Our mission for our 21st century chat is to create a positive 21st century learning environment for our students by sharing resources and ideas that has worked in our classrooms. Join us every Sunday from 8:00-9:00 PM (EST) on Twitter using the hashtag #21stedchat. All are welcome!
Hello! My name is Philip Hathcock and I'm a MEd Student (grades 7-12 Social Studies teaching candidate) studying at the Ohio State University. My current student teaching placement is at Westerville Central High School and I'm teaching primarily Modern World History. #ssvpln
Hello! I'm Philip Hathcock. I'm a MEd Student (grades 7-12 Social Studies teaching candidate) studying at the Ohio State University. My current student teaching placement is at Westerville Central High School and I'm teaching primarily Modern World History. #ssvpln#21stedchat
A1: You simply ask them. You never know what they are willing to do until you have that face-to-face conversation and simply say...Have you thought about.... or I notice you are excellent at.... or I have a leadership role you would be perfect at.... #21stedchat
#21stedchat Q1: as a future teacher, one thing I worry about is not doing something correctly. This may make me less likely to take risks. I think it would help me to hear other teachers stories about times they tried something that didn't end up working out
Q1, A1: I feel that you have to talk about what they are willing to do and push themselves to do and that is the only way you can really know.#21stedchat
A1: I agree with @JasonSalhaney ask them to participate then trust them to get the job done. Its amazing what teachers are willing to do when they see how you believe in them #21stedchat
@barbersclass#barbersclass#21stedchat A1: What helps makes teachers become leaders is when they are given opportunities to have their voices heard. In class I work on open-ended projects and I feel like my voice matters. That makes me want to do the same for my future students.
A1: personally I think that everyone has the power to do all of those, if they aren’t put down from others around them. Not everyone thinks the same way or views things the same way which is okay. It is not okay to belittle someone’s voice. #21stedchat
As I am not a teacher yet, I don't know how to answer this question from that perspective. However,I feel like it would be great to have validation that I am doing a great job. Supporting my confidence as a new teacher would keep me feeling positive. #21stedchat#21stedchat
A1: As a future teacher, I think that presenting us with opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, succeed, and grow will give us the confidence to do these things ourselves! #21stedchat#edu435
A1: I also think its just important as a teacher to surround yourself with other teachers who are going to encourage, challenge, and inspire you. #21stedchat
A1. Teachers can be empowered by being given more responsibilities and freedoms when it comes to teaching their students! This also goes along with becoming risk takers. It may take a couple of times to make mistakes and learn from them, but that's ok! #21stedchat
A1: Allow teachers to share their ideas! Give teachers opportunities to share their classroom structure and ideas! Show off successful classrooms and allows the keys to others success be heard and shared! #21stedchat
A1 My admin trusts us to make sound decisions in the classroom and I dont feel like they micromanage our lessons. They also are always open to new ideas for both in and outside of the classroom. I think trust and belief in teachers inspire our staff to be leaders. #21stedchat
I think that providing a culture of trying new things and allowing your teachers to be vulnerable is helpful. When that is applauded, it allows teachers be real risk-takers. #21stedchat
Hi #21stedchat My name is Kirsten. I am an 8th grade history teacher and I'm in my first year of graduate school at Wilkes University, studying instruction technology.
#21stedchat A1 a teacher needs to feel the trust in her ability and judgement. We must allow them to take decisions and also learn from their mistakes. Of course guidance must always be there for them.
A1: Help teachers realize they are teaching the minds of tomorrow and they should take great pride in the work they do and the patience they have for these young minds. #21stedchat
A1: I am also not a teacher yet; however, I think it would be good to hear some affirmation from other teachers as well as my mentor teacher. That being said, I would also want to hear some constructive criticism and techniques in which to better lead. #21stedchat
A1: Teachers can be empowered to be leaders/advocates by having the support of their administrators. They will take fewer risks if they do not see opportunities they have, or if they do not feel like they can. That comes from their education and superiors. #ssvpln#21stedchat
#21stedchat replying to @Edu_Thompson
A1: Let's be the first ones who do what we expect others to do and also practice what we preach. If we do it first, no matter what, others will follow our example!
#21stedchat Q2. My high school had a leadership program, S.T.R.I.D.E.S., that promoted team building and leadership, we met with our teams once a month and had leadership activities, i think programs like these are good
A2: Practice what you preach! When teachers see you putting in hard work and leading by example they will do the same. Don't ask a teacher to do anything you wouldn't be willing to do #21stedchat
I believe that delegation and allowing teachers to take on different roles other than their primary classroom teacher role would allow for teachers to be more comfortable to step up! #21stedchat
A2: School administrators can make incentive programs for increasing student achievement in academics. Teachers could earn extra bonus or some kind of incentive to get whole class in the 80%-100% range. This could help add more encouragement to teach well. #21stedchat
A2: School administrators can improve teacher leadership by standing behind their teachers when they advocate. Administrators can also provide teachers opportunities for development and more resources to use in the classroom for students. #ssvpln#21stedchat
A2: I feel that communication, support, encouragement, and leading by example are all great ways for admin to improve teacher leadership within the school.
#edu345#21stedchat
A2: continuously have opportunities for teachers to take on leadership roles, and supply resources for them to enhance their leadership skills. #edu435#21stedchat
A2: as many people have already said, give teachers opportunities for leadership in schools. The only way to learn, is to do it. If teachers are apart of a board or something then they will be able to learn from others and provide that to their students. #21stedchat
Q2: I think that having some sort method of collaboration/communication between educators on a regular basis would be very beneficial. Also, the seminars sound like a good idea. #21stedchat
A2- I think giving encouragement and positive feedback when teachers try something new is important. This should be done even if they fail. Also, continuous professional development directly addressing the needs in the 21st century classroom is very important. #21stedchat
A2: School administrators can improve teacher leadership by standing behind their teachers when they advocate. Administrators can also provide teachers opportunities for development and more resources to use in the classroom for students. #ssvpln#21stedchat
A2: Ask! I remember being a newish teacher (after I got my feet under me), wanting to step up, but not knowing how. I just needed to be asked. I was asked once to do something, now I'm working on my admin credential. #21stedchat
A2 Invest invest invest in your teachers to build their leadership capabilities & capacities - this requires time, resourcing & budgetary considerations - & commitment from administrators #21stedchat - hi all Sharon late into chat
A2: Provide leadership articles on a monthly basis and review them. You have to do something with them--not just hand them out. They have to see the connection to their growth. Professional reading of texts as well. As an administrator share your favorite reads. #21stedchat
A2: Provide professional development for teachers to be aware of new tools and trends to support leadership. They should also promote opportunities for teachers to share out and try new ideas they have. #21stedchat
Q2: I have always been a fan of servant leadership! I think if an administrator will actively and joyfully help other faculty members do even the smallest tasks anytime the opportunity presented itself, it would be beneficial and contagious to other faculty! #21stedchat
A2: Finding and understanding the strengths of teachers, after all “The strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf.” #21stedchat#Junglebook 🐺
A2 Professional reading is a great way to develop shared understandings about leadership which is so important in building a positive organisational culture in schools #21stedchat
A2: consistent communication, positive reinforcement, and constructive criticism along with never-ending encouragement. It’s a 2-way street between admin and faculty #21stedchat
A3: Put your strong teachers in charge of professional development or have their classroom be learning centers for other staff to visit and observe. Let others know what good teaching looks like and show them models. #21stedchat
A2. Giving teachers chances to be apart and make decisions. Trusting and supporting teachers and having good communication as well is extremely important! #21stedchat
A3: a good strategy, especially with new teachers, could be to pair them up with older more seasoned teachers to help learn the ins and outs of the workplace and help with little things and getting to know the place #21stedchat
A3: holding conferences or attending different leadership/ education conferences so that teachers can reach other teachers and give new ideas @barbers class #barbersclass#21stedchat
A3 Administrators need to review the structural organisation within the school to provide opportunities to distribute roles & responsibilities - this can be both formal & informal leadership opportunities - it needs to be planned so leadership is distributed #21stedchat
A3: My school has leader teachers lead sessions in something they are strong in on professional development days. I learn so much more from these sessions than I ever did from someone talking at me all day. #21stedchat
A3. Building a mentor program is a great idea so that strong teachers are influencing new and incoming teachers. This also gives the incoming teachers a resource if they have any questions or need advice. #21stedchat
One thing we do in our building is "learning labs" We visit other teachers' rooms and then debrief the experience among a group of educators. This allows some teachers strategies and skils to be highlighted and shared among their colleagues. Best to lead by exampel #21stedchat
A3: As an ‘almost’ teacher, I am always looking for strategies, tips, and resources that strong teachers use. I believe that sharing should be extended beyond just the school walls. Reach as far and wide as you can! #edu435#21stedchat
A3. Rotate leadership responsibilities such as facilitating a school-wide meeting. Provide time where teachers (who want to) get a chance to set the agenda and take responsibility for the conversation about the school and its needs. #21stedchat
One way is to have newer teachers take a day (or 3) to observe the strong teachers before they start at the school. That way, the teacher will know what is expected but also can see if they want to be a part of that school. #21stedchat
This would allow you to have those "on the fence" teachers move into leadership roles and build their capacity. They could work with a stellar teacher and collaborate. #21stedchat
Having new less experienced teachers learn from more seasoned teachers during professional development would be the best. In addition, new teachers should also try to constantly learn from more experienced teachers.#21stedchat
A3: My building holds TBT (teacher-based-team) meetings wherein teachers meet with others in their department to discuss and reflect on their pedagogy. We always read articles before each meeting, and we are encouraged to produce change in the way we teach. #ssvpln#21stedchat
A3: At my school we started having cohorts in place of a faculty meeting each month. Teachers volunteer to teach a tool or lead a discussion on a topic that they are an expert in , the rest of the faculty will sign up for the cohort that most interests them. #21stedchat
Q3: in very small groups, allow teachers to be part of your decision making. From organizing faculty meetings to the simplest responsibility of creating a pep rally schedule. Teachers like to feel they’re more to a school than just teachers. #feelimportant#21stedchat
A4: it’s very important for teachers to have the ability to put themselves in other shoes regardless of the situation. Be very understanding and open-minded at all times. #21stedchat
A4: They have got to be humble and not prideful. Always looking to better themselves and never becoming complacent. They also must constantly have the best interest of others in mind!!#21stedchat
A1: I think the best way to empower teachers to be leaders, decision-makers, facilitators, advocates and risk-takers is to be one ourselves. The best way to encourage is to model. #21stedchat
#21stedchat Q4: I think teacher need to be somewhat strong willed. In order to be a good leader you also need to have confidence in the decisions you make in your classroom
A4 I think determination, focus, resilience, creativity and an ability to work with all are needed qualities/skills that a teacher leader needs in order to be successful. #21stedchat
A3: in very small groups, allow teachers to be part of your decision making. From organizing faculty meetings to the simplest responsibility of creating a pep rally schedule. Teachers like to feel they’re more to a school than just teachers. #feelimportant#21stedchat
Q4: communication is always key. Teachers need to be good communicators in order to be successful leaders as well as confidence. @barbersclass#barbersclass#21stedchat
@barbersclass#barbersclass#21stedchat A4: Teachers need to be able to understand the needs of their students and be able to express that to families, staff, etc.
Replying to @Edu_Thompson
A4: Organizational skills, NLP developing skills, empathy, willingness to get out of their comfort zone, not to taking things personally and an ability to see the greatness and potential in others! #21stedchat
A4: Leading teachers need to have great communication skills! Communication is the key. They should also have strong collaboration skills. They must be reflective of their experiences and be life long learners.
#edu345#21stedchat
A4: I think that teachers need to be strong-willed and full of energy. Confidence is key, because you need to have confidence in your methods and practices in order to teach at your potential. #21stedchat
A4: as teachers, I think we all have the skills to be effective leaders. Communication, collaboration, trust, being able to read our audience and modify our approach.
A4: Experience ALWAYS helps, but another skill teacher leaders should have is faith in other teachers, and the ability to communicate and LISTEN to those above AND below them. #ssvpln#21stedchat
A2: School administration can improve teacher leadership in schools by giving teachers a voice in different things and also encouraging them with kind words and such. #21stedchat
A5: I don’t have any resources but I am excited to see what everyone has to offer to help me as a future educator and leader! @barbersclass#barbersclass#21stedchat
A3: I think if they would give different teachers different opportunities to lead and make decisions. They also should give new teachers a mentor to work with to help them within the first couple years. #21stedchat
A5: starting after school activities like a work out club with incentives and prizes could be a good and healthy way to get a team mentality and togetherness amongst a group of co workers. #21stedchat
A5. I don't have any experience with this as I am still a student, but I have copied a link below to an article that I found to be helpful when talking about building teacher leadership! https://t.co/kkqzQA5PQT#21stedchat
A5: Innovator's Mindset, unleash talent and lead a culture of creativity has been a game changing book for me. I'm in the process of reading a 2nd time. #21stedchat
A6: My biggest takeaway is that there will always have to be someone in charge. It may be yourself sometimes but it is important to realize when it is not you as well. #21stedchat
A6. One take away from tonight's #21stedchat was that mentors are a really great idea to encourage teacher leadership and I also found some really great resources to use in the future for establishing teacher leadership as well! #21stedchat
Thanks for another great #21stedchat join us December 16 when we check the Education Naughty and Nice List (the good and bad). Join @Edu_Thompson and I at 8 PM ET US
A6: One take-away from tonight's chat is that it is very important to collaborate with your para-professionals in order to be a good leader. #21stedchat
A6 Building teacher leadership is a ground up movement not topdown within school reform & is vital in moving forward to ensure teachers have a voice in educational change #21stedchat
A6: One take away from tonight's chat was that leadership is extremely important and to not be afraid to take risk and step into a role.
#edu345#21stedchat
A6: I think my biggest takeaway from tonights chat would have to simply be that it was very eye opening for me. I have never thought about how the administration in the school can affect how the teachers act and feel. #21stedchat
A6: overall, everyone seems to be on the same page with leadership and how to improve it. We all seem strong willed and are ready to take action in our schools #21stedchat
A6: My biggest takeaway was the importance surrounding yourself with people who will encourage you to be a leader. Especially as a new teacher! #21stedchat
Taking away several things but the main 2: how other schools use their leader teachers to help and inspire all teachers to be leaders. 2: Excellent reading resources to inspire leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. Thanks so much! #21stedchat
Thanks @dprindle & @Edu_Thompson & all for an insightful chat - so great to hear all the passionate voices about teacher leadership & the different strategies to address this aspect in schools - looking forward to the next one #21stedchat
A5: Well, being that I'm still in my Education education, I'm just being exposed to the ocean of resources out there. We have been reading the New Teacher Book, which places a lot of attention on building relationships with colleagues as soon as possible. #ssvpln#21stedchat