Greetings! Chris, MS principal from MN. Hard to pick a single word but I'd go with #passion. Favorite season? The one that gets me out of winter! #mnlead#teachpos
I'm Melissa from Minneapolis, MN and I am taking classes at the University of Minnesota. The climate of my classes are very supported. And my favorite season is spring #mnlead
Hi All, Sorry to be late to the #mnlead party. Made hamburgers on the grill and lost track of the time. Favorite season, Now! Spring Summer. Those days when its in the 70's, no bugs but long days.
Cristina, reading specialist, from Virginia Beach, VA. A word for be- encouraging. My favorite season: spring. . .new beginnings! #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
Hey there! I'm Julia Knepper, currently studing Secondary English Education at Grove City College and I'd say the environment of my classrooms are genuine. And my favorite season is by far autumn. #mnlead
A1: Negative environments drain energy. People cannot learn in an energy draining environment, students and staff. High-achievement and negative environments don’t run together. #mnlead
A1: A positive climate makes learning happen. If mad or angry all the time energy is zapped learning stops. Ss want to be in a place they feel welcomed, loved, and wanted then they can learn. #mnlead
Absolutely. Especially as a current student, motivation is huge. Any negative teacher (and therefore negative environments) I experienced did not lead to motivated students. Including myself. #mnlead
A1- positive climate breeds community, a sense of belonging. You feel more free to take risks when you’re in a supportive environment. You don’t have to gush or be fake...be real, be supportive, find the good and offer a challenfe. #mnlead
A1 It is hard to learn anything if we don’t have people in our life that help us manage our DREAMS. We learn a lot more when we are around people that are positive and we like them! We have to have a positive school culture that all students and staff are part of #pbismn#mnlead
A1: Before we even get to learning a positive climate is about the essence of humans supporting one another. When you have that, you have the potential for anything. #mnlead
Positive climate is what builds relationships and creates trust and comfort with the school, teachers and students. Positive climate also lets students know that we’re here for one another and will work through challenges together #MNLead
A1 Positivity is essential in all facets, from home to school. For any of us to learn(in a good way), we need positive environments that encourage ppl to try, give extra, and receive something in the form of feedback. #mnlead
A1: It is essential because sts who feel comfortable and included are able to take risks, open up to each other and staff, and spread kindness to all. #mnlead
A1: Positive climate is essential for students & staff to feel safe at school where the overall school experience remains positive regardless of race, ethnicity, or learning ability #mnlead
A2 I think they would say their voices get heard and that someone cares about them. They may also say that there are things we can keep working on to build climate. #mnlead
A2: I would hope my Ss would say open & listening. I have my littles for 30 minutes at a time, but I really work to hear their voices about what is going on with them to support them in any way. #mnlead
A2. I don't have a classroom yet, but if I did, I'd hope it would be described as positive and encouraging. I would hope they would feel safe and secure #mnlead
A2 I want my students to say that I care and everyday we have the chance to make our school a magical place to learn. If you can be Batman be Bateman! Love the energy from our @Jrwildcatsroar#mnlead
A2: Ss & I would agree that the climate is positive. Maintaining a positive environment, encourages Ss to try new things, not fear mistakes, & to overcome failures. We maintain a #growthmindset so Ss keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
Imagining what it would look, sound and feel like are the first steps to building the culture. You recognize when it doesn't feel right when you do have students. #mnlead
A2: Trust. We trust you to do the right thing and we'll let you drive, we'll let you hit the accelerator but of course we have some safety measures in place so you can't go off the road! #mnlead#middleschool
The answers are amazing. We frequently make climate more confusing than necessary. All the things mentioned create an amazing atmosphere! Well done! #mnlead
A2: Calming, supportive, and busy. I have had students tell me “I feel like I am not invisible in your class” and “I feel smart and other kids think I am smart in your class”. Now to just figure out how to create those moments for all students! #mnlead
And it always seems to boil down to relationships. Climate comes from trust, understanding and care. We may not always agree or be perfect, but it's how we respond that sets the climate and tone. #mnlead
A2: Calming, supportive, and busy. I have had students tell me “I feel like I am not invisible in your class” and “I feel smart and other kids think I am smart in your class”. Now to just figure out how to create those moments for all students! #mnlead
A3: As a specialist in my building, I am fortunate to work with other coaches that are all willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that ALL Ss and Ts succeed. We offer to model, co-teach, collaborate with Ts and pull small groups of Ss as needed. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3: work to point out the positives, random acts to show they matter, asking what can I do for you? We have to take care of oursleves so we can take care of our students. #mnlead
A3: Build capacity in staff by knowing your staff and trusting them. Teachers may just not know how to help build that positive climate in their classrooms and need some help and support from admin. #MNLead
It is more than possible. It is expected in any school that has a culture worth being a part of. You should be excited to enter the field of education. Best profession in the world. #mnlead
