An informal learning community for educators worldwide. Our passion for learning and connected learning experiences help us to improve our teaching practices. #txeduchat features guest moderators every week.
Please check out the format change for tonight. No Q1-A1 format. Feel free to ask Angela any question about how teachers should be making a difference. BE sure to include the #TxEduChat hashtag!
#txeduchat Okay...I'll toss this out, @AngelaMaiers . How do we (I'm a coach) help beleaguered teachers understand their impact? (And not sound cheesy.)
#txeduchat Okay...I'll toss this out, @AngelaMaiers . How do we (I'm a coach) help beleaguered teachers understand their impact? (And not sound cheesy.)
@AngelaMaiers, favorite/most effective grassroots way to start effecting a change within a group of staff? How do you get the buy in necessary for success? #txeduchat
Good evening #txeduchat family from Barbara, school counselor and author of What's Under Your Cape? in Friendswood. I'm super excited that @AngelaMaiers is here with us tonight!!
@misskaitiesmith - Start with the believers! Show that it works. You’ll never get them all on board, but doing good things FOR Ss always cathces fire #txeduchat
@AngelaMaiers, favorite/most effective grassroots way to start effecting a change within a group of staff? How do you get the buy in necessary for success? #txeduchat
Here is the deal friends---I am trilled and excited beyond belief to answer anything you throw me, but THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM IS THE ROOM!!! I mean this--EVERYONE has a voice that needs to be heard! #txeduchat
If teachers are stressed, make sure they know the importance of their role in society + the smaller picture, communities, children, etc. Texas Education Chat | #TXEduChat
Something we did when I was at a nonprofit (where burnout is huge too) was starting every meeting with a Mission Moment. Each meeting was started by going around the room and saying one positive thing that had happened that related to our mission. #txeduchat
A1: Remind them of their why. I also like to let teachers know how students feel in their class(get student feedback). I ate with 4th graders the other day and they were telling me things they find hard, what they love about things their teacher does, etc. Good data #Txeduchat
A1: There is no ego in mattering. Mattering is a DNA thing not an ego thing. ! It is as essential to our wellbeing as food,water, shelter and air. #txeduchat
A1: great question @ToshMcGaughy! I find that sincerity never comes across as cheesy. More times than not, having someone who truly listens, affirms, and provides honest feedback for growth is what Ts need and WANT #Txeduchat
A1: We were created for significance, and for us to perceive that we don’t matter - that we don’t make a difference - is both dangerous and terrifying. #txeduchat
A1: We do an activity in our counseling class in which we ask students to write a thank-you note to a former teacher. Then we give them to that T. Words of affirmation, gratitude and love from their students are a powerful antidote to beleaguerment, for sure! #txeduchat
A1: Change means honoring the dissent. Being able to express dissent with out being dejected or rejected means voice in the change process matters. #txeduchat
A1 help educators to understand their impact. Students are watching. Teachers are modeling. All. The. Time. Their actions are impacting & making a difference all the while-making sure its a positive impact is key 🔑 #txeduchat
#txeduchat A1 This phrase. Wrote this in 1990, little did I know how prophetic it would be to my career. As a Tr you have the power to touch and impact the future through the kids in your room. VERY POWERFUL! You can be a #SuperHero
#txeduchat A1? So, when I praise, spotlight, affirm a teacher...it's "expected" because I'm a coach. One kind comment from an admin or other teacher can mean so much, though. Now I try to find ways to nonchalantly compliment my teachers in front of those folks.
@AngelaMaiers, favorite/most effective grassroots way to start effecting a change within a group of staff? How do you get the buy in necessary for success? #txeduchat
Something else we do at my campus @NISDReddix is have the students make announcements when they reach one of their goals. It not only motivated the other students but it gives the teachers and staff affirmation that what we are doing is meaningful. #txeduchat
Remember--there is no humbleness holding in our genius; withholding our contributions to others! This is a major mindset shift for teachers! #txeduchat
A1: Let teachers know that the kids talk about their class or a story they told. Share the little things. Mention their smiles when they leave a teachers room. Little notes that tell teachers thank you or give a little compliment are our oxygen. #txeduchat
It's just as important, then, that teachers feel like they matter among the entire school community and staff, and not just in the classroom. Building support and relationships with each other is vital. #txeduchat
Tell a S, in the quietest of moments, with your voice or with a pen, how much she or he matters. It is in those moments that Ts truly understand their impact and significance. #txeduchat
A1 Sometimes it’s taking those moments outside of where the eyes are. Some people need to be built up first. Take time to encourage the person individually first. #txeduchat
A2: It starts with seeing each others as people first! We were people before we were teachers; before we were parents. Mattering is something EVERY PERSON not only desires but deserves!! #txeduchat
A1b: Another thing we do is give our teachers circle time so that they can get knee to knee, face to face, and eye to eye with one another, to connect with peers and let each other know how much each of us matters. #txeduchat
So hard for teachers to get past the feeling they’re “bragging” but if you share your challenges/failures as well as your success you empower yourself and others to try #txeduchat
Remember--there is no humbleness holding in our genius; withholding our contributions to others! This is a major mindset shift for teachers! #txeduchat
#txeduchat Isn't it strange how "not standing out" can translate to "withholding our contributions" so fast? Teachers assume that others must be doing what they are doing...behind all those closed classroom doors. Share!!! All of you!! Share your awesome ideas!!!
