Welcome to #UTEdchat and happy Valentine’s Day! Tonight we’re talking about the results of the Utah Teacher Fellows’ survey on Teacher Leadership. Respond to each Q using the A# format. Don’t forget to include #UTedchat in your answer.
I'm Deborah, your Moderator tonight. I teach high school Social Studies and I'm quite proud of the card I designed for my school staff & faculty last year when we had PTC on Valentine's: Grumpy Cat loved the school faculty & staff, signed by Thor, Spiderman, Groot etc. #UTEdchat
Q1: Teachers believe recognition, respect, a voice in the process, autonomy, actionable feedback, and time help us feel valued as educators. In what ways could policies improve recognition and respect for educators? #UTEdchat
A1a: I see great value in support for National Board Certification. Stipends from districts & reimbursement by the state are good things. I'm glad @UNBC2 and @myuea working to build the bench. We need to see more district level support statewide. #UTEdchat
A GREAT way to spend Valentine’s Day—talking about teacher leadership (and spending time with Dave 😉)! Can’t wait to hear about the fall focus groups! #utedchat
A1b: We also need to respect teachers' time! That means two things: pay for the extra time we put in and time for the extra things we're asked to do. New teachers especially need more time for planning. I'd like to see optional planning days built into our schedules. #UTEdchat
Kristin here. I teach English in Davis County. Best Valentines card: Leon Trotsky thinks you're hotsky. (It's the nerd in me that finds this hilarious.) #utedchat
Hi #UTEdChat -- Quinn Rollins, I'm the social studies curriculum specialist for Granite School District. And my son sent me this V-card today. I'm raising him wrong.
A1: I think policies need to be about empowering teachers to be effective decision makers. Policies should be about building teacher efficacy. And teacher voice must be a part of the process. #utedchat
Q1: Teachers believe recognition, respect, a voice in the process, autonomy, actionable feedback, and time help us feel valued as educators. In what ways could policies improve recognition and respect for educators? #UTEdchat
I'm Deborah, your Moderator tonight. I teach high school Social Studies and I'm quite proud of the card I designed for my school staff & faculty last year when we had PTC on Valentine's: Grumpy Cat loved the school faculty & staff, signed by Thor, Spiderman, Groot etc. #UTEdchat
A1 Policies should be put in place to ensure teachers have a seat at the table when education is on the menu. We need to be a part of the decision-making process. #utedchat
Like you, I am very grateful for the emphasis on National Board Certification. It was an intentional focus on NC when I lived there. I pursued the process because of the extensive support that was provided. Best professional learning I ever experienced as a teacher! #utedchat
A1- I would love to see policies that included more paid time for professional development for teachers, make it easier to get subs, and more teacher lead PD ( not super expensive outside consultants) #utedchat
Q1: Teachers believe recognition, respect, a voice in the process, autonomy, actionable feedback, and time help us feel valued as educators. In what ways could policies improve recognition and respect for educators? #UTEdchat
Q1: Teachers believe recognition, respect, a voice in the process, autonomy, actionable feedback, and time help us feel valued as educators. In what ways could policies improve recognition and respect for educators? #UTEdchat
A1: Policies could improve recognition and respect by providing built in time and compensation for leadership responsibilities. It shouldn't be "duties as assigned" just because you're capable and willing and others are not. #utedchat
A1 ...for me it's mostly about time -- paying teachers for the time they put in, having the confidence and good faith that they'll use that time well, and having high expectations for what teachers produce. Hard to turn that around if it's not happening. #UTedchat
I’ve often said that the master schedule reflects our priorities. Wise leaders plan a master schedule with intentional time for effective collaboration. #utedchat
Q2: Teachers believe effective teachers have relationship skills, growth mindset, passion for teaching, positive attitudes, responsiveness, classroom management & flexibility. How can policy support development of these attributes? #UTEdchat
Teacher choice in PD (even better, teacher-led PD) is so important -- if it's all top-down, there's not much buy-in, not much lasting impact. #UTEdchat
A2: I cannot overstate the importance of effective mentoring programs! Mentoring should happen during the day - mentors should have a small number of new teachers to work with & time built into their schedule for mentoring. That means policy changes in some districts. #UTEdchat
Go for it!! It is hard work but sets you up for powerful learning—if approached in the way it is intended. Reflection becomes the hallmark of your practice and you are a transformed educator because of the process. #utedchat
In reply to
@vb_kristin, @DeborahGatrell1, @UNBC2, @myuea
There are districts that rotate curriculum specialists, admins, etc through the classroom, or make sure they're always teaching at least one class; I'd like to see more of that. #UTedchat
A2: expectations in a school need to be set, enforced and recognized. Admin that showcase what teachers and students are doing will do wonders for a school culture #utedchat
Yes! The core components of a #NBCTStrong teacher are the skills Utah teachers value in an effective teacher! In #uted only 1% of teachers are @NBPTS certified. Those who take the initiative for this advanced professional development are certainly leaders in the field. #utedchat
A1a: I see great value in support for National Board Certification. Stipends from districts & reimbursement by the state are good things. I'm glad @UNBC2 and @myuea working to build the bench. We need to see more district level support statewide. #UTEdchat
A2 I agree with @DeborahGatrell1 that mentoring is huge on this one....but not just for new teachers. I think PD plays a huge role as well. However, there has to be time built in to the schedule of a teacher to make this worthwhile and effective. #thedeborahs#utedchat
A2 Teachers need to see their peers teaching. See what THEIR relationship is like with students, see how their classroom management is, see what's working, what isn't. That's difficult to schedule, difficult to allow the vulnerability...but it can work. It has worked. #UTedchat
A2 @JuabSD and @KrystleBassett piloted a PD program using micro-credentials to personalize PD for teachers, and several of the microcredentials hit these attributes. Beyond just targeted PD there was also a financial incentive to encourage teachers to gain these skills. #utedchat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @JuabSD, @KrystleBassett
A1: Policies are guidelines that should empower us in the field. If they feel stifling we need to be willing to re-examine, understand the why behind the policies & if appropriate modify. T. voice is imperative in this process. #UTedchat
A1: I think policies need to be about empowering teachers to be effective decision makers. Policies should be about building teacher efficacy. And teacher voice must be a part of the process. #utedchat
Q1: Teachers believe recognition, respect, a voice in the process, autonomy, actionable feedback, and time help us feel valued as educators. In what ways could policies improve recognition and respect for educators? #UTEdchat
A2 It's all about those in a position to create or change policy being visible where the learning is happening.... they must see the reality to know how to support effective teaching. #utedchat
Agreed. Periodically, our learning coaches have sponsored challenges to get teachers into each other classrooms, to get beyond our own sphere of influence, and I can attest to how powerful and mind-opening it can be to see what is happening elsewhere in the school. #utedchat
A2 Teachers need to see their peers teaching. See what THEIR relationship is like with students, see how their classroom management is, see what's working, what isn't. That's difficult to schedule, difficult to allow the vulnerability...but it can work. It has worked. #UTedchat
#CUES district superintendents are currently investigating how @NBPTS support can be effectively integrated into their rural districts. IT is SOOO exciting and I'm so proud to have @CadeDoug and @jasonstratecues in my corner. Amazingness! #utedchat
In reply to
@HSG_UT, @NBPTS, @NBPTS, @CadeDoug, @jasonstratecues
A2 Just my personal experience...but it is very hard to have quality relationships at work when we all feel so much pressure and stress. Don't know if anyone else relates to this, but it is real where I teach. #utedchat
A2 -- I also think teachers should be more proud of what they and their students are doing; be willing to share with the school, with the community via social media, morning announcements, phone calls home -- good things are happening in every school. Take pride in it. #UTedchat
A1 Policies should be put in place to ensure teachers have a seat at the table when education is on the menu. We need to be a part of the decision-making process. #utedchat
Q3: Asked if teacher leadership opportunities would improve retention, some said NO due other factors & lack of time for leadership & others said YES because of collaboration, respect & growth opportunities. Does teacher leadership in your setting help you stay? Why? #UTEdchat
So right! There are MANY talented and ambitious teachers who want to advance their careers without leaving the class! It seems like all leadership positions move teachers farther away from students. We should have opportunities for teachers to lead and be with students #utedchat
Agree! Building a culture of transparency is one of the best sources of professional growth and learning. With the right structures in place (norms & protocols), observing teaching and learning can be a truly collaborative experience. #utedchat
A3: Teacher Leadership without time is a double-edged sword for me. I love leading and contributing to the success of my teachers and my school - it energizes me - but I also struggle to get everything done that needs attention so sometimes I'm worn out. That scares me. #UTEdchat
A2: I cannot overstate the importance of effective mentoring programs! Mentoring should happen during the day - mentors should have a small number of new teachers to work with & time built into their schedule for mentoring. That means policy changes in some districts. #UTEdchat
what is good for the goose is good for the gander. in other words, what we give our students (voice & choice, personalized learning, competency learning, etc) we need to give our teachers. Teachers are learners too! #utedchat
How do we incorporate more time? Add more teacher contract days between sem/quart? (I hated when we lost these in the first place in our district) More contract days in the summer? More hours during the week? More cooperative teaching? This would be interesting to poll! #utedchat
Yes extra work without compensation leads to burnout! We don't want to lose the best teachers by overworking them without fairly compensating and recognizing all they are contributing! #utedchat
A1: Policies could improve recognition and respect by providing built in time and compensation for leadership responsibilities. It shouldn't be "duties as assigned" just because you're capable and willing and others are not. #utedchat
A3: Teacher leadership opportunities have been great for me. It is unfortunate that I feel like I need to venture outside my district to get them. I fully understand those teacher who do not want to take on the extra workload without fair compensation or recognition. #utedchat
What a great program! We differentiate for students—we should be differentiating for adults. That’s why I love #EdCamps so much. Participant driven PD. Reflect on your practice then pursue the learning you need to become more effective. #utedchat
In reply to
@KBeddes, @DeborahGatrell1, @JuabSD, @KrystleBassett
A3: ugh...yes? I love having a voice, but teacher leadership roles often get piled on to overloaded plates. And when teachers are taken away from what they love the most...i.e students...it can lead to more burnout and disenchantment. #utedchat
I’ve often said that the master schedule reflects our priorities. Wise leaders plan a master schedule with intentional time for effective collaboration. #utedchat
A2: Policies can be the “what” that helps guide the “how”, “when”, & “where” to professional development! Think of how policies on PLC & collaboration have changed the landscape of education & T. development. #UTedchat
A3 Teacher leadership opportunities have been so helpful to me. Other teacher leaders have helped mentor me, which allows me to grow as a teacher. Teacher leadership opportunities have helped me be more confident in my abilities, which also helps me grow. #utedchat
A3 For me, Teacher Leadership opportunities did keep me in the game for 27 years! I jumped on consulting, mentoring & creative ideas. I was supported by excellent admins! Why I love to #TeachInDavis! #utedchat
A3, plus the same people who are going above and beyond, accepting teacher leadership roles, advocating for change, are the very ones you want to keep in the classroom because they are the best teachers! so, what can you do? there is only so much a person can do. #utedchat
Teacher choice in PD (even better, teacher-led PD) is so important -- if it's all top-down, there's not much buy-in, not much lasting impact. #UTEdchat
A3 I teach in a district that has very high standards for teachers. So that question is a mixed bag. We spend a lot of time collaborating....but we also have a very high level of expectation. #becarefulwhatyouwishfor#utedchat
A2: I'm a Growth Mindset Fanatic! I would love to see additional training and school-wide implementation of this process. Funding is important and mentoring to build each other up. #utedchat
@SevierSchoolDis does a fantastic job of surveying teachers about their needs and wants each year. They then host a PD day in the middle of the year from the ground up around those needs with different presenters and workshops. It's pretty awesome! #utedchat
What a great program! We differentiate for students—we should be differentiating for adults. That’s why I love #EdCamps so much. Participant driven PD. Reflect on your practice then pursue the learning you need to become more effective. #utedchat
In reply to
@KBeddes, @DeborahGatrell1, @JuabSD, @KrystleBassett
We are happy you are here! There are already so many insightful answers! Hope you hear some new and innovative ideas tonight around teacher leadership #utedchat
I'm fascinated by the MC concept. I know @vb_kristin is smart on those but I just haven't had the time to dive in yet. Looking forward to learning more! #utedchat
In reply to
@KBeddes, @JuabSD, @KrystleBassett, @vb_kristin
A3 I love the doors that can open for teachers to grow personally and professionally as "Teacher Leaders"...but that's also the ones most involved in the school. Advisors, committee members, coaches, NBCTs, non-profit orgs...they try to do it all. Oh yeah. And teach. #UTedchat
Q4: Teachers use personal time & resources for collaboration, mentoring, committee work & PD. What are the current trade-offs when teachers make time for leadership? How can we overcome these? #UTEdchat
A4a: Opportunity cost: I give up my social life, my grading gets behind, & my on-line coursework isn't what I want it to be because there just aren't enough hours in the day. Sometimes other requirements also suffer. If everything is important all the time, nothing is. #UTEdchat
A3: As an administrator I hope we are giving teachers the opportunity to develop their skills & capacities. I see it as an investment in our school for our Ss. The fine line comes when we ask too much with out compensation. Burn out is easy. We must be aware! #UTedchat
Too true. I’ve heard often enough that teachers make the worst students but that’s because if you teach horribly, you get horrible students...disengaged, apathetic, defiant. #utedchat#reimagineteacherPD
In reply to
@jedikermit, @disudds, @tabitha_pacheco
Powerful concept - providing educators with PD they are interested/invested in implementing - great opportunity is then provided for the true job embedded PD... #utedchat
In reply to
@DebbieSciTech, @HSG_UