#personalizedPD chat. A fast-paced, fun chat to discuss personalized professional development for educators. We discuss what it is, why it's better than traditional PD, how to create personalized PD opportunities, how to scale it from individuals to districts, and how to inspire it from individuals to districts to want more and more of it. Hosted each week by Jason Bretzmann @jbretzmann and Kenny Bosch @KennyBosch and moderated each week by a guest moderator. 8pm Central each Tuesday.
Hello! I am Kenny Bosch, co-host and co-author of the #personalizedPD book. https://t.co/UKHXahPlrl
Thank you for joining us tonight.
Take a minute and invite some friends to join us.
Looking forward to tonight's #personalizedPD chat because I don't know too much about Piers Observations. Always ready to learn! With @techgirlangie#educoach
If any #redbirdsrock colleagues are on the Twitterverse tonight and you haven't done a Twitter chat yet, jump on in to the #personalizedPD chat right now!
#personalizedpd Peter Carpenter from the great (snowy) state of Maryland...glad to see my friend @techgirlangie moderating this fine chat! Jumping in for a few minutes!
Great meeting everyone! We will use the Q1/A1 format this evening. #personalizedPD Here is Q1: What are your experiences with being observed or observing a colleague for professional learning?
A1) I have observed as a teacher on a campus, I have observed student teaching and Interns in their first or second year. And I have invited numerous people to come into my classroom, one evne just last week. #personalizedPD
A1: In my position, I’m in classrooms everyday. To support T leaders and quality instruction, I’m looking to celebrate and share what our Ts are doing. #personalizedPD
A1 - In my role, I am almost always teaching with another teacher, so we have some really good conversations about what went well/what didn't.
I learn so much watching other teachers do their job and that reflection helps us all get better #personalizedPD
A1: As an #educoach, I get to do learning walks on other campuses and am constantly in classrooms. I wish more Ts had these opportunities. #personalizedPD
A1: We have a large whiteboard calendar in each of our community workrooms where you invite others in to observe or pick up an invite into a Ts classroom. Very cool way to get feedback and share ideas. #OwlTeach#personalizedPD
A1 We coordinate Learning Walks with area schools. Ts observe (without judgement) other Ts in their classes. It’s a great way to gain perspective and learn! #personalizedPD
A1: we have had the opportunity to observe other classrooms across grade levels. We were encouraged to visit 3 other rooms. As a team lead I’ve had other opportunities to observe peers, as well #personalizedPD
A1b Now that I'm a coach, I can go into classrooms more often. However, I focus on tech, and the teachers are sometimes confused as to why I'm there if they aren't using devices that very second. I don't have to see tech all the time! #personalizedPD
A1: Had a lot of colleague observations when I taught, due to being in one of first 1:1 programs. Love it way more than admin observations! #PersonalizedPD
A1. It’s a lot like a checklist when it is formal. I like inviting admin and others to come see things whenever they want to. Going to start a pineapple chart soon to make this easier. #personalizedpd
Great meeting everyone! We will use the Q1/A1 format this evening. #personalizedPD Here is Q1: What are your experiences with being observed or observing a colleague for professional learning?
A1 Being observed by a colleague is not as nerve racking as administration and I love the feedback. Observing colleagues always gives me new ideas! I wish II had more time to observe others. #personalizedPD
I am happy to cover a T's classroom if they want to observe someone else. It's about the connections and a great way to utilize an #educoach. #personalizedPD
Great meeting everyone! We will use the Q1/A1 format this evening. #personalizedPD Here is Q1: What are your experiences with being observed or observing a colleague for professional learning?