Remember--there is no humbleness holding in our genius; withholding our contributions to others! This is a major mindset shift for teachers! #txeduchat
And kids don’t care when you mess something up, it makes you human... they do remember you being awesome. They remember how you make them feel, BUT SO DO YOUR COLLEAGUES! #txeduchat
A2: imagine a world where just as Ts find moments to whisper “you matter” to Ss, administrators found ways to whisper “you matter” to Ts! Make it a priority! #Txeduchat
A1: Yes!! Share stories with other Ts about what the Ss shared with you about them ... it's humbling to hear that they appreciate you and talk about you to other Ts, so pass it along! #txeduchat
A1: Let teachers know that the kids talk about their class or a story they told. Share the little things. Mention their smiles when they leave a teachers room. Little notes that tell teachers thank you or give a little compliment are our oxygen. #txeduchat
This is a tough one @misskaitiesmith . I think it has to start with a few people who believe. Let them show how much the change will benefit the students & staff, then slowly try to bring more in.
If you figure out a quicker way to do this, let me know! #txeduchat
3 things necessary for organizational change: (i) Employees have to believe that their efforts can bring about change. (ii) They need someone to believe in them. (iii) They need to feel they belong to a group that is working together toward the goal. #txeduchat
A1b: Another thing we do is give our teachers circle time so that they can get knee to knee, face to face, and eye to eye with one another, to connect with peers and let each other know how much each of us matters. #txeduchat
#txeduchat Hi, Cara!! You are absolutely right. They might tell you to your face but they might tell someone else. Share these tidbits with your peers!
A1: Yes!! Share stories with other Ts about what the Ss shared with you about them ... it's humbling to hear that they appreciate you and talk about you to other Ts, so pass it along! #txeduchat
A1: Let teachers know that the kids talk about their class or a story they told. Share the little things. Mention their smiles when they leave a teachers room. Little notes that tell teachers thank you or give a little compliment are our oxygen. #txeduchat
3 things necessary for organizational change: (i) Employees have to believe that their efforts can bring about change. (ii) They need someone to believe in them. (iii) They need to feel they belong to a group that is working together toward the goal. #txeduchat
When we think of people who made the biggest impact in our live, it was not their expertise or accomplishments that provided me us with direction, guidance and reassurance to accomplish our goals...It was their sincere belief in us. #txeduchat
I looooove bragging on my Ss, so I don't even bother worrying about what others think about why I'm posting it... some of these Ss don't have anyone else bragging about them, so I'm happy to do it! #txeduchat
This is SUCH an interesting question. I think it's okay for us to tell our truth, to share what we've got going on, to be proud of the passion we're able to push out and the energy we're able to generate. Otherwise, how will it ever go from me to WE? #txeduchat
In reply to
@melissacfreyre, @ToshMcGaughy, @AngelaMaiers
Think about five year olds at show and tell--they aren't bragging. They bring the best of who they are in their backpacks hoping that someone will say: Tell Me More/Teach Me More! #txeduchat
Just keep telling your positive story! If the naysayers want to try to bring you down, continue posting/sharing the good! If you are there to truly help students and other teachers, people will see your honesty! Stay humble, keep helping! #txeduchat
In reply to
@melissacfreyre, @ToshMcGaughy, @AngelaMaiers
"Little notes... are out oxygen." They take seconds to write, and cost nothing. Share them with everyone you know. Change lives. https://t.co/ewcLCTwnLx#txeduchat
A1: Let teachers know that the kids talk about their class or a story they told. Share the little things. Mention their smiles when they leave a teachers room. Little notes that tell teachers thank you or give a little compliment are our oxygen. #txeduchat
#txeduchat One of the more intriguing part of my coaching work is how often teachers respond to my opening question (What went well in the lesson?) with something negative. I usually am the one who has to share the positives from the lesson. They are reluctant to ID the positive
No one has the power to take someone down. There will always be naysayers. Surround yourself with good and honest folks. Keep going. It’s worth it! #txeduchat
A2: Mattering is a big part of what we do @McAllenISD We want our Ss,Ts, parents and community to know how much they matter and the power they have to #Choose2Matter We just placed this Mural in our center hallway at McAllen High School @AngelaMaiers#TxEduchat
#txeduchat A2 Use social media to SHARE THE POSITIVE. Your posts should highlight the KIDS! If you are bragging about your Ss successes you are also building the Tr / St relationship.
Mattering is part of the condition of being human. All humans in our lives share this common desire. They want to know they matter; we NEED it! #txeduchat
Every educator understands how crucial it is to model important behaviors for students. Well, behaviors to model include being brave and audacious and vulnerable and believing in yourself. https://t.co/LOk5fD8vdL#txeduchat
How do we let parents know how much they matter? How can we convey the importance of asking kids about their day? How do we explain that if they “just trust” their child to read & sign their logs, regardless...that they are sending a message with that choice? #txeduchat
Difficult students:
1. If you haven't met with the parents, you haven't "tried everything."
2. When you meet with the parents, you won't get them on your side by telling them how horrible their child is.
3. Show them you care about their child!
#parentsaspartners
A2: Mattering is a big part of what we do @McAllenISD We want our Ss,Ts, parents and community to know how much they matter and the power they have to #Choose2Matter We just placed this Mural in our center hallway at McAllen High School @AngelaMaiers#TxEduchat
#txeduchat I work in big urban high schools. How can teachers connect and celebrate each other within the busy schedules and tons of duties? Admin notice is nice, but think of how powerful and genuine peer notice is? How do we facilitate this?
Throwing this out to the group!!! The principles of Mattering are common sense---How do WE as indiv/as a community make them commonplace and common practice? Learning and Lives depend on this! #txeduchat
A2: Mattering is a big part of what we do @McAllenISD We want our Ss,Ts, parents and community to know how much they matter and the power they have to #Choose2Matter We just placed this Mural in our center hallway at McAllen High School @AngelaMaiers#TxEduchat
@dubioseducator THIS Is what makes us indispensable in the lives of students! A computer program can't tell a kid: I BELIEVE IN YOU! That's our job! #txeduchat
We've started doing person centered planning with the young adults at my school. We meet with them & their parents & they tell us what they want - job, living situation, free time - and we make a plan with the parents, young adult, and staff to make that happen. #txeduchat
“I embrace you with all my heart.”
Days after winning the Nobel Prize, Albert Camus sent his childhood teacher this beautiful letter of gratitude: https://t.co/WrpWYB43E1
#txeduchat At the end of each period I stand at my door and as each St leaves I point at them, smile, and say #YouAreAWEsome So cool watching your Ss smile each day as they leave. BUILD THE RELATIONSHIPS!
I think we as adults need to model listening to learn rather than listening to reply/respond. Sometimes people don't need a reply, they just want to be heard.
#txeduchat
#txeduchat#AlwaysBeleive is my life mission. If you are positive, your nonverbal communication will inspire your Ss to learn the greatest lesson in life.
You have to make it a priority... when showing people that they matter becomes a top priority, and you strive to SHOW it in all your actions, CHANGE will happen... #txeduchat#kidsdeserveit#teachersdeserveit
#txeduchat I really think the "parents matter" piece could be powerful in schools. So many feel alienated for a variety of reasons. Welcoming and valuing them as crucial supports for the school vision is a game changer.
No holding back: We each have a story to live out, and I believe that it is our moral obligation to be transparent about our journeys that we might take ownership of it and then be brave enough to share it! #txeduchat
A2: Mattering is a big part of what we do @McAllenISD We want our Ss,Ts, parents and community to know how much they matter and the power they have to #Choose2Matter We just placed this Mural in our center hallway at McAllen High School @AngelaMaiers#TxEduchat
We created this self-paced, online course to enable a deep. comprehensive understanding of the #Choose2Matter message, and help educators integrate it into the classroom & curriculum. https://t.co/cFObCYymOY#txeduchat
#txeduchat#AlwaysBeleive is my life mission. If you are positive, your nonverbal communication will inspire your Ss to learn the greatest lesson in life.
Print these and have them on the back of your teacher ID, at the corner of the computer, by the phone, on the lectern...and taped down on EVERY desk. #TxEduChat
Print these and have them on the back of your teacher ID, at the corner of the computer, by the phone, on the lectern...and taped down on EVERY desk. #TxEduChat
#txeduchat Again, transparency and bravery to share...There is something about teachers that make us value/embrace humility over putting ourselves out there.
