The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Hola pencil friends! Rachael here from Palm Coast, FL. I teach 5th grade Science, and the amazing @MagicPantsJones is one of my partner teachers! #2pencilchat
Hey everyone, Priscilla here. I'm the one who teaches in the all male juvenile detention center in Maryland. I taught math there in the past. I'm currently the Career teacher. I'm also principal certified. #2PencilChat
This year, as a school, we are embracing #WEgrow ... For me I like using the word "yet" with students and colleagues. Growth Mindset at work #2PencilChat@MagicPantsJones
This year, as a school, we are embracing #WEgrow ... For me I like using the word "yet" with students and colleagues. Growth Mindset at work @MagicPantsJones
A1: I want to focus on the word 'student'. Is what we're doing student-centered? Is it helping students or hurting them? Is this something the students need or does it mostly benefit the adults? Our students should be the starting point for everything we do. #2pencilchat
A1 Listen. Share. Support. Relationships. Awesomizer. Somehow I think these few words can cover a lot of ground in terms of influence and culture. #2PencilChat
A1 I always look for empowerment and engagement, but before we can point in that direction, my kids this year need more belief and inspiration. #2PencilChat#MaslowBeforeBlooms
These are two great words. Visioneering reminds me of Imagineering. I think the two together could be magic. Another word I would add is people. It will always be About t the people behind these words that make it happen. #2PencilChat
Trust, support, and fun. If Ss and parents know that the teachers are supportive, Ts support each other, and school is fun, all interactions are more positive.
All is great here man! Hope the new year in your school is off to a great start! Love the setup. If only I could be a fly on the wall...or an awkward stranger in the corner just chilling taking in the radness of your class. The fly would be more low profile. 😂 #2PencilChat
It's been a roller coaster, but I've got some neat kids. If you find yourself on a Florida trip at some point, you're totally invited to visit! #2PencilChat
A1: The words I constantly use in my classroom are Kindness, Integrity, Responsible, Respectful, and Teamwork. These are a combination of our school expectations and my classroom expectations. I want my Ss to learn skills that will help them in every aspect of life. #2PencilChat
A1. When looking at school culure, it's important to understand sub-culture. Also, I would focus on the word "time." It takes time to change culture, especially an entrenched culture. #2PencilChat
A2- One change we made this year was to bring all the kids together right away on the first morning to read this book. By the end, all the Ss were saying "All are welcome here" in unison. It was such a beautiful way to start. #2PencilChat
A2 - Set the example! If you want to work in an environment that is neat, kind, and helpful then you should BE neat, kind, and helpful. Changes in culture have to start somewhere. Why not let it start with you? #2pencilchat
A2
Music
Kindness
Share your excitement to see you students
Find reasons to enjoy yourself with your students as you're all learning.
Give chocolate to teachers.
#2PencilChat
A2 Start by having everyone learn names (including how to spell & pronounce), but there aren’t quick and easy tricks to build culture. It happens over time when a community does something meaningful together.
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A1: My goal this year is to have one foundational key word that everything else is built upon. My key word this school year is Service. My goal is to serve my students and peers to help make each other better. #2PencilChat
A2: Start by building relationships with those near you. Your classroom neighbors, the ones you eat lunch with. Really listen to what they are saying. #2PencilChat
A2. Start with the small, simple things like saying good morning to everyone, asking them how they are and actually meaning it. Also, praise in public the things that you already see that are positively happening for your school culture. #2PencilChat
I show this video at the start of the school year--it is very powerful and opens the door to conversation about diversity: https://t.co/oSoPDM7BO8#2pencilchat
A2: Greeting Ss as you pass them & enter classroom, spending time playing w/Ss during recess/PE/Lunch, hosting lunch gatherings in classroom or eat with Ss on their turf, collaborative proj bet classes/Gr Levels, allow Ss to offer ideas ESPECIALLY dur diff times #2PencilChat
A2.2 Other ways to influence culture: Go first when asking people to do something hard. Ask questions. Notice what people care about and say that back. Learn. Change. When you’re wrong, own it and grow from it. #2PencilChat
A1 Independence is at the center of my focus for students. In order to become lifelong learners, they need to have the tools to seek knowledge & take risks independently. How often can I put things back in their hands instead of doing it for them? #2PencilChat
Little things can make the biggest difference! If there aren't little things happening people won't always buy into the big changes that need to happen. #2PencilChat
Little things can make the biggest difference! If there aren't little things happening people won't always buy into the big changes that need to happen. #2PencilChat
A2 Using color. I went to an elementary open house last night and realize how colorful those classrooms are compared with the average secondary room. #2PencilChat
A2: School culture starts with the staff and teachers. Kindess is a big thing in my class, so I make sure to model that in my interactions with students and even others I see in the hallway that I don't know. Kindess is free, sprinkle it everywhere! 🌈 #2PencilChat
A2). Protect teachers time. Be prepared for staff meeting. Highlight great things happening in the school. BUT the most important thing you can do is to just listen LISTEN. #2PencilChat
Last year Ss used the film to spearhead a anti-racism service learning project. They showed the video to the whole school. I was so proud of them. #2pencilchat
A3: I look at who is trying something new. Generally those folks are open to my crazy ideas. Once they're hooked on the idea, then we get to work. #2PencilChat
I went into one of those "Classroom Supply Stores" this summer looking to update my decor. Too elementary focused. Sad that most things are geared for littles. #2PencilChat
