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.
I enjoy the snow, but I suspect this won't stay. Last year it came to stay after December 5 or so. Rain in Florida sounds lovely so long as it's warm rain! #2PencilChat
I am super thankful for the fact that I get to have an impact on my students in a positive manner, and watch them as they have those lightbulb moments of understanding! #2PencilChat
A1. In my career that I have been able to meet and build friendships through #EdCamp and @twitter chats. Also that I have found an amazing new school home! #2PencilChat
A1: Everything about the school of which I am blessed to be a part of - the culture, the community, my fam-ulty, my students, the students who aren’t my students, their families, the arts that are practiced at my school... https://t.co/552ajFbMiq.ALL!!!#2PencilChat
A1: I am grateful for many amazing people I work with @NBFelem along with a very caring and understanding administration. Most of all I am grateful for the opportunities that I get as an educator to make a difference for my students. #ILoveMyJob! #2PencilChat
A1. There are so many things I have been thankful for! One was all of the marvelous, caring educators who I worked with as we were an amazing team of learners. #2Pencilchat
A1: Evenmet my wife at my school at parent-teacher conferences... had her older son in class. My joke is “Parent engagement is so important at our school that I married a parent!!!” #2PencilChat
A1 More than anything, I'm grateful for the people in my life. Between direct colleagues, my PLN, parents, and students, I feel like I've truly led a charmed life! #2PencilChat
A1: I am thankful to have had the chance to teach both internationally and here in Ontario. It has been both eye-opening and horizon-broadening. #2PencilChat
A1: I am thankful for all the great leaders and educators I have had the opportunity to serve with during these 15 years! I learned tons from each one of them! #2Pencilchat
A1: hands down the Ss!! Their wit, their perseverance, their silliness, their trust, their ideas, their laughter, their questions, and so much more. #2PencilChat
I'm thankful for a career that keeps me on my toes, provides me constant opportunity to learn and to connect with students. I wouldn't want any other career! #2PencilChat
A1. I was OVER THE MOON thankful when these amazing educators came to celebrate our years together when we traveled through Wisconsin this summer. It was so terrific to see them again after almost two decades! #2PencilChat
A1: Hands-down I'm most thankful for my partner teachers, @MagicPantsJones and @EmileeBragg! I wouldn't have made it this far into my first year of teaching without them. ❤ #2PencilChat
A2. This student wears "a little kindness can change everything" tshirt on #internationalkindnessday - I appreciate how students can make me smile! #2PencilChat
A1: being able to see the successes of my students as they grow up. Living in the same town I teach in provides me with ongoing connections for years #2PencilChat
A2: Being them! Nothing better when you’re having a “not so great” day than going to the primary grades hallway and talk to the students! They’ll tell you the greatest stories and the funniest things. #2Pencilchat
A2: They are kind to each other and to me. Once when I told them I wasn't feeling so confident, someone anonymously emailed me letting me know they thought I was doing a great job and to keep up the good work. To this day I go back and read that email. #2PencilChat
I appreciate how helpful they are to others and the amount empathy they show. Nothing melts your heart more than seeing two students interact and work together for an amazing outcome #2pencilchat
A2 I’m thankful for my students’ willingness to try new things, to share their authentic selves and stories, their curiosity, their creativity, their kindness, and their commitment to justice. #2PencilChat
A2: My Ss make me smile, sometimes with them, sometimes to myself later on. They are wonderfully whacky and never cease to amaze and surprise me. Just when I think I have them figured out, they change it up. I am never bored! #2pencilchat
A2 I love when they try/stretch themselves. I love when they show love and kindness to each other. I love when they take a moment to say something nice to me, or give me a hug. I'm grateful for my kids! #2PencilChat
A2. When they say hi to me when they see me in another part of the facility. They don't have to do that. Also, when they ask me how my cancer treatment is going. Finally, when they ask me questions they weren't willing to ask other Ts. #2PencilChat
A2. My students—even the ones I wouldn’t have expected it from—are quick to be kind to one another. They look out for each other. It’s so sweet to watch! #2PencilChat
A2 I’m thankful or my students’ wonderful parents and guardians, who support their growth as readers, writers, thinkers, and human beings. I couldn’t do my work without their partnership. #2PencilChat
A2: When Ss start to see that your purpose is to guide them with their learning and growth. I appreciate when they appreciate what we do for them. #2PencilChat
Checking in from Ponce Inlet, FL. It’s 77 degrees here, but that’s going to change in the next couple of days. I spent the last three hours in parent-teacher conferences, so I’m extra glad to be with y’all tonight! #grateful365#2PENCILCHAT
A2: One reason I like working with kids is that they have no agendas (unlike adults). They appreciate what you do with sincerity. Their flexible perspectives, their out of the box dreams, their positivity is like an elixir that keeps me going. #2PencilChat
We worked so very hard to build a sense of community and the school being a place that was open from 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM for all to use. I worked in many places over the years and this group understood the sense of family. #2PencilChat
