Welcome to #NoVAedchat! Please intro yourself and tag a friend who should join our conversation and kick off the new year! Add a gif or image to describe your winter break!
I’m Alanna, an instructional coach in FCPS. My winter break was a lot of parenting while not at home. And I’m hoping that @MichelleLis1 will join us one of these nights! #fcps_ic#NoVAedchat
Michelle here! Techy at k-3 school Spent some of winter break in the New Hampshire playing with a new photosphere:)) #novaedchat@HelenCosner you should join us for this chat
Hello I'm Joe from Stafford, VA I am a #StaffordITRT and my winter break was healing from being sick. The mountain air in PA at my parents definitely helped. #novaedchat
Q1: at my building we’re looking to keep momentum rolling with video professional learning, as well as navigating the ropes of a new math course we plan to offer. #NoVAedchat
#novaedchat Personally: planning my daughter's Bat Mitzvah in March- Professionally- finishing up my first year as a SBTS and hopefully getting to go to #ISTE19
A1: As we enter 2019 the challenges that face me is continuing to challenge myself and the Ts I work with to use best practices when integrating Technology and for some to take a chance with instruction and listen to me/invite me into their room to coteach with them. #novaedchat
A1 The biggest challenge for me is not a specific task, but wrapping my brain around the fact that it’s after winter break. The new year always makes me feel like there’s not enough time to get everything done - even though we have over half the school year left! #NoVAedchat
Oh man, me too! I got dragged down with a respiratory virus the week before break and missed so much work.... then was still sick during break! I'm glad we had as long as we did... #NoVAedchat#ImStillCoughing
I’m here!!! 👋🏻 So great when you get out of Wednesday class a little early to get home in time for #novaedchat! I feel refreshed and excited to be back at work after a great winter break!
Hey #novaedchat! Sorry I’m late! #momlife I’m Jen, an English teacher in FCPS. Winter break was much needed - lots of time with my family and checking off stuff around the house that had fallen to the side between life, work, and grad school.
A1 Challenges/focus for the new year: I’m at a new school, so I’m determined to keep forming trusting relationships! Although I guess this should always be a focus whether you’re at a new school or not! 🤔 #novaedchat
I'm recently obsessed with habit trackers. Basically a behavior chart for adults. Creating momentum by charting small habits each and every day. Like #6 here (but the others are great too) https://t.co/eGgBNBDbp4#novaedchat
Q2: After taking Fierce Conversations, I want to make sure I consider other points of view, not just my own, to help me grow and learn with the teachers and students at my school #novaedchat
Right now I am trying a different approach of working with another group of coaches in the building and I trained them on a tool/resource. Then they are going and diving into the classrooms, so I am indirectly getting in, but it is frustrating because I want to be. #novaedchat
So idk if this is a goal per se, but I read an article that suggested checking in with goals and resolutions each Monday, and treating it like a fresh start if you drop the ball during the previous week. I love the approach and am adopting it... #NoVAEdChat
So each week will start with evaluating the impact I am making with the teachers on student learning, and taking even a small step toward being MORE impactful. #NoVAedchat
A1 One of my biggest challenges is something I feel like I always face - keeping my seniors engaged with meaningful lessons between now & grad! (Also, it’s a fun challenge, but I co-sponsor the senior class, so I have to help with all the grad/end of year stuff!) #novaedchat
Made it a point to highlight all of the great things that T's & S's are doing in the classroom this year in our weekly online newsletter; including fun photos & descriptions of activities. The result: Even more solicitations/invites now to other rooms to share/collab #NoVAedchat
A2: Something I want and have to keep in mind, though very hard for me is something my admin tells me all the time. "Change takes time and we have to look at the small steps forward." I don't do well with this because I like to "run through the wall" #novaedchat
A2 My “word of the year” is wellness. I am trying to modify my habits that don’t support my total wellness. I’m really focusing on the mental health piece - letting go of those things I can’t control, ensuring I have time in my daily schedule to recharge, etc. #novaedchat
A2- I created a list of 5 things to truly focus on for the rest of the school year and I intend on reading that list each morning before I dive into the day. #stayfocused#beintentional#novaedchat
I love that. @PennyGros shared an idea to reflect on Fridays about how your week was, were goals met, your impact & set the intention for the following week before heading out. Do it all while it was fresh. Both ideas are fantastic as long as we make time for them! #NoVAedchat
I have really been meaning to try a bullet journal out! My sister got me a gratitude journal for Christmas - I’ve been filling it out before leaving work every day. Helps me remember all the 🤗 parts of my workday! Less negative thoughts at home!
