#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Wednesday February 17, 2016
The biggest struggle I’ve overcome in the classroom has been integrating technology in the classroom.
Good morning, I'm Mark from Indy. Been up since 3 for some strange reason, so ready to roll
I teach because I get to spend my days with kids.
Hey Elisa! Thank you so much for joining us!
Good morning Carla checking in from Santo Domingo.
My fav T from elementary is coming to read at my school next wk!30 yrs and still making a difference for me! https://t.co/E5CER3jsTg
Today's Topic: What is a struggle you found in teaching that you were proud to overcome?
'Mornin' y'all! Lisa, ESE support facilitation from central Florida joining.
Looking for a great conference to attend? This is it! Houston Apr 8/9! Would love to see you there! https://t.co/ec1cf5PuBe
Letting go. It went against what I was so used to, but I'll never go back.
Good morning friends! David MS Principal form VA here on this Hump Day morning! Hope everyone is well!
Morning! Allyson from Michigan checking in for the first time
Good morning friends. Jealous of your cold weather. I've already sweated thru one change of clothes after morning events outside
Good morning, ! Jamie from NC.
I also of the people I share the building with
Good morning . Stacey from NJ. Going on day 2 w/o coffee (by choice). "Please don't poke the sleeping bear."
Welcome! You'll never not check in again! This is a great way to start the day
Organization was very hard for me at the beginning. Luckily, I had great examples in my Dept to follow.
Good for you! You can do it!
Hi hope you have a great day!
For me, overcoming the idea that every other teacher was better than me. and I could reach my Ss
You can do this w/o coffee! :-)
i'm going on minute 2 w/out so I definitely know how you feel. :)
I teach because every day is different. I am learning all the time. I implement my learning & get feedback if it's working or not.
Remember to use both the and the Hashtags during this chat!
Good morning ! Struggle we overcame in our bldg was student discipline. Became proactive instead of reactive.
Hi Anna here from Australia. Hope all is well in the Northern Hemisphere.
Good morning Lori from central OH joining in after a nice run on this 30* mornjng👊🏻😃
Struggle overcome...heavy reliance on textbooks...turned to more authentic takes/problems, sometimes informed by students.
Ouch! Best of luck! (I know I couldn't do it--I can go w/o lots of things but coffee isn't one of them!)
Hi everyone say hi to Allyson, !!!! https://t.co/UDj80y32tc
Morning! Allyson from Michigan checking in for the first time
Good morning Mark. Its definitely the people that make the difference!
Good morning ! Betsy from nj here enjoying this slightly warmer weather...
How did you pull that off?
Great question It doesn't seem like a struggle NOW, but I really had to let go of being a control freak and grading everything.
My biggest struggle was feeling like I had to grade everything. Took awhile to figure out grading has zero to do with learning
I'm coffee free since 1981.
I wonder how many of us have yet to have our coffee...
Now I'm kind of like, "Why was I banging my head against the wall all those years?" LOL and ... ow.
Hmm, I never thought about that but yeah, that was a problem for me.
One struggle that I overcame was becoming a better LAL T. I'm specialized in SS but I also have to teach LAL-overcame it after yr 1
YES! Think textbooks should be a resource, not THE source for learning
Excited for ! Never would have thought I would be using this much technology. PLNs like help greatly.
Yes! The freedom to allow Ss to design their own projects/problems, knowing there is no answer in the back of a book.
Good Morning and welcome!
Realizing that I didn't have to b "liked" by the Ss. I had b their teacher, not their best friend (was WAY younger @ the time!)
Jealous of yours, Ryan! My bones are frozen.
I used to stay in my box. Can’t grow if you don’t take try new things and see what else can be learned! Risk leads to growth.
It's 5:30. Coffee in hand. No place I'd rather be. Good morning, ! https://t.co/gbAp098Xzb
Today's Topic: What is a struggle you found in teaching that you were proud to overcome?
Good morning, . I'm Ku, Learning Coach in rainy Argentina, a welcomed change during the heat wave.
Thats one I see a lot in new teachers.
The biggest struggle for me is other Ts who say nay. The nay sayers. They really cramp my style... But I try to fight back
Good Morning! Still on vaca, but woke up early to join you all!
For me it was overcoming the idea that my way was the best/only way. Tough realization for a lot of Ts, but liberating.
My struggle to let go of control is an ongoing process, but so worth it!
A struggle that I overcame was separating myself from negative staff & finding my own voice!! https://t.co/M7nyjVQ6Yx
My daughter reports the same from Uganda! In the midst of elections there...and protests.
Truly listening to kids is always a challenge because it may or may not fit neatly w/the agenda we may be required to push forward.
Moving from 3rd to 1st was not my choice, but it made me a better T and I LOVE those kids and that GL!