That’s what my wife says. I have one who still won’t give me a fist bump at the end of the day(our routine) he is warming up to me though. 😎 #2pencilchat
A3 first of all, great question Nathan. What a wonderful idea. My answer is Professor X. He always tries to see the best in everyone and helps them find their true being. #2PencilChat
Moved to the district I teach in a few years back...best decision I could make as an educator...also not on this chat...but I usually can't help myself Haha. #2PencilChat
A3: I am able to work with a supportive & wonderful team. Open to new ideas & ready to try new things. As a team, we are not afraid to scrap something when it is not working. #2PencilChat
A3: We our jobs seriously, but we take ourselves lightly... my colleagues remind me of MASH... they’re just great people; in fact, they’re the finest kind. #2PencilChat
A3: My team is my family. I rely on them for so much more than school-related support. They keep me grounded and praise me! I love knowing I can count on them 24/7/365 #2pencilchat
A3. The concept of "WE" can move mountains. I went to Hobby Lobby and grabbed a 'w' and an 'e' and displayed them in my office to be sure our conversations reflected what we strongly believed in. #2PencilChat
A3: Shout out to the staff at Katoh Gakuen. I'm so fortunate to work with all of them because they are flexible, professional, and most importantly care about the tremendous responsibility that we have towards helping students. #2PencilChat
A3: We are like a family. We support each other and care for each other in the good times and the sad. Best part about my district is the heart of the staff #2PencilChat
Popping in a bit late to tonight’s #2PencilChat, but I’m glad to be here! I’m Marlee, a K-5 Instructional Technology Facilitator from Harnett County Schools in North Carolina.
A3-I work with an incredible group of learners. We're always sharing-what we're doing, what we're reading, what's working ,what we should try next. We share our passions-Ts play guitar while Ss eat breakfast, others take Ss for a run when they need to burn off energy #2PencilChat
A3: At my school we are always striving for the best for our Ss. We want Ss to do well academically, but also want them to love learning and enjoy/experience life. We encourage, take feedback and learn how to make the classroom better each day! Supportive admin too. #2pencilchat
A3: the team I get to work with as a student teacher is incredible and so encouraging of me and of each other. They are always willing to try new things to make it more interesting and enjoyable for the students! Teamwork for sure! #2PencilChat
A3. We worked in one of the lowest achieving elementary schools in IL and had mountains to move the 1st few years of our SIG. Ah, but we began with building a very strong team! This picture is from one of our beginning the year team building sessions. #2PencilChat
That is HUGE for a Ss teacher. I have been in that situation recently (Im a BT in my second yr) Glad you have that for your intro to the ed world!! #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat - please take a minute and follow Ryann. I just noticed that she didn't yet have even one follower. Let's support Ryann in the educational journey!!
A3: the team I get to work with as a student teacher is incredible and so encouraging of me and of each other. They are always willing to try new things to make it more interesting and enjoyable for the students! Teamwork for sure! #2PencilChat
A3. I try to relate a lot of things in the classroom to the gym because I spend so much time there. So,below are some of the good words that are in my classroom. #2PencilChat
A1: I’m so thankful for the opportunity to connect with others—students, families, and especially other educators. Those relationships are so meaningful and are honestly what keeps me going on days when I’m struggling to keep my head above water. #2PencilChat
A3: I think great teams of educators are able to work through anything. Learning from one another, introducing resources, thinking through culture of the school/class and the team dynamic. It is hard (like any relationship) but worth it if all are wiling to try! #2pencilchat
A4: Go-to parents are found in our parent guild. I haven't ever needed a parent in a go-to capacity, yet if I did I know the would be there for me. #2pencilchat
A2: They show unapologetic enthusiasm for the things they care about, which motivates me to channel that enthusiasm into the activities that I plan for them. #2PencilChat
Learning from each other is one of the most positive aspects of Twitter. Even after 40 years in education I still learn something new each day when connecting w/ amazing educators. I created this graphic to help everyone 'follow' those in a chat. Hope it works for u #2PencilChat
A4. Where I work, we don't have parent volunteers. I don't get to meet many unless I'm participating in an IEP meeting. So, my response to this Q is that there are certain Residental Advisers that I'm very thankful for b/c without them, I couldn't do my job #2PencilChat
A4: No go-to parent, but I know w/c ones who will be supportive of classroom initiatives or at-home learning. You can rely on them to support their own. I am grateful that they push their children to be the best that they can be & that education is always priority. #2PencilChat
A4. Oh my! Wonderful memories of parents/family members! Many of them I am still connected w/ on Facebook as I love reading about the lives of their children as they grow up. There was Grandmother Mary who sat in the office to pick up her grandson each day Loved her! #2PencilChat
A4: Lots of the Parents in my community are all so supportive and helpful! I have gone out of my way to connect with them and communicate what happens in the classroom and this has been so positive! This makes the year go by in a positive and productive way!#2pencilchat
A3: I’m so blessed to be part of a staff that feels like a family. We look out for each other, step in to take care of each other when needed, and we’re working hard to hold each other accountable and have conversations more focused on solutions than problems. #2PencilChat
A4-- Go to parents are the ones I can always count on for a quick response on @ClassDojo, the ones who always offer to put in the extra effort with their kiddo. Beyond grateful for the parents who put their all into their children. It shows. #2PencilChat
@UnionChief2017 always ends our morning announcements with “Remember I love each and every one of you and nothing you could do will ever change that.” Sets the tone for our babies each day. 💖 #2PencilChat
You're welcome! It really is very easy to use it at the conclusion of a chat to follow all of those who shared their passion for students. #2PencilChat
A4: This is honestly something I miss from being in the classroom. My favorite parents were the ones who introduced themselves by saying they were there to support me, and who meant it when they said to reach out if you need anything at all. #2PencilChat (1/2)
One of my favorite families stepped in and helped out in many ways when I was in the 3rd grade classroom, like by coming to my rescue and sending in last minute Oreos so we could do a super fun moon phases lesson. (2/2) #2PencilChat
Q4 We have many supportive parents who bring us treats, feed us lunch and just make us feel appreciated! I teach grades 5-7, and I feel like I have go-to parents who help in my classrooms in every grade. #parentswhocare#2PENCILCHAT
I know what you mean. I love using Dojo and I have a few who are on point with responses/sending in supplies etc. if I ask. That is very affirming when you are having a rough week or day. I try to tell them of all the GREAT things Ss are doing in class and send pics #2pencilchat
Can’t chat, but wanted to pop in and say that I’m thankful to work with Sean and some amazing others at WES. No time to tag you all, but you’re loved. #2PencilChat
A5- I'm thankful that I can usually be counted on to be calm and patient. I think my students appreciate that and it shows in how we treat one another. #2PencilChat
A5: How much I’ve grown! I was a horrible teacher when I started. Too much focus on everything that had to be done and taught that I lost sight of the relationships. Halfway through the first semester, I changed the focus and never looked back. #2PencilChat
A5: In my entire career? I am happy that I left botany and environmental consulting to give teaching a try. It's year 12 of teaching, so I think I probably made a good choice, maybe even the right choice. #2PencilChat
A4. I had a core group of parents who helped me set up and run the biggest book fair I have ever done. They were amazing and helped things run smoothly! Also need to give a shout to the #weareunionstem PTO for treating the teachers at my school so well! #2PencilChat
A5: I am happy that I have tried new things (not all have been great) as well as trying to take a break throughout the week to NOT think about lessons etc. It is hard to shut it off, but I think that is the key to longevity. More hrs does not = more productivity. #2pencilchat
A4-- I'm thankful that I'm able to be creative in my career and really make my classroom my own. Everyone is LOVED. I shape their minds & their hearts. Thankful to make time to work on what I enjoy (like currently making Christmas stockings for each of my kiddos!)
#2PencilChat
A4: Y’all. I love my job so much. This is the first year I’ve had a fully flexible schedule and it’s freeing me up to support my school in new and exciting ways. I feel like I’m finally doing this job the way I always wanted to do it, and I love it. A lot. #2PencilChat
A5. When I began schools didn't have even 1 computer (yes, ::grin:: I also walked uphill, a mile in the snow to school each day in MN). I am thankful to have had the opportunity to guide the beginning yrs of something that will help our students soar into the future. #2PencilChat
A5-- I'm thankful that I'm able to be creative in my career and really make my classroom my own. Everyone is LOVED. I shape their minds & their hearts. Thankful to make time to work on what I enjoy (like currently making Christmas stockings for each of my kiddos!)
#2PencilChat
A5: Y’all. I love my job so much. This is the first year I’ve had a fully flexible schedule and it’s freeing me up to support my school in new and exciting ways. I feel like I’m finally doing this job the way I always wanted to do it, and I love it. A lot. #2PencilChat
A5. Even though I miss my FL peeps, I’m glad I took the chance and moved to be closer to my family. It has been quite the process, but I am loving how it is turning out! #2PencilChat
Shut it off .... oh yeah, how I wish I could shut it off ... especially when I sleep! Almost two years later and I still dream about school almost every night. I think it is just part of who we become. #2PencilChat
A5 I'm glad that my teaching is always open to people, and that I've made the effort to get to know so many people in this field! I'm also thankful that I never listened to the advice, "Don't smile til Christmas."
#2PencilChat
A5. Even though I miss my FL peeps, I’m glad I took the chance and moved to be closer to my family. It has been quite the process, but I am loving how it is turning out! #2PencilChat
I'm grateful for you, #2PencilChat Pals! Have a great week, and share the love and thanks everywhere you can! Next week is gonna just be a loose & fun food chat. Whee!
