.
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A1)When we hold staff meetings, we expect Ts to be able to sit through a bunch of “sit and get.” We don’t practice what we preach enough. We don’t model behaviors we want our Ts to use in the classroom. #txeduchat
A1: I think the greatest discrepancy is that between the push to build soft skills and relationships versus standardized testing. They couldn’t be more different. #Txeduchat
A1 I'll throw myself out there ... I think many (not all) of use say that we value lifelong learning, but in reality there is a lot of preparation for the test.
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A1. I think the largest discrepancy is the T's desire to prepare S's for the real world, but the politicians make us jump through testing hoops to get $$. And NONE of those hoops prepare Ss for their future. #txeduchat
A1: I feel like people say they value growth mindset but do not apply those practices within the classroom. I aim to get better at this myself. #txeduchat
A1 IEPs for students with special needs but those same students are made to take a state test that falls outside of the bounds of their approved IEP. #txeduchat
A1: I think where the largest discrepancy lies is in the fact that we say that we care about the needs of each of our individual Ss, but we test each of our students the same way.
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A1 Echoing what others have said. A broad education with deep understanding and analysis, vs teaching specific content and recollection to perform on a test. #TxEduChat
A1: I think there is a discrepancy in educators saying they believe all students can learn and actually following through to ensure they do. There is a tendency to make excuses when we need to be finding solutions. #txeduchat
#txeduchat A1 Maybe it’s the effort school’s go to communicate with their community? Take a look at Tarwater Elementary’s site.. https://t.co/Zss6f6ffIw .. the Brag pages are awesome!
A1: I really think we say we value lifelong learning and creating students who are prepared to take risks, but in reality there is a lot of test prep and grading that prevents risk taking #txeduchat
A1: Lots of thoughts are running through my head. Here’s one: differentiate in your classrooms, but we are going to deliver the same PD, faculty meetings, etc. for everyone. #txeduchat
A1: We value students as individuals and know their value isn’t measured in a score, but yet spend a good amount of time on standardized testing. #txeduchat
A1: Seeking improvement along with celebrating progress vs. how we assess & communicate progress w/ students, their families, and our community #txeduchat
A1) #txeduchat I don't know if it is the biggest but a constant issue in fine arts is we say we want to develop well rounded students but when a student is deficient in an area, the first thing they lose is their fine arts class or are pulled from it for RTI. 1/2
A1 This is a tough question. I think it all comes down to aligning what our district mission/values are and how we motivate our students each and every day. #txeduchat
A2: The current power is in the legislation and in the pocketbooks of those with enough time and money. The power should be in the communities, the teachers, and lets not forget the most important...the students #txeduchat
A2 honestly I do not know who holds the power right got now. It seems like everyone has to report to someone. I wish teachers could influence the change, since they are the ones in the trenches. #txeduchat
A1. Schools tend to be measured by standardized test scores but strive to help students develop skills beyond learning course content #txeduchat#txsocialmedia
A1) 2/2 #txeduchat For many students, their fine arts class is the only place they are having consistent success, have a positive relationship with a teacher, or may be their passion. The data is there, studies show it is counterproductive but do it anyway.