1 Struggle that I overcame was fitting in w/a staff that wanted the previous T working with them. That was hard to overcome
The biggest struggle was comparing myself to other teachers. Couldn't help myself. It hurt my teaching.
I try & make sure new Ts I hire understand that but it is a process. How r things in MD today?
G'day Stacey! How come you're off coffee? I hope you're well? 😄
Indeed. I still have the old notebooks I used to use grading everything...late points, zeros, extra credit...a mess!
only human nature to compare ourselves to others
yes Tried to be their friend. Learned that if you are a good & fair Ts they will like you (or not) its OK https://t.co/rpKtoqOviO
Realizing that I didn't have to b "liked" by the Ss. I had b their teacher, not their best friend (was WAY younger @ the time!)
Can I say I'm a little jealous of your warm weather?? 😜 https://t.co/N1zqNz0TvP
Good morning friends. Jealous of your cold weather. I've already sweated thru one change of clothes after morning events outside
A struggle that I am proud of overcoming is persuading Ts regarding the reluctance to connect with their classes globally.
I struggled w/clsrm mgt as a new T. Don't ever remember it being addressed in undergrad.
Good morning. Tim from VA checking in. Big struggle for me was finding opportunities for Ss to create in math. Now it's priority 1. .
A struggle I overcame was moving grade levels and school without my permission
I went through that one too - it's liberating!
Moving from Kindergarten after 10+years to Gr. 6 and integrating tech at the same time. Mind blowing! https://t.co/G3PwRRh4wK
Today's Topic: What is a struggle you found in teaching that you were proud to overcome?
Woke up w a headache (not sure it's related).
A struggle for me was prioritizing.. I wanted to do and take on everything. Spent every minute working until I was worn out
I fight back by doing & saying "why not?" I can't grow if I don't embrace change!
Hope she's staying safe. We have elections coming in Nov here. People are ready for change!
Struggle at first = Learning that it was ok to ask for help.
This is a really good one. I c more collaboration from younger Ts these days https://t.co/dsQPyeAizl
For me it was overcoming the idea that my way was the best/only way. Tough realization for a lot of Ts, but liberating.
This is a really good one. I c more collaboration from younger Ts these days https://t.co/dsQPyeAizl
For me it was overcoming the idea that my way was the best/only way. Tough realization for a lot of Ts, but liberating.
Good morning from Lancaster, PA!
Another is simply getting Ts on board with using Twitter for professional development.
A struggle I am always overcoming is the realization that I don't have to be liked by all my Ss and still be an effective teacher.
yes all too common problem I'm afraid
Real teaching = real world problems - real motivation for your Ss. No, really! https://t.co/acsot6nesz
Struggle overcome...heavy reliance on textbooks...turned to more authentic takes/problems, sometimes informed by students.
They don't even try to teach classroom management! Drives me crazy.
Gaining that confidence was a struggle for me too. https://t.co/QKeLNp220Z
For me, overcoming the idea that every other teacher was better than me. and I could reach my Ss
I think that's evidence of teacher isolation. Everyone is in a little red schoolhouse if we don't break down the walls
Yes, but I'll warn you, its beyond warm. 😎
. For me, realizing that even the best laid plans don't always go well, just roll with it, laugh, compromise and move forward. 🤓
Me...believe or not, I don't drink it. I'll consume 2 or 3 Diet Pepsis today though
. this. So true & my biggest struggle. Sometimes objectives/targets are so much that lack of organization is inevitable
Sometimes the struggle of negativity around you can be a challenge to overcome...low morale.
I am a principal now, as a teacher biggest struggle was figuring out how to manage class without rewards or punishments
Giving Ss time to answer.
Silence can be painful, but I've needed to learn patience. They'll talk eventually! Lol
Learning to find balance between teaching and home life.
Absolutely! I am a control freak about other things now that I will probably let go in another 5 years!
so true learning to do less but be more efficient. In long run better for both us & Ss https://t.co/XtIX5oLB9v
A struggle for me was prioritizing.. I wanted to do and take on everything. Spent every minute working until I was worn out
Yeah. I yelled A LOT my first couple of years. Now I only raise my voice in exciting parts of stories.
Joining one of the 1st pilot teams in my middle school in 1990. Became part of hard-working team & led to great yrs. of teaching
like & respect are 2 different things. Important to learn difference. Often by challenging thinking
I gave up all soda years ago. Every now and then I'll have root beer with pizza.
Organization & time management. Desk is still a hot filled mess but I'm organized & effectively manage time.
Learning when to say no and when to say yes in my career.
Balance..always a struggle for me. Balance in everything.
I've been reading a lot about restorative justice programs. Do you use anything like that? https://t.co/kKQGdVnrwK
Good morning ! Struggle we overcame in our bldg was student discipline. Became proactive instead of reactive.
Biggest hurdle - understanding less is more. Wait time isn't just for ???s. Ss need time to absorb, massage, & manipulate ideas.
being flexible to the chaos and mess that teaching is. Great learning comes from the struggle within the process😀
A big one I see in teachers today is over reliance on the curriculum. We dont teach planing anymore.
I'd say proud of giving up total control of learning in my classrooms. Letting kids explore more these days
The biggest struggle I have is educating the parents - having them realise that it is their child's edu journey, not theirs.
it's like coffee but more caffeinated !!!!!
I just smile, nod, and try to listen to see what the real issue is with them
last year i gave up "giving up stuff for lent" for lent. So this year I can't give up anything.
Okay . How do we help new teachers learn this stuff early?
My school friends think I'm crazy!
As an admin, learning to NOT solve problems others can solve!
so, so hard! I often want to solve problems for Ss, but creating brain wrinkles are the most important
Often the nayers are questioning logistics: "How can it happen?" "How are you gonna do that?" "But what if..."
What was my biggest struggle ... thinking I am alone in my struggle ... thankfully my helps me through the struggle
...including asking help from Ss.
New teachers need to have really great mentors.
That's a real thing. Guiding teachers to find solutions is a hard process.
So true Kathi. Some of the best lessons come out of the chaos of scrapped lessons that just went wrong.
I just have to have caffeine. It never used to help & I didn't need. Now, I'm dependent. I need to follow 's lead
An ongoing struggle is balance. Balance teaching Ss, Ts, helping Admin, improving library, not overwhelming self
Making that positive connection with the student and parent first sets the tone and creates the path ahead. Yes!
And again, often a reflection of T isolation. It's the best way and only way b/c it's all you know. Like Plato's cave!
True but optimists can never give up.Refuel and keep on.Never know who may really need those positive words. https://t.co/rWkcehnXpN
Sometimes the struggle of negativity around you can be a challenge to overcome...low morale.
Yes...And now as a tech coach I find myself asking Ss all the time for help! :)
I still haven't managed this one. Wish I could be more convincing
similarly, struggling with actually wanting to solve issues by myself. Many Ts avoid a PLN as if it's a weakness
take the time to talk to them ( & listen) & share https://t.co/DbUfnGNORp
Okay . How do we help new teachers learn this stuff early?
change teaching cert courses to address real issues with Ts. Mine at was brilliant at doing so
Yes! This is my biggest pet peeve as a teacher. We must learn to collaborate to innovate.
Not an easy step to take, but it can be so liberating for T and Ss.
I'm hoping to drag a few more along on Fri. Leading a workshop for our PD days!
Empower them, give them opportunities to share their voice, use reflective conversations. https://t.co/Kb8mHseA0p
Okay . How do we help new teachers learn this stuff early?
I would love to hear more about your Teacher Training Program. https://t.co/jgx95lKNBr
change teaching cert courses to address real issues with Ts. Mine at was brilliant at doing so
nothing wrong with being a little crazy...right?!
. clsrm mgt is not taught well in college, because it's less about management and more about the environment we create
"you do you, boo" you're the best you you can be.
If you live in the cave, all you get is a shadow of yourself.
And that times have changed since they sat at a desk.
I recently wrote an article for ASCD on leadership addressing this, will be released in March.
Two of my kids are awake. Tis my cue! Pushing in some QT before it's time to leave for work. Bye!
so important for Ts to share & collaborate get us out of our vacuum https://t.co/LMVns8Azgk
And again, often a reflection of T isolation. It's the best way and only way b/c it's all you know. Like Plato's cave!
True. So perhaps it should be a unit in "Classroom Environments Class"
Graded too many papers, cared too much about the "experienced" teachers thought...had to find my own teaching voice and style
Finding their strengths & recognizing them,supporting growth in other areas Relationships and conversations https://t.co/cYofISRk4l
Okay . How do we help new teachers learn this stuff early?
Guilty, too :(
Took a strong mentor to guide me to a better place!
that is a great one- letting go of the tried and true and forging ahead with new! Good for you!
I found my college courses to be more about method than anything else-didn't feel it was a good use of time
Excellent! Little by little. They will be there even if it's lurking.
Tell them your door is open. Tell them your story & offer them help if they want it.
Thanks back to work. Enjoy the day!
My brother in law has an amazing program where he takes student teachers and begins pd with them. Don't have to st in his district.
Add in taking my own classes and you've outlined my constant struggle. It's tough to balance https://t.co/bN4mI5xDwj
An ongoing struggle is balance. Balance teaching Ss, Ts, helping Admin, improving library, not overwhelming self
Awesome!! I can't wait to read it!!!
guide them through the experience ... don't try to take it away ... the struggle is what makes us grow.
Yes! Restorative justice is the only way to go IMO. It brings a whole new way of thinking to any issue.
I struggle to find adequate time for reflection on my practice. I've found blogging holds me accountable to that
Love this! Not an easy challenge!
