#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Welcome to Matters of the Heart: Week 2 of our #whatisschool Summer ReNEWal series for educators. Please share your name, role, location. Remember to use Q1/A1 and include hashtag in your responses. @ShiftParadigm
A1 I seem to always need to be still in June. It can often take me several weeks to feel normal again. I put so much of me into the school year, I’m running on empty when it ends. I have to let go of the pressure I put on myself. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A1 #whatisschool The largest emotional stuff I cram into my to go bag are that I get so attached to my students and even though they will be in the next hall- I will rarely see them and I will miss them.
A1- I'm thinking about my students all of the time. Are they eating breakfast? Are they OK? Are they having fun? I don't really consider this emotional 'baggage' but just a weight in my heart that stays present until I see them again. #whatisschool
A1 can I describe the emotional baggage I’m carrying right now since our school has started?
It’s that feeling of being useless and that paranoia of senior teachers judging your every move and wondering what I’m doing #whatisschool
A1 #whatisschool I find it very difficult to unpack my to go bag- I stay very connected to my classroom for a few weeks after- PLN ties me to it AND I need to leave Katy for a bit to truly get relaxed in summer mode.
A1. I was tired at the end of the school year, but I feel like I left my baggage at school. I had 1 particularly challenging student, but I feel good that we got the student the needed support for next year. #whatisschool
A1: As I was advocating to keep my counseling space despite our school's growth, because of the coaching model I've created, I was told that everybody is replaceable. That stung; we can't thrive in an "everybody is replaceable" culture. #whatisschool
A1. The biggest things for me are the frustration of the ever changing curriculum, helicopter parents that are still messaging me on class dojo, and TN failing to administer the state test correctly once again after we prepare for it all year long.
#whatisschool
A1 scared that our school is taking this candidacy phase to lightly. Worried that if we don’t get authorized, it’ll be pinned on me because it was my job. #whatisschool
Good evening! I am a Speech-Language Pathologist for the lower grades and school level IEP chairperson in NC! NIce to meet you all @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
A1. The heaviest burden I will be carrying in my emotional backpack would be the burden of State-mandated testing and how much of an interruption it can be in my classroom. #whatisschool
A1: Am I doing enough? Is what I'm doing preparing them for the future? One of my worries is my Ss moving to the next class not being prepared enough. #whatisschool
A1: Matt in late. The emotional baggage of how others perceive you. Even when they are wrong. And you know they are wrong. And when you suspect even they know they are wrong but just don’t want to come around. #whatisschool
A1 I’m worried also that I don’t have any formal training teaching a subject that’s not my major the blame will fall on me.
It’s the first week of our school and I think I’m carrying too much baggage. I need to get away from this #whatisschool
Wow. That is harsh, and not true. The best teachers are irreplaceable. #whatisschool I think it is great you have a counseling space. What grades do you teach?
2b honest prob not as much as a core teacher. I am a specialist design teacher & i only se each of my classes once a week so i don't have the capacity to develop the in depth relationships with Ss that core Ts do. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @lethajhenry, @JessiFallen, @stephenkelley85
A1: I think that it’s hard not to have some emotional fatigue at the end of a school year. We are in the people business and with that comes emotions, differing opinions, #whatisschool miscommunication, etc. I’m trying to take this time off to “let it go”!
A2 Catching up on sleep gets in the way of me making major renewal plans when school first ends. I don’t seem to realize how sleep deprived I am until I don’t have to teach. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Going through my second year of my MEd @elonuniversity I am now even more upset because of testing like this! I am tearing them into chunks and trying really hard to understand the "whys" and"hows" they were created #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @elonuniversity
A2 #whatisschool There is nothing inhibiting my summer renewal but plenty enhancing it. I gain a lot of rejuvenation from reading, writing and attending purposeful PD. I have been on summer for a month now and am recharging and renewing my spirit daily.
Barbara, it's been too long. Would love to connect with you with my new Ss. Last year got away from me. Thanks for your wonderful words of encouragement. I know I am my own toughest critic. #whatisschool
A2. I feel great with my summer! I can't say my baggage stayed with me too long! Out with the old, and in with the new year! (Though I have gone to tons of PD sessions, training, and conferences)!
#whatisschool
A2: Ellen and Mark, these are great reflection questions.
I've been going to my counselor, to help flush the things I don't need and keep the good stuff to propel my encore career.
#whatisschool
A1: Perfectionism is this baggage I am carrying. This year was atypical with many placements and referrals in addition to the caseload I carry. At times I felt inadequate but I think that is a result of feeling like I should have superpowers. 😔#whatisschool@shiftparadigm
Not really. It's in our nature as educators to always look for ways to improve. We have students who do more than/enough in the classroom, & we still push them to achieve higher. We set the same standards for ourselves. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @MrsMoorhead17, @stephenkelley85, @mattoman71, @deem_ellen
This reminds me of something I heard Wayne Dyer say once. "Don't believe what you think. 0" There's always room for growth. #Whatisschool has generated a lot for me. @ShiftParadigm@BarbaraGruener
In reply to
@therequisos, @ShiftParadigm, @BarbaraGruener
I’d love to say I just try and work with the things I can control and let go of the others, but it’s not true! I let stuff get to me that shouldn’t. #whatisschool
A2) #whatisschool I am listening to @JonAcuff Do over again.. and he was just talking about attitude being a choice and how we sometimes sabotage the newbie enthusiasm instead of embrace it.
A2. The summer break is a chance to completely get away from school(at least for a little while). Clear your mind & reset for what comes next! #whatisschool
A2. I’ve been on vacation for 9 days and already feel rejuvenated. I’ll be teaching extended school year in a week and a half. I should be ready. Then summer vacation part 2 in August. #whatisschool
I think it's not a question of enough as much as it is continuing to pursue growth. If we continue to pursue growth, we are enough as Barbara said because we keep giving our very best. #Whatisschool
In reply to
@therequisos, @ShiftParadigm, @MrsMoorhead17, @stephenkelley85, @mattoman71
A2: Putting things off (procrastinating) thinking that no matter how hard I work, Ss & the culture will not change no matter how hard you work. I know I shouldn't think that. I just need some (breather) weeks to recharge and start anew. #whatisschool
A3 #whatisschool The best way to leave things behind- lay them down- and move forward is to focus on my growth and how I can improve my craft. What little changes can I do to make my classroom even more engaging, mindful and motivating. Lots of meditation, writing & Twitter.
Grace! Great to see you. It's been too long. I need to get back to a regular #bfc530 routine this school year. How are you my friend? Are you making time for renewal? :) #Whatisschool
A3 taking the time to re-evaluate and also keeping myself busy. At the end of the day it’s just work, my life, health, and well being are more important.
And just saying this to teachers here who wouldn’t judge me is quite a relief.
#whatisschool
A3: I am focusing on my appreciations so that they'll overshadow the resentments until #gratitude is all I see, feel and experience. I refuse to carry those ugly monkeys from someone else's circus. #whatisschool
A2: I live right across from my school 😊 I spend time thinking I should be there, plotting and planning for next year without breathing and fully reflecting...you should see my Pinterest board #whatisschool
A3: A week in a peaceful location with little internet service or phone calls will help. I need to concentrate on being with my family and set up my vacation responder app on my email. 😀#whatisschool
#whatisschool a2 Gave self permission to rest, getting away does help, now I'm mentally training and seeking new career. This is the new bag my fine mind is gunna carry @skymazef3
Q3. Unpacking and dealing with my emotional baggage has been easy because of all the great, caring and brilliant people I have around me @elonuniversity right now!! Im also eating delicious home-cooked meals , enjoying the pool on the weekends, & working out!! #whatisschool
A3- I've learned that, for me, a restful summer does not mean 'switching off' from thinking and reflecting about teaching. It's just in a more slow, thoughtful manner than I have the chance to do during the school year #whatisschool
A3.I designated time for myself and I have been getting to my workout classes 3-5 times a week! The biggest thing is I didn't work summer school!
As for the new curriculum, I have been to trainings, and educating myself before the new school year starts. #whatisschool
A3: Spending time with the fam. We have planned to see my H's side of the family, w/c is a very loooong road trip. With 3 kids. And ferry rides. Without knowing the road ahead. Fun times. #whatisschool
What you're teaching me is I'm not alone. What Twitter helps me to do is take me out of the picture. Twitter has shown me the power of team, and that helps me silence my doubts. I'm so glad you're here tonight. I hope you can make it next week, too. #Whatisschool
In reply to
@therequisos, @ShiftParadigm, @MrsMoorhead17, @stephenkelley85, @mattoman71
A4 I need to schedule this first...Not be afraid to say no. Recognize when hectic times during school year necessitate quiet down times. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Indeed I have online met @BarbaraGruener Twitter has been one if the ways I moved fwd. PLN here is great. Teamwork, all contributing and/or listening #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @BarbaraGruener, @BarbaraGruener
I speak whenever I'm invited; typically about mindset, mindfulness, Social and Emotional learning, character development. i LOVE to energize other passionate educators and plant seeds of greatness for their character building! #whatisschool
That sounds super fun! My brother and I were reminiscing yesterday about the red cooler our parents used to put between us in the back seat to keep us from arguing on long car trips. :) #whatisschool
A4. In Oz we are lucky to have our summer break in Dec/Jan. Works perfectly to wrap up a school year, take a holiday, celebrate Xmas with Fam/friends & then by early Jan get back into planning for the new school year. #blessed#whatisschool
A.4 I renew my heart with family, friends, my husband, and two dogs. I just spent as much time as I can with all these people and animals. Spending two weeks in Southern FL at my parents' house helps, too:)
#whatisschool
A4: We have new things coming up next school year in terms of curriculum & a diff set of expectations. I am just preparing myself by reading/researching ahead keeping an open mind & heart for new things to come. #whatisschool
A4. I love to read for fun over the summer. Reading is my escape and my decompression chamber. I also enjoy meaningful PD. Enjoyed a workshop this a.m. re difficult classroom conversations #whatisschool
#whatisschool A4 - We are traveling this year. Going to be gone 26 of the 40 days. I also updated my blog and started my own podcast. https://t.co/7EbfH7uZHF
A4 accepting that this is the new norm and adjusting to this new life. Ups and downs and everything in between.
Find comfort in the little things, small achievements, and acknowledging that there is something new and exciting each day. #whatisschool
A4: Enjoying the simple everyday pleasures in life! This is hard for us to do during a hectic school year! Running errands, browsing through a store, reading, catching up with friends and family! ❤️#whatisschool
I am glad you are enjoying your Sox. I know @ShiftParadigm and @whalen are, too. I'm sorry my Phillies only beat the Yankees once for you. Mornings were hard for me this year, but I'm optimistic things will be smoother. #Whatisschool
In reply to
@GraceTherriault, @ShiftParadigm, @whalen
A4: Balance. Purposeful eating, movement and spiritual growth. Restablishing self care so I can be the best me for everyone. #whatisschool@shiftparadigm
A1: Wow. After people taking advantage of my kindness and then taking credit for my hard work, I just kind of went into defensive mode. I spent this whole year like that. I felt like I could not be as trusting. #whatisschool
I just wrapped up today after 3 PD days spent connecting with colleagues, thinking ahead to next year, and cleaning/organizing my class. I understand how fortunate I am to have that time and to be able to keep my class exactly as is until the students say goodbye. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @BarbaraGruener, @maestrarivero
It's not an easy thing to do, I know. I try to take it a little at a time. Keep me posted. I'm here for you. #whatisschool@LysaTerKeurst book The Best Yes helped me think about some of these issues. I found it super helpful. #Whatisschool@MaxLucado too.
In reply to
@therequisos, @ShiftParadigm, @MrsMoorhead17, @stephenkelley85, @mattoman71, @LysaTerKeurst, @MaxLucado
A5: Have a dose of Vitamin Sea & just take pictures of my family! We bought a camera a while back & never really took advantage of documenting our trips. Build a pic library & edit them into vids. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a4 Taking ownership of my inner learner geekiness has let me enjoy reading; also viewing #VirtuEL18 research. Each to their own to fulfill their spiritual reservoirs @skymazef3
Q5- I am slowing down my breathing from dealing with the anxiety of being in a new place doing what I love and drinking lots more water. #ElonEd#Whatisschool
A2: I want to go back to being super kind and giving. It’s not inhibiting me as much as occupying my thoughts. I’m trying to figure out how to really let go of resentment. Follow what I preach. #whatisschool
A5: Resting. Sleeping in when I can. I find that my motor runs all day and it’s hard to take a breather during the school year. We feel like if we stop we’ll be behind!#whatisschool
a5 #whatisschool Sit and read for hours. Write for me. Just sit and write, listening to awesome music. Taking long walks and catching up on TV. But really, spending lots and lots of precious time with my family is ultimately what I do for a healthy heart.
Making some memories for me with my grandkids. They leave to go back home tomorrow and then off to Israel for a year. This is my “rejuvenating” for now. #FindHappinessToKeepHealthy#whatisschool
A3: I’ve been reading several educational books (like Culturize) and thinking about how I want to be remembered (as a nice teacher who cared for Ss but kept to himself or as someone who really gave of himself). #whatisschool
A5: Relaxation in the pool and on the local lake, power walking, cooking, knitting, writing. SO many self-care blessings I don't tend to take advantage of when I'm working. #whatisschool
Just spent two weeks working a Summer learning experience for kids ... my Summer is rebooting tonight ... frosty beverages and sleeping in #whatisschool
I met him once. He was just like his books, humble, kind, and wise. Just thinking about it brings me happy tears. I love when people help others by pursuing their passions. #Whatisschool
In reply to
@ellen_e_silva, @therequisos, @ShiftParadigm, @MrsMoorhead17, @stephenkelley85, @mattoman71, @LysaTerKeurst, @MaxLucado
Eric, you would be so SO proud of me; I saw some colleagues enjoying breakfast out and I secretly paid their bill. Felt AmAzInG. Why be grumpy when we can be grateful. #whatisschool
Q6 In the school year ahead, what will you do to create time to unpack emotional baggage and renew and rejuvenate your heart? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A6 My plan will be to keep summer in all of my school days. Do one thing each day that brings me joy regardless of how busy I am. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Yes. If we do not set things down and step away from them for a bit- we get bogged down. We have to breathe and relax- we need to rejuvenate #whatisschool
There always seems to be just the right voice when I need it the most. Can also recommend "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" The Mr. Rogers documentary was amazing! Wish every T could see it. #Whatisschool
#whatisschool Keep weekends for family and writing. Do not bring things home to grade. Make sure to step away from teaching and into personal realm daily.
A5: I’m traveling and been doing more community service. When I get back, I’m working on a project that will help my Ss for years to come. Very excited. #whatisschool
A6: I plan to be more reflective w/ my teaching. I already have a blog started, but need to schedule it. I also need to begin journaling as we are starting with TCRWP next year. I want to show my Ss my writing & that I am learning with them as well. #whatisschool
A6: Stay near those who make your light shine brighter! Avoid negative thoughts and actions! Remember it’s not about me it’s about the students. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a5 Us southerners have much shorter summer breaks 5/6 weeks. I would say every break it is a go to put in planning/display time and no go to work time. Balance it up @skymazef3
A6a: I was taking to a student at the end of school. He’s changed in his temperament. We talked and I told him, “Don’t let others change who you are.” I then stopped and realized I needed to take my own advice. Told him about my experience... #whatisschool
Thank you for participating in #whatisschool. Join @deem_ellen and me next Thursday, at 7:00 PM EDT for week three f the #whatisschool Summer Renewal Program for Educators
Thank you for participating in #whatisschool. Join @deem_ellen and me next Thursday, 7:00 PM EDT for week three f the #whatisschool Summer Renewal Program for Educators
I forget the Christmas one I have in my office. I wish I could remember the name. We use a lot in class. (Catholic school). #Whatisschool I'm really glad we connected tonight:)
In reply to
@ellen_e_silva, @therequisos, @ShiftParadigm, @MrsMoorhead17, @stephenkelley85, @mattoman71, @LysaTerKeurst, @MaxLucado
A6b: After telling him my experience, I made a pact with him. He would go back to being the really kind student I knew him to be (version 2.0) and I would go back to being more of a giver. I also made arrangements to help a new T. #whatisschool
A6: I just love this question! Establishing good self care habits now...spending some, but not all, time planning at my own pace this summer...embracing the here and now with my family, friends, colleagues and students. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A6: Stay near those who make your light shine brighter! Avoid negative thoughts and actions! Remember it’s not about me it’s about the students. #whatisschool
We're all a mess, that's why we need each other to grow:) #Whatisschool I have the greatest respect for my Twitter peeps who are honest about their mess:)
Thank you both. It helps to talk about what has hurt us or is holding us back. Listing what we plan on doing to address this really helps us commit to working on ourselves. Thank you both for this! Self-care is so important in our line of work. #whatisschool