A2 I have a goal of being a reflective sponge! I’m listening to @BreneBrown’s #daretolead right now & have so much to ponder. I want to keep getting better as a dept chair, & I’m trying to consistently soak up knowledge & experience from other teacher leaders. #novaedchat
A2: My #OneWordEdu for this year is #FOCUS. I'm going to get laser-focused on what's important and when I'm working, I'm going to get myself into #flow quickly and stay there. #novaedchat
The other coaches help if they can, but do refer them to me. I have had a few teachers come to me, but it is a slow trickle and I don't like to sit still because bad things happen when I am idle. LOL #novaedchat
I just finished #DareToLead on Sunday!! I have a whole bunch of notes I want to think more about!! I have ideas for blog posts about several of the notes. I'd love to discuss the book with you! #NoVAedchat
A3: at my 4x4 school, basically every S has to wrap up every class, so the level of stress remains high for both Ss and Ts. Plus, we still have seniors who need SOLs to graduate. #NoVAedchat
A3: Changes in routine are hard for all of us. After 2 weeks off, our students need to review expectations and get back into school mode. Plus, with "snow" on the horizon, they are super excited/distracted #novaedchat
This is my struggle. EVERY. DAY. I started using a pomodoro timer and noise blocking headphones to help.
What are your strategies? #NoVAedchathttps://t.co/rAe5bNaw1K
It is! #OtherPeopleMatter Especially hard-working teachers! What's also great, as the SBTS & web curator, not only am I able to discuss tech tools, collab on lessons etc., I'm also able to snag awesome photos for our website & social media to highlight & share out! #NoVAedchat
A3: some loss of skill depending on age. Motivation and momentum will be less. Could have depression due to family issues (winter and holidays can be challenging for some families) and in our area, worry about furloughed parents #NoVAedChat
A3: For many, it will be getting back into a successful routine. @MsDushokMath already mentioned the other challenge we gave at our school. #novaedchat
This is soooo important to remember. While most of us talked about our winter break being glorious, it's not like that for many of our students #NoVAedchat
A3: some loss of skill depending on age. Motivation and momentum will be less. Could have depression due to family issues (winter and holidays can be challenging for some families) and in our area, worry about furloughed parents #NoVAedChat
A3: Challenges many Ts (my students) face is that we dive into "Assessment season" Challenges that Ss have is that often need their emotional Engagement needs met, which turns into behavioral issues. As Ts we need to focus more on Cognitive and Emotional Engagement. #novaedchat
A3 Routines and focus! The stretch between winter break and the end of the quarter goes by so quickly, it’s important to help them stay on track. #novaedchat
A3 In the special education world, almost all of my students struggle with returning to the routine after a break. This week and next week are really just back to basics, not introducing new content, and limiting assessments. #novaedchat
Sounds perhaps odd, but the days when I manage to successfully match my outfit to the often-unpredictable building temperature really helps. Work slows dramatically if I’m too hot or cold 🤷♀️ #NoVAEdChat
Absolutely! Our Ss need that emotional piece met first because otherwise learning will not happen. If they don't feel like you really care and are there then they will let you know it. Often with behavior that WILL get your true attention. #novaedchat
I talked with a lot of adults this week struggling to adjust to routines again after break... it's a good reminder that we need to refocus on norms and routines. Teach expectations and relationship building again after a long break from our work #NoVAedchat
A3 Students face all types of challenges coming back in the new year, changes in their routines. Possibly unexpected family stress if their parents are not at work currently #NoVAedChat
Sounds perhaps odd, but the days when I manage to successfully match my outfit to the often-unpredictable building temperature really helps. Work slows dramatically if I’m too hot or cold 🤷♀️ #NoVAEdChat
Q2 #novaedchat The Morning Miracle advocates SAVERS. That’s time each day to scribe, affirmation, visualization, exercise, read and silence. It’s excellent even if I only fit in a few of these.