A3 Start with the teachers who don't begin every conversation by complaining about their students or the administration. We all vent sometimes, but if that's every conversation, start somewhere else! #2PencilChat
It's a huge "I SEE YOU!!!" We can't build a new culture without recognizing and celebrating the diverse ones that exist in our extensive school family. #buyin#cultureswithincultures#2PencilChat
A3 I listen for others who talk about students, cultural relevance, and their own growth. When people complain, I ask questions in search of what we can do about the issue together. #2PencilChat
A3: Many times they find you! I've had the pleasure of collaborating with difference makers within my school to create opportunities for many diverse learners. The focal point here is growth-mindset. #2PencilChat
It's a huge "I SEE YOU!!!" We can't build a new culture without recognizing and celebrating the diverse ones that exist in our extensive school family. #buyin#cultureswithincultures#2PencilChat
A3. By first not saying anything about wanting cultural change; but truly listening to the conversations that both Ss, Ts and school personnel and volunteers are saying. You'll find the ones who are ready, willing and able to help you with your mission. #2PencilChat
What grade or subject do you teach? I use a lot of news stories to provide rationale and inspire their investment. We try to work with community organizations too. #2pencilchat
A3: Find the teachers who haven't lost their passion. Sometimes it's difficult, but I'm very fortunate to have two amazing partner teachers who consistently keep a positive outlook, and are passionate about educating our students. I have many allies around my school! #2PencilChat
Backyard coaster rides with your kids is EXACTLY how you should be spending summer evenings. Twitter will still be here when you're done #RealConnections#2PencilChat
Hey #2PencilChat Jo from Wednesday just dropping in to say hi. Sorry can’t be with you this fine day - Wednesday is a great day- enjoy it when it comes!
You've got a point. Sometimes complaining and venting can be a starting point to working on change, but if you JUST do that, you're not changing anything. #2PencilChat
Thx! It's a sure way for me to genuinely build culture in my classroom. Not tied to a curriculum, but instead to honest, exploratory learning. #2PencilChat
A3 - I sometimes listen for the people who are frustrated by something and then ask if they want to work together to do something about it. If not, then they were just complaining to complain and ain't nobody got time for that #2pencilchat
A3: Find likeminded colleagues who believe in or share your goals! These are the people who will support the movement. They are your team! #2PencilChat
A3). Finding the leaders that everyone in the school loves and respects. It could be the bookkeeper, custodian, TOY or AP. Find a leader and ask them to help you lead. #2PencilChat
A4: I'm a work in progress, but try my best to focus the conversation on something that connects us, something that we have in common. You never know whats going on behind the scenes with others, best to be understanding and listen. #2PencilChat
Agreed - my heart breaks for them, though. Many of them are formerly idealistic teachers who got broken and never got put back together right. #2PencilChat
A4: Being a first year teacher, I have to keep in mind that I came into teaching with a passion and a goal to change my little corner of the world. I try to bring positivity back to those that might've gotten lost in all of the politics. We're a team afterall! #2PencilChat
A4. You need to listen & understand these people. If they're frustrated but want change, dialogue & develop a plan. If they're entrenched & stuck, honestly don't waste your time. You won't get anywhere. Go where the momentum is. Maybe they'll hop on board; maybe not.#2PencilChat
Using facts and figures about jobs, salaries, income, happiness. . . .that helps to root the information in the real world, provide rationale. #2pencilchat
YES!!! I❤️starting w/Ts who are not there yet. I know they just need a change in mindset, exp, & dose of time & patience. I get them through constant check-ins & honest talks, plus I use their Ss. Those who are on board already are easy & don't need much coaching. #2PencilChat
A4 - Complaining is a choice. You can choose not to feed into it. Listen. Acknowledge that they are frustrated. Point out the good. If all else fails, walk away. #2pencilchat
A4: I listen politely, nod my head, and offer another more positive spin. #2PencilChat Sometimes that’s all it takes. Sometimes they just want to be heard. ❤️❤️❤️
Yes!! There are very few teachers who would genuinely be resistant to change if they had exposure, time, patience, and/or a change in mindset. People are usually willing to help as long as they feel valued and supported. #2PencilChat
I find that people who are negative become so because they don't feel heard or empowered. So vocal negativity is their last resort. Listen to them. They have hopes and dreams and are frustrated. Can you empower them? Will you dare/care to try? #2pencilchat
The key to any significant change is the Ss. Get Ss on board and the headmaster has to at least listen...and then disappoint them if not on board. #2pencilchat
A4: I walk away. Give them time to think about what I've said. It's more about planting the seed than growing the largest pumpkin immediately. #2PencilChat
A5. Become a member of the school improvement team. Be a member of the PTA/PTSO. Ask how you can help. Brainstorm ideas to share at the next team or faculty meeting.#2PencilChat
A5 - I approach my principal with positivity. I come with the end result in mind and a suggested idea of what to do instead of just complaining about what I think needs to change. #2pencilchat
A5 I usually set out to do good stuff, and then I start to talk and share as I get results. I'd like to get to the point where I share bigger ideas before trying them, though...
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It's important to begin w/areas of strength, dreams, inspiring stories of people. . .this is a great book to read that helps to build a great school culture. I read it and use a lot of the ideas. #2pencilchat
A5. I find it interesting that a "P" wouldn't be on board w/ trying to positively change school culture. That's principal school 101. But, if they're not, politely try to find out why. For us, many times it's b/c headquarters won't allow us. Then, take it from there. #2PencilChat
