Welcome #EduGladiators to another NEW chat!
For the month of August, we have discussed the 3 pillars of #EduGladiators & TODAY we wrap up with #advocacy
First, who's here? Let us know who you are & where you're from!
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Qs drop as Q1...Q2...& you answer A1...A2...
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Good morning #edugladiators Sean from Orland Pk IL stepping into the arena. Happy to report that our school's new vision statement is "Every Student, Every Day" #EduGladiators
Morning #EduGladiators! John from Washington DC. High school instructional coach and eleventh grade English teacher. SUPER excited to be back after an epic week of teacher training!
Good morning, #EduGladiators! Mike from PA - teacher and Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Teachers Advisory Committee @PTACVoice, which is creating a pipeline b/t teachers and #edpolicy makers.
Good morning #EduGladiators Ellen from NE OH. Relaxing and reflecting on the first week of the school year, the kids I get to inspire and the family and friends who joined us last night at our home. Ready to share thoughts!
Morning, #edugladiators. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English in Colorado, where we aim to hone communication skills as stepping stone to advocacy.
A1: Getting out of the way and filing the instructional air with student voices. Would you rather listen to one repeated note or a symphony? Each student's song matters!
#EduGladiators
I love seeing a student who other Ts struggle with, show up on my roster. I see it as an opportunity to show that student that someone cares and we don't focus on past mistakes in my room. #EduGladiators
A1: It's been a busy year. Co-authored @teaching4IR, a book advocating for balance b/t techonolgy & humanity in #education. Helping to start @PTACVoice, non-profit org that is connecting teachers & #edpolicy makers, lots of speaking as PA Teacher of the Year, etc. #EduGladiators
A1: By providing voice for teachers to attain the learning tools needed for students to succeed. This allowed for an increase in relevant learning tools while provided voice in classroom instruction and learning #edugladiatorshttps://t.co/gCbTS6IENd
A1: I seek out the students who are overlooked, almost invisible and make sure that someone sees them. I see every conversation as an exercise in building trust and breaking down walls. #edugladiators
A1 This is a daily deal for me. Connect with kids on their level, listen (really listen), reflect with them, and then set a plan to move forward. #EduGladiators
A1 Less white hat, more white hearing aids. Trying to listen actively, accurately to what students are saying -- & what they're not saying (which demands different devices). #edugladiators
A1 I have advocated for our students by consistently celebrating their successes, being a voice to seek additional resources to enrich their learning environments, & providing learning opportunities to grow their individual leadership #edugladiators
A1: I believe in being and teaching littles how to advocate for themselves. It is a skill that I kept inside myself for myself to long and I want our littles to shine bright from the beginning. #EduGladiators
A1: I am very protective of the Ss struggling w behavior. They often act out because of some underlying issues & a lack feeling connected w the school or Ts. I build relationships with them Day 1 to let them know they have me in their corner. #EduGladiators
A1 Making connections with my students builds trust. With trust comes responsibility. I serve their needs because I have a moral responsibility. No matter how small the need. #EduGladiators
A1. Advocating for a more accurate and fairer evaluation system that doesn’t include using behavior to punish academics via late work. The standards based grading approach is coming in the next couple of years. #EduGladiators
Love your thoughts, Paul, on finding ways to do things better. As leaders, we are constantly charged to spark creativity and innovation within our teams @PaulONeill1972#edugladiators
A1: Just listening to Ss will show you care and provide you the information to advocate fully for them. And give them the "why" of their thoughts about a decision #edugladiators
A1: I seek out the students who are overlooked, almost invisible and make sure that someone sees them. I see every conversation as an exercise in building trust and breaking down walls. #edugladiators
A1 Being close to the border, our Ss and campus daily have to represent Ss on issues of deportation and immigration status...campus leadership has been very supportive by implementing what to do scenarios...we have all learned a ton #EduGladiators
A1 Less white hat, more white hearing aids. Trying to listen actively, accurately to what students are saying -- & what they're not saying (which demands different devices). #edugladiators
A1 Even though my year just started, I have had several really good experiences connecting with Ss, listening to them and getting some good responses, nice to have time to connect #edugladiators
True thoughts, Katelyn. Essential that are students have the foundational levels of Maslow's Hierarchy, so that they are able to learn at optimal levels @k_callahan4#edugladiators
A2 We are doing our best to connect with students and be their spark. I shared this presentation with staff to get this going this year. https://t.co/TGPZ9Zj58m#EduGladiators
A1: Listening with intent to understand the student experience. It's often the forgotten about voice, but it's one of the MOST important voices. #EduGladiators
A2: Learning what in students' lives is prompting or preventing their goals, words, responses etc.
Three of my summer school adult students were refugees from Syria. WOW their stories. I learned a lot about listening.
