#MASSPchat Archive

Chats will be moderated by MASSP staff, members of the MASSP Board of Directors and MASSP Members – we will also have special guest moderators on occasion.
Monday April 24, 2017
8:00 PM EDT
  • participatechat Apr 24 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Participate in the upcoming #MASSPchat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/DYM2KgH6Mn
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Welcome to #masspchat Let's start w/introductions. I'm Steve Seward, MASSP Associate Director; Topic of Hiring Educators!
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hello! Paul Hungerford, MS/HS Principal at Fulton Schools. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hi Paul-- Thanks for joining this evening. #masspchat
  • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Scott Pfeiffer, MS/HS Principal, Countryside Academy in Benton Harbor. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Welcome Scott and thanks for joining the conversation this evening! #masspchat
    • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:04 PM EDT
      Scott Pfeiffer, MS/HS Principal, Countryside Academy in Benton Harbor. #masspchat
  • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Ryan Cayce, Principal of Ubly Jr/Sr High....will contribute as much as my toddler will allow tonight! #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Here are the questions we will be exploring this evening. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Good Evening Ryan and welcome. Excited to hear your ideas. #masspchat
    • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:06 PM EDT
      Ryan Cayce, Principal of Ubly Jr/Sr High....will contribute as much as my toddler will allow tonight! #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    As usual, we will be using the Q1: and then you respond with A1: format to keep the chat organized and don't forget to include #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Q1: When examining cover letters and resumes, what are some of the things you look for beyond credentials? #MASSPCHAT
  • RFrens Apr 24 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Rick Frens from Hamilton MS joining #masspchat
  • AssignmentHelpN Apr 24 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    #edtechchat #flipclass #HolocaustEdChat #LEARNLap #masspchat 9 Points Professors Look for in a Term Paper https://t.co/TIlvLrRta3
  • massignmenthelp Apr 24 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    #edtechchat #flipclass #HolocaustEdChat #LEARNLap #masspchat Tips for Learning Mathematics to Students https://t.co/4jSNAvgzTZ
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Thanks for join gin the chat Rick. We just started with question #1. #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Stephanie O'Dea Principal at New Lothrop Jr/Sr HS. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Welcome to the chat the Stephanie. We just started with question #1 so feel free to jump in with your thoughts. #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1:. First and foremost the desire/evidence of building positive relationships with S's. Notable & unique experience. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Welcome to the chat Stephanie. We just started with question #1 so feel free to jump in with your thoughts. #masspchat
  • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1: For MS positions, I have to see something that conveys energy/desire to work with that age group. I know it when I see it #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Funny how this can be sensed in the cover letter. Personalities often shine through our words. #masspchat
    • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
      A1:. First and foremost the desire/evidence of building positive relationships with S's. Notable & unique experience. #masspchat
  • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1: why are they applying at my school and related experience in a similar setting #masspchat
  • RFrens Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1: Attn to detail in the cover, no typos. Engaging resume format, break from traditional #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    So true. Something about reading a cover letter that is energizing. #masspchat
    • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
      A1: For MS positions, I have to see something that conveys energy/desire to work with that age group. I know it when I see it #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Experience (depending on position), length of service, activities, who is listed as reference; definite red flag if no supervisor #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Those that are applying need to know the district vision and why/how they fit. #masspchat
    • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
      A1: why are they applying at my school and related experience in a similar setting #masspchat
  • EduGladiators Apr 24 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    ⁉️Are you really building Ss ldrs? Join us SATURDAY w/@mathieu_w #flipclass #edtechchat #vachat #cdnedchat #MASSPchat #musedchat #wiartchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    YES! Attention to detail is huge! #masspchat
    • RFrens Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
      A1: Attn to detail in the cover, no typos. Engaging resume format, break from traditional #masspchat
  • Kidsmathtalk Apr 24 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    A1: passion and knowledge for company/district/school #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Commitment to service both inside and outside of the school day is always a benefit. #masspchat
    • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:14 PM EDT
      Experience (depending on position), length of service, activities, who is listed as reference; definite red flag if no supervisor #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Q#2 is being typed #masspchat. Feel free to jump in when ready.