A1: The Pineapple trend seems to be something that is taking over schools. Scheduling time with people who are intentionally teaching a strategy and allowing them to pop in to see it... keeps the door open. Pineapple = welcome. #personalizedPD
A1: As a coach, I model lessons for teachers. When in classrooms I would do an "I teach, we teach, you teach" to help with strategy adoption. Each bell I give the teacher more responsibility and we would debreif along the way. #personalizedpd
Our teachers are a part of @BeaverCountyILC . We do peer observations both in and out of district. Trying to create collaboration across schools around innovative practices. #personalizedPD
A1: It’s also so important that we see each other as instructional leaders. If Ts know I will leave with ideas and share them, it’s a visit, not an observation. #personalizedPD
A1 I’ve been a formal evaluator, a peer observer and currently a coach. I love getting into classrooms and seeing others teach. I always learn something new! #personalizedPD
A1: It’s also so important that we see each other as instructional leaders. If Ts know I will leave with ideas and share them, it’s a visit, not an observation. #personalizedPD
A1: When I was moved from 8th to 2nd grade, I visited a classroom to witness centers in literacy. We also modeled a program after another school, and we had the opportunity to see it in action! It was great to take part of what they did and make it our/my own! #personalizedPD
A1: Go in as a learner. It’s important to know the stance. When it’s a peer observation, the goal is to kindle learning: your own professional learning, as well as your colleague’s. #personalizedPD
Like Twitter, they see what others are doing and can learn w/out being judged, celebrate success, and encourage growth. Builds "we're all in this together" culture #PersonalizedPD
Teachers decide based on needs and interests. We have an elem ELA teacher collaborating across districts with a HS ELA teacher. Creating connections around literacy. #personalizedPD
A1. It is very important to be a coach 90% of the time. Save the evaluations for the "formal" Continual coaching coupled with the Right Climate, Knowledge and the opportunity for application is the recipe for personal growth. #personalizedpd
Agreed! Would love to do this more! Good genuine learning! Admin needs to support this and incorporate Ts to build infrastructure to make this happen! #personalizedPD
A2: When it’s non-evaluative, it provides a sense of ease and calm: which creates the platform for learning to occur. Plus, when you go in with a need or a goal in mind, the process is more rich. #personalizedPD
Every T has strengths and they are usually all different. Peer observation allows everyone to experience new ways of doing things and get ideas to try in their own rooms. #personalizedpd
A1b Now that I'm a coach, I can go into classrooms more often. However, I focus on tech, and the teachers are sometimes confused as to why I'm there if they aren't using devices that very second. I don't have to see tech all the time! #personalizedPD
A1. It is very important to be a coach 90% of the time. Save the evaluations for the "formal" Continual coaching coupled with the Right Climate, Knowledge and the opportunity for application is the recipe for personal growth. #personalizedpd
A2: being able to step into the room of a peer allows you to see different teaching strategies, I think it also helps build a sense of community and trust. What you thought was only happening in your room could be happening in someone else’s #personalizedpd
A2. Peer observations can be based solely on growth. If each party is entering the arrangement with the right mind-set there is no limit to the heights one can grow. #personalizedpd
A2) If they are looking for actions that show engagement, great. If they are looking for what they think is "great" teaching without being able to measure it, they might learn something, but missing what I think is the point of observing. #personalizedPD
A2: it’s important to let a goal be a goal and not always try to shape the visit. As a principal, I would walk through classrooms in the evenings when they were empty just to soak up the environment. Sometimes it’s as simple as stealing environmental design. #personalizedPD
A2: it’s important to let a goal be a goal and not always try to shape the visit. As a principal, I would walk through classrooms in the evenings when they were empty just to soak up the environment. Sometimes it’s as simple as stealing environmental design. #personalizedPD
A2 I love how observing in someone’s class builds a community of collaboration! Opens the door for critical conversations, helps Ts see how to take the first steps in new initiatives & see everyone’s expertise! Connections made in peer visits are POWERFUL! #personalizedPD
Even if it's just one little phrase the teacher used differently! I found I picked up on the little things when I was able to observe peers. #personalizedPD
A2: It should help both sides. It should not be used to criticize or offer suggestions. It should be a time where the observer use what they see and personalize it. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Find someone whose strength is your weakness. #personalizedPD
A2: Some of us look forward to these observations more than others. We can all learn from them. Take what we see, analyze it, and apply it to our own situation. Quality opportunities to grow. #personalizedPD
I like the signs some teachers post with two areas they are working on and an #observeme hashtag, inviting people in to help with the goal areas #PersonalizedPD
A2: Peer observations allow for more genuine #connections , team building, and, in a positive way, provide ways to help each other grow!! #personalizedPD
