#mdeschat Archive | Participate

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:00 PM EST

#mdeschat Good evening! Welcome to the chat this evening, please take a moment to introduce yourself.

jazzmeister2013 Dec 17 @ 8:01 PM EST

Greetings all! Greg- 2nd grade, #TeamFelegy. Tweeting from a High School performance of "Grease". Awesome!! Hope all are well. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:02 PM EST

#mdeschat Hi Greg! @jazzmeister2013 How are you tonight?

jazzmeister2013 Dec 17 @ 8:02 PM EST

@lindamcToth Hi Linda! Doing well thanks. You? #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:03 PM EST

#mdeschat Honestly, I had quite a day - started with an evacuation of my school. But all is well now.

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:03 PM EST

Hey! Mike, 6th grade teacher in Laurel. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:04 PM EST

#mdeschat Hi Mike! @mrdonnelly3 How is the year going?

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:05 PM EST

#mdeschat I know some others will join us as we get into the conversation so we will start soon.

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:07 PM EST

#mdeschat the topic tonight is professional New year’s resolutions, so our first question is going to be coming up.

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:07 PM EST

#mdeschat forgot this hashtag https://t.co/zp5HOxsmd1

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:06 PM EST

@lindamcToth Professionally I am making a lot of growth, which is great! Growing personally too with the new baby on 9/28.

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:07 PM EST

Good evening everyone, Walter, principal, Hyattsville, MD. Happy to be joining in the sharing tonight! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:07 PM EST

#mdeschat congratulations Mike! And welcome to your little one.

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:08 PM EST

#mdeschat Hi Walt! @WalterReap So wonderful to see you tonight.

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:09 PM EST

#mdeschat Good evening. Bonita 4th grade teacher, Annapolis, MD. have missed the last few weeks - glad to be back

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:09 PM EST

#mdeschat Hi Bonita! Glad you are here tonight.

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:09 PM EST

@lindamcToth Glad to be a part of the sharing! #mdeschat

cassandbailey Dec 17 @ 8:09 PM EST

#mdeschat Hello all! I'm a Professional Development Teacher in Langley Park, MD!

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:10 PM EST

#mdeschat Q1 What was the single best thing that happened this past school year? You can use anytime from the 2015 span.

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:11 PM EST

A1: My daughter being born, then getting to know my new class #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:12 PM EST

A1: Discovering the teacher community on social media @twitter @periscopeco @sheilajteaching #THM #mdeschat #PLN #PLC

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:12 PM EST

#mdeschat @mrdonnelly3 You had some major changes this past year!

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:13 PM EST

A1: Having an entire school year in a new system has increased my understanding of the power of school culture and people! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:13 PM EST

#mdeschat @boncheri86 I love that you discovered Social media - it is a great way to connect.

CoxCherylcox628 Dec 17 @ 8:14 PM EST

Hi all, just joining in! Cheryl, principal in Glen Burnie:) A1: professionally, best thing was to attend ASCD in San Diego! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Dec 17 @ 8:14 PM EST

A1- Coming back to PG last year! Best move! Working at a cultural arts school- also a great move! #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:14 PM EST

@lindamcToth I did, and my I got really lucky to work with a great group of Ss this year. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:14 PM EST

#mdeschat I believe the focus on school culture was a huge thing for me too! https://t.co/itSPsmiAaY

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:13 PM EST

A1: Having an entire school year in a new system has increased my understanding of the power of school culture and people! #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:14 PM EST

@lindamcToth I've always followed blogs, etc. But periscope connected me face-to-face with so many amazing teachers.Very inspiring #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Dec 17 @ 8:15 PM EST

@WalterReap Welcome back! Hope all is well. #mdeschat

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:15 PM EST

Hello, hello! Just getting started tonight. I'm Jacqueline, a 2nd and 3rd grade inclusion teacher with BCPS #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:15 PM EST

@CoxCherylcox628 I love ASCD - I was fortunate enough to attend the Teaching Excellence Conf. in Tennessee #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:16 PM EST

#mdeschat Q2 is coming up! Hi Jacqueline!

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:17 PM EST

Q2 As a way to reflect, what was the single most challenging thing that happened this current school year? #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:19 PM EST

A2: Joining a team with no experience in PYP and limited experience in 6th grade, also has been very rewarding #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:19 PM EST

#mdeschat The teaming and collaboration is such a strength of PYP. https://t.co/7S61wW8e2x

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:19 PM EST

A2: Joining a team with no experience in PYP and limited experience in 6th grade, also has been very rewarding #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Dec 17 @ 8:20 PM EST

A1- This year, I have an amazing group of #FutureLeaders! #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:20 PM EST

A2: Learning to accept the teacher I am becoming...and how she fits in to the big picture. growing pains can be challenging #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:20 PM EST

#mdeschat A2 I think for me was finding a way to attend all the grade level collaboration meetings was a huge challenge.

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:21 PM EST

A2: So far, the most challenging thing this year has been working out a system to keep accurate, relevant, and timely data #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:21 PM EST

@lindamcToth I've really learned to respect the growth mindset process and accept my limitations #mdeschat

CoxCherylcox628 Dec 17 @ 8:21 PM EST

Keeping teacher morale up with so much pressure on their shoulders. Title one teaching is hard. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:21 PM EST

#mdeschat That is very insightful. I am sure you have done a great deal of reflection. https://t.co/QASez1hDlI

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:20 PM EST

A2: Learning to accept the teacher I am becoming...and how she fits in to the big picture. growing pains can be challenging #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:22 PM EST

A2: The biggest challenge/barrier for me has been mastering the mountain of Framework for Teaching Observations! #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:22 PM EST

@boncheri86 In my new position this year there have been growing pains, and hard to find balance with a new baby too. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:22 PM EST

#mdeschat and helping teachers through new curricular changes adds onto the pressure. https://t.co/NdtRGF6fIW

CoxCherylcox628 Dec 17 @ 8:21 PM EST

Keeping teacher morale up with so much pressure on their shoulders. Title one teaching is hard. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:23 PM EST

#mdeschat @WalterReap How many do you have to do each year? Does everyone get observed and rated or is there a set each year?

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:23 PM EST

@mrdonnelly3 I'm sure! I think that's something I've started mastering - balance. Good luck, you'll find your balance again :) #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:24 PM EST

#mdeschat Q3 is coming up!

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:25 PM EST

@WalterReap And observations are so important! As a 2nd year teacher I rely on that feedback to continue to grow and get better #mdeschat

CoxCherylcox628 Dec 17 @ 8:26 PM EST

@boncheri86 hopefully you are feeling that your teaching us going in the right direction! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:26 PM EST

@lindamcToth All first year teachers get four observations all others in their rating year get two; translation A LOT! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:26 PM EST

Q3 Was there an unexpected motivator that you found this year? And any unexpected obstacle? #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:26 PM EST

@CoxCherylcox628 Oh yes! I am learning so much and being inspired by so many amazing teachers!! :) #mdeschat #happyteacher

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3: Unexpected motivator was having a union to make me not feel as guilty for leaving work on time to be home. #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3 Periscope (I'm a broken record) - other passionate teachers! Obstacle: self doubt & the difficulties coworkers are facing #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3: Unexpected obstacle was the energy drain and crash about 8-8:30 each night with 2 kids under 3. #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:28 PM EST

@HelloMrsVitak Meaningful feedback is the backbone for improvement. Formal and informal feedback are both important. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:28 PM EST

#mdeschat @boncheri86 Our peers can truly be some of the most amazing teachers and motivators!

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:29 PM EST

#mdeschat A3 My greatest motivator are my peers. talking and hearing what they are doing always give me energy to try new things.

CoxCherylcox628 Dec 17 @ 8:30 PM EST

My unexpected change was having to excess three great teachers and one assistant. Such training and time we put into them.. #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:30 PM EST

@WalterReap @HelloMrsVitak I feel informal feedback and be the best. Like a "you're on the right track, try to do this" #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:30 PM EST

#mdeschat A3 My own personal challenge goes back to finding a balance. I don’t like to settle for average.

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:31 PM EST

@lindamcToth Have you read Ron Clark's Move Your Bus? #mdeschat You sound like you're a runner! :D

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:32 PM EST

@mrdonnelly3 @HelloMrsVitak You are right on the $! Informal feedback can be outside of the box and lead to strong collaboration. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:33 PM EST

#mdeschat Sounds like I should read it! https://t.co/d4wKYLMX06

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:31 PM EST

@lindamcToth Have you read Ron Clark's Move Your Bus? #mdeschat You sound like you're a runner! :D

rachelamstutz - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:33 PM EST

Hello, all!! #mdeschat Sorry I'm late. Happy Thursday!

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:33 PM EST

@WalterReap @HelloMrsVitak I was just having lunch convo about how I flipped word study and the other T wanted to try it #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:33 PM EST

@lindamcToth It's great!! I highly recommend the audio book! :) #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:33 PM EST

#mdeschat @rachelamstutz You are always welcome Rachel!

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:33 PM EST

@WalterReap I think that new teachers often shy away from getting feedback. We get so nervous! That mindset needs to shift #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:34 PM EST

@HelloMrsVitak @WalterReap It's all in the delivery :) #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:34 PM EST

#mdeschat Q4 will be having us do some more self- reflection.

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:35 PM EST

#mdeschat Hope you are ready - Q5. Pick three words to describe 2015 from your personal professional lens.

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:35 PM EST

@HelloMrsVitak I agree and that holds true for admin as well. I value feedback from my peers just as well! #mdeschat #nonevaluative

jazzmeister2013 Dec 17 @ 8:35 PM EST

Will catch up on the discussion later. Enjoying seeing kids I've known for years perform in "Grease". Enjoy your holiday season! #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:36 PM EST

A4/5?: New, challenging, bestforkids #mdeschat #makingupwords

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:37 PM EST

@HelloMrsVitak Nerves can be a great motivator as long as it is about doing what is right for Ss and not the "show". #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:37 PM EST

A5 #growth #collaboration #reflection #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:39 PM EST

#mdeschat OK my numbering is off, sorry! I would say growth mindset; collaboration; consuming

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:39 PM EST

A5: risk-taking, flexibility, and trust #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:39 PM EST

A5: Three words describe 2015: Students, Teachers, and Parents. As a learning leader the tiny voices are most important! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:40 PM EST

#mdeschat @WalterReap I agree that the voices of our young ones truly matter.

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:41 PM EST

A5: a second one ... "not there #yet" #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:42 PM EST

#mdeschat let’s take a moment to share some of the best books we read this year that have added to our professional knowledge.

CoxCherylcox628 Dec 17 @ 8:44 PM EST

Just finished The Attitude Gap by Baruti Kafele, terrific! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:44 PM EST

@mrdonnelly3 @HelloMrsVitak That exchange is so important to our craft! I love sharing my struggles and wonderings too! #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:44 PM EST

The Book Whisperer, Readers Front and Center (Haven't finished it), and another one, but I don't remember the title #mdeschat

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:44 PM EST

#mdeschat Move Your Bus, Falling in Love with Close Reading, The Reading Strategies Book, The Hard Hat, Teaching with Poverty in Mind

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:44 PM EST

I'm reading Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids, one of my co-teachers and I have a spicy bunch this year #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:45 PM EST

#mdeschat I was really influenced by Growth Mindset by carol Dweck

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:45 PM EST

My next audio book is 'The End of Molasses Classes' and I want to read Mind Up Curriculum #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:45 PM EST

#mdeschat Mindsets in the Classroom: Building a Culture of Success and Student Achievement in Schools by Ricci, a great follow up.

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:46 PM EST

#mdeschat I will also suggest Shifting the Monkey by Todd Whitaker!

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:47 PM EST

Visible Teaching, Flying Fish, and now Learning to Improve are books to increase my wondering about teaching/learning. #mdeschat

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:47 PM EST

Our school is also doing a book study on Teach Like a Pirate #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:47 PM EST

#mdeschat We are going to shift our focus with the next question.

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:48 PM EST

#memspachat Ppl who inspire me: there are SO many!! @ronclarkacademy @hopekingteach @amyadapts @whimsicalteach the teachers on #mdeschat

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:48 PM EST

My "to read" list on Goodreads just doubled in size ha #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:50 PM EST

#mdeschat In what way(s) did U grow in Ur relationships w/ others? Do U have goals to improve work relationships for the coming school year?

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:51 PM EST

A huge success this year was #DENSI. Learned a lot about tech tools, digital literacy, and met incredibly talented people! #mdeschat

kellyteach6 Dec 17 @ 8:52 PM EST

#mdeschat I feel that I've really grown this year because I have a strong co-teaching partnership with the sp. ed.

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:52 PM EST

#mdeschat @WalterReap Isn’t exciting when you get to interact with new talent?

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:53 PM EST

#mdeschat I have started meditating,to help manage my reactions & feelings. I've also 'put myself out there' a lot-shrinking my #comfortzone

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:53 PM EST

#mdeschat What a great partnership to foster! Your Ss will be the winners from it. https://t.co/Jd9Th0SQHT

kellyteach6 Dec 17 @ 8:52 PM EST

#mdeschat I feel that I've really grown this year because I have a strong co-teaching partnership with the sp. ed.

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:53 PM EST

I've found more ways to connect with Ss this year. I need to improve relationships with staff around the building outside my grade #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:54 PM EST

#mdeschat B/c we R running out of time, the last few Qs will come quickly.

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:55 PM EST

#mdeschat What was your single biggest time waster this past year? & What was the best way you used your time this past year?

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:56 PM EST

Relationships matter and take work. I have tried to use meetings as opportunities to dialogue w/ people; compliment other's work! #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:56 PM EST

I tend to waste too much time trying to reprioritize things to do and end up getting little done #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:57 PM EST

#mdeschat I handle papers too many times, I need to just handle them once and get it done.

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:57 PM EST

Time waster: idle chit chat&venting(no more). Best way to use my time: the small things that make ALL the difference to the Ss #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:58 PM EST

Best thing I've done with my time is talking with my Ss. Ending each day with an invite to return and start by saying #youmatter #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:59 PM EST

#mdeschat This hour has gone too quickly. But let’s end with: What is or are you New Year’s resolutions for your professional self?

WalterReap - Moderator Dec 17 @ 8:59 PM EST

Time waster - Complaining about initiatives and sucking others into the discussion. Best use of Time - Meeting/Planning w/ Ts. #mdeschat

kellyteach6 Dec 17 @ 8:59 PM EST

#mdeschat using time to put activities on Kurzweil which helps me to be able to work and assist all Ss during instr. And not just Sp Ed Ss

boncheri86 Dec 17 @ 8:59 PM EST

Notes, quality feedback, timely feedback and grades, teaching them strategies for growing as learners (habits etc) #mdeschat

mrdonnelly3 Dec 17 @ 8:59 PM EST

Read more, and do more of these chats #mdeschat

HelloMrsVitak Dec 17 @ 8:59 PM EST

Our sped office seems tohave a revolving door of staff members who have questions or just want to talk. Fun , but not efficient! #mdeschat