#ALedchat Archive
#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Monday February 29, 2016
Welcome to . Tonight's topic is Administrator Support. Please introduce yourself and tell us where you are tweeting from tonight.
Multi-tasking tonight ...but tweets for the next hour are dedicated to
Please excuse my plethora of tweets in the next hour! I will be participating in . Please feel free to join us!
Frank Buck from Pell City.
Christy Bice, AP at Haleyville Elementary and co-moderator for . Looking forward to learning with you tonight.
Welcome back, Frank! Always great to have you!
Jeff Mathheus AP Monrovia Middle, Madison Co Schools
As we chat tonight, please be open & honest in your answers.
Holly Sutherland, principal at Haleyville HS, AL. Co- founder of this chat & . Welcome all to our chat!
I'm Melissa Mann collaborative teacher from the Madison County School system (Tweeting from home while working on paperwork)
Kendrick Myers, AP at Opelika High School
Great to have you! Look forward to learning with you tonight!
Always great to learn with you!
I'm Jennifer, Hoover High AP in AL. Co-founder of this chat & . Excited to be back with after a great trip to !
Good evening, , Dan Butler, principal of and in Iowa checking in.
Welcome! Might head your way for softball this weekend in Auburn!
Love having our friends with Iowa with us tonight!
Hey, Kendrick! Great to connect with you at this weekend!
Q1: How does/can administrator support impact teacher effectiveness?
Glad to have you back Dan!
the feeling is mutual. Always enjoy the sharing and learning
Appreciated, Christy. I try to join this chat whenever I can.
Welcome, Melissa! Glad you're here tonight!
Hi, Jeff! Welcome to tonight!
A1: Admins should be inst leaders encouraging innovation/growth. They set expectations & should provide support to reach them.
Hey, Frank! Great to see you here!
A2: When teachers feel supported, they will take-risks, get outside comfort zones & are willing to fail forward!
A1: When teachers know where they stand and to what extent they will be supported, they have more confidence to try new things.
A1: As leaders, we are responsible for creating the conditions for those around us to succeed. Coaching, support, push, etc.
Hey, Dan! Did you hear that NAESP & NASSP will have conference together in 2017?
Supportive leadership encourages teachers to take risks.
A1: an administrator allows a teacher to be an artist within their classroom. Provide t's with the resources & tools for success
I sure did! This is going to be awesome. Count me in for Philly in 2017! Fantastic news. https://t.co/RW6n876PUN
Hey, Dan! Did you hear that NAESP & NASSP will have conference together in 2017?
Yes, confidence! Go forward without fear!
A1: Ts need to know that the admin is competent and supportive of them. It allows the T the freedom to teach.
A1: Ts that feel supported (not just in word but action) will not only go the extra mile that is asked, but the one that is not
A1: Admin support can drive and increase teacher effectiveness by evaluating strengths and providing useful resources for growth
A1 Begins with collaboratively identifying areas of strength and areas of growth. Constructing support to build prof capacity
Welcome! Glad you are here!
A1: In 140 charac? Support=Trust. Trust=risk-taking. Risk-taking=learning. Learning needs support. Support=Trust...
Agree, Dan. An integral part in constructing the environment that actualizes the vision
A1: Admin must support risk-taking and growth. Admin must model courage & recovery from failure.
Q2 coming up in 1 minute.
This is an ongoing job. Creating the culture with small daily decisions. https://t.co/9VQPJE6XgN
Agree, Dan. An integral part in constructing the environment that actualizes the vision
A1: With administrative support, teachers know they can make decisions which will stay made.
Woot! & - yall better be there, too! July 9-11 in Philly, 2017.
They say you get more flies with honey than vinegar.
Q2: Give specifics on what an admin could do today to increase your effectiveness.
Q1.5: Ts can't be effective if they don't believe they are ineffective. How do we help them see that they are?
I can appreciate the term "competent" in this scenario. Not used enough and shouldn't be assumed. https://t.co/v28vofibG8
A1: Ts need to know that the admin is competent and supportive of them. It allows the T the freedom to teach.
A2: Believe that I am the expert in my discipline until I give you reason to believe otherwise.