A2: Microslicing the subtle nuances of teaching can really bring a big impact to our own instruction in classrooms. The best experts are often those who are across the hall or next door. #personalizedPD
A2: peer observations often make teachers feel much more comfortable as opposed to an admin. Often teachers “put on a show” when admin comes in. Want real, honest feedback? Ask a peer #personalizedPD
A1. It is very important to be a coach 90% of the time. Save the evaluations for the "formal" Continual coaching coupled with the Right Climate, Knowledge and the opportunity for application is the recipe for personal growth. #personalizedpd
A2 I love how observing in someone’s class builds a community of collaboration! Opens the door for critical conversations, helps Ts see how to take the first steps in new initiatives & see everyone’s expertise! Connections made in peer visits are POWERFUL! #personalizedPD
A3 I think it fosters a sense of vulnerability to go watch another teacher. It's saying you don't know everything, and you are ready to learn from others! #personalizedPD
Yes! We did peer walkthroughs just focused on classroom environment. Teachers gained so many ideas just from visiting classrooms with unconventional set-ups and flex seating. #personalizedPD
A2: it’s important to let a goal be a goal and not always try to shape the visit. As a principal, I would walk through classrooms in the evenings when they were empty just to soak up the environment. Sometimes it’s as simple as stealing environmental design. #personalizedPD
A3. "We're all in this together" comes to mind. Peers helping one another improve. Vulnerability, being willing to fail in front of a peer is a key component to collegiality #personalizedpd
A2: Sometimes being able to see what the possibilities are can spark innovation for a T. Seeing something that they would never have tried can be a breakthrough for some. #personalizedpd
A3: Once you conduct a peer observation, it lowers the emotional and social veil that is sometimes “unspoken” in a school setting. Teaching is a work of heart. When people see your heart, it creates a connection. And it makes you want to see more. #personalizedPD
Conversations happen. You get to know people in a professional context but often these transition into personal conversations. Talking about different ideas allows for critiques and help to/support or share. #personalizedpd
A3) They open us up to being vulnerable, which makes it more authentic. In turn, this should lead to all parties concerned with growth in a supportive way. #personalizedPD
A3: It can even build relationships across levels and settings. Imagine high school English teachers going to see a kindergarten English lesson. I know they’d see some similarities! #personalizedPD
A3: Peer observations create a culture where it is clear that everyone matters and has valuable insights and ideas to offer one another #youmatter@Choose2Matter#personalizedpd
A2: Please let us "observe" your work by adding your story to the Stories in EDU book contest. Submit here https://t.co/UcV0UXckaW A story from your class or building about 1.Overcoming obstacles 2.Relationships 3.Voice&Choice 4.Hooks 5. #edtech Use 6.That One kid #personalizedPD
A3) I think it sets a positive tone, saying “My door is open. Come in and see what we’re learning.” That attitude benefits teachers and students. #personalizedPD
Have you checked out the #personalizedPD book? It is amazing for learning about different pathways for personalized professional learning. https://t.co/0l3qYZVSLo
A3: it opens the door for conversations that might not have otherwise had. It gives you the chance to see the great things other people are doing and to give feedback, building that community and collaborative spirit #personalizedpd
A3: Admitting weakness and celebrating strengths. Why reinvent the wheel when someone has found something that works?l Work smarter not harder. Use each other’s strengths and ideas to make it the best of the best! #personalizedPD
Ashley I love that you mentioned building a sense of community and trust. I think this does bring colleagues closer together and allows them to collaborate more. @Conine3rd#personalizedPD
Reinventing the wheel is exhausting! It's really cool to see what works if you share students. Seeing my middle schoolers in another environment was EYE-OPENING! #PersonalizedPD
A3: Admitting weakness and celebrating strengths. Why reinvent the wheel when someone has found something that works?l Work smarter not harder. Use each other’s strengths and ideas to make it the best of the best! #personalizedPD
A3: Peer observations also level the playing field. A novice can learn from a veteran, and a veteran can also learn from a novice. Doing so shows that everyone matters! #youmatter#personalizedPD
I agree! Although every classroom is difference, we all have the same goal. Entering another classroom you see the strategies they are using to achieve that goal! #personalizedPD
A3: From experience, it builds a connection with other Ts that can only be achieved through this process. The vulnerability to open your room to another adult can be scary but the best feedback comes from those in the trenches with you #personalizedPD
A3: I feel like I can learn something everywhere I go. If I can work together with someone on it, it becomes a collaborative and synergistic process. Amp it up! #personalizedPDhttps://t.co/UcV0UXckaW
A3: We've used Twitter and a campus hashtag to see what is happening in our own building. Ts comment, ask questions of each other, celebrate student growth. #observationhack#personalizedPD#CHcolts
It's time for the #Lurker shout out!
We love our lurkers at #personalizedPD
Feeling like you are just looking in?!? We would love to hear your thoughts. Join in, or not, it's cool.
A3: In leadership (formal, teacher, and informal), every action we take communicates a value. Peer observations communicate that we value ongoing, continuous learning as well as the notion that I can learn from anyone. #PersonalizedPD
Absolutely! I think the results of observations could also be shared out at faculty meetings, let's spread the love and respect for our colleagues! #personalizedPD
A4: I think the biggest challenge for most is the idea of ‘baring your soul’ to another person. Because teaching is such an intimate and heart-felt act, peer observations can really feel like you’re putting yourself out there. #PersonalizedPD
A4: Also need to make sure it's a fair distribution of visits. If one teacher gets all the visits, it can devolve to a "well, of course SHE is getting all the accolades" type of response #PersonalizedPD
A4) Understanding how we communicate. Feelings being hurt. If everyone is open to the process, it usually leads to challenges on how to engage learners and/or improving the instruction to engage. #personalizedPD
A4. Peer observations can put teachers at their most vulnerable. ALL teachers involved need to have the SEL skills necessary to mentor and learn from one another.
SEL skills are not just for the kids...
#personalizedpd
A4: Sometimes peer obseervations spark interest in a piece of technology - and many times there isn't one for each classroom. As the #edtech coach, I had to find a solution. #personalizedpd
A4 The biggest challenge to Peer Observations is making them happen in the first place! Getting subs and making arrangements make it difficult, but worth it!#personalizedPD
A4: I think the biggest challenge for most is the idea of ‘baring your soul’ to another person. Because teaching is such an intimate and heart-felt act, peer observations can really feel like you’re putting yourself out there. #PersonalizedPD
Agree. Important that it not be evaluative or feel evaluative. We are all in this together trying to create a better learning experience. #personalizedPD
A4: Setting up some simple norms for when you go into a visit is important. Ask questions ahead of time: “Can I talk to students while you teach? Where would you like me to sit?” When we have clarity, it helps alleviate stress on both parts. #PersonalizedPD
A4: Setting up some simple norms for when you go into a visit is important. Ask questions ahead of time: “Can I talk to students while you teach? Where would you like me to sit?” When we have clarity, it helps alleviate stress on both parts. #PersonalizedPD
My first year in the classroom, I had an average of 20, yes 20!, different people in my classroom per month! I bare my soul all day long. Twitter is just more learning, most of those didn't give me feedback, too bad. #personalizedPD
I totally used to feel that way. If anybody was stopping by I'd bring out the best China & fancy linens. Now, I'm like "Stop by any time." Come as you are...Come let us reason together. #personalizedPD
I totally used to feel that way. If anybody was stopping by I'd bring out the best China & fancy linens. Now, I'm like "Stop by any time." Come as you are...Come let us reason together. #personalizedPD
And the personality of the person. I know I would share more on Twitter than with most colleagues not because of the culture but because of my introvert-ness. #personalizedPD
In reply to
@LSpencerEdD, @jbretzmann, @drpcarpenter
A5) Most teachers improve their student engagement after an observation. And most observers actually learn what engagement looks like as far as actions that the kids show. #personalizedPD
Shout out to @techgirlangie for doing a FABULOUS job moderating the chat! I’m learning SOOO much. Twitter chats are like The Flash running through hundreds of classrooms conducting peer observations all at once! Zoom! #PersonalizedPD
I am introverted as well, and was never comfortable with "look at me" dialogue. But I blog and tweet all the time. Haha! So hey, look at me! (kidding) #PersonalizedPD
In reply to
@techgirlangie, @jbretzmann, @drpcarpenter
I was an Intern SPED Teacher. High profile kids, or so we said. New class on that campus, etc. It taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin or fail. #personalizedPD