A2: We all hold the power to influence change in our schools. Everyone is a leader, and every one of us have the power to bring the ripple effect into the pond in which we serve. Admin, teachers, and parents alike can all bring change. #txeduchat
A1 in @katiemartinedu ‘s book #LCInnovation she talks about our condradicting realities. They’re heavily embedded in “schooling” our young people. I can’t single out one in particular but here’s a great list to start. #txeduchat
I agree. I feel that I spend the greater amount of time from Jan. til the test teaching to it. I hear principals stating that the score doesn't matter, but then we (teachers) are judged based on it. #txeduchat
A2: I think legislators/politicians hold a lot of educational power right now because of funding and focus; the power should belong to all stakeholders. #txeduchat
A2 Teachers & campus admin possess potential to make incredible shifts in edu if willing to pursue positive change w/grit & tenacity. To be the change we must recognize we are capable if we band together. If not we allow those outside of our field to determine our fate #txeduchat
A2 After reading Refugee by Gantz (highly recommend4-8) I have been thinking a lot about the power in the"common man" standing up for a cause. Silence (or complaining) isn't changing anything. We,the educators,should start the movement! But we have to convince the man! #txeduchat
A2: I am totally looking at this question from a higher standpoint, not your every day hallway culture....in that case, everyone should have the power. #txeduchat
A2: I believe the change power is held in the upper management of many (not all) districts. There are many many school leaders and teachers who could be powerful change agents if only they were given the opportunity. #Txeduchat
A1. Discrepancy between funding for at-risk children early enough to cause a HUGE shift in their progress and District goals that state "All student will ...." #txeduchat
A1 in @katiemartinedu ‘s book #LCInnovation she talks about our condradicting realities. They’re heavily embedded in “schooling” our young people. I can’t single out one in particular but here’s a great list to start. #txeduchat
A2: I think politicians hold the power, but teachers should. My former hs teacher @cshsbball1 told me that I would be a superintendent one day because he thought I had the potential to make a difference. I want to see a positive change happen. #txeduchat
A2: Legislature has power. Mandates have power. Administration has power. But as educators, the ones in the trenches, we are the ones who have the opportunity to positively impact our students lives everyday in our classrooms- THAT is power. #txeduchat
A2: I think legislatures hold the power currently. I think that it is up to parents and teachers to rise and demand change, and until that happens I think that the government will continue to demand unattainable goals. #txeduchat
A2: I do believe everyone,-students, parents, teachers, administrators- has influence. I also believe we need to vote as an extension of that influence. #txeduchat
Truth - even though TEA has rules to prevent this, there's always a "loophole" that causes Ss to loose the thing that makes them come to school #txeduchat
A2. Those in a school are the "WE" that can make the change. After 40 years in education - 26 as a principal - I am certain of this. It begins with one person who is positive, builds a strong team, tenacious and places students first! #txeduchat
A1: There’s a huge discrepancy between the conveyed priority of teaching the “whole child” & emphasis that is actually placed on skills/attributes that aren’t directly academic in nature. Education has to evolve to truly include an emphasis on teaching the whole child. #txeduchat
A2)We all have the power to implement change. Simply by affecting those around us. Connecting with each other, educating those who don’t know. #txeduchat
A2. Those in a school are the "WE" that can make the change. After 40 years in education - 26 as a principal - I am certain of this. It begins with one person who is positive, builds a strong team, tenacious and places students first! #txeduchat
A2) #txeduchat If politicians would stop pushing agendas that have a detrimental effect on innovation, local school districts can enact change. We just have to have room to experiment without fear of punitive consequences if the first try doesn't work.
A2. I think it’s telling when those in traditional positions of power (admin, legislatures, school board, etc) have formal platforms on which they can influence whereas those who don’t hold positions (like students) are rarely given platforms. They have to create them #txeduchat
A2: All stakeholders have power, but we are stronger together. Support and vision from school board and upper admin is vital to leading change. #txeduchat
Q3 One way we can lead up is to ask questions and be an example. I look to my leaders for questions and advice for handling difficult situations. #txeduchat
A2: We all (even students) have the power to influence change. Our enthusiasm shines the light on how things should be. Giving the students voice (and actually listening to them) can go a long way towards effecting change. #txeduchat
A3: Like I said earlier, social media is a huge influencer today. Also, being present at school board meetings and other functions is helpful.
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Clara, IC in Coppell jumping into #txeduchat late. A1) If we monitor what we value, our 📆 are usually a good indicator of what we value. Far too often our 📆 are filled with putting out 🔥 instead of building culture that would prevent many 🔥 from happening.