A2: Admin can assist in meeting daily needs through ensuring materials, technology, etc are available.
I agree - build confidence in their ability and yours https://t.co/ZOh6TYpMyG
A1: Ts need to know that the admin is competent and supportive of them. It allows the T the freedom to teach.
A1: provide your time to help and find the resources necessary-let them see u are invested too.
Key point Jennifer.Ts often need the road map & assistance 2 "bounce back".Our task is 2 support them in this area
Some Ts don't see/accept their areas of growth. We must be clear in our explanations &assume the best. Help them grow!
A2: Stop by and join the class. The more the merrier. Be in the classroom at random moments; not just at set times.
A2: Specifically, when a parent complains, listen. But don't make up your mind until you have talked to the T.
Elaine Frix, Haleyville Elementary, 3rd grade-Sorry coming in late.....
Tina from TN making it for
A2: Admins often do not provide enough feedback, guidance and vision. I could do better in all 3.
A2: Build trust by providing genuine feedback. Highlight strengths while also learning to do things better.
A2: be visible throughout the school & classrooms. Interact and be involved in lessons. Active admin=active teachers & classrooms
Hi - checking in from South Dakota. Thanks
Trust! T need to know if they are doing their job that their admins have their back!
Welcome back, Elaine! Jump in!
Yes! That makes al the difference.
Welcome, Tina! Jump right in!
A2: Provide specific feedback that builds on strengths. Be a learner alongside me and stretch my thinking.
While keeping positive relationships and a growth mindset. https://t.co/oquZeGA069
Q1.5: Ts can't be effective if they don't believe they are ineffective. How do we help them see that they are?
Emphasize their success...put them in positions to excell and foster their growth https://t.co/P3WE2gpITK
Q1.5: Ts can't be effective if they don't believe they are ineffective. How do we help them see that they are?
Great to have you all the way from South Dakota!
Glad you're here, Michelle! Jump on in!
A2: Record shared vision three years out.Scaffold back to current day.Articulate direction. Support w research.Set check points.
Q3 coming up in 1 minute.
Hi ! Mike, elem principal tweeting from Coal Valley, IL. Jumping in a bit late tonight!
A2: walkthroughs are my go to. Random moments in time. Immediate feedback without a full report.
I agree on the feedback piece stresses that we must explicit and specific in our feedback
So important for admin to model the behavior they want --> growth, courage, growth mindset...
Great to have you! Jump right in!
I need to do more! I get trapped in the daily grind! This is so true!
A2: Admins can provide genuine feedback and support Ts in all areas. Make sure Ts have the necessary materials needed to teach.
Q3: How can administrator support impact morale?
A2: be supportive of risk & embrace new ideas with questions not a halt,ask my input & let me feel a part of the process
Absolutely Jeff partnered w/ convos about what differentiated supports Ts need,how these can b applied,&goals 4 imp
Hey, Mike! Always great to have you join! Just on Q2. Jump on in!
A3: Administrator support of staff can make or break the culture and morale within the school.
Set goal & develop plan to get there. Clear pathways provide paths to excellence!
A3: Support for teachers is the #1 thing a principal can do for school morale.
It's important for admins to make each staff member feel important as a person and as a team member.
A3: if I know my admin backs me I'm a better teacher. This makes the atmosphere more like a family.
A3: building relationships is the key. listen to all staff ab their concerns. Recognize & celebrate success with everyone.
A3: I believe when teachers feel supported, it changes the way they look at the "job" of teaching. Makes the day more meaningful.
Being visible is so important. Lets Ts know that what they do is most important & admin will MAKE time for them!
A3: It is my belief that the principal is 100% responsible for the climate in the school. Modeling behavior expected is critical.
Yay, Tina! Glad you're back! Jump on in!
A3 Can't control all aspect of morale, but have found the more I listen & communicate directly with teachers the better morale is
A3: Admin must lead in their responses, actions, and demeanor - morale is more than what you say; it's how you approach situations
It all goes back to relationships! https://t.co/kfl14b4wPC
A3: building relationships is the key. listen to all staff ab their concerns. Recognize & celebrate success with everyone.
A3: if they see you are willing to do the dirty work alongside them. Investment from all. We fail and succeed together
A3: support is huge! Ts feel they are supported,culture of the school reflects a positive climate where Ts & admin work together
A3: support your staff & value each member of your school family. Every voice is important in building a world class school
A3When faculty/staff see/receive active support, it communicates ldrs have a vested interest in their growth.Encourages effort..
I'm a big believer in modeling behavior, too. Walk the walk!
A3: Don't play favorites. Keep promises. Be a learner. Promote your team. Share your story. Build strong relationships.
agreed!
Voice is vital to feeling valued
A3: A shared culture, one that is built by all stakeholders and then supported by administration, can do wonders for morale.
Agree. We all like to be supported, no matter our age or how long we've been doing something.
A3: if the morale is positive the Ss are the real winners of the school.
Q4 coming up in 1 minute...
A3: Admin Sets the tone for the day, the week.....It's a ripple that starts with admin...but impacts Ts, Ss, and the community
Very good and practical advice for admin to support morale! https://t.co/FXhSsh9sRR
A3: Don't play favorites. Keep promises. Be a learner. Promote your team. Share your story. Build strong relationships.
https://t.co/xDxHst8FJy
A3: if they see you are willing to do the dirty work alongside them. Investment from all. We fail and succeed together
A3.2: It is amazing how far a smile will go with students and staff. Call people by their name, show interest in personal lives.
A3: Admin=Chin up,results based,relationship focused,denounce neg commnts.Venting once is supported.Venting <1 = whining.Nowhining
"Active support" - I like that https://t.co/WGupuFPHmM
A3When faculty/staff see/receive active support, it communicates ldrs have a vested interest in their growth.Encourages effort..
Q4: Give examples of what administrators could do better to improve morale?
Preach On https://t.co/7k4kTYG1UL
Set goal & develop plan to get there. Clear pathways provide paths to excellence!
Right Mike.Requires a purposeful effort in analyzing, building, & consistently sharing positives to build this culture
A3: Knowing that my admins support me and have my back makes me a better teacher. Support is HUGE! Every voice is important.
A4: Admins need to know their staff. Build relationships. Listen more. React less. Be present!
That's why it's important for admin to be intentional about their demeanor & tone. Need for positivity!
A4: Protect instructional time by unplugging the *&%! intercom.
A4: In my experience, we can listen more, treat everyone as if they are good, recognize excellence and appreciate others.
A4 find ways to get to "yes"
A4: Seek first to understand, then be understood. Give voice to all stakeholders and LISTEN. Provide support. Build relationships.
A4: Take the time to understand how a T's classroom works so that you can defend an attack on the T's methods.
Communicate & value input from staff. Being consistent with everyone and show that you genuinely appreciate their feedback
There are few things more powerful than a well placed compliment.
A4: Sounds simple, but visit teachers on their planning just to check in (tip from )
A3) Hello from Colorado...coming in late. It's amazing what trust can do for a school and a culture of care.
A4: Little things matter! Celebrate life and kids. Fight for them in those bigger mtgs. Listen.
A4: It's important to leave the stress of the day in the office.Be the light to the staff/students.They deserve the best you have!
We have to focus on both student morale and teacher morale. They each fall to the lowest of the two.
Totally agree, Todd! Well placed is the key. And genuine. https://t.co/Gl7L6SrEDc
There are few things more powerful than a well placed compliment.
A4: model expectations of your staff & follow through with your word. Actions speak volumes.
A4.2: One thing we like to say: "Hard on the issue, easy on the people."
A4 A sincere, kind word, with SPECIFICITY about good professional practice, goes a long way with encouraging faculty & staff
RT A4.2: One thing we like to say: "Hard on the issue, easy on the people."
It's impossible to praise too much as long as it's authentic.
A4: Know their staff and the dynamics that make up each grade level. Build relationships and listen to what the Ts have to say.
Yes! "If the teachers ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" We need to support Ts & Ss!
Really Late, but wanted to drop in anyway.
A4: find positives 4 Ts recognition,ask Ts input even if they disagree they'll respect a decision bc they have a voice
Boom! Great thought. The best we have every minute of every day. We must be intentional about this. https://t.co/qIcxIJrb6Z
A4: It's important to leave the stress of the day in the office.Be the light to the staff/students.They deserve the best you have!
Welcome! Please jump on in!
A4) I think knowing a little something about the teachers personal life helps build relationships.(kids, trips, passions, hobbies)
A4: Morale boosters: Give out TONS of praise and thank yous.
AND what is important to them! https://t.co/t41ANdjjlK
A4) I think knowing a little something about the teachers personal life helps build relationships.(kids, trips, passions, hobbies)
Q5: How could administrators support you in finishing out the school year?
Important to treat them as PEOPLE, not just workers in the assembly line.
A4: PS...Laughter always helps.
We are all part of the puzzle - don't leave any pieces out https://t.co/Jgo4wtgKj9
We have to focus on both student morale and teacher morale. They each fall to the lowest of the two.
Giving Ts permission and freedom to do the same...Balance is restoring https://t.co/QPh4VhwfgG
A4: It's important to leave the stress of the day in the office.Be the light to the staff/students.They deserve the best you have!
A5: Spring gets crazy. Admins can help maintain focus by keeping schedules as normal as possible.
Awesome! I know your teachers/staff appreciate it!
A5: Listen. Provide support, resources, a listening ear, and get out of the way sometimes. Make school a great place to be.
A5: Plan and keep Ts in the loop on the plans. No surprises. The end of school is a big enough roller coaster as it is.
So important, Jennifer. Ts and Ss too often treated as commodities instead of people. See it too often. https://t.co/oz2DkMKWbb
Important to treat them as PEOPLE, not just workers in the assembly line.
A4: promote honesty by allowing Ts to share struggles and ideas. . Everyone's opinions are important and respected
Offering support & encouragement. Not getting swamped in the office & being visible & accessible
A5: Again, set the tone. I end written & oral communications with "Finish Strong" Don't buy into "it's that time of year..."
Agree, Christy. Consistency, maintaining expectations, and structuring clear systems is a necessity
Proper planning is essential! And organization 😉 https://t.co/Tm9O60ks5Z
A5: Plan and keep Ts in the loop on the plans. No surprises. The end of school is a big enough roller coaster as it is.
A5: Treat the last days like the first - increase our focus on supporting instruction and helping Ss succeed
A5: Be the example. Stay focused and spread positive energy. Make work fun-- while keeping the main thing the main thing!
Listen and listen some more...and be patient when we wish we had two of ourselves to do it all
Our principal sent out a list of events coming up in the next couple of months. Helps to get organized! https://t.co/QG5M3GEt1e
A5: Plan and keep Ts in the loop on the plans. No surprises. The end of school is a big enough roller coaster as it is.
A5: encourage me to take a risk & try something new
I have let this happen lately! I have to do better! https://t.co/dHFuFD2S1f
Offering support & encouragement. Not getting swamped in the office & being visible & accessible
A5: Maintain focus on priorities. Minimize distractions. Show appreciation. Have fun. We’ve lost too much of the fun.
Key practice, Pam. Valuing perspectives shows we are inclusive and welcome all ideas to create growth
A5: Admins get what they model. Be intentional about calmness, mindfulness, and patience.
Keeping the main thing, the main thing https://t.co/lIM07BFQZQ
A5: Treat the last days like the first - increase our focus on supporting instruction and helping Ss succeed
A5: Make school a great, fun, exciting place to be. No surprise schedules and keep Ts in the know. Listen to what Ts have to say.
A5: Listen to Ts. Be the sounding board they often need. Look for chances to praise instead of always judging. . Be the calm
Alyson, I love your tweets tonight!
. truth! And reaction is everything
Well said, sir. Support suffers when Admins allow themselves to become isolated. I have to work on this. https://t.co/YxEMlfROnR
Offering support & encouragement. Not getting swamped in the office & being visible & accessible
Q6: What could admins put in place for next year to better support you?
A5: Don't make every conversation test related.
I'd add other emotions as well. Shows admin is human. 'mASap https://t.co/6UZUXZmnL9
A5: Admins get what they model. Be intentional about calmness, mindfulness, and patience.