#edugladiators
A1 When Ss come to my office with a "complaint" I teach them how to advocate for themselves, through letters or meetings using respectful language which will help them be heard. Involves a lot of role play! #edugladiators
A1. We don’t teach content. We teach people! I use my Twitter feed daily and put together a weekly student showcase class newsletter to amplify the AMAZING work that my students are doing. https://t.co/UGAN2Ibejh#EduGladiators
A2: recognizing my own emotional triggers that block me from being my best. When am I reacting to a student who is pushing my “buttons” instead of responding with empathy and compassion? #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A2: I'm teaming up with our 4th & 5th grade Ts to do whole class teaching for the Ss and Ts to help them all understand how to use phonic skills, the 6 syllable types to conquer reading and spelling. #EduGladiators
I love that opportunity. My Modern US class is the 'dumping grounds' for Ss who need credits but struggle elsewhere. Isn't that ironic for US History? “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,..." #EduGladiators
The fear and mistrust must be rampant. Glad to hear you are helping kids and families work through that. Such important work you are doing for them to have a place where they are safe. #edugladiators
A2: Relevance and Realtionships. We need S's to see, hear and feel why the learning experience is important to them. As for relationships, I'm looking forward to making every moment better for kids by being more present than ever before. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A1. We don’t teach content. We teach people! I use my Twitter feed daily and put together a weekly student showcase class newsletter to amplify the AMAZING work that my students are doing. https://t.co/UGAN2Ibejh#EduGladiators
A1. As an admin., sometimes you need to advocate for kids when they make poor choices. Sometimes we need to remind folks that they are kids and the point is for them to learn, grow and make better choices...NOT to take a pound of flesh and just punish. #edugladiators
A2: I am working on incorporating more individualized learning and exploration with PBL. I also want to see more student leadership in the classroom! #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
And kudos to our leadership team and admins who repeatedly are educating us on these issues...we may not hear everyone's story, but we will hear one or two of them...the choice becomes ours whether to help or not #EduGladiators
I'll be working on better communication & collaboration between all our Freshmen Ts & resource centers. Helping build a better program to help them succeed. #EduGladiators
Working on developing growth mindset within my students, adding some more assessment options and teaching styles so things don’t get stale. #EduGladiators
A2) This year I hope to challenge their creativity. Giving them more ways to express and build themselves up in all environments. Pushing to do things we may think we cannot together. #EduGladiators
A2 This year our Ss will be setting life skill goals for themselves, reflecting on progress and writing their own progress report comments #edugladiators
A2 I’m working on a book about integrating #SEL into every stage of an academic unit. Teaching students how to choose to live by their own values, even in situations where they don’t feel empowered.
#EduGladiators
A2: Increase opportunities for pushing Ss (and Staff) thinking by Increasing Critical Thinking Skills in Education #edugladiatorshttps://t.co/mJz6RTGmTd
A1: As a special education case manager, I advocate for students nearly every day! I have to make sure they are getting the necessary accommodations and modifications so they can receive the same education as everyone else. #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
What we decide to do or not do shapes who we are and the level of support we will provide to Ss or any situation...at the end of the day, yes I listened, yes I connected, but did my actions back it up in some way #EduGladiators
A3 I move on to plan D, and then plan E. There are as many plans as there are letters in the alphabet, and sometimes you need to start the alphabet over again. #EduGladiators
A3: Look for the voices that may have been overlooked. There are those with great ideas that don't always speak up. Amplify their voices! #EduGladiators
Did you know the convo continues all week long in "The Arena" - #EduGladiators {NEW} community group! Click 📲https://t.co/spHoWXTfNP to connect with other warriors, share resources! Plus enjoy sneak peaks of chat Qs!