No holding back: We each have a story to live out, and I believe that it is our moral obligation to be transparent about our journeys that we might take ownership of it and then be brave enough to share it! #txeduchat
Our campus listened to @AngelaMaiers two years ago and implemented #genius hour. It was a huge success. Getting every staff member to recognize their genius and ability to contribute to society matters. #txeduchat
Friends--we have to talk about this! #txeduchat Extensive research shows that the root cause of substance abuse, anxiety, bullying, self-harm and other social ills - ranging from apathy to agony-- is a feeling that we don’t matter.
Parents are also the piece of sustainability in each student's future. Long after the school is gone the parents will still be there. Their role and what the do for their child matters! #txeduchat
Writing notes to faculty telling them how they are KEY to your school's success is another way that we help our staff know, feel, embrace that they matter. Calling home to let their families know how much they matter to us is another fun idea. #txeduchat
When we truly listen, and watch with your eyes, you "hear" so much more than what their words are saying. If you're busy working on a response, you miss this. #txeduchat
I think we as adults need to model listening to learn rather than listening to reply/respond. Sometimes people don't need a reply, they just want to be heard.
#txeduchat
Creating a culture of Mattering starts with great Ts such as @Mchi_Yearbook . Our Ss have taken charge and began to spread the #Choose2Matter message at our school, Vertical Team, District and even our City with our mayor @mayordarling#TxEduchat
And when we meet Ss who are in the dark places already, we as educators have to prove to them that we will not quit them...ever. They matter, no matter what #txeduchat
Friends--we have to talk about this! #txeduchat Extensive research shows that the root cause of substance abuse, anxiety, bullying, self-harm and other social ills - ranging from apathy to agony-- is a feeling that we don’t matter.
Friends--we have to talk about this! #txeduchat Extensive research shows that the root cause of substance abuse, anxiety, bullying, self-harm and other social ills - ranging from apathy to agony-- is a feeling that we don’t matter.
The most dangerous word in our schools and in our lives is : JUST The moment you put that in front of any name is the moment you give away your power. You are not JUST anyone--#YOUMATTER#txeduchat
It's the most important message I've ever come across; i've witnessed its impact first hand scores of times, and it is breathtaking. I spent a year creating this course so the message could be shared, in its entirety, with everyone, everywhere. #txeduchat
#txeduchat IMO the greatest lesson we teach our Ss is to POSITIVE ROLE MODEL the #FruitsOfTheSpirit Our Ss ARE NOT getting taught this through our current culture. It is imperative that Trs WALK THE TALK and show their Ss LOVE JOY PEACE KINDNESS...
The most dangerous word in our schools and in our lives is : JUST The moment you put that in front of any name is the moment you give away your power. You are not JUST anyone--#YOUMATTER#txeduchat
Let’s not forget that the paras, custodial staff, lunch staff all matter as well. Without their dedication, our Ss would be able to learn and our Ts wouldn’t be able to teach #txeduchat
#txeduchat This is along my response to #walkout with #walkup. Walk up to the kids who are alone, who act out, who telling you every day in every way that they don't feel like they matter or can do anything to change that. #walkup to them and invite them in.
Friends--we have to talk about this! #txeduchat Extensive research shows that the root cause of substance abuse, anxiety, bullying, self-harm and other social ills - ranging from apathy to agony-- is a feeling that we don’t matter.
Let’s not forget that the paras, custodial staff, lunch staff all matter as well. Without their dedication, our Ss would be able to learn and our Ts wouldn’t be able to teach #txeduchat
Acknowledgement of a person’s value costs no money – and the rewards reaped are swift and lasting. Remember there is no greater motivator or driver of human behavior that to let a person know they matter and why! #txeduchat
Just as every person has a different leadership style, I think each has their own “mattering” style and how that is expressed sincerely because of how they communicate caring #txeduchat
#txeduchat@AngelaMaiers Thanks for your inspiration. The more you make your life about others, the more blessed your life becomes. This is the Pot of Gold of teaching.
Inspired by reading about teaching kindness on @BarbaraGruener’s website, I began a couple years ago teaching kindness as a subject & having kids reflect each Friday to share appreciation letters. Last year we implemented PAX Games, too. All of this has mattered! #txeduchat
In reply to
@MsBarcelo2021, @AngelaMaiers, @BarbaraGruener
Mattering is not about trying to get people to love you. It is about coming to terms with yourself. It is letting yourself serve and need others. #txeduchat