Go for it, Lisa! (Keep me posted on how it goes!) https://t.co/ela7AN30EW
A5: encourage me to take a risk & try something new
Very true...be what you want to see in your building - in your system https://t.co/K5w15vDFgb
A5: Admins get what they model. Be intentional about calmness, mindfulness, and patience.
A6: Admins set the stage w scheduling.A great way 2 get buy in is 2 encourage staff participation in creating the master schedule.
I need a grilled cheese. I bet you have a great recipe for something unusual in that department!
A5) Keep that inside out approach as you make new plans for the school year. Trust the insight of your teachers and listen closely
A6: More chocolate in the teacher's lounge!
A6: Be clear on the boundaries. What decisions are the admin"s and which are the teacher's?
Amen! It's about making a difference, not just hitting a number! Preach it!
A5: Let Ts see you more than when you are coming to criticize. Be constructive not demeaning.
Definitely true. I was specifically hitting on the busyness of spring and the effect its can have.
A6: get input from Ts ab scheduling options. We are gathering info on scheduling options for next year from our Ts
Slipping out. Thanks for the learning and !
A6: All kidding aside. Set parameters, provide teachers with a great deal of autonomy and let the magic happen.
It seems that is all that matters this time of year. My students are numbers. They are children!
A6: goal is to have scheduling complete prior to end of school year so Ts know what they will teach next year
So glad you stopped by! Join us again!
We built our master schedule as a team in an afternoon last year.
I agree, Dan. Sometimes we just need to get the hell out of the way. Pardon my “French”. https://t.co/t3F3w0gvG9
A6: All kidding aside. Set parameters, provide teachers with a great deal of autonomy and let the magic happen.
LOL! My grilled cheese sandwiches are VERY basic! :-) https://t.co/puT60qGcaz
I need a grilled cheese. I bet you have a great recipe for something unusual in that department!
A6: Freedom to take risks. Opportunities (&choices) for prof. growth. Structures for working w/ others who share passions.
Thanks for joining us, Jim! I appreciate your insights!
Pardoned, my friend. I agree. Sometimes we try too hard when all our Ts need is permission to be great.
A6 Structuring embedded collaborative opportunities for Ts to support each other and emphasize shared knowledge
Love! Collaboration is huge to growth https://t.co/9YhcnxGfU0
A6: Freedom to take risks. Opportunities (&choices) for prof. growth. Structures for working w/ others who share passions.
Is this chat for admin only or are us Ts welcomed? I should have asked earlier.
A6: Definitely want to ensure that Ts feel included & use summer to reflect in open and honest conversation about getting better
Yes! Everyone welcome! Admins want your input!
A6)I think having a risk-taking, failing forward attitude as you head into planning next year. It gives people the freedom needed.
If so, we'll be party crashers together! :)
Pam, this is for educators in all roles, not just the ones who are admins.
I have always found this chat particularly welcoming to everyone. It’s why it’s a favorite of mine. https://t.co/bmoaWfSwmq
Is this chat for admin only or are us Ts welcomed? I should have asked earlier.
teachers are always welcome!!! Glad you are here!
It's also respectful of their time, so that they can plan/learn during the summer before school gearing up 2 start!
A6: plan of action that supports building Ss relationships as foundation of educ,emphasis on relationships not testing/scores
A6:Help Ts decipher the difference in teaching and just stressing over testing. Remind Ts that there is more to it than testing.
Q7: What role can an admin play in supporting your career?
It's for everyone. Tonight's focus was on admin support. :-)
I'm being bold and speaking for everyone when I say - we're all teachers, just with different roles. Welcome
A6: If you are teaching, the test will take care of itself.
A7: Admins can build leadership from within by supporting and encouraging staff.
A7: Helping to connect you with the right people.
It's much more than testing. You have the power to change the future for every student you have!
A7: I think we should all have the mindset that peers might aspire to change and grow and Admins cannot stand in the way.
Absolutely. Proactive approach to setting a foundation for time use & plans for authentic lrng
I'd take some scholarship ideas.Daughter accepted into UofA.PleaseDM if any of you have ideas.She really wants to make this happen
Great to hear! I hope your first year is going well!