I hope it's not, but I see this as Ts putting content before Ss. They have to cover a certain amount of content & worry about some Ss holding them back. Why not let those other Ss help bring them along & build them up. Collaboration. #EduGladiators
A3: By leaving no stone unturned in my search for improvement. Leaning on my virtual PLN as well as my in-person team. But most importantly, I'm focusing on asking better questions as I reflect upon potential next steps. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
Something I’m chewing on, and may have triggered me. The difference between advocating for students and advocating with students. How do we navigate them advocating for themselves and teach them to do it, as opposed to doing it for them? #edugladiators
A2) This year I am taking the #PLN mantra #BetterTogether into our school as we shift to a team teaching service delivery model to serve #ALL students. #edugladiators
I am in year 3 of #pbl and it has been a great experience, seeing Ss choose their learning path, build leadership skills, been writing about it now, we learn so much from them too #edugladiators
In reply to
@MrsHopp126, @EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A2: Supporting teachers as they build relationships with students FIRST, before digging into curriculum; better understanding students' SEL needs and understanding who they are and what they bring to the classroom #EduGladiators
A3 As leaders, we know that creativity is not limited to one person. We are charged to create the conditions for and tap into the creativity of all of our team members, so that we can go beyond our individual plans A and B and move all the way to Z, if necessary #edugladiators
A3 When plan A and plan B don’t work, I keep on working to develop Plan C and hopefully that will work. Lots of letters in alphabet just keep trying 😀 #EduGladiators
A3) Young adults will support each other or in hypothetical problems when we team up for that. Look to my PLN for support, ask questions. Taking a walk helps me get back in touch with new ideas & refresh my creativity. #EduGladiators
A2: Focusing on working with Ts to better understand gifted Ss and why some popultions are underrepresented in gifted education and overrepresented in special education. #EduGladiators
A2 when we develop culturally relevant opportunities for students we open doors that allow them to demonstrate and us build on the assets they bring to the learning #edugladiators
I love a little help from a fellow Jersey girl. Follow for a follow so I can see the best of what New Jersey has to offer. @NewJerseyDOE is committed to all of our amazing educators who mold and inspire our children. Together we create a better future for everyone. @DrLRepollet
A3 Twitter PLN's are great places to share stories and find answers to questions...we are becoming better advocates already by being connected with #EduGladiators 🙌🏾👏💪
Sounds like a recipe for success! Mine this year is #AssumePositiveIntent to help develop a commitment to more problem-solving and less finger-pointing... #EduGladiators
A2 My goal remains to be a sense of belonging for ALL students AND staff. Inspiring educators to make connections and facilitate connections is my passion. #EduGladiators
A2. Engagement! Autonomy! FROM DAY ONE. I turned my entire syllabus into an interactive welcome back game so we never have to waste a day reading rules ever again. Now it’s a team based challenge through 10 stations. Please steal it! https://t.co/fNci7xbwnM#EduGladiators
I take inspiration from conventions for labeling spreadsheet cells, which start doubling up when needed (AA, BB, CC...)
I believe it was former Raiders owner Al Davis who said, "Just iterate, baby." Though, best to do *with* students, rather than for them. #edugladiators
A2: My focus this yr will be on student empowerment. Within our science curriculum, I'm going to give Ss as many opportunities as I can to see how their learning relates to problems in their communities, & allow them to work to solve those that match their passions #eduGladiators
A3. Plan A and B will not always work. This is why it’s important to build up a community of adults who will serve as advocates. You can do much more when many are on the same mission to care for all kids. Every moment counts! #edugladiators
A3 We can learn how to think more flexibly: Who ELSE has expertise? (Maybe not just the ppl with the big offices and nice shoes.) What ELSE might impact this student’s success? (Look for structural inequity.) What ELSE can we try? (There’s often a workaround.)
#EduGladiators
Love this approach, Carla. Our district is transitioning into a strategic focus on students owning their learning and plotting goals for academic, social, emotional, and positive leadership improvements @carlameyrink#edugladiators
A3: When advocating for my littles I just keep on pushing. People may not want to hear, but I keep on talking. I won't let my littles fall to the side because someone else doens't want to hear or do - they deserve better! #EduGladiators
A3: when plan A and B is blocked, I’ll usually try to reflect on what I may be missing. What data might be blocking me? What assumptions have I made that may not be accurate? #edugladiators
I love seeing a student who other Ts struggle with, show up on my roster. I see it as an opportunity to show that student that someone cares and we don't focus on past mistakes in my room. #EduGladiators
A3. Be transparent and open with Ss and say “ya that didn’t work” what can I do to improve it for you ? Or something along that Line to ask Ss to value their voice in Learning #EduGladiators
Hope you all enjoyed diving deeper into the 3 pillars of #EduGladiators !
We are on break next week, but will return with a BRAND NEW series for September & AWESOME guest moderators!