A3: Statewise, we have to hold them accountable by being present, being active, voting. On the campus level, we have to speak up. We have a tendency to get on our islands and have tunnel vision. If we want change, we have to be willing to say what that change is #txeduchat
A3: Every morning I pray for the skill of listening to really hear and also to be heard. Once we understand one another then I become a cheerleader through encouragement and understanding. I hope that’s how it comes across. #Txeduchat
A3: invite the politicians into your school, let them teach with you. (Councilmen, representatives, senators...) Invite them all and see who is willing to actually see the great things going on in our schools every single day #txeduchat
Yes! "Giving the students voice and actually listening to them" - SO powerful! Students can be amazing change agents if we simply provide them opportunity! #txeduchat
A2 who holds the power? Those who hold the money. Who should? Well, I haven’t met a teacher who was not passionate about teaching kids, those in control need to empower teachers and stop creating hoops to jump through #txeduchat
A3: Be genuine, be unselfish, be willing to put the effort into the changes that need to be made. Lead the charge or be willing to follow those who will. #txeduchat
A3. Educators can show how they help students achieve district goals for students learning using a variety of assessment methods #txeduchat#TXSocialMedia
Agreed. It's also helpful when we come together with possible solutions or feasible suggestions for change to show that we are committed to the process as well! #txeduchat
A2. School leaders influence school and classroom policies. They decide professional development and the adult learning culture. Students and families should be the ones leading the change. #txeduchat
A3: Every morning I pray for the skill of listening to really hear and also to be heard. Once we understand one another then I become a cheerleader through encouragement and understanding. I hope that’s how it comes across. #Txeduchat
Q3 One way we can lead up is to ask questions and be an example. I look to my leaders for questions and advice for handling difficult situations. #txeduchat
We step out of our individual comfort zones to initiate change. Challenge the status quo. Plant & nurture seeds of change around you. As it takes root, others who seek to be a part of the movement tend to seeds’ growth. Our kiddos cannot afford for us to be complacent. #txeduchat
We love having that open door for visitors to see our students in action. I love your idea of having stakeholders in the classroom joining in the learning process, too! Powerful! #txeduchat
A2 We all do. Principals set the tone. I'm lucky to be at a campus where our Principal challenge Teachers to change what hasn't work in the past. #txeduchat
A3 Share the successes - educate ourselves - share the truth...unfortunately most Ts don't understand School finance, if we don't understand, how is the gen public to see through the politicians smoke and mirrors? #txeduchat
We step out of our individual comfort zones to initiate change. Challenge the status quo. Plant & nurture seeds of change around you. As it takes root, others who seek to be a part of the movement tend to seeds’ growth. Our kiddos cannot afford for us to be complacent. #txeduchat
A3: We start with authenticity. It’s through connection, noticing the individuals in the group, and listening that our voice will rise. It’s through service that we can bring the buy-in for change. #txeduchat
A2 EVERYONE in the system had the power to change it, but very few believe they do. If campus admin, teachers, students OR other staff decided to really own their school, change would happen—even within constraints created by outside stakeholders. #txeduchat
A3 Step out of our individual comfort zones to initiate change. Challenge the status quo. Plant & nurture seeds of change around you. As it takes root, others who seek to be a part of the movement tend to seeds’ growth. Our kiddos cannot afford for us to be complacent. #txeduchat
A3)They say tell your story or someone else will tell it for you. But, they usually come down on the side of sharing only the highlights. What if we dedicated some of that story to the challenges we face? Interesting concept. #txeduchat
A3: We start with authenticity. It’s through connection, noticing the individuals in the group, and listening that our voice will rise. It’s through service that we can bring the buy-in for change. #txeduchat
I think they appreciate it as well to know that the problem/solution has simmered in our minds and we share in the task of resolution. We are all team players, no matter the rank! #txeduchat
BINGO! I have to admit that there were times when I was asked something and I fully intended to act on it right away ... but a student need rose to the top and then a parent request, and and and ... what a teacher asked fell away :-( Reminders are great!! #txeduchat
I don't know if you saw or not, but Angela Duckworth is continuing her research on grit and including student character as part of the new research...hope she does the same for adult character and grit. #txeduchat
In reply to
@rwootenits, @saldanact, @ShabbyGeek101
A3)They say tell your story or someone else will tell it for you. But, they usually come down on the side of sharing only the highlights. What if we dedicated some of that story to the challenges we face? Interesting concept. #txeduchat
A3: Set the standard. Rise above the limitations we tend to set for ourselves based on other influences. Make your voice heard through the impact you have on your students. Share your success and encourage others to keep doing what is right for our future leaders ❤️ #txeduchat
A2: As human beings the two most powerful gifts we’ve each been given are ourselves and one another. Any one of us has the power influence change if we’re thoughtful & committed enough - especially alongside one another. #txeduchat
Yes! Just like the post I wrote today - we all have the power to be Leaders By Action! We simply have to recognize ourselves and others as such! https://t.co/LaJns7Y4qm#txeduchat
sad to have to check out a bit early tonight #txeduchat -- work is calling! Thanks for some great ideas and a bit of a pep talk to get my opinions heard!
a4: I firmly believe you can lead from where you stand! Leadership is not about position or title. We are all uniquely equipped to change our little corner of the world. #txeduchat
A4 I think it's been said before, but shared leadership and decision-making is critical to initiating any change. It's all about collaboration! #txeduchat
A4. Here is a team of educators who did initiate change and I was blessed to work with them. Together THEY achieved amazing goals that they designed for students! #txeduchat
A4: Students hold a lot of power in making changes for the future of education. Therefore, us teachers should encourage them to use their voices and be leaders for positive change.
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A4B Administrators, teacher leaders, teachers, and even students can help address and initiate the change. After all, it will take all of them to make it happen #justsayin#txeduchat
A1: I think we say we want critical thinkers but yet we’re still teaching to the test in the same way we always have. We haven’t really begun to think outside of traditional methods to teach content that will be tested. #txeduchat
A4: When I was in high school I started a school wide petition because they took 1984 out of the curriculum. After pages of signatures we read it in class a few weeks later. Anyone can initiate a change, it doesn’t just have to be the people in charge. #txeduchat
A4: I think that everyone involved in education has the power to make change happen, but they have to be willing to stand up and initiate the change. #txeduchat
A4 We all have a voice. You’re not defined by your title; you’re defined by your voice and what you bring to the table. Be confident, stand strong, and use your words for action. #txeduchat
I wrote this post about Valuing Vulnerability - what are the lessons we can learn from each other as we grapple with challenges? https://t.co/tsVas9kdfc#txeduchat
A3) #txeduchat Engage in conversation with everyone in a positive manner. Amy's district in McMinnville hosted Betsy DeVos. They could have chosen to say no but instead, were the first visit she made to a public school. Change the dialogue.
A4 Everyone (students, educators, parents, community) should be involved in the necessary changes we need in education. We need all types of leaders & we must listen to #stuvoice. My Leadership page https://t.co/mYagW5jHtu#txeduchat
Best equipped? Depends how you define.The polititicians in terms of easy access to power and the law. In terms of the passion for who it affects the most each day, the Ss and Ts. #txeduchat
A4: If teachers intentionally empower students to develop self-awareness & a growth mindset through reflective quality tool use, the ownership transfers to those we serve. Our learners know their strengths & perceived needs. Listen & act. Results in sustainable change! #txeduchat
A3 & A4 Change is rarely successful when it’s initiated externally. Invite stakeholders who are creating constraints in, & then invite them again & again. But first envision and work towards what you want to be and see if you can do it regardless of constraints. #txeduchat
A4. Equipped...Parents & Community - As Educators we need to be partners - we want the same thing...we need to stop fighting and trace the problem to the real source, not the scape goat. #txeduchat
A4: T have insights as do parents and students. There have been recent data though saying T feel they aren’t having any autonomy. How does this affect their ability to be a leader? #txeduchat
A1: Discrepancy. K-12 and Adulthood. If you mandate participation, aren't you making some sort of promise? Look around, we really don't have all the answers. #txeduchat
A4 Anyone. Fine and support the people with the best and most positive vision and processes. Could be parents, community, corporations, administrators, teachers or students. #TxEduChat
A4: Students and their parents have the insight needed for change. Teachers should encourage students to be leaders. What’s best for kids should be the focus for ALL involved! #txeduchat
A4)Our leadership is best equipped to implement change. Change happens on fundamental levels: master schedule, curriculum, budget decisions. It is a conscious choice. #txeduchat
A4) #txeduchat It has to start with a change agent - a person or event - that starts the process. In our district, our superintendent initiated the discussion but the teachers had to buy in for the change to happen for students.
A2: anyone can change it but we have to create this awareness of what is happening in Austin and at the federal level so that the voters can make educated decisions. #txeduchat
A4)Our leadership is best equipped to implement change. Change happens on fundamental levels: master schedule, curriculum, budget decisions. It is a conscious choice. #txeduchat
So true. It’s cyclical ➡️ Change. Conflict. Growth. The presence of positive change presents a problem for those unwilling to grow & improve. Press on. Ultimately our #KidsDeserveIt#txeduchat
A4: Educators, administration, legislators, students- we are all equipped to make change. Positive change and the most powerful impact happens through collaboration when focused on a common goal- success of our students- ALL students. #txeduchat
I was hired after a National search to be a "change agent" principal for a SIG (School Improvement Grant) - I am still learning every day and embrace the change process :-) #txeduchat
A5: Let them have some autonomy to implement their ideas and be tolerant of the implementation dip. Change takes time! Encourage, brainstorm, HELP! #Txeduchat
A3: I agree with many of you that communication is the key. My district has many district leadership teams that upper admin brings issues to in order to solve or gain T input. I would encourage other Ts to get involved in those and ask questions and give ideas #txeduchat
A5: by listening, encouraging, being a thought partner, and standing next to them when things get difficult or their successes result in push back #txeduchat
A4: If teachers intentionally empower students to develop self-awareness & a growth mindset through reflective quality tool use, the ownership transfers to those we serve. Our learners know their strengths & perceived needs. Listen & act. Results in sustainable change! #txeduchat
A5: When a stakeholder has a idea/ message that offers hope, vision and goals that match those of the organization and has students at the forefront-throw them your support and encouragement. #txeduchat
Visuals help cement concepts into our minds - hopefully, long after a chat ends the graphic of "WE" sticks a 'ittle longer. ::smile:: posting a second time can't hurt? #Txeduchat
A5) #txeduchat As @simonsinek says, they have to feel safe to experiment and sometimes fail. Fear, especially fear of negative consequences, is the biggest throttle of innovation. Start with a few small successes and soon the bullet train will depart the station.