I think the best way to make a supportive climate it to listen to the student. In classes where I am not being supported, it was because the teacher wasn't respecting us. As a student, I want to be heard and respected #mnlead
A3: If it's the school culture that needs fixing, well the principal better roll up their sleeves and make it the # 1 priority by modeling what you desire, asking questions with expecting immediate answers, and being present everywhere encouraging the small things. #mnlead
A3 - Model a positve climate. Watch those teachers and leaders who seem to make it look easy. Nothing will motivate others more than making our jobs enjoyable. #mnlead
A3- Keep trying! Make it about the connections, the relationships, high expectations for ALL and a learning environment that says you CAN do it. And when it flops, own it, get up and try again! #WeAreAllHuman#mnlead
Q3 Leaders in our school can make sure to put school Positive Climate and Culture at the top of their school goals each year @pbisMN has some amazing free resources and grants for schools. It’s a team effort and we need all staff on the bus! #mnlead
A3: If it's the school culture that needs fixing, well the principal better roll up their sleeves and make it the # 1 priority by modeling what you desire, asking questions without expecting immediate answers, and being present everywhere encouraging the small things. #mnlead
A2 I would hope they would say it is a place where they feel safe, respected. They know that I truly care about them. That they know I am learning as much from them as they are from me. That when they share what they know I am truly excited about it. #MNLead
#mnlead I love hearing this! It is so unfortunate that when I tell people I am studying education it so often elicits a negative response. But regardless, you're right! I am so excited!
A3: Teachers need to find passion in what they teach and pass that excitement on to their students. Motivational techniques can be really helpful in this area. #mnlead
I was thinking the same thing-that if it's a whole school issue I would hope that the leadership in place would take a good look at themselves and figure out what needs to change. #MNLead
A3 It's hard to say that anything but positivity have a place in our schools. There will be tough times, but it's the way we bounce back that shows what we can do. It takes strong leaders, staff and families to do it together. #mnlead
A3: It can be powerful to see positive classroom climates in action, even for experienced teachers. Also, being involved in an exciting and fulfilling professional experience can reignite positive passions while experiencing learning as a student. #mnlead
A3 It's hard to say that anything but positivity have a place in our schools. There will be tough times, but it's the way we bounce back that shows what we can do. It takes strong leaders, staff and families to do it together. #mnlead
A3 I think a big piece of this is as adults we need to remember we cannot hold grudges. If there are problems, figure out a way to get them resolved and move on. I've been in schools where the grudges people hold destroy the environment completely. #MNLead
A3 It's hard to say that anything but positivity have a place in our schools. There will be tough times, but it's the way we bounce back that shows what we can do. It takes strong leaders, staff and families to do it together. #mnlead
Passion comes from a few places. You won’t be passionate about every topic, but you can find other things to fill that gap. Passion for kids, your school, yourself... #mnlead
A4 I've said this answer numerous times, I think it is so important to make eye contact with my students. If that means getting down to my younger students' eye level then, that is what I do. It makes a difference. #MNLead
Kory, that is so true. Letting go of hurt and holding grudges can do so much damage. Also, letting people grieve loss is another important thing. When we went through cuts, ppl still held hurt and animosity b/c of it. Hard to move forward. #mnlead
A4: As a specialist, I work with K-5 Ss & therefore don't have my own room. HOWEVER, my work BF @khoggardGRT & I greet ALL Ss EACH morning as they arrive. We receive smiles, high fives, hugs, fist bumps, & plenty of stories bc they know we care. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A4 Back when I was a regular classroom teacher I would have lunch with one student a week. We would either eat in the classroom or I would sit next to them in the lunchroom. I learned so much about my Ss during that time. #MNLead
A4 #MNLead I play music when students come in and always greet them at the door. In Thursday’s, we do a “Compliment Circle” where students give compliments to one another. We also talk about being ‘Polite Pirates’ and students will calmly reminder each other to be polite
A4- meet students and staff where they are at. Greet them at the door, get to the playground, have lunch with them. Above all, be genuine and #listen. Find out what their passions are and make connections. #showup#mnlead
A4: As a principal, I take the same approach at school as I do at home....We don't start with "rules". We start with what we value and what we are after. From there we can determine the "Loose" and "Tight". #mnlead
A4. We emphasize kindness. Ss came up with the idea of having a Kindness Heroes Group. Last week, they created encouraging messages and delivered them to teachers during lunch. #MNLead
A4 Back when I was a regular classroom teacher I would have lunch with one student a week. We would either eat in the classroom or I would sit next to them in the lunchroom. I learned so much about my Ss during that time. #MNLead
Seize the excitement and the wonder and the awe of education! #mnlead
I'm in my 9th year & people still cringe when I tell them what I do. Then, they smile and think back to that amazing teacher they had or that activity that stuck w/them. It DOES make a difference!
Sr. Lucy was my 2nd grade teacher. I loved her. She was kind and caring. I never got in trouble (bwahahaha), but when students DID get in trouble, she would smile and welcome them back to learn with open arms. #mnlead A4
A4. How do you build a positive culture in your classroom? You get involved with your kids. You dance with them in the talent show b/c they ask you to. @bergstromARK the queen of building relationships. #MNLead
A4 It's what you promote and allow that set the climate. If I have a S who talks back or treats others poorly, my not responding tells others it's ok. What you don't confront you passively condone. That is a big one. #mnlead
It takes time for people to shift mindset from a "permission driven system" to a "collaborative, growth mindset environment". But once you move in that direction, it's so freeing. #mnlead
A4 It's what you promote and allow that set the climate. If I have a S who talks back or treats others poorly, my not responding tells others it's ok. What you don't confront you passively condone. That is a big one. #mnlead
A4 #mnlead I will never again start a school year with rules. It sucks the life right out of kids, especially at the middle school level when they might get that in 7 straight classes. I choose to start w/a memorable activity. Here is is ---> https://t.co/ivOO71FaN8#CHCougars
A4 #mnlead I will never again start a school year with rules. It sucks the life right out of kids, especially at the middle school level when they might get that in 7 straight classes. I choose to start w/a memorable activity. Here is is ---> https://t.co/ivOO71FaN8#CHCougars
A5. Your climate and culture should enhance your ability to meet your instructional goals. If it doesn’t...you may have the wrong kind of culture for a classroom or school. #MNLead
Once you start a class like that, you have that hook that will engage students. You are setting the classroom culture and the norms, but not in a dull, "You can't do this. You can't do that" sort of way. The "rules" become easy, because you set the culture. #mnlead
A5 I am still a huge fan of morning meetings. Let's get grounded, set our goals, and get anything on the table that needs addressing so we can start our day on a great note. It looks different with our older s's but makes a difference! #mnlead
A5: I promote and maintain positivity by ensuring that we all keep a #growthmindset, focus on the learning objectives by ensuring lessons are innovative, creative, and engaging! #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A5: I feel like the climate should contribute to the instructional goals. It is all about balance. You can't be so focused on either element too much, but have both working together to maximize efficient learning. #mnlead
Now that they are hooked, we keep the ball rolling. Jump back into another activity that keeps them engaged and asks for THEIR perspective. (With a little bit of middle school immaturity by saying "CRAP" - Critically Review & Analyze Pictures. #mnleadhttps://t.co/ox71LlYpTJ
A5. Your climate and culture should enhance your ability to meet your instructional goals. If it doesn’t...you may have the wrong kind of culture for a classroom or school. #MNLead
A5: I integrate classroom climate into regular instructional lessons- how they are structured, how Ianguage and conversations are used, resources used, and empathy! #mnlead
Consistency is the key. Are announcements are more like interruptions. They are not at a common time, the message is usually all over the place. Middle schoolers need structure (even though that word gets a negative portrayal most times). #mnlead
A big thing I'm noticing here abt positive climate is that relationships, kindness, clear communication, consistency and boundaries are essential pieces to make it work. #mnlead
A5: Really, the two cannot be separated. Well designed learning cycles create opportunities for Ss to experience and contribute to the climate you are after. #mnlead
Students can certainly tell which classrooms are "ours". How we set up the room, what we choose to include/exclude, how the seating is arranged. Is it rigid for the teacher's sake, or inviting for the students sake? #mnlead
A5- I’m w/ @bretdom on morning mtgs & a responsive classroom approach. By having high expectations within a connected community, you’re going to accomplish a lot. I also believe you need to lead by example. If you want something done, YOU have to be willing to do it too. #mnlead
"Structure" get a negative portrayal as well, and "routines" can too. Heck, most think "consequences" are always negative because we portray them that way too often. Words DO matter & how when we invite keeps to have ownership, structures, routines, etc. become GOLD! #mnlead
"Thank You." And the be specific to the person about what they have done that has made a positive difference. Recognition goes a long way to building momentum. #mnlead
Next week @mahillmann takes the lead! #mnlead We are thinking about taking a summer hiatus. Is anyone interested in keeping the chat going in the summer months?