A5 my district has a FANTASTIC 1st yr T academy where they regularly visit classrooms. It really supports these Ts and their transition into the profession. #PersonalizedPD
A5: Successful teaching strategies developed. Students valued & encouraged by all Ts in building. More openness to discuss missteps. (Maybe less burn out?) #PersonalizedPD
Shout out to @techgirlangie for doing a FABULOUS job moderating the chat! I’m learning SOOO much. Twitter chats are like The Flash running through hundreds of classrooms conducting peer observations all at once! Zoom! #PersonalizedPD
A3: It can even build relationships across levels and settings. Imagine high school English teachers going to see a kindergarten English lesson. I know they’d see some similarities! #personalizedPD
A5: Successful teaching strategies developed. Students valued & encouraged by all Ts in building. More openness to discuss missteps. (Maybe less burn out?) #PersonalizedPD
I think its challenging to let people in, and it takes a special person to come in and make the T feel comfortable and appreciated! Lots of work to still be done! #personalizedPD
In reply to
@jbretzmann, @msyoung114, @drpcarpenter
A5: as someone who currently does a number of observations for peers, I feel like they are very receptive to my feedback. I am not there as an evaluator, I’m there to genuinely help out when I see something. #personalizedPD
Same reason it's easier for me to present to strangers than the people in my own building. They know me and I care deeply what they think. Hard to be a prophet in your own land...#personalizedPD
I found the feedback I received to be surface level and the entire observation process is done out of necessity. If it wasn't required, I'm not sure it would be done... sadly #personalizedPD
A6: We incentivize visits through a Teacher2Teacher program. Observations need not be cleared with us and Ts who participate get Jeans Pass or Late In/Early Out Pass. #personalizedPD
A6 This may not be possible, but more time. We all have a full prep mod each day, but teaching is demanding and requires a lot of time. If we observe during a prep mod we lose that time to do work. #personalizedPD
A6: Training on observing and giving feedback is important before sending others into Ts rooms. Want this to be a positive experience for growth! Pineapple charts, coverages, and options for PD where Ts can group organically #personalizedPD
A6: Cover classes for teachers. Merge two classes into one, if needed. Make it a priority. Create conditions that support collaboration #PersonalizedPD
A6; Time is made for what is valued. Use Pineapple charts; or, allow a peer principal to visit the faculty meetings, or other types of things that you do for staff. This will show the staff that you’re praticing what you preach. #personalizedPD
A6) They can cover a class, they can, pay for a sub so that peer obs can take place all day, this is inexpensive concerning the value per dollar spent. They can use lunch time, utilize SPED staff with aides. #personalizedPD
A6: I think just giving teachers the time and opportunity would go a long way. Most teachers probably don’t think to ask. But it’s so important to see others in and out of district. #personalizedPD
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Final questions of the evening! Q7: Effective feedback is essential for positive peer observation experiences. What strategies do you use to take or give effective feedback? #personalizedPD
A6: Even recording a small segment of a class and sharing in a PLC or staff meeting as an accolade so ppl get comfortable w/idea of opening up #PersonalizedPD
A6: Administrators can build a feeder pattern PLC and organize "field trips" for professional learning/learning walks/peer observation that culminate in reflection and collaboration #personalizedpd
Having admins share strategies for effective feedback is amazing!! They are trained to do so for formal observations. Can you imagine the power if teachers are taught the same? #personalizedPD
A7 We have observation forms provided to us, but @DrKnicki mentioned training on giving feedback which I think would an excellent idea. #personalizedPD
A7: Nothing beats face to face! Make time to meet - it can only take 5 minutes if you identified objectives & know what you will provide feedback on (criteria) #PersonalizedPD
A7: I like to speak to those I observe within a couple days if possible. My favorite thing to do is tell them two things that were awesome. I love building people up! #personalizedPD