A4: Taking time to re-establish those caring, nurturing relationships and bonds is so important! Ss need to know that we missed them, we see them, and we appreciate them! #novaedchat
This is a WAY throwback photo of @techinteaching and me.. but we were at a training and the heat wasn't working. Not the productive day we hoped for! #novaedchat
In reply to
@MsDushokMath, @techinteaching, @techinteaching
A4: as others have said... reestablishing routines and norms AND continue rich instructional practices that allow for stucture but choice to keep kiddos (and Ts) motivated. #NoVAedChat
A4: remember it’s not just adults who are #newyearnewyou and that our Ss are also changing and developing (intentionally AND unintentionally). Take the time to focus on relationships and who the students are NOW #NoVAEdChat
A2: My word/intention for the year is Balance - balance taking care of myself (mentally and physically!) with the various things I want to do professionally and for my students #novaedchat
A4: I think team building activities are key when we come back from a break to create a safe environment, yet again, and build the classroom culture back up. I also think practicing #mindfulness and building in structured time for calm/reflection. #novaedchat
A4: To help Ss you almost have to go back to "September Activities" and build that TEAM atmosphere back into the classroom. A simple one to meet those needs are eating lunch with the kids, playing with the kids at recess, etc. #novaedchat
A3: it's likely the students will face challenges getting back into routines and adapting to any new routines that may be set moving forward #novaedchat
I read that book over the summer & it made a difference in my morning routines. I don’t follow it 100% every day because life happens but still like to attempt #Novaedchat
A4 It’s essential to maintain those relationships and to continue to show Ss ways to love learning. It’s especially important during that “disillusionment” phase for us Ts. #novaedchat#notjust1styearteachers
A4: We must take the time to re-establish routines - don't assume Ss will immediately jump back in. We must take the time, be supportive and encouraging! #novaedchat
I went out to recess today with a S I am mentoring and ended up playing with most of the 2nd grade. The Ss asked if I was coming back tomorrow. It really took me back to when I was a classroom teacher because that's something I did daily with my class. #novaedchat
A4 Take the time to focus on strengthening your relationships with Ss & their relationships with each other. We’re finishing a unit this week, so I get a chance to mix in some community builders & activities that let Ss be creative before we dive into our next novel. #NoVAEdChat
#NoVAEdChat A4: Our attitude towards the rest of the year is so key to our kiddos. Yes, snow is great! But kids pick up on our moods and attitudes. #successisamindset
Q5: In the new year, some people like to make a plan to read more. Sometimes it’s quantity, variety, or dedicating time to read. What are your plans for reading this year? Any titles you have in mind? #NoVAedChat
A5: Right now I’m in the middle of Learning Supercharged, which is the @EdTechCoaches slow chat book study book for January. If you check their feed, you’ll find more details about how to sign up #NoVAEdChat
A5 I plan to read more from diverse authors and with diverse characters. Thanks to #ClearTheAir and other equity work I've been more aware of the singular narrative I normally read. I'm also keeping a list of books/authors to keep myself accountable #NOVAedchat
Yes! This is exactly what the 2nd graders said to me. They were shocked that a T was playing with them. It broke my heart because they are in 2nd grade you would think most of the Ts would play with them at some point. #novaedchat
A5: A couple books on the list @MsDushokMath and I plan to get through High Impact Instruction and Good to Great and the Social Sector, and I intend on rereading The 20Time Project. #novaedchat
A5 Thanks to grad school, I’ve definitely got some books I have to read, but I borrowed Fierce Conversations from @SerenaAGiron and plan to dig into that for some personal development. #novaedchat
A5 I love to read, I want to try to take a reading lunch break once a week and read something professional.
Also, if you haven't read Becoming yet, go read it. #amazing by @MichelleObama#novaedchat
And at some point we’ll probably see The End of The Year coming and decide we prefer a nice round number for the book log, and the race’ll be on to get everything read #NoVAEdChat
A5: I love to read, but have to admit I feel read out right now. I am doing a book Study for my #StaffordITRTs PLC and I'm done. I normally do a lot of reading over the summer, but this year our summer is shorter, so might just relax for the three weeks. #novaedchat
A5 reading more is always my goal! I just finished reading Fish in a Tree- which reminded me how something I love can be torture for some Ss. For now though, I’m just hoping to keep up w/all of the assigned readings for my Ed Law class!☺️ #NoVAedChat
I want to read all of the books published by @dbc_inc ! The next one on my list is The Limitless School. Has anyone read this one yet? #novaedchat@adamdovico
A5 Trying to listen to more audiobooks b/c my commute is so long. Finishing #DaretoLead now, listening to #AnAmericanMarraige for my book club next, & slowly reading Chernow’s #Hamilton in chunks. Can’t wait to get my hands on @angiecthomas’ new book next month! #NoVAedChat
A5: You could say I love to read...😀 This is the current stack (not counting any digital ones!) My goal this year is to have a good mix of music teaching books as well as general ed - and fun non-teacher books too! #novaedchat
How many struggle w committing to a book? If I try a few chapters & am not vested I put it down. Often hear about key ideas from it after. Ideas for sharing? #NoVAedChat
Having an accountability partner works for me. I can get whatever I can get out of a book, but having someone to discuss it with makes it come alive in great ways. I look forward to our conversations, and it motivates me to finish the book. #NoVAEdChat
Lighting! Danes use candles or set a mood with deliberately designing spaces with appropriate levels of lighting. My relatives are from Denmark and I am an obsessive candle person so I must have so@e Danish genes surfacing :)) #novaedchat
Q6: To kick off 2019 on a high note, this week, I will- return to my healthy habits- remember self-care time every morning and get in some activity. #novaedchat
