This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
Given your choices, I may also recommend all the things by Beverly Tatum - "Multiplication is for white people" and "Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria." I have other recommendations given your choices as well! #oklaed
Kim, I teach 4th grade for the best district in Oklahoma Norman Public Schools. I am also running for City Council for Ward 7 of Norman. #Oklaed I love my city! and I loved my break!
Thanks so much! I have a copy of her new edition on my desk and use it when I work with preservice teachers. I am also obsessed with all things @pgorski#oklaed
I don't use an app but I know @rhondaschroeder might have a recommendation. I just use garage band on my laptop... @TeachFromHere might want to weigh in too. #oklaed
In reply to
@MrsHime, @rhondaschroeder, @TeachFromHere
A1 That’s easy. A S mildly on the spectrum and an accomplished athlete volunteered to stand in the front of my PreCalc class and demonstrate a trig identity proof. Those can be salty, and he picked a saltier one. He nailed it. Super-proud. #oklaed
A1) I was able to present at the @CRSEALeadership Conference last year about Oklahoma Education. It was such a supportive and engaging conference - challenged my thinking in so many ways #oklaed
A1 - Well, it was pretty cool to be a state TOY finalist this year. It allowed me to meet some AMAZING people across our state. Was INCREDIBLY humbling, but cool.
Also cool, watching my Ss present their HS redesign to #okleg members & others. I was so stinking proud! #oklaed
A1: I have so many...but what sticks out is The Teacher Walkout. I coordinated meetings with Reps/Senators/ our beloved State Super, etc. I absolutely loved my leadership role for my school site. #oklaed I learned SO much!!!
A1: Just one?! Breaking ground on our new health clinic, surprising kids who got into ECHS and always, always, handing out diplomas at graduation! #oklaed
A1: My best professional memory from 2018 was collaborating and writing a million dollar grant with 3 #cpsreds co-workers (friends) amazing experience and growth opportunity #oklaed
A1 Best professional memory of 2018...so many things happened it’s hard to say...one of the best memories starting a student Tech Team that assists Ss and Ts with tech integration. #Oklaed
Finally able to bring @IdabelPublicSch to a full 1:1 school district. And the notification of being awarded the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant allowing us to expand personal libraries for our students. #oklaed
A1 I'd say one of by best professional memories this year was having some of my Ss who hate reading tell me that they really enjoyed reading @TheHateUGive or All American Boys. #oklaed
A1b Connecting with educators and political leaders during the walkout...a conversation was started in 2018...2019 is the year to keep the conversation going! #Oklaed
A1: Completing my Spring 2018 semester of my doctorate program. The end of 2017/beginning of 2018 was one of the most challenging times of my life. Me completing that semester meant I still had some fight left in me! #OklaEd
A1) Feeling seen, supported, and rewarded. So many parents and businesses showing up during the walkout and Owasso School Board making it become real come paycheck time. #Oklaed
Me too! I also gave the options to read Tulsa Burning or Dreamland Burning. I'd really like to include Killers of the Flower Moon in the future. #oklaed#rethinkela
A1. My best memory from the 2018 school year was doing my first room transformation. I’m hooked now, and my students look forward to those days as well. #setthestagetoengage#OklaEd
A2: The walkout was a huge challenge & learning experience. It was uncharted waters & there was no blue print. T’s had so many questions going into it & no one truly knew what to expect. #Oklaed
A2: Definitely the walkout. I have never chosen to engage in politics before and it pushed me to my limits, especially being the building rep for our site. I learned a lot! #oklaed
The 2018 Teacher Walkout was a huge learning experience for me as a relatively new superintendent. Working with teachers, unions and parents to make sure our District was represented and we continued to educate our students. #oklaed
A2: Trust in God even when you don’t understand the path he is leading you. I’m glad I had faith. I would have hated to miss out on all of the greatness 2018 ended with! #OklaEd
A2 - Man, I’ve had a hard year. I’ve learned it’s okay to be vulnerable about the hard parts of teaching - even with my students. I’ve learned I don’t have to be superwoman all the time. I’ve learned that even on the hardest days, there is nothing I’d rather be doing. #oklaed
A2) Persevering through action research at my old school amid opposition and the walkout. Knowing what we do makes a difference even when others don't understand or agree. #oklaed
A2) When I teach summer school, I always have the opportunity to learn how to reach and help low-level readers find success. Each summer I learn something different about techniques. #oklaed
Last year we had an incredible Science Fair! Record number of volunteer judges and projects @DCAntlers at Grove Valley Elem. Honored to have been the Science chair. #oklaed
A2) I taught 2 classes at @UMDCollegeofEd (History & Philosophy of Ed and Embracing Diversity in Classroom Communities) - I felt like every minute working w/ preservice teachers could change the lives of thousands of students down the road! #oklaed#pressure
I love seeing all of these sitting legislators taking the time to participate in these chats! Some of y’all I know and some I haven’t had the privilege of meeting yet, but now that you are appreciated! #oklaed
It was challenging to leave a job where I felt supported, appreciated, and excited. I have had to remind myself that things are different in OK and I need to adapt. #oklaEd
A2: The Walkout was a professional challenge that posed some amazing potential - yet people already seem to have forgotten the camaraderie. :-( #oklaed Also, 2 new teachers in my dept - but the challenge has proven totally positive!
A2: After the 2018 #walkout we all had to make up for the lost days. Getting extra hours at the end of each school day after April was a real challenge. BUT, students and teachers did an OUTSTANDING job at coping with it. #oklaed
A2: The walkout as I am sure everyone is saying. It was a success in that democracy does work. It was challenging in realizing how many of us had been on the sidelines until then. #oklaed
A2 I think I need to do a better job of encouraging Ss to dig deeply into their reading. @MarisaEThompson helped me by sharing her TQE Method (which you can learn about on my podcast). #oklaed
A2. This year we got a new math curriculum and let me tell you my heart struggled so much in the beginning. I’ve been able to put my teaching style and what I know about teaching math into it and make it mine. Lucky to have admin who trust my judgement. #OklaEd
Joining late—hi #oklaed
Joy Hofmeister, OK State Supt.
—ready for tonight’s chat.
Who’s eager to welcome colleagues and students back to school this week? #2ndSemester
A2: Completing an intense summer fellowship for systems leaders with the Univ. Of Colorado at Denver. Being able to do a deep-dive into edu reform and personal leadership was an eye opener indeed. #oklaed
A2) "Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions" -George W Bush
What I teach my kids. Give everyone a chance and try to understand their point of view.
#OklaEd
A2: The end of last year with the walk out and the challenge of keeping my AP kids on track for their test, I rediscovered how committed some of my students are and that if we work together we can accomplish amazing things #Oklaed
A2) My biggest challenge was the attacks from individuals who don’t agree with the concept of building relationships within the Legislature. Disagreeing with someone’s methods is one thing but the personal and slanderous attacks are unacceptable. #oklaed
A2 I think the walkout. Learning to find my voice while maintaining relationships and build new ones was quite a journey. I think I am one of many teachers who feels newly empowered to advocate for our students and our profession. I met a lot of great people. #oklaed
Through both I've learned to be patient, sometimes great programming takes lots of planning and has expanded my understanding of what supports our families are most in need of/seeking out #oklaed
A2) It was my first year of using a boxed program for teaching a reading remediation elective. The challenge of maximizing the advantages and minimizing the disadvantages that come with that. #Oklaed
A2: During the walkout I was faced with the challenge that a lot of Reps/Senators weren't happy to see my face. They didn't want us there. They dodged us, had pretend meetings, told their LA's to lie to us, etc. Nevertheless, we persisted! #Oklaed
Q2 The walk out...wow talk about a civics lesson in action! I was reminded of the importance of community, voice, and relationships! @MrBurtonMPS is the best Civics, government, history teacher ever! #Oklaed
A2) This year I took a leap of faith to try to address the human capital challenges in schools by launching TLI. Talk about a personal and professional challenge! But check out this logo that was made for us pro-bono! People outside of #oklaed care!
#oklaed A1). During the walkout, my staff had many differing opinions about what we should do. My only request was come out of our meeting totally unified in solidarity. They were great whether they totally agreed or not.
A3) So thankful to have time to reconnect to the #oklaed chats. I missed many over the past few years. Can't name a single specific one. I learn every time I participate.
A3) There’s not just one. Each chat allows me to think, learn, adjust, and teach something differently...honest. I am a better educator because of the chats. It’s the best weekly staff development EVER! #oklaed
A2: I learned I'm much stronger than I thought. Given daily challenges in the classroom, I think it's easy to lose sight of celebrating small moments. As reflective Ts we are constantly looking to improve our craft, sometimes we need to stop and be thankful for avg days. #oklaed
A3) I really enjoy the ones that help to break down what is happening in the legislature. It provides some bitesized resources on ways to advocate for our students #oklaed#oklaleg
A3) So thankful to have time to reconnect to the #oklaed chats. I missed many over the past few years. Can't name a single specific one. I learn every time I participate.
A3: Not one specific chat but as a non educator, #oklaed community keeps me constantly in the loop of cutting edge education theories and philosophy. Y'all make me look smarter when I am in school with our teachers...or at least better informed.
A3 I most appreciated the ones that had a wide variety of stakeholders present and contributing. I was late last week, but that was epic. This one is good too. #oklaed
A3: The most professionally helpful we’re chats centered on policy & legislation, as that’s my background. However, every week I’ve look forward to opening new lines of communication w/ educational leaders and learning to be a stronger advocate.
#oklaed 🍎
A3 - Honestly, I am not sure I can pick one. I feel there have been so many that have stretched me for different reasons. Even the ones I think won’t, do. I am always amazed at how AMAZING #oklaed is - we have some of the best educators in the country!!
A3) There were many that I enjoyed and learned from our PLN. It is difficult to pinpoint just one, but there was one in November that dealt with making connections with our students. I believe @Stv_Gilliland and @drphilcampbell moderated. #Oklaed
Happy New Year to you all! Just here to observe. Proud wife of @allen_lehman, and mom to two awesome daughters...a newly SIXTEEN year old, and seven year old in NPS. #OklaEd
A3: I became more involved in the chats this year so picking just one is too hard. But I have learned so much from the professionals that participate that each discussion teaches me something either about what I do or who I do it with in education. #Oklaed
A3: I know it’s been a recent chat but @shawnhime took #oklaed Legislative Updates to a different level last week. As someone who has been here since Day 1, it is just UNBELIEVABLE! We are so fortunate to have this PLN!!
A3: I don’t think I can pick just one. I really started participating after the walkout and it has made me reflect more on the practices I use at school and what I can do outside of school to make things at school better. #oklaed
A3: I think the legislative updates and the one over teacher voice were most influential. We as teachers generally stay busy and don't always see ourselves as political, so they were eye opening. #oklaed
A4 The walkout clearly showed #oklaed who does and does not value education. Do not misread, there are some that weren't able to accomplish goals, but they still made education a priority
A4: The more I read about educators going on strike for what they believe in, the more I am grateful I chose this profession. It's nice to be a part of history. #oklaed
A3: All the ones I hosted? I kid, I kid!!! lol Honestly, it was last week when our Governor elect, Lieutenant Governor, and so many other Representatives and Senators showed up, and took interest in how to make Oklahoma a top 10 education state. #oklaed
A4: Not sure it was a specific headline...Have to give a HUGE #oklaed SHOUTOUT to all of the T's who stepped out of classrooms to run for elected offices! Much love!
A3) the last chat of the year was most profound for me because of the number of people involved plus the amount of internet and support from our legislative body. That speaks volumes of optimism for me. #oklaed
All of the school shootings in the headlines made me realize that I need a plan to protect myself and my students if the time came. I now have a plan, but I hope I never need it. #oklaEd
A4: If there is one thing that 2018 has taught me is that the political realm impacts my job more than what I realized. I can’t single out a particular headline as there are several that had significant impact on education. #Oklaed
A4) The teacher walkout in Oklahoma and across the country. This is a time for the profession of teaching to be recognized as important and significant in the progress of our state. Educators have to feel respected and act responsibly for our students. #Oklaed
A4 I think just watching and playing a tiny part in the momentum that led to the coming-together at the Capitol in April. We still have that momentum. Important to sustain it and continue to advocate. #oklaed
A3) the last chat of the year was most profound for me because of the number of people involved plus the amount of interest and support from our elected officials and leadership. That speaks volumes of optimism for me. #oklaed
A4: Of course for me it was the Teacher Walkout. The support from our community and just really getting in there and DOING something to benefit my students mad a huge impact on me. #Oklaed
A4: The shooting in FL really shook me a little extra this time...that continues to shape what we do everyday. School safety is heavy on School board members minds. It changes the shape of our community. #oklaed
A4. When it came to national headlines I think the overall teacher uprising across the country had a significant impact on me as an educator. Before I was disengaged with policy, but now I’m totally here for it. #OklaEd
A2: The teacher walk-out was absolutely the most challenging event, which taught life-long lessons. Teachers are resilient, stead fast, and tenacious! Who wouldn't want OK teachers teaching their kids??? #Oklaed
A4) the walkouts we’re powerful, but the most compelling story was HB 1010xx seemingly coming out of nowhere to get passed with a supermajority in both chambers! #oklaEd and #OKleg doing something historical beyond measure
A4 The walkout clearly showed #oklaed who does and does not value education. Do not misread, there are some that weren't able to accomplish goals, but they still made education a priority
A4 2018...the year of the walkout...a teacher shortage...the year that educators became actively engaged in the conversation a conversation that must continue in 2019 and beyond. #Oklaed
Teacher Walkouts across the Nation. Educators finally standing up to make education a priority. You can’t expect excellence on a dime store budget. If it is important it is worth an investment. #oklaed
A4) Recently, Oklahoma Watch posted emergency certified by district. We hear the large numbers on the news all the time, but to see those districts who needed those emergency certified was eye opening. #oklaed
A3) I thought of 1 sort of. I love the way more legislatures are joining #oklaed. THIS IS HUGE. Hope they keep coming and start hosting their own chats about specific issues. Criminal Justice, Health Care, Education, Dismantling racial structures is my tops.
A3) the last chat of the year was most profound for me because of the number of people involved plus the amount of interest and support from our elected officials and leadership. That speaks volumes of optimism for me. #oklaed
A4 to see educators@among headlines! Unfortunately it had to come to walkouts! Hopefully we can continue to move the needle in a positive direction through PROFESSIONAL advocacy! #oklaed
Thanks! There were a few years I was fostering at the same time as well as working full-time. Had to let that go to focus on my own kids and finishing the program. #oklaed
A1) Hands down, it was witnessing local communities and elected officials rally around students and teachers for a stronger public education. #StrategicInvestment#momentum#oklaed
A3) I really enjoy the ones that help to break down what is happening in the legislature. It provides some bitesized resources on ways to advocate for our students #oklaed#oklaleg
A4: Unquestionably the walkout. Looking toward the upcoming session w optimism that the #oklaed community stays united in advocating for our Ss and families!
A5 Check out the second verse of Pink’s “What About Us” in the context of the walkout. I think @KimberBlodgett was the first who recognized this. #oklaed
A5: I am SOOO glad you asked this question because i already know... it's a line from a song I love so dearly..and it says."Knock down doors for others to walk through". That is my life mission. Some doors don't just open easily for some, so I am here to knock them down. #Oklaed
A5 Check out the second verse of Pink’s “What About Us” in the context of the walkout. I think @KimberBlodgett was the first who recognized this. #oklaed
A5) "What don't you want?" From Hell or High Water b/c it is that scene that seems to be the education system today. The system is the T-bone and the changing programs are the corn or green beans. #Oklaed
A5) the teachers walking out of their classrooms and descending on OKC this spring. Like Thanos in the Avengers, going to bring some balance to the #okleg#oklaed
A5 - “Becoming Michelle Obama” - not because I am even remotely comparing myself to the greatness that is @MichelleObama, but because I find myself “Becoming” who I am supposed to be as an educator. I am constantly growing, constantly learning, etc. #oklaed
“It is hard to make that boat go as fast as you want to. The enemy, of course, is resistance of the water, ... So is life: the very problems you must overcome also support you and make you stronger in overcoming them. —George Pocock” Boys in a Boat. #oklaed
A5: Mine would have to be a Stevie Wonder tune (no particular one comes to mind). Why? I’m approaching the work we do as educators as true social justice. #oklaed
A5) My daughter said "We are the Champions" fits my 2018 professional year. Paying dues while committing no crimes, but in the end it's all worked out. #oklaed#tuttleEDU#tuttlepride#wearetuttle
A5: It was the best if times it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness....who knew Dickens was a part of #oklaed ?
A5. Champion by Carrie Underwood
To me it described how educators were feeling during the walkout, and showed that we would not back down. Personally though: Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift 😂 #OklaEd
A5: @BreneBrown Braving the Wilderness. "The experiences that bring meaning to our lives -- experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization." #oklaed
As the son of a teacher/coach/admin (@givepullorpitch) who spent 39 years in this business, I've been fortunate to see the good/bad of the school business. I'm merely a lurker on the #oklaed chat; it's awesome following the conversation amongst great teachers/admin of Oklahoma!
A5). During the Walkout Senator Paxton called me and said “I know you’re here but I can’t find you. It’s like an Eagles concert in here.” So “Hotel California”???#oklaed
A5) My daughter said "We are the Champions" fits my 2018 professional year. Paying dues while committing no crimes, but in the end it's all worked out. #oklaed#tuttleEDU#tuttlepride#wearetuttle
A5: it’s not any listed but “This is Us” comes to mind. We’re all in this together and we’ve proven when we have a common goal for the betterment of our future leaders and state we can accomplish our goals and continue to thrive. But only together!
#oklaed 🍎
A7 In a word, #strong. We are just getting started, folks, in this teaching and learning and advocating thing. Love that there is a group like this to walk with. #oklaed
A7) Live Intentionally.... whether that is my daily work in #okcps, building relationships with Ts and Ss, or on my podcast, or in my friendships and with my family #oklaed
A7 (did I miss 6?) - My word is “Conquer”
Conquer my fears, inadequacies, goals, childhood trauma I suppressed for quite some time...
Just Conquer! I got this! #oklaed
The entire Teacher of the Year process was wild for me from being chosen by my District to then being selected as an OK TOY finalist. I met so many amazing people, and it really was humbling and makes you realize how many people you rely on day to day. #oklaed
A7: “Growth” I’ve never been to one to settle for what is “good”. I’m always striving to keep me and my Ss pushing toward that next step whatever it may be. #Oklaed
A7: I already chose my word. It took me a few days to come up with something I could live up to. Something that I knew would stick with me throughout the year. I reflected on running for office, teaching, adopting children, etc. My word is UNAFRAID! #oklaed
A2: I was very fortunate to be recognized this year with many great professional accolades, but this was also an extremely difficult fall for me. I’ve never felt so frustrated and more like a failure. Looking forward to a fresh start tomorrow. #oklaed
A3: Hard to pick one honestly. They all push me to reflect which I struggle with on a consistent basis. I’m just as thankful for #oklaed as I was when I first started participating.
A7) Donuts. Just kidding. But what a year that would be! Love. Loving my students and their families with all I have. Not neglecting any opportunity to show love. Genuine love, tough love, love with a smile, love with a second chance, love upon love upon love. #Oklaed
A7) Donuts. Just kidding. But what a year that would be! Love. Loving my students and their families with all I have. Not neglecting any opportunity to show love. Genuine love, tough love, love with a smile, love with a second chance, love upon love upon love. #Oklaed
A5: #oklaed the book for my 2018 is In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Evening. The beauty of the book is that it was recommended by a former student who hated to read until we finally found his reading niche! I will always treasure the book and my friendship with Mike Bateman!
A8) To lead with vision and purpose even when people have other ideas. To hold fast to my calling and not be swayed. To be intentional in relationships so I can effectively bring others along with me on the journey. #oklaed
A8) My 2019 Resolution is to work harder to help the teachers and staff in my building to know how much their work is appreciated and to help each grow professionally.
A8b) My accountability partner will be my Assistant Principal & my Social Worker. #Oklaed
I want to form a team at my school, at least with one of the grade levels I work with, where we plan together and review data at least once a week. Since this school has planted me on an island, I’m going to build a bridge. #OklaEd
A8. My goal is to collaborate more. Just because I CAN do it all on my own (often I only think I can) doesn’t mean it’s best for my students when I go it alone. #oklaed
A8- Not a resolution person -they seem limiting to me. I will, however, live by my word “Conquer.” I’ve started training for my 4th 26.2 (haven’t run a full since 2011) & have begun working through some things I’ve neglected. #oklaed
8b @joshuagateley is my rock in all of this
A8: To maintain balance between my personal life and my teaching world. I think it will be a huge benefit for my Ss because it will make me better when I'm with them...looking for the positivity! #Oklaed
A8: A. Simply put....be better today than I was yesterday and love the heck out these kids. B. The Gilly fam CEO @tara_gilliland & my guy @edu_sanders70#oklaed
A5: Michelle Obama’s title “Becoming” has to be it for me. As much as I have longed for last year to be over, I definitely am more comfortable in my own skin and understand my voice on a deeper level. #oklaed
A8 Collaborate more often and more deeply, both inside and outside my building. Do a much, much better job of self-care.
@CoachFrank4XL is a one of the best accountability partners ever. Excited about the new year. #oklaed
A8) For the podcast - continue to bring in experts in #oklaed and also include listener input and news/info segments; For the job - build relationships & support w/new educators and support staff as they work to support families and Ss
A8a) You all :)
When you look at the number of emergency certified teachers, little was accomplished because of the walkout. Classroom sizes have increased, huge number of teachers have left the state or the profession... Don't get comfortable because of a small raise. #oklaed
The walkout was a great show of unification for our communities and our kids. But to be honest with ourselves we can not say it got any results as it happened... HB1010 passed with the threat of a walkout. Absolutely nothing was accomplished in the Leg after 1010 for Ed funding.
A8) Be present with my students. Measure my success by the moments I connect with them. Because what if I don't? I think they'll be ok if they don't know what a compound-complex sentence is. But what if I don't have real conversations with them? Not a risk worth taking. #Oklaed
A8 Continue to find innovative ways to use tech in the classroom...that supports standards, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Encourage and support others as they integrate tech. @teachonyourtoes@AricaReeves@MrsCockerill3 always great encouragers! #OklaEd
Q9: Just for fun….
Take a selfie or give us a GIF of what you are actually doing while participating in this Chat tonight? We are the champions multitasking!
#Oklaed
I truly wish we had something to brag about from the actual walkout, but we don’t. #okleg did all they were gonna do before our educators showed up and had their say #oklaed
A8- (oops - this said professional 🤦🏼♀️) Still saying “conquer” here as well. I am ridiculously passionate (strength & weakness) and I need to do a better job of wrangling that passion sometimes. Admit mistakes, celebrate wins, reflect, do better, repeat #oklaed
A8) my resolution is to lessen the political polarization that’s currently happening and continue the push for collaboration and relationships with our elected officials. It’s always better to have a seat at the table than to yell from the hallway. #oklaed
Thank you very much! I've learned so much in just the few classes I've taken so far. I also read several books as part of my YA Lit class, which his really helped engage my students in reading! #oklaed
Your honesty right now is refreshing. I appreciate that. It's a starting point. We knew this wouldn't happen overnight, we knew it would take time. Educators just want a seat at the table. We need our students, our future, to be a priority. #oklaed
The guy that just won an award on the #GoldenGlobes thanked his teachers. Sorry I missed his name, i was participating in my #oklaed chat. but He thanked his teachers!!!
You all really brought your A game tonight with reflections and Resolutions! It so helpful to take a few moments to absorb the events and experiences in our lives. As you go through your 2019….be relentless in your inspired endeavors. Happy New Year!
#oklaed