The convo continues in "The Arena" our FB Community! Join us there:📲https://t.co/sYHQZuX95G
A4: I want to make sure my gen-ed counterparts understand the importance of ensuring students receive all of the accommodations they are supposed to. We want students to understand the "why", and I think it's just as important for teachers too! #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A4: the summer #cleartheair has inspired me to embrace the #troublemakers! @CarlaShalaby “troublemakers” Opened my eyes to the power and opportunity I have to embrace the Ss who are most challenging. Those who desire to stand out (be outstanding) & are fearless #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @CarlaShalaby
A4: by making it safe to try and fail and try again. This makes us all stronger and more likely to advocate for ourselves and others in our learning community. #edugladiators
A3) I plan to continue my PD in a variety of ways, push beyond my comfort zone & this year putting on my calendar times to take those long walks daily. #EduGladiators
A3) look past what the data and stats say. Consider what it means to know and understand, and how can we assess that knowledge and understanding or awareness and expertise authentically. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @cskiles80
A4 Make a plan. Build teams, get people on board then... when it happens and it will, make the most out of the detours. But do it together @D4Griffin3 --> #BetterTogether#edugladiators
A2) Look beyond what the data and stats say. Consider what it means to know and understand, and how can we assess that knowledge and understanding or awareness and expertise authentically. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @cskiles80
A4: Continue to push those around me to have a #onedegreeshift in their awareness, speech, actions, interactions, bias to better understand those around them. One degree may seem insignificant, but a slight shift can make a substantial impact! #EduGladiators
A3) #edugladiators we have to remember that people create systems and then we allow those systems to define us ~ @kenblanchard. If we create the box 📦 we must understand that there was a time without a box 📦
A3. Be transparent and open with Ss and say “ya that didn’t work” what can I do to improve it for you ? Or something along that Line to ask Ss to value their voice in Learning #EduGladiators
A4 Be more action oriented and making myself more available for connecting...saying hi in the morning is respectful, but asking "how are things going" is more impactful #EduGladiators
A3) Reflect and be honest with yourself. Consider whether you may have limiting beliefs or you may be focusing more on what you think is best for the student then rather what truly may be best for the student and you don’t agree or realize it. #EDUGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @cskiles80
I love seeing a student who other Ts struggle with, show up on my roster. I see it as an opportunity to show that student that someone cares and we don't focus on past mistakes in my room. #EduGladiators
A4: Take a step back and remember that the next kid walking through the door isn't the same person that just pushed you too far. They deserve a warm welcome, not the after-effect from another student, parent or even other Ts. #EduGladiators
A4 I am on a MISSION to help educators understand the value and importance of early childhood education and what developmentally appropriate practices are and WHY we use them. The pendulum is starting to swing. I can feel it. 😊 #edugladiators
Good reminder, Carla. Consider increments before entire baby-and-bathwater dumping. (There's time/place for latter; it just need not be first move every time!) #edugladiators
A4) It is important to celebrate Ss & Staff success. Continue to build an environment were risk taking happens and we can learn from failures. #edugladiators
A4. We’re using #gamification this year to develop a comprehensive teacher PD and badging system, with entire tracks devoted to social emotional learning, service opportunities, PBL, and purposeful integration of our school’s #CatholicEd mission. #EduGladiators
I feel like this is foundational here. We often resist taking risks for fear of failure. How do we learn? Fostering this culture is probably the biggest key to success. #EduGladiators
A4) It is important to celebrate Ss & Staff success. Continue to build an environment were risk taking happens and we can learn from failures. #edugladiators
A4 Make a plan. Build teams, get people on board then... when it happens and it will, make the most out of the detours. But do it together @D4Griffin3 --> #BetterTogether#edugladiators
A4: Storytelling and narrative are some of the most powerful tools we have as advocates for our students. Facts don't move people. Just like in our classroom, we need to reach people's hearts before we can reach their minds. #edugladiators
First time on #EduGladiators. Great chat and learned a lot. Look forward to read back and also follow all the folks. Another great chatbis Sunday 8:30 est #hacklearning.
A1) I’ve had to humble myself and respond to a disgruntled parent about a misunderstanding. Angry parents are the lions den of teaching. Taking time out of my day to hear their concerns openly is fighting for my kids #edugladiators@edutopia
A3) plan C, throw the whole lesson away and give the students what they need. We teach kids not content. Often times ss aren’t engaged bc they aren’t “present” yet. Sometimes planC is throwing the clock away, and stopping where you stop. #EduGladiators
A4. Close the laptop and LISTEN to understand. Get out of the office and BE IN THE TEACHING & LEARNING. Boots on the Ground. Lead from the feet. AUTHENTICITY and always SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT of T’s & S’s. #EduGladiators
A4) Always promote & practice the philosophy that “Anything is possible!” Never pigeonhole & perpetuate a self-fulfilling prophecy that’s negative. Always ask, “What if?” #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @cskiles80
A4: I plan to do a better job of seeing the whole child and not just their behavior. This has been hard for me in years past, but I’ve gotten much better. #eduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A3: find someone who knows the student that I haven’t yet spoken to. Find someone who specializes in working with students with similar characteristics. What do they do differently? #eduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @PaulONeill1972, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A1: traditional I would attend a conference to hear a presenter or have a presenter attend a big kick off event to learn latest trends & ideas. Now I wake up on a Saturday morning and learn from educators who fight the good fight on the front lines of education at #EduGladiators
Thanks for a great chat, #eduGladiators. Sorry I wasn't more interactive. Was doing double duty - our water shut off this morning and I need to find someone to fix our well pump on a Saturday. :) Have a great weekend!