  • Kidsmathtalk Apr 24 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Side note: are prof orgs relevant "look for" anymore. Does it matter? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Q2: How do you determine who is on the interview team and the decision making process for new hires? #MASSPCHAT
  • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2: depends on position - possibly mentor teacher, counselor, Curr. Director. Use a rubric and bring back for round 2 if needed #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2:. Department leaders, guidance counselor, and a member of the union Exec. Council. Poss. add S's in 2nd Rd. #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Always try to include Ts that will work closely with new hire. Must be open minded. S input is sometimes appropriate too #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A2: Decision is based on fit within our culture and knowledge of the content. Determine creativity in lesson w/ S's. #masspchat
  • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A2: Same subject area teachers, teachers the new hire will work with, perhaps intervention staff. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Witnessed many interviews that had both parents and students in the second round. Often modeled teaching as well. #masspchat
    • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:20 PM EDT
      A2:. Department leaders, guidance counselor, and a member of the union Exec. Council. Poss. add S's in 2nd Rd. #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Rich B. Wayne County science curriculum specialist. Interested to learn what principals might look for in science T hires. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Important to include central office on the process and the decisions. Systems approach. #masspchat
    • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:20 PM EDT
      A2: depends on position - possibly mentor teacher, counselor, Curr. Director. Use a rubric and bring back for round 2 if needed #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Discuss with team and rank candidates after interview pool #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Wonder how folks bring someone in that will fit the culture and at the same time positively disrupt the culture. #masspchat
    • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
      A2: Decision is based on fit within our culture and knowledge of the content. Determine creativity in lesson w/ S's. #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Great initiative to join our chat. A key w/ the new standards is to demonstrate student engagement thru "hands on" activities. #masspchat
    In reply to @richbacolor
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Do you have picture of what the ranking tool looks like? #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    As a board member for @MSTAMich - I'm going to say it should. Mbrship denotes continuous growth mindset & advocacy for science ed #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Q3: When interviewing, what are the work or performance samples you require (or have considered requiring)? #MASSPCHAT
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Great point! Disrupting the culture helps create diversity and new ideas towards continuous improvement. #masspchat
    In reply to @sewardstephen
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Alignment to core values may be more telling than "culture" fit. What is the belief system that guides your teaching practice? #masspchat
    In reply to @sewardstephen
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Always appreciated hearing everyone's thinking about who they thought was most qualified. #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A3: I always love to see a unit plan. You can tell a lot by how someone plans their lessons! #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A3:. Preparing a lesson for a group of our S's is the best example of their creativity and preparation. Ref. cks. also help. #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Also student centered "figure out" vs. "learn about" science. #masspchat
    In reply to @phungerf
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    BAM! Planning & preparation are key. Allows one to adjust on the spot based on student noticings (formative assessments). #masspchat
    • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:29 PM EDT
      A3: I always love to see a unit plan. You can tell a lot by how someone plans their lessons! #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    For sure! #masspchat
    • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:30 PM EDT
      Also student centered "figure out" vs. "learn about" science. #masspchat
      In reply to @phungerf
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Exactly! The ability to engage S's in that very capacity is essential to maximized learning opportunities. #masspchat
    In reply to @richbacolor
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Do you find that provided references are honest about performance? #masspchat
    • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:30 PM EDT
      A3:. Preparing a lesson for a group of our S's is the best example of their creativity and preparation. Ref. cks. also help. #masspchat
  • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A3: want a visual of what a typical day in their classroom looks like...how do they start, end, check for understanding, etc #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    That's a great Q. Once got turned away because my "lesson plan" sample wasn't it Madeline Hunter format. Yep, I'm that old. #masspchat
    • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:27 PM EDT
      Q3: When interviewing, what are the work or performance samples you require (or have considered requiring)? #MASSPCHAT
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Q4: What are some of the questions you ask that allow you to predict performance? #MASSPCHAT
  • Kidsmathtalk Apr 24 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    I've had to give a sample lesson before #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    Luckily, in my experience, reference checks have been very beneficial for me. Not a guarantee, but helps to validate. #masspchat
    In reply to @sewardstephen
  • Kidsmathtalk Apr 24 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A4: how do you intervene with a ss who is not meeting the benchmarks? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    VERY important question. If we are not doing this we are doomed (as are the learners). #masspchat
  • RFrens Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A4: Tell us about experiences you have had working with a team. #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A4: Describe what I will see when I conduct a walkthrough in your classroom. What will Ss/T be doing? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    Group interdependence is extremely important and necessary if we are going to engage in collaborative work. #masspchat
    • RFrens Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
      A4: Tell us about experiences you have had working with a team. #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    The skill to formatively assess throughout the lesson and differentiate instruction is critical. #masspchat
    In reply to @sewardstephen
  • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4: Tell me about a time when you faced a lack of resources. How did you get the job done? Shows creative thinking, #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    Stealing that one! sets the tone of what will be happening if they are employed and is open-ended. #masspchat
    • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
      A4: Describe what I will see when I conduct a walkthrough in your classroom. What will Ss/T be doing? #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4: how do you check for Ss understanding...What do you do when a S isn't meeting expectations? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    YES! #masspchat
    • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
      A4: Tell me about a time when you faced a lack of resources. How did you get the job done? Shows creative thinking, #masspchat
  • rcayce Apr 24 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    Ditto #masspchat
    • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
      A4: Describe what I will see when I conduct a walkthrough in your classroom. What will Ss/T be doing? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    This would be a great indicator of if a person understands formative assessment or simply a few strategies. #masspchat
    • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
      A4: how do you check for Ss understanding...What do you do when a S isn't meeting expectations? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    Q5: What is a interviewing process or practice you might recommend to others?#MASSPCHAT
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A4: What role do student generated Qs or wonderings play in your classroom? How do you incorporate them into a lesson? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    This question is open-ended, assumes positive intentions, and gets them thinking. Love it! #masspchat
    • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:43 PM EDT
      A4: What role do student generated Qs or wonderings play in your classroom? How do you incorporate them into a lesson? #masspchat
  • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A5: If you have a personal connection w/someone who can give insight into your candidate, use it! Better to know before you hire #masspchat
  • scottpanozzo Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A5- 20 min screener interviews. Weeds out a lot of people that wouldn't fit your culture. #MASSPCHAT
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    Definitely. Always a good idea to investigate and take the time to find out about the applicant. #masspchat
    • odeasteph Apr 24 @ 8:45 PM EDT
      A5: If you have a personal connection w/someone who can give insight into your candidate, use it! Better to know before you hire #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A5: Utilize your professional network to find look into possible candidates. Create situations for cand. to meet core expect. #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    We used this process and often did multiple candidate meet and greets. It was always interesting. #masspchat
    • scottpanozzo Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
      A5- 20 min screener interviews. Weeds out a lot of people that wouldn't fit your culture. #MASSPCHAT
  • RFrens Apr 24 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A5: We are starting to use HumanEx to focus on talents and eliminate bias. We used to start w a Meet n Greet to narrow search #MASSPchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    I was always calling the colleges to ask who their top students were (not necessary academically). They were always spot on. #masspchat
    • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
      A5: Utilize your professional network to find look into possible candidates. Create situations for cand. to meet core expect. #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    Just curious. Anyone else seeing some worrying trends in teacher numbers or potential candidates? #masspchat
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    Absolutely! #masspchat
    In reply to @sewardstephen
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Seems to be very different based on content, grade level, and location of district. Some getting 100's per job some only a few. #masspchat
    • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:50 PM EDT
      Just curious. Anyone else seeing some worrying trends in teacher numbers or potential candidates? #masspchat
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Q6: What's on your mind? An open the forum for your questions and sharing of ideas surrounding the hiring of educators. #MASSPCHAT
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Curious about how a candidate might know what your local culture expects? #masspchat
    In reply to @scottpanozzo
  • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    A6: What are principals and T's doing to encourage S's to enter our profession? We must increase interest! #masspchat
  • edcampDetroit Apr 24 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    #EdCampDetroit is coming! Join us 5/6 at @waynestatecoe for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting! #masspchat https://t.co/u80bFhmWBb
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A6:Always good to have teachers see the intensity of interviewing. I like to hear interviewers responses to the posed questions. #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Science #s up or down? #MASSPchat
    In reply to @sewardstephen
  • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Scary low turnout at WMU's teacher Fair this year! #masspchat
    In reply to @richbacolor
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Great question. We need to celebrate our profession and build it up. If not us, then who! #masspchat
    • phungerf Apr 24 @ 8:54 PM EDT
      A6: What are principals and T's doing to encourage S's to enter our profession? We must increase interest! #masspchat
  • stephensonmused Apr 24 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    Please RT & follow us! Mentors of student teachers & novice teachers: New chat coming next week! #LearnLAP #masspchat #flipclass
  • sewardstephen Apr 24 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    Sounds like that was a trend across the state. New teacher certification "bands" coming soon that might impact even more. #masspchat
    • pfeiffersc Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
      Scary low turnout at WMU's teacher Fair this year! #masspchat
      In reply to @richbacolor
  • CivicsEngaged Apr 24 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Been looking in tonight on this chat. Solid advice. Great stuff. TY #masspchat
  • richbacolor Apr 24 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    A6: New 3D science standards are a "seismic" shift even for vets. Wondering what support admins need to help all Ts implement. #masspchat