#OhEdChat Archive
#OHEdChat was started by an ad hoc group of Ohio educators and other interested people. For information and updates about the chat, visit https://ohedchat.wordpress.com/
Wednesday February 3, 2016
I hope it gets better quickly! Will miss you but understand. Take care.
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself with your name, position, and where you're from! Include your favorite Valentine's candy!
Looking forward to learning more about the Shadow a Student Challenge on tonight's Come learn with me!
Kevin, HS English from Highland. Nearly all candy is my favorite (if you have ever seen me in person)
all good, Jacki! Hope it gets better soon!
I'm thinking your WWF name is "The CandyMan"
I'm Philip, I'm a preservice HS English Teacher from Pennsylvania, & my favorite valentine candies are cream-filled chocolates!
Chuck Banks, HS AP at Gahanna Lincoln HS, east side of C-bus. Always liked the little red cinnamon hearts
Hi! Im Hannah, A 3rd grade student teacher in Grove City! I LOVE dark chocolate everything!
Welcome, Philip! Glad you are here! You squish those chocolates first, don't you?
not sure if that means I'm Willy Wonka or a killer with a nasty hook for a hand from a 1992 horror film
Hi, ! Curriculum & Tech T in Lakewood. I'm super excited to learn about shadowing a student! https://t.co/PcopzzTA9I
Char, Dir. of curr. from Bay Village OH Looking forward to tonight's discussion led by my friend
No problem. Take it easy.
Garry Young, Principal of Zanesville High School in Zanesville, OH. Favorite candy is any dark chocolate.
Kendrick Myers, AP at Opelika High in AL, ohio born and high school graduate
Monica, teacher/aspiring leader from Dayton, looking forward to another great
Great to see you, Tricia! We have to get ready for our next round, don't we?
Thanks for joining tonight Hannah
Yeah! Glad you made it, Jaime! You are going to love this!
Welcome Hannah. Hope student teaching is going well.
Thanks for being here again Jaime
We will be using the Q1, A1 format tonight. Don't forget to use the to keep the conversations going!
Tricia Ebner, GIS from Stark County, and a big fan of dark chocolate with sea salt.
Welcome Monica. What part of Dayton?
Thanks for taking time again this week G
Jennifer Hogan, HS AP in Hoover, AL. Jumping in for a bit. Thanks for the invite !
***Q1 coming up in one minute!
Great to see you on ! Please follow this awesome leader!
Thanks for jumping in Kendrick
Welcome Kendrick. What part of OH?
cool...and by 10pm I can go through and block all of the terrorism spam posts :-)
Yes, we do--I've been thinking about that too. Conferences tomorrow night and then I'll refocus.
Heard you had a big National signing day.
Hey, Char! Great to see you here!
Good to see you Jennifer.
welcome, Kendrick! Good to have AL in the house!
Welcome to my neighborhood Jennifer!!! Glad to have you her at & Monday nights 9:00 EST
yep, 6 total. 4 to ODU, 1 to Mount Union and 1 Preferred walk-on to OSU.
Thanks for welcoming me in!!
Thanks for joining Jennifer
Jon Bartelt, Supt., Bloomingdale, IL just visiting and w/ simple tastes - the classic chocolate bar.
Thanks for being here, Jon!
Kris Gaijer, AP of CUyahoga Falls HS, aspiring to continue my education on education
for sure! Great things ahead with !
It wold be an interesting perspective, but I'm curious to know how students might behave when you're 'looking over their shoulder'
A1: Getting to see the school day from the student's point of view. Opportunity to really remember what it was like!
Welcome, Kris! Glad you are here!
Thanks for stopping in Jon
A1 Definitely the new perspective on the student, and the reminder that most students grew up differently than I did!
Great to see you here Kris
saw that tweet today. Very cool for those student-athletes!
Julie from Chattanooga, TN and my fav candy is ❤️ Reece's cups and Valentine's Day is my birthday too!
I think there may be a little difference. Some would be glad you're there to see them as they are.
A1: that perspective is priceless. i wish i could truly blend in but i'm too old. :(
Thanks, Bobby! Glad to be here for a bit!
I agree - I think I know what it's like from just being w/ them and have a son, but I wonder what it's really like!
We're glad to be here...I see is in here with me!
A1: Gaining insight and perspective to student's experience, reflecting on these experiences, improving.
Great to see you, Julie! Glad you are here!
welcome, Julie! Glad to have you here!
perhaps.But I always wonder if it's the camera perspective...at first you're aware but then quickly back to normal
Anything specific about those insights that might excite you?
Hi everyone! Ted, Middle School Principal from MO. Curious about Shadow a Student. I also travel to Ohio a few times a year.
A1: I would love to be a student today with the cool technology. Since our school is 1:1, would enjoy that part of it.
Preparation will be key, the School Retool team has some thoughts check out our toolkit for some tips: https://t.co/NmDLtJ9j5B
A1: Getting that student perspective. Sights, sounds, how it feels.
I guess we need to do it and find out! :-)
A1: I value integrated tchng - interesting to actually go from class to class to see how connected/disconnected a Ss day is.
Yessir! Glad to see you here, too!
Teacher/coach from CA. I like Reese's too
A1 - Definitely the experience and insight the school community could gain from it
That would be cool to be on the other end of getting to play with it and learn with it from their perspective!
love it! Great chat on Monday's. Past my bedtime though. East coast and all.
A1: gaining an understanding of how the daily procedures/schedules/written and unwritten rules impact daily learning
oh absolutely. Always helpful to see new perspectives
A1: during Pd i notice how hard it is to sit for very long. I try hard to be cognizant of that when I put on pd & when I teach.
Hey Ted. What part do you visit?
improving the learning environment. Understanding what they go through. Sharing the exp. with colleagues.
Wow! I would love to learn my school's "unwritten" rules!
welcome back to tonight, Ted! Looking forward to learning about as well!
***Q2 is coming up in one minute!
A1: probably experiencing the differences between situations, the mental shifts every 45min or so. Would be interesting
My hope is that teachers, more than leaders, will .
A1: getting an extended authentic view of the different approaches to instruction Ss see on a daily basis
Going back through that mental exercise would be exciting!
A1: Using my phone in class! Didn't have cool phones or technology worth playing with when I was in school
A1.5 I have a HS Jr at home. I see the 4+ hours of school she is doing outside school. Would like to follow HER day in school.
makes me think of last week's about middle school students, lots of unwritten rules!
A1: insight on ways we could improve Ss experiences socially and academically. And to experience MY school from their eyes
Hi Neil and Jennifer. Carol here to chat for a few min before I fall asleep.
Greg Garris, Assistant Principal from Worthington late to the party.
Absolutely! I would love to see the innovative techniques and tools teachers are using today first-hand!
Hi, Carol! Glad you could join us for a bit!
Welcome, Carol! Glad you could make it!
A1: seeing the HS experience for what it is rather than what we think it is. Perspective we can't gain any other way.
Agreed! I try and make PD engaging and fun. Helps model a desired teaching style.
A1 Shadow a . Watch voice rise through interactions & collaborations.
A1: Great take. Amazing how S's have to change on the fly. One of the delicate aspects of school. https://t.co/GxbZtoDEGw
A1: probably experiencing the differences between situations, the mental shifts every 45min or so. Would be interesting
That's true - I wonder how using this tool would change how I learn in the classroom!
Great connection, Monica!
Canton (for my oldest son Drum & Bugle Corps --Bluecoats. Then to Denison Univ in May for his Sp Training https://t.co/brtC3j6yUt
Hey Ted. What part do you visit?
A2 as a student, it means the world to me when my Ts show interest in me personally. Could really make the student feel important!
Glad you are here, Greg! You have been through this experience, so I can't wait to hear from you!
yea. And a great chat that was! ;-)
That's true - wanting to see how connections are being with students is key!
Great thought-peek into S's psyche A1
learning how much mental shifting & organization it takes to navigate as successfully as possible through their day
interesting comment by college Ss - profs are using phones in inst. & she then gets sucked into her group chats
Great piece that inspired the challenge!
A2: Some Ts did this at a previous school were I worked & they talked about the "waiting time" Ss experience.
A1: Interested in seeing how instruction feels from the other end. What is engaging and what feels like "busy work."
A2) how much time students spend sitting :(
We are fortunate to have and here at to share their insights on the Shadow a Student Experience!
Interesting that you use the verb "feels" to describe busy work. We associate that with an emotion.
a2: how small some things are to Ss (academics) & how much bigger (social/emotional needs) other things are to them.
That's a really interesting thought. Do you have any ideas about how we can reduce their waiting time?
I think I need to see if this is happening - and to be mindful of engaging students!
A2: A glimpse of what really matters to Ss. Yes, social--but that's not all. How can I better connect with Ss?
A2 Observation is one of the most effective ways we can learn! Whether we are observing/shadowing Ss or Ts.
A2: We can learn the effect long stretches of instruction without breaks have on students. Help remind us to use brain breaks.
Looking for the questions.
Adults can forget how hard it is as a teen with expectations to do well. It would be good to see what role we play on that stress.
I'm here! Sorry I'm late! I was writing a reflection on HR practices of successful businesses and how they relate to schools.
Sorry I had to jump out for a minute while we drove home from Walgreens!
A2: engagement of lessons, the impact teachers' phrasing and communication style has on Ss
Absolutely - telling me is one thing - shadowing is quite another!
A2: I had lunch w/ a K class I work with each week. Such interesting conversations at lunch - & they were THRILLED I did recess.
A2 how stress of hw/testing effects family life, how family/friend effects learning/how tech can distract & how to help Ss in this
Peter, Principal, Carey OH
Terry, high school director Tuscaloosa- hey ya'll glad to be here.
Ts who recognize it. Start when bell rings,don't make kids wait while papers R passed out 1 at time, PBL, backchannel
Glad you made it, Sir! And, I'll get to see you this weekend!
Students who are engaged can still be sitting - they may just be squirming more from excitement!
***Q3 is coming up in one minute!
Looking forward to learning tonight and learning w/you and the other OASSA folks on Sat.
Just a few ideas. Many more. Key is organized T who recognizes it and avoids making kids wait on them.
how often do we incorporate health/PE into academic classes. How would it effect Ss engagement?
Terry, high school director Tuscaloosa- hey ya'll glad to be here. https://t.co/0wpfwUDKrm
Me and Annie thought it was a good idea to come to the gym at this time thinking no one would be here....we see everyone
A2: A student perspective on the school. We may see things one way, but students may see it very differently.
, is Twitter acting goofy for anyone else tonight?
A2: to really gain empathy for what they deal w/everyday,you would need to have a serious debrief w/them after.Take it all in
Welcome, Terry! Glad you could make it!
I'm so used to my iPad that I keep trying to touch the screen to tweet on this Chromebook!
Welcome, Terry! Glad to see a fellow Alabamian here!
A2 - It could really help build relationships and open doors to how we communicate with Ss
Great point, Chuck! https://t.co/m4fBqONGas
A2: to really gain empathy for what they deal w/everyday,you would need to have a serious debrief w/them after.Take it all in
Does all time need to be structured time? Do students learn to manage their time? Do they play?
A2. finding out what gets in the way of them being successful.. Hi! Assistant Principal from Corpus Christi
I would think it would be best to find a student who will go about their normal routine regardless of your presence
Thanks for being here Terry
I agree...this would be an indelible memory for any kid
A3:I want to shadow a S who may not receive that much attention and whose school experience is probably quite different than mine.
A3: Consider who's likely to let me in & see reality, the good, the bad, the boring, the exciting.
A2: I would learn how hard it is to sit all day
great insights. its key to be intentional about your student choice to maximize the shadowing experience.
I like how you phrased that - the person has to keep it "normal"
A3: Tough Q! I would want to shadow several "types" of students! Probably the hardest part of this! https://t.co/9a1W8TTNif
The little ones are so much fun to talk to during lunch - or anytime!
A3 I'd try to shadow a transfer student, & see how a relative outsider sees the school I work at. An ELL would be fascinating also
Interesting Q. I would choose a S who is struggling but is interested in advancement. A3
A3: I would like to shadow an at - risk kid. What does she value during day? Who sees value in her?
A2: When recently spending time with MS Ss, I was curious to learn what they respect and love teachers for
A3: select a student who will give you a good visual of your culture & the daily experiences of your students
A2: After spending a day in their shoes I think more carefully about the decisions that directly impact students.
Yes--I don't want the extremes. I want the "typical." (If there is such a thing.)
YES! I was thinking the same thing - I would want to know how I can use my day job to support these students.
We are having the same questions!
New to school ELLs provide us w a diff perspective a3
A3: I would pick a S that has a schedule that is all inclusive so I can see the most styles of teaching.gym, band, history, etc.
A3: I think it would be beneficial to shadow a high performing AND struggling student (diff days), then analyze the differences
A3: I would select someone who needs a little extra love and attention. But it's important to not interrupt their learning.
A3: I don't think you can go wrong with any student you pick. They all have a unique experience.
Exactly-these Ss need support, guidance, & a listening ear. A3
If you want to do this, I will sub for you a day!
Wow! I like your last question - are we letting these students fall through the cracks?
A2: would like to find out if pacing of lessons could match my restlessness
Hey , late to show as we take care of sick children. John, Tech Coor/ Tech Int in north central Ohio.
A3: I would like to find an "average" student who had a connection w/me in some respect, to not have the edginess. Would be real
A3: someone who would benefit just as much. who needs a buddy? who would love your company?
just got home from a day at work and errands! Need a little break & relax! Gonna miss out tonight! See you next week!
Is there a list of questions available anywhere?
would I have to pay you with GFT?
A3: I would survey to find a student interested in being shadowed
Sorry to have to leave but am tired. Have a great week.
They have such out of the box ideas & questions. And they WANT to sit next to you. How can you beat that?
No problem, Adam! Thanks for letting us know - get some rest!
Welcome, John! Glad you are here!
A3: I think for me it would be good to follow a student that would also benefit from having me around them as a mentor role
Love that imagery - who needs a buddy.
Got to jump out of ! Thanks for an awesome topic, . Everyone have a great rest of the week!
A3: would select one of those capable but unmotivated individuals, a wide selection. unfortunately
I am moderating tonight's if you want to look back at my feed.
That would be a great way to get insight into the kid that goes under the radar https://t.co/c34rmBeB52
A3: I would like to shadow an at - risk kid. What does she value during day? Who sees value in her?
Look at twitter page - you will see all the Qs - we are only on Q3
Thanks for stopping in tonight, Jennifer - I left you an apology Vox! Ha!
A3: Remember that curiosity is key to successful empathy. Be ready to suspend your judgment of what you "think you know"
Would you be willing to shadow a student for a day?
check . They are not popping up on my feed tonight either?
A3: Great question. Not sure I could follow just one. Would want all perspectives. Is there a "typical" student? Chose them?
Haha! I'll check it out! :-)
can see diff of teachers' approach/communication style/differentiation, the difference of stressors
***Q4 is coming up in one minute!
A3 I want to shadow a S that stays under the radar and doesn't seem engaged and then one all in
A1: I would love to see how school has changed since my time. See how they interact with their peers.
Great points for look-fors. The notion of stressors is intriguing!
A3: I really wish we could have a "fly on the wall" day. I would love to see a Ss day w/o the effect of "me" being near them.
Yes!I want to shadow them all! I would love to be a fly on the wall though.I don't want to skew the data. https://t.co/ShbjCMI7Zl
A3: I don't think you can go wrong with any student you pick. They all have a unique experience.
It's tempting for sure. Plus it provides the opportunity to observe other teachers working with those Ss
A2: What worries/actions/drama goes on in a student’s life today. Are they the same issues we had in our generation in school.
Q4: Two things - 1) I just stated. Being present may be a distraction and 2) letting go of "work" for a day.
A3: when looking for a student to shadow, I'd find the most disconnected and unmotivated. That'll change your perspective
A4: Trying not to make it evaluative, esp if you see something that is bad, very bad
seeing everything through their eyes, rather than your own filter
A4: Not being the principal for the day. Today I rehearsed the orchestra for our director and had to answer a radio from office
A4: Since I am still learning different teaching techniques, I would probably be focused on that rather than being a student.
A4: Hardest for me: sitting that much. Not knowing what's coming next in a lesson.
A4- resisting the urge to say tuck in that shirt (or fill in the policy), lol
we can blame Grandstaff for that one :-)
Never thought of that. Not just keeping the students "real" - but not freaking out the teachers.
A4 It would be hardest to remain neutral. I wonder if my presence would change the environment enough that the results get skewed?
BAM! That's what I'm talking about! You may try to unplug, but will the staff let you. : )
A4: Probably a flash back of my original days in middle school. Would get a detention for being too chatty.
A4: to trust Ss and Ts were acting "normal", to not try offering interventions to struggling students
A4: Taking off my “hat” for the day.
We would have to give them a heads-up! did you come across this?
A4: not trying to "fix" issues or clarify things I see the student not understanding
Great point - it would be hard to turn it completely off.
very much what I have been thinking. Like adding a camera. At first they're aware and it changes all
A4: If this shadowing was similar to Undercover Boss, I think we’d share some of their struggles. I know, that’s staged probably.
A4: probably getting Ss to act normal w/you around, be themselves. Not sure you would ever get accurate picture
A4) Learning so much from shadowing about school culture and Ss engagement that I wouldn't want to do anything else!
Ha! I agree with you 100% - I would have to really settle my view away from that!
A4: Trying to be a true shadow & making connections to the Ss - listening to Ss reflection & turning off my "teacher eyes".
I notified the student and the teachers ahead of time
A4: I'll wear a blonde wig, glasses, and ask people to refer to me as "Billy."
blending will be difficult; I think knowing when to hang back some and when to be involved is key
a4:keeping my mouth shut or maybe sitting would be tough. but hardest to see mistakes being made by Ts & the impact it has on Ss.
I agree - my teacher eyes would be hard to turn off - and I'm sure I would be hunngaryyy
Thanks, Greg! I could see me realizing that too late!
Enjoying a great tonight by and colleagues about the project. Wish my internet would cooperate!
A4: forcing my interpersonal style of making kids feel special on others
Great point. It would be hard to just shadow and not interfere or intervene.
Yes - and you would have to eat lunch on the Ss plan - maybe 10:30 AM - 15 minutes to eat - go through the line!
A4: Trying to actively engage in all classes. I didn't have some of the background knowledge! Spanish was a real struggle
I'll be having to take snaps and have coffee delivered!
so far so good! Results have been positive.
A4: Being totally honest: hardest for me would be NOT having my cup of coffee with me all morning.
I would need to have snacks ready and coffee delivered!
it's hard when your beliefs don't align with other Ts and you see the impact it has on Ss
Great point - but, that's maybe where some students might be in that class also...
9 years? Don't know. I believe my Steelers have only had one other than backups.
A4: One of the biggest struggles for me was not thinking about the work I was missing and staying in the moment
and I have seen you pack...you would need a backpack on wheels to haul your gear around for the day!
I'm sure I would be like the students, but I'd be all over - would have to concentrate!
probably needs some trendy coffee press doesn't he?
I was told by a S (not in my class) that I do fun activities in my class to make other classes jealous :( it hurt
At CHS, it would only be on your Chromebook. Keep your cell phone in your locker - I mean office.
***Great job with insights tonight! You got me thinking! Q5 is coming up!
I am trying mindfulness. Try and keep my brain focused on the moment - and not how to turn the moment into a lesson.
I will never understand that mindset--like it's a competition. Learning is not a contest.
I'm guilty of checking email on my phone during study hall. It put my mind at ease though.
It's ok....you are loved and respected - that is why we can tease you.
Q5: The goal of the experience should be to suspend judgment & be curious. How could you help this occur? https://t.co/wMKzzuZ5P9
I know - I am feeling the love!
true...although I have no issue giving him static on general principle :-)
A5: Keep focus outside self. Take on a journalistic approach: the facts. Not "I wouldn't do X."
A5: That is probably harder for us than the Ss. We have to constantly tell ourselves that we can't interfere.
I agree - it was be quieting my inner voice and outer one!
A5. Listen and remain in the moment
A5 Bring a big notebook and take lots of notes, it will keep you occupied on recording the day, instead of interfering with it.
I think both the selection of the student & perhaps the building would help. Gain insight but remain somewhat of a shadow
Which is against what we do everyday - but it would pay dividends to let things play out and observe
A5: This might sound dumb, but dress the part, literally. Ask questions. If you’re BYOD, have your phone out taking notes.
yes, great point. check out page 6-7 of the challenge toolkit for some open observation prompts
A5: Watch, listen, and ask questions. Don't take over the conversations with your opinion.
I agree - choosing the "right" student is huge!
A5: Be like the camera man on COPS or one of those other reality shows. Be seen not intervene!
AMEN! Of course unless it is a matter of Ss safety which is obvious.
indeed. Wondering if the insight gained would be stronger if I went to one of our other buildings
***Last question coming up in one minute!
love this! put on your sneakers for the day!
I'll pay money for that!!
I agree - I think being set apart from being known helps.
A5: Ask the Ss what she would like to show me throughout her day. Carry books. Do the assignments. Do the homework.
A5- Be neutral - try to (silently) understand what is going on before trying to fix it.
Does that mean leggings and a sweatshirt are out of the question, too?
A5: May seem trivial but dressing like a student helped put me in the right mindset.
If I wore something like that, there would be widespread stomach flu in the building!
if Gupta rolls in wearing yoga pants I tremble to think of Ss reactions
Leggings yes, the rest is okay!
A5: Remind yourself 2 things:you were once both S and T who tried your hardest. This is your chance to see education differently.
A5: Observe, write questions you are asking yourself (answer them later) and keep reminding yourself you are a shadow
A5: Always be curious, but not in an interrogative sense, be an observer, debrief after, ask inquiry questions
I totally agree. Just thinking about the dress code--what seems simple to me, not so much to my Ss.
A5: apply Leadership on the Line principle of "going to the balcony" to see what's really happening.
I think going to a different building, or maybe a group I don't see in ours, would help eliminate the camera effect
A6: A perspective like this allows us to see if we are cultivating an environment that is "best for kids." Huge reflection element.
Great point, Michael! Thanks for being here!
A6: Reflect on my classroom. What do I need to change to better meet student needs? How can I make it better?
A6 Share any findings with fellow teachers, especially ones that I visited while shadowing.
A6 - share the results w/ staff - grow from the lessons learned
A5: if I'm student for a day I'm participating with the proper response and modeling the true experience and hoping they join in
A6 Grow and change for the better!
A6: share out and hope to get others on my team to join in so that we can all get this great perspective.
A6: I would use the information to think about how I would set up/ lead my future classrooms to benefit the students.
A6: Taking the data from the day and refocusing what I need to do (if that be the case).
Thanks. Sorry late to chat invited me previously. Love the thread of this chat tonight!
Amen! Our administrative team is going to join in - I am hoping our collecting learning will pay dividends!
Love this! Simple but powerful.
A6: Share the experience with my staff, BLT, school advisory council, etc. It would help to determine where to go next.
A6 Discuss with ldrshp team both district and bldg. discuss obs and challenges
Matt is amazing! And, I admire your HS Principal, Andy!
A5: set aside typical teacher mind set of what could I incorporate and replace with authentic listening
Great idea to share it with the BLT!
both awesome people. Happy to have in my network.
Thanks for a great tonight! Be safe tonight and keep leading!
Hard as a BOE staff member to stay connected to the Ss during the day. Worth the effort !
A6: identify weaknesses insert strong teacher leaders to do what they do best funnel time energy & support at the effort
Sorry that I could not be more a part of . Not sure where the problem was. Internet? ? Wasn't getting tweets.
Thanks for leading a great
A6: as an administrator be authentically honest about the great things we do and the things that caused me to ponder
A6: share the experience, create a video edit to share highlights, encourage others to shadow if even just during their planning
Thank you & for the great chat. You always get me thinking!
Great chat tonight! Thanks Have a great week and see you on Saturday! Everyone sign up for
Thanks, Garry! Appreciate you being here!
Thanks for your insights and energy, Tricia! We got some work to do now!
, this was a great topic tonight for . Wish I could’ve been here on time!
Thanks - I'll see you Saturday!
