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"Principals Unleashed: Our Life & Impact Beyond the School Walls"
Hey all! It's Miss B (Mariah Bush) here from Arma, KS at Northeast Elementary! I teach 5th grade! Recently, in my room, we celebrate working hard on our "Mon-Slay" and getting to "Fri-yay" with a Just Dance mini party dance off with the teacher! #ksedchat
Erin Lane, instructional coach from Blue valley. My win this week was being invited in with a team to co-plan a unit and it is a team I haven’t worked with before! #ksedchat
Daniel Klaassen, 5th.6th science in Rossville. Last week our district admin had walkthrough training and 10 came in my room at the same time and all my kids were on task! #ksedchat
Katherine Ternes from Christ the King in Wichita, KS. Loving it in 3rd grade. I had a student that normally struggles get associative property during today’s lesson! #ksedchat
Hey #ksedchat! I'm Jenny, a third grade teacher from the KC Metro area. My celebration is finally feeling like I am my feet under me. New job, new school, new district. Lots of new and lots to figure out! :)
Hey #KSEdChat friends! It's been awhile, I've missed you! <3 Ashleigh, 3rd grade teacher in Hutchinson. We have completely made it through our schedule from every small group, tier group, and whole group instruction time from the start of the day to the end!
Happy Monday everyone! Jill from Cheney, MS Social Studies and HS Teaching & Training pathway. Success last week was watching my 8th Ss realize the topics of their archaeology digs. I rarely get the "Ah ha!" Moments in SocStud and when I do it's SWEET! #ksedchat
#ksedchat I’m Rachel, 5th at Rawlins County! A celebration I had this week was finding out how much my students love historical fiction! It’s going to make novel studies fun this year!
Hi everyone! TJ Warsnak Social Studies teacher from #HalsteadHS. Biggest celebration this week was watch the @Chiefs go to 2-0 on the season with the best young QB in the NFL. #ksedchat
Hey all! Kayla from Andover Central MS.. I teach 7th and 8th grade SS and had the joy of listening to high level questioning about Native Americans after an awesome Google Expedition last week! 😍🤯 #ksedchat
Will Dunn, HS Math in Tonganoxie, KS. We celebrated my wife’s cousin and her new husband as they were wed last Saturday in Chicago. Most glamorous party I’ll ever attend in my life, but more importantly they are superb people. A wonderful family. #ksedchat
Hello! I am Angie from Olathe. I teach AVID and 10th grade ELA. A celebration from last week is the service project my students helped with: a career fair in wheels for 4th graders. #ksedchat
Hey #KSEdChat ! Slipping in a bit late. I’m Cassie Nix & I teach #edtech in #Turner202strong in KCK. We celebrated coming in 2nd for a new Friday song with a waffle party! They ate soooo much @NutellaUSA
A1: My fourth grade teacher Mrs. Mallon. I LOVED her (and still do!). I remember her taking the time out of her day to come sit by me, listen to me read, ask me about things that interested me...it was nice to feel noticed- she made me feel special! #ksedchat
#ksedchat man I had rockstar elem teachers. Mrs Meier 1st. Mrs. Corcoran 5th...literally all did bc they cared about students. Cultivated relationships and loved school!
A1: My HS/MS music T was always so full of energy. She would make you look @ her so she could tell your mood. She always knew I would be a teacher and we still keep in touch! #ksedchat
A1: I feel my orchestra teacher made a lasting impression because she invested in our futures from the time we started 6th grade all the way to graduation. Our music team for band/orchestra/choir was phenomenal and gave us experiences i’ll Always remember. #ksedchat
I was blessed with fantastic teachers growing up! My third grade teacher was actually my deciding factor on becoming a teacher. She made learning fun and put us first. The awesome thing is she is now my principal!#ksedchat
A1: Mrs. Westphal my 9th grade English teacher. She thought I was smarter than I was, sent me to honors English class, but I asked to return to her class and she welcomed me back with open arms! #ksedchat
A1: So many!!. Let's go w/ Mrs. Knight. Solid SS teacher w/ high expectations but showed incredible personal interest in students. Always seemed to be interested in things we cared about. #ksedchat
A1: My high school English teacher, Mrs. H. While in HS she would give me reading recommendations that she knew would take me outside my comfort zone. She kept up the recommendations even after graduation. #ksedchat
A1: Oh gosh, too many to remember. As a teacher and coach’s kid, (both my parents) my life was surrounded by amazing teachers who shaped my entire life. ❤️ #ksedchat#teacherskid
A1: I had the same gifted teacher for almost 10 years, and I have many stories about the way she advocated for me and supported me in all my endeavors until I graduated HS. #KSEdChat
My high school AP Lit teacher. My family was going through a nasty divorce, but she was there & validated me. I graduated & returned to visit her to tell her I chose to become a teacher. She still had my self created "Odyssey" board game, 3 years later. I felt valued. #ksedchat
A1: My T cared deeply about each of her Ss. She knew our interests and wanted to know us personally. Her class was challenging but she was there to give us the support and keep pushing us to get better. That didn’t stop once I left.. she still does today! #KSedchat
A1: My mom was a teacher so I grew up around all of my teachers and have fond memories of them all! Top 2 are 4th grade, Mrs. Barr, and high school vocal music, Mr. Forsyth. Both teachers invested in me, challenged me, and knew me as a person. #ksedchat
Head’s up to you math folks (or anyone interested, really)- there is a new account (@ksmathed) with a math focus for all K-12 teachers of math. Follow the account and hashtag #ksmathed for math chats and other math ed news. #ksedchat
A1: My 5th & 6th grade teacher was way into crazy involved project-based learning, and I remember lots of them! Also I remember she had a microwave and we could bring in popcorn to pop for a snack 😊 It’s the little things! #KSEdChat
A1: Ann Westerman, my freshman English teacher. She was the first teacher who seemed to "get" me and showed me how literature can convey huge ideas. #ksedchat
A1: That's easy...Mr. Varvel my HS Social Studies teacher. I called him the night of 9/11, my Fr. year of college just to talk about it. Mr. Kulhmann also Social Studies...such an inspiration even today! #ksedchat
A1: Mrs. Duncan 5th grade! We moved there half way through the year and she went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and make sure I was adjusting ok! #ksedchat
A1 All if my elementary teachers really inspired me to do my best but my third grade teacher Mrs. Vierthaler really had a knack for encouraging me to go further than I thought I could #ksedchat
A1: that one’s easy! My US History teacher Mrs. Waldhauer, she cared about EVERY kid. Was diagnosed with cancer and still made a point to ask how WE were despite all her struggles. She was the best. She played a big role in my HS life. 💗 #ksedchat
A1: I had two high school teachers that were amazing! My ELA teacher made learning exciting and interactive. My science teacher made ‘physics PHUN!’ #ksedchat
A1 My 4th grade teacher and my high school journalism teacher both showed me how much of an impact a teacher can have on so many students. It also helps having @gashmom23 as another teacher who I've always been able to look up to. #ksedchat
YES!!! It's all about those deeper connections! Teaching kids the skills is important, but valuing and knowing them as a person is how you're going to be able to teach those skills! #ksedchat
A1) Mr. Parker- band from 5-12. His first year in our district was my fifth grade year. Sure, I learned about music, but also So. Much. More.
I started a non-profit in his name and honor to keep spreading those lessons in perpetuity for my home town.
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A1: @ksedleader was a great teacher! I loved Learyanout Science on her class. She cared, built a relationship and I still talk to her! I wanted to be a teacher like her. #ksedchat
A2. I try to do low key activities where I can sit and talk with students individually. I also make sure to open up about my life and feelings. Students also create something that shows me more about them. #ksedchat
#ksedchat A1b But my most favorite teacher was my mentor during my Teacher Trainee years at @sahyadrischool .. Geetha Iyer opened my eyes to the works of John Holt and Mary / Joseph Chilton Pearce. Peter Senge too. Life changing.
A2: I try to find some way to connect to every child on a personal level. I learn as much about who they are outside of school. Also, I make mistakes in front of them (sometimes on purpose, other times not). I want them to know I'm human and make mistakes too. #ksedchat
I will say this Mr. Huddleston my junior English teacher taught us how to write a 5 paragraph essay in 20 minutes. One of the most useful skills I needed in college #ksedchat
I think that my student teacher supervisor, Jeanette Hurrelbrink, made a lasting impression on me. I feel that she believed in me which made my confidence grow as a teacher. #ksedchat
A1: Mrs. Dot Stegman was my 9th grade English teacherand my high school journalism teacher. She is a master teacher, an incredible role model and she literally taught me how to write #ksedchat
A2 Try to learn names asap. Take time to ask about their weekends, sports, hobbies, what they're reading. Also asking follow up questions about them!
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A2: Learn their names by week 1, attend one of EVERY sporting event w/in first month and begin sending positive emails home each week- pick 1 kid in each class that week that did something awesome and email parents to share the good news. #ksedchat
We did a lot of get to know you activities. Building relationships happens throughout the year though! My kids are stilling learning about me and I am learning about them! #ksedchat
A2: I’ve loved having kiddos base their learning off of things about themselves. I also always make sure that I give personalized feedback on EVERYTHING my kiddos turn into me. #ksedchat
A2: I try to organize early SS content around their choices. They pick topics, historical eras, & ways to show their work. Allows me to ask lots of questions which opens up who they are, what they like & how I can guide them. #ksedchat
A2: I take the time to spend one on one time with each of them getting to know their interests and passions. On Fridays, we write back and forth to each other in a "I Wish Mrs. Vieyra knew" and it is always interesting to me the things they want to share with me! #ksedchat
We do a LOT of relationship building in the first week in our classroom. However, one new thing I did this was create a 'cartoon' for each student for our classroom twitter @5thGWithMissB ! It showed I SAW them for who they were! They went CRAZY for it! #ksedchat
A2: one of my schools does NO curriculum the first week of school! Connections before content! Lots of team building activities as well as establishing their morning meetings #ksedchat
A2: I luck out on this a bit in English. I'm trying to do way more conferences on writing and reading. Since people tend to read and write what they know, it lends itself pretty well to building that relationship. #ksedchat
A2 We develop a class contract together which then gets built into the syllabus, which gets handed out on week two, we create class stories and participate in challenges to work as a team #ksedchat
A2 We did class builders and get to know you's. We also created a culture of sharing and of a growth mindset, my class had a hard time understanding it was okay to fail, as long as you get back up again. #KSEDchat
A2: one of my schools does NO curriculum the first week of school! Connections before content! Lots of team building activities as well as establishing their morning meetings #ksedchat
A2: I am lucky that I get to have the same studentsfor 3 years. My new students I ask about their interest, my veteran students I listen to their stories. #ksedchat
A2: part of building relationships is building a fun and homey space that kids want to be in & will be comfortable in. The work starts before you ever meet the kids! #ksedchat
A2: I try to ask a lot of questions and really listen to the answers. Also, their first writing assignment is an “I Believe” speech, which can give a lot of insight and provide conversation starters #ksedchat
A2: Doesn’t just last the first few weeks, but when students leave my classroom, they have to give me a good-bye...✋🏻 👊🏻 Kids ❤️ to say good bye with Rock, Paper, Scissors! #ksedchat
Not only learning their names, but pronouncing them correctly. Names are part of our identity & Ts need to say them correctly. One of my old Ss had a difficult name & told me it was okay if I didn't say it right. I worked so hard to pronounce it correctly to honor her! #ksedchat
This year, I have been utilizing google classroom and using white board messages to build relationships with my students. It’s cool to see what they think. #ksedchat
A2: I write my Ss a note b4 school starts and mail it. We do silly games to get comfortable with classmates mostly I ask them about their interests and I add them into lessons. My love book has saved my brain this year and my Ss love when they catch me adding to it!. #KSedchat
Taking the time to find something each child is interested in outside of school and have a conversation about that with them builds a strong bond. Make them feel like you want to get to know them and not just what they can produce as a student. #ksedchat
Abigail Crane from Olathe KS jumping in late! I teach 9th grade ELA, and recently celebrated a student who is reading a book I recommended to him! He was resistant to reading at first but has since said that reading can be “okay” 😊 #ksedchat
Learn all names quickly, greet and say goodbye at the door, lead off questions, bring in humor, set expectations, show excitement for the class and appreciation for their efforts. #ksedchat
A2) I do a lot of non-curricular things. (Okay, I still am this year!). Sure, it’s to build culture. A lot of that culture is I value them and working with them. It’s important they know I mean it. Same reason I don’t have points or percents; they’re people not data. #ksedchat
A2: I also think that relationship is DEEPLY rooted in our instruction... In the sense of what effort we put forward. Showing up, giving the students MORE than they expect, opens up MULTIPLE doors to communication & community! It shows them I think they are WORTH it. #ksedchat
#ksedchat#catholicedchat Please keep my school family in your prayers. We had a tragic car accident yesterday with 5 of our Ss. One has passed, one very critical and 3 with minor injuries. We are hurting.
Sorry for joining late. I'm James from Derby. Principal at Derby Hills Elementary. We had our first Dragon Clubs this past Friday. I wasn't there, but the kids have shared so many awesome memories with me and teachers too! #ksedchat
A2: My favorite way to build relationships with Ss is through books. Sharing and talking about books we love helps us feel connected to one another #ksedchat
A2: Rob Glenn, math teacher in Salina, KS... This year, U just played games and we took data to work w/spreadsheets. Didn't touch the syllabus til day 3 of school. I worked with small groups. Paid off when we started instruction groups the same way #ksedchat
I'm Dustin Springer, an instructional coach at Merriam Park in the Shawnee Mission School District. MP received a Promising Practice award today from @ksdehq and we were so excited to be a part of the ceremony with so many other great schools across Kansas. #kansanscan#ksedchat
A2 Include one activity that every student regardless of ability/previous knowledge/preparedness can be successful with. A bell ringer/closure open ended activity etc. Be sure to give those struggling kids a voice #ksedchat
A3: #ksedchat lunches with tea her, attend their events, leave them notes in their desks, call home for positives, let them email home good news, and greet every day with a handshake. I never stop that.
A3: I try to notice the little and big events their lives. I've had 2 students become welcome home new siblings in the last week. I wrote them each a card with tips on how to be a big sibling. I hope it helps them know I care and notice the changes in their lives. #ksedchat
A3. I make sure to attend after school activities I get invited to whenever I have the chance. I also make sure to take time to talk to students individually when there is time. #ksedchat
A3: Keep the conversation going with them and trying new projects that are out of their comfort zone and mine as well. We can learn new things together. They love to teach me new things. #ksedchat
A3: one idea is to take 5-10 min at the beginning of every professional learning time/meeting to write a note to at least one Ss,then save that note to give to them on a day you can see they need it #ksedchat
A1 Mr. Rivera was an inspiration for me. He was the first male teacher I ever had & as a young guy aspiring to be a teacher, he let me know it was ok. We're still friends today. I'm going to AZ this weekend to visit my parents & he and I already have a tee time set up. #ksedchat
A3 I have been to different events for students outside of school. As well as having parents involved in class parties or celebrations. Since I am a first year teacher, that last one is a hope of mine. #ksedchat
A1. My kindergarten teacher Sister Celinda. She was not much taller than her 5 year olds and her clomping shoes in the hallway struck fear in the❤️ of kids. But not mine. I knew she loved me and that made the connection and relationship real for me. #ksedchat
A2: Also - being FULLY true to myself. My students know me as the 'funny/crazy' teacher, but whether in humor or sincerity, I model for them the beauty of vulnerability. So many little hearts in my room are in survival mode. The goal is walls down relationship. #ksedchat
A3: Try to do unique projects to create a some memories for them. I also try to keep track a small things they mention & ask about those later. Finally, I like to ask a lot about their goals & future. #ksedchat
A3: As an Assistant Principal, I make good calls home esp for those that don’t usually get them. I learn Ss names and ask about them. I call Ss to my office just to check in with them. I go to games and activities and root them on. #ksedchat
Q3: Letting the kids share about what is going on in their lives. Having the morning work they do involve sharing something about them. Creating and maintaining a classroom environment that the Ss feel safe and comfortable sharing in. #ksedchat
A2 This year we had several whole school assemblies the first few days to ease us in/introduce us to school wide expectations, and our Power 12 guiding principles. I love coming together as a school family. It gives me goosebumps every time. #ksedchat
A3: Our WILD Club is my favorite way to build relationships. We meet once a month. Our first meeting is this week, we’re taking over 50 kids fishing! 🎣#ksedchat
I also feel that getting on the child's level physically, sitting on the floor with them, helps better relate to them and make them feel like you do care. #ksedchat
A3: We are a boarding school, so we are moms and dads to our boys. I have 4, some I've had for the last 3 yrs. Bdays and weekends are when I try to take them off campus to hang out and be normal, or just bring them a 🍩/🍪 after a tough day. It helps build a bond.
A3: We greet each other daily and have a daily class meeting (community circle)in which each child gets to quickly share something. • Our independent reading time & sharing really help us to get to know each other as well. #ksedchat
A1) Coach Buhler taught me what it looked like to genuinely care about all students. Later in life it was an honor to teach and coach with him. #KSEDchat
A3 Being present to really listen to them about anything, visiting them in other classes and participating with them, going to extracurricular events, being a coach, wishing them a good day at breakfast, asking them about their day at lunch, telling them how much you like them
A3: Most everyday I try to eat lunch with a different grade level and different group of students. You can learn a lot from the kiddos at the lunch table! 😉 #ksedchat
A3: Our entire school is building TREMENDOUS relationships with one another by implementing our House System! We are meeting regularly to celebrate successes, set goals, and connect with Ss across ALL grade levels! These connections will continue and grow beyond just this year.
A3: for some of my kiddos it’s just helping with basic needs, one of my former students came by for a granola bar that I always have in my cabinets #ksedchat
A3 be vulnerable, tell them about something crummy that happened. Don't judge, give them affirmation of the good and the bad. We aren't perfect and they don't have to be either. #ksedchat
A3: I always talk to my kids at recess and amhave lunch with my kids throughout the week, so I can talk to them beyond the “academic setting.” I also try to attend their sporting events, outside of school. #ksedchat
A3: Go to extra-activities, lunch bunch for holidays and chicken and noodle days! Lunch bunch in small groups to chat more one-on-one. Play dodgeball @ PE on Fridays (MY FAV!) #ksedchat
A3: Through lunch in the classroom/with the teacher, art projects, one on one conversation & a VARIETY of learning experiences! Making sure that when I relate my content to real world - I target ALL students! (Not just sports analogies!) #ksedchat
A3: we also do two genius hour projectss. One each semester around careers or concepts of their choosing. This semester: therapy dogs, equine therapy, 3D printing, coffee cart for teachers, knitting, rodeo roping
A3: I always talk to my kids at recess and amhave lunch with my kids throughout the week, so I can talk to them beyond the “academic setting.” I also try to attend their sporting events, outside of school. #ksedchat
A3: English students journal once a week and I read and comment. It’s a good way for me to get to know them better and communicate on a deeper level #ksedchat
A little late to the game, tonight! We are KTEEA (Kansas Technology and Engineering Education Association). We support Tech Ed, CTE, and STEM teachers across the state! Celebration? We are currently at 85 members, today! #ksedchat
A3: Not specific, but first and foremost is to continue to be myself with my students. If I'm excited about something dorky, I'll try to share it. If I can share some self-deprecating humor, I will. But my students need to see me as a real person. #ksedchat
A3: Our entire school is building TREMENDOUS relationships with one another by implementing our House System! We are meeting regularly to celebrate successes, set goals, and connect with Ss across ALL grade levels! These connections will continue and grow beyond just this year.
Oh my goodness! This is the sweetest message ever! You are too kind! You are going to an amazing teacher! So glad we can still stay connected after class! #ksedchat
A3 This year I am aiming to make 1,000 #GoodNewsCallOfTheDay. These positive phone calls home are as much for me as they are the student. Teachers are asking some building wide guiding questions biweekly this year. Responses have already been EYE OPENING. #ksedchat
A3: However, one of my FAVORITE ways to build relationship with students is connecting to their CULTURE! Oh. My. Goodness. GOLDMINE! I personally create parodies for learning to the pop songs THEY KNOW! They LOVE IT! (And yes - I am always willing to share!)
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A3: I attend their events they are involved in. I recently switched my ministry at church because they asked me to join them in their class. I make it a point to ask about different things. “Is your dog getting better?” Or “I read this book and you like rocks!” #KSedchat
A3: We also have houses at one of my schools (think Harry Potter) that are themed around our mascot! Everyone has a house and then a family within it! We meet once a month #ksedchat
A3. We also started a house system across grade levels this year and it's allowed my competitive side to come out! My Ss love being competitive with me! #ksedchat
A2: as a coach Im there nearly every morning greeting the kids as they come in the door and showering them with love and compliments! It brightens their day and definitely "fills my bucket"! 🌞
A3: celebrate little things and keep things silly. I have a “birthday wheel of fun” we spin every year on my birthday with small prizes or fun activities #KSEdChat
A3. Play with them! One of the best way to secure that bond with my kids is when I have the opportunity to join them in PE for dodgeball Fridays! Join in during recess and the looks on their faces will be worth it! #ksedchat
A3: Door greetings & EXITS are SO important too! SO many teachers who greet students at the door - but how are we sending them home? JUST as important! There are ALWAYS hugs, high fives, & fist bumps as we leave! I'm thinking of you as you leave, not rushing you out! #ksedchat
A3: We encourage teachers to be involved with their communities! Take the time to visit a student(s) at their game, performance, etc. Talk to parents! It does make a difference! #ksedchat
A4 I have told my parents from the very first meeting, that they are all more than welcome to come be a 4th grader for a day. I also make sure that they feel comfortable talking with me and that our classroom is a safe place for EVERYONE #KSEDchat
A4: We have 4 special breakfasts each year where we invite families to come. Being active in our PTO and having a class fb page so parents are informed and can be involved. #ksedchat
A4. At back to school night, instead of going through the syllabus (like most normal teachers 😂😂) I present a slideshow about me so they feel like they know me better & more comfortable to email questions. #ksedchat
A4: making them feel as connected as possible, even if that means digitally by using tools such as @Seesaw or creating a class twitter account #ksedchat
A4: We just had grandparent's day last week and as crazy as it was I tried meeting grandparents. I also talk with parents when awesome things happen with their child! Learning the siblings my Ss have in the school or out is something that I love doing too. #smallschool#ksedchat
A4: Our district is actually looking into creating more school wide events to partner in this! Personally, I make phone calls home with 'brags', emails with classroom weekly updates, as well as have a CLASS RUN @5thGWithMissB Twitter, to keep parents/guardians involved! #ksedchat
A4 This starts with porch visits before the first day of school and continues with monthly family projects, student of the month family breakfasts, student of the month yard signs, treats at the curb & chat/chews throughout the year. Families are vital to what we do. #ksedchat
A4: Don’t be afraid to invite parents/guardians to your classroom! Hold cook outs, expositions, or monthly events to showcase what your students are learning! #ksedchat
A4: So I want to say school sporting/fine arts events are a great avenue for connecting with parents, but as a parent of three toddlers, I don't make it out near often enough. This is an area I need to improve. #ksedchat
A4 positive contact first! Get the parents and families perspectives about how the kiddo is learn from their FIRST teachers who taught them at home #ksedchat
A4: As a former principal, visibility was key. For example, greeting each student at the door every morning. This provided the chance for smiling, waving, and lots of informal conversations with families. #ksedchat
We try to keep in contact with the parents and let them know what's going on. We hold a parent's weekend (p/t conf) and they stay all weekend. We talk, eat, and hang out. It's a good time. #ksedchat
A4: Get to know the families personally too. Casually inquire about their story and show a genuine interest in who they are.
But overall, work to make that relationship a partnership in raising their child. #ksedchat
A4: we have a block party, movie nights, sock hop, site council, restaurant nights where Ts are the workers (I.e McDonalds lets us work there for $$), Veterans Day interviews some parents are veterans #ksedchat
A4: We live in a small community, I make it a point to always try to talk to my students’ families when I see them out and about and see if there is any way they can come be a part of our class family. I also love the @RemindHQ app to have quick communication! #KSedchat
A4: Love how there are so many ways in which schools and families can crossover. Obviously activities & athletics create a huge opportunity. Special events & having parents or other family members judge, be parts of panel discussions or present also works great #ksedchat
A4: phone calls home, take a team approach, share my heart, parent edcamps, emails, utilize them as guest speakers, class helpers, and utilize technology that shares what their child is doing/learning #ksedchat
They have had special breakfast for years! The parents and families love it! We do it for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's, and Celebration breakfast at the end of the school year. We always have some sort of program for them before they leave. #ksedchat
A4: Email, text, PM, notes, talk after school, talk at events, visit when they drop kids off... anything to help@keep the communication going. Because we are all family, with the same kid, for 9 months. #KSEDchat
A4: Lots of communication through @ClassDojo including pictures, videos! Now Ss are posting on their too to share with Ps. I do personal phone calls as well and notes home. #ksedchat
A4: Also, we use, as I call it, Party Parents (Room Mothers). Anytime we have a holiday party, I try to include parents pitching in from snacks, to games, to taking pictures! #ksedchat
A4- I'm working on this. Big thing is to be visible and available. I'm struggling with balancing the "available" portion as I want to be a teacher at school and mom at home. #ksedchat
A4: I try to help my parents navigate the dped system. Make sure I explain the acronyms, keep the jargon to a minimum, and will answer any question they have #ksedchat
A4: one of my 1st grade Ts makes a personal phone call home to every family after the first day of school sharing about the day and making sure to share one connection she had to their student #ksedchat
A3. I write individual notes to EVERY child and staff member in our school. also work closely w/ our social worker Miss Rachel to emphasize kindness/love with OUR staff as well. We dressed up as a panda and bunny just for the laughs and it made a world of difference ❤️#ksedchat
A4: We LOVE using @Seesaw to give our families a daily glimpse in the life of 3rd grade. We also have a class fb page,& the amazing 3rd and 4th teachers in our building host family nights for our two grade levels to just get together and connect and do some fun things! #ksedchat
A3) My favorite thing is to learn as much about their family and what happens to them so I can ask how new jobs, homes, health updates are going on all the important people in their life. #ksedchat
A4: I tell myself, "If you aren't using their first name in the conversation, it isn't personal."
1.) Learn the parents/guardians names.
2.) Use it in your conversation! Let them know, YOU KNOW who they are, and it leaves them feeling valued! "Thank you Cindy..."
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A4: making quick video messages is easy and creates connections with parents! I’ve also been learning Spanish to speak to those parents who use that as their preferred language. Thanks @anna_nondorf for the mini-lessons whenever I need them :) #ksedchat
When teachers are bought in, houses can be super powerful. Tricky thing is that teacher attrition (if high) can adversely affect how smoothly they run. #ksedchat
A5: I'm blessed to work in a small school with a staff that works together so well. We do get togethers, bring treats for birthdays, all eat lunch together. #ksedchat
A5: Weekly collaboration meetings, as well as social media/phone numbers! I am constantly sending/tagging my coworkers in things I found that could be effective in the classroom! Great teachers aren't stingy on sharing great ideas! Teamwork, makes the dreamwork! #ksedchat
A4: do our best to involve them in EVERYTHING we do. Drop a little funny story about their kid when they are picked up or dropped off It shows the parents you truly care about their child! #ksedchat
A5. I like to create opportunities outside of school to get to know my coworkers. I also try to make sure to do little things here and there to let them know I care. #ksedchat
A5: We also do staff birthdays together in the teachers break room (potluck style), dinners out together at Chiles for celebrations, baby showers for our newest 'mini' team members, and more! I LOVE my district! #usd246#ksedchat
A5: I always try to listen first and completely. I like to give small gifts (usually w/ puns). Just checking in on others to know you care and are listening is huge for all people big and small. #ksedchat
A5: Our North Lawn Elementary family is so close. We have so much fun together. Secret Santa’s, escape room faculty meetings, Pay day snack days, Staff Shout Outs at faculty meetings..I love our staff. ❤️ #ksedchat
A5: I'm blessed to work in a small school with a staff that works together so well. We do get togethers, bring treats for birthdays, all eat lunch together. #ksedchat
A5- I was always told as a student teacher to avoid the teacher's lounge, but I have found that is the place where I learn the most about who people are. I also try to check in with people throughout the day and make sure people know I'm a good listener. #ksedchat
A5: Our crew is pretty tight-knit, and we do a lot of activities together. We have BBQs, pool parties, and drink. It helps build our bond and we grow a strong community. #ksedchat
A5) I LOVE asking other staff members questions about something they’re doing, or asking their thoughts on something I’m contriving/implementing. Even (especially?) the contrarian view has its place, and I work with folks that agree and disagree with me. All good. #ksedchat
A5 I have been working to try and get to know many staff members daily lives outside of school. I've tried to branch out to teachers and support staff in the primary hallway as well. I've also taken some of my plan time to go see them in action! #ksedchat
A1 I was luck to have a string of teachers in elementary and middle school who were exactly who I needed when I got to them. Of this group, Mrs. (2nd) and Mr. (6th) Hillman probably had the most lasting impression. They still ask my mom about me when they see her. #ksedchat
A5: First, I keep an open mind and positive attitude. My first assumption is that we are all trying to do the right thing. After that, I simply try to get to know who they are and let them know me as a person. #ksedchat
A5: I send out weekly memes to try and keep staff upbeat; it makes an easy conversation starter for newbies. I also try and smile, say hello and really mean it. We are too busy to frown or not support each other! #KSEDchat
A5: try to find ways to highlight all of the amazing things I see them doing. Could be a note or, as I’ve done in the past, a “you rock” literally an outside rock that I put the word “you” on and share with them what they did that’s awesome! Then they keep the rock ☺️ #ksedchat
We do something similar #mpbeardens. Every staff member has a den (like your house) PreK - 6 and we meet biweekly for character ed/focused lesson on giving back, kindness, empathy, etc. It's a highlight of my week every time we are together! #ksedchat
A4: You have to take time to celebrate staff and coworkers. We share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Positive praise goes a long ways m. We also have staff outings, gift exchanges, etc. #ksedchat
A5: One great way to build rapport with your coworkers is to ask for advice from them on an issue that you're struggling with. Whether they are a veteran or new to the profession, you will build the relationship and hopefully gain some fresh ideas too! #ksedchat
A5: Perhaps this answer, is more of a question/challenge to myself... I feel as if I know the staff in my building all by name & face, rather well.. But I could DEFINITELY challenge myself in getting to know the staff of our middle school, & highschool buildings better! #ksedchat
A5 In a large school with so many interests it's important to offer a variety of team building activities. In addition, it's important you don't take someone's absence personally. Sports, BBQ's, game nights, lip sync battles, service projects. Whatever is necessary! #ksedchat
As a teacher, I used Class Dojo to post pics and 🎥 about what was happening in our class. I contacted 1 parent each day with positive news about their Ss. We also did STEM nights and 🎥 nights! As a counselor, I call parents to brag on Ss and go to after school events. #KSEdChat
Lunch at the same time is HUGE to build community. I worked in a 5/6 building that all ate together every day. Very close and trusting staff. Staff prayer before school would really set the tone. Love that! #ksedchat
We have staff prayer every morning. The elementary teachers all have lunch at the same time, so that gives us a chance to build community too. Last Thursday was National Day of Encouragement and I put an encouraging note in each staff members' box.