A7: sitting down & finding out their career goals. Putting Ts in leadership roles & opportunities for them to grow
A7: I think it’s our job to help bring out the greatness in everyone—Ts, Ss and each other. We should all be about that.
A7: We have an obligation to build leadership capacity within all of our people. We do this by establishing teams and empowering.
We are all teachers and learners.
A7: I'm the product from a principal that listened to me & put me into position to prepare me for my current role
A7: ENCOURAGEMENT! Understanding and making sure Ts feel appreciated.
A7: We went into teaching to make a difference...giving us those opportunities to do just that
A7: listen to new ideas with an open mind & encourage me to attend professional development that helps me grow
Me too! Helped me grow and had authentic convos abt my strengths and weaknesses! https://t.co/D1HClV1xyM
A7: I'm the product from a principal that listened to me & put me into position to prepare me for my current role
Congrats! Have you checked out scholarships listed in guidance office at her school?
A7; 's comment reminds me of the admin who called me "Dr. Buck" until I found myself enrolled in a doctoral program
A7: Administrators who supported, empowered, & nudged me along the way created a pathway for my professional success & happiness.
A7: Inquire about staff goals...openly encourage and support that growth -one person's growth is inspiration to the team
BOOM! https://t.co/zUnTMWEaVc
A7: We went into teaching to make a difference...giving us those opportunities to do just that
FQ: If you could freely give an admin one piece of advice, what would it be?
Admin is the Ts teacher. They should encourage success as we do out Ss.
FA: Never stop learning. Learn something new every single day.
FA: Be a leader, not a boss! Lead by example. Serve your staff, students, and parents.
Realize that sometimes your ideas are not the best. It is okay to admit that and move on.
Enjoyed the chat tonight. Got an early start with our 34 week ultrasound to see our twin boys. Have a good week
AFQ: listen with an open mind while remembering that everyone had the ability to make an impact
FA: Instructional leader over administrator!
The mic drops!!!!! This is what it is all about!!!
FA: Keep listening...Ts may not always agree or understand "big picture", but knowing we are heard means more than some realize
Don't ask Ts to do something you wouldn't want to do yourself.
congrats Jeff! Babies in the air, my niece had a healthy baby girl today
FA) Let your teachers be part of the solution. Administrators look as good as their teachers make them look and feel.
double the love & double the blessings!!
Thx 4 another gr8 tonight! Thx to our moderators for a superb job as always. I’m grateful to learn from such passionate educators!
FA: Advice to self- keep the main thing the main thing and stop getting caught up in the daily junk keeping you out of classrooms!
If you have built the relationships, they trust you will do what is right even if it isn't what they want.
Another engaging !
Thanks for a great convo!!
FA: Look for strengths in your teachers and students... and you will find them! Use them to move forward together!
Remember, you WILL make a difference this week. What kind is ENTIRELY up to you! Make it a great week, everyone!
Don't make your Ts feel as the lesser. Let them feel equal in the process of change.
Yes! Ts are in the trenches daily. They know what is needed.
agreed! Thankful for leadership this year that has restored that for me
Now I’m off to make a boring grilled cheese, !
FA: Grow people, believe in people, pick them up when their down - "leadership is an action not a position"
As an admin..I am nothing without my teachers!
I think avocado makes everything better! Or a little basil pesto!
This goes for ALL staff members! https://t.co/N4i0siEjji
Don't make your Ts feel as the lesser. Let them feel equal in the process of change.
Awesome and Congrats, Jeff! What a great Leap Day!
Great . Some of my favorite people are administrators! THANKS for doing the very difficult job of leading our districts & schools.
I agree. Every role of the school is important.
TY to our superstar for an engaging chat. I love to learn from you & with you.
Loved tonight's chat! Thank you all for helping me grow! encourages and motivates me weekly! You all are the best!
Be approachable. Rapport is as important for Ts and Admin as it is for Ts and Students.
Great tonight! Always fun learning on the fastest hour of the week!
There she goes! She might add spinach too! https://t.co/4q8KmTeg83
I think avocado makes everything better! Or a little basil pesto!
Spinach would be yummy, too! :-)