Sad, but it happens. We do what we can where we can how we can. Remembering that it is about the Ss. In my experience, those in that situation don’t last very long. #txeduchat
A5. Cogenerative dialogues give students and families voice and choice in a co-constructed school environment. Affinity groups allow for healing, reflection and action in the adult learning culture. #txeduchat
A5 Bring people together to have authentic conversations. I learned so much this year from a two day PD that included parents. So many insights on the part of the educators and the parents bc we were in the same room for an extended period. #txeduchat
A5. Those learning leaders are intrinsically motivated and don't need to be empowered. Check out what promotes this type of motivation as it is key in helping a team move forward. The team will initiate change! #txeduchat
A6: Teacher burnout would be lower. Students would be empowered to learn instead of taking tests. We could be so much more than we could even imagine. #txeduchat
A6: Schools would certainly be different and would keep up with our changing society. I think that motivation and passion would be higher for everyone involved.
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A6 Genuine commitment & relentless pursuit of fulfilling mission. Willingness to bravely initiate & engage in difficult conversations w/transparency & vulnerabilty. Insatiable desire to improve. Transformation➡️Our mission is not merely what we do, it’s who we are. #txeduchat
A6: Schools would better meet the needs of students! Children would not have to be crammed into a cookie cutter-type education and could step outside the box and be independent thinkers! #Txeduchat
Great visual! Also, at times I felt a little "blue" when the "train" came off the tracks. Ah but, that strong sense of team spirit rose up and the "train" was sailing along again! #txeduchat
A6: What power would the school have! Students, teachers, admin, parents all supporting and investing in the mission. Growth would occur - and not only student achievement. #txeduchat
A6 “it” for me was creating music, promoting gigs, recording, connecting with other bands and touring. This taught me a lot about my world around me, not to mention lots of Maths and English in an authentic context. Everyone should be able to find their own “it” #txeduchat
A6: I think we would find schools excelling, and students happier. I think that educators would feel more compelled to complete "fun" activities that promote learning. #txeduchat
A6: I think that we would notice more of a shift within society...a shift towards tolerance, understanding and problem-solving not just problem-sharing. #txeduchat
I was having a hard time with this one, too! No one gives us our power. Self empowerment comes from within...As educators, shouldn’t we all be empowered to uphold the mission? #txeduchat
#TxEduChat A1: We preach (and attempt to teach) differentiation & uniqueness, but then implement conformity and acquiescence all the time, often in the name of "being respectful to authorities." Tact & respect are important, but are we accidentally teaching kids to be spineless?
A6 But, who should own the mission? Educating the next generation is one of societies most important investments in its own future. We are all stakeholders. #TxEduChat
Hundreds and hundreds of them :-) If I were to begin listing their names surely some would get left off. I adore Twitter and the power it has for educators each and every day. #txeduchat
I see what you mean, I also think that sometimes our successful experiences help us become empowered. The way our teacher leaders felt before this year is different than the way they feel now. #fortbendblends#txeduchat
Hundreds and hundreds of them :-) If I were to begin listing their names surely some would get left off. I adore Twitter and the power it has for educators each and every day. #txeduchat
Please think about an amazing team of educators you know jumping in and getting organized now for #FAR --> explains more about it https://t.co/AAAObdC9nT#txeduchat
Thank you @fastcrayon for helping us imagine what life is like as a teacher leader! Great conversation! Be sure to follow your new connections! #txeduchat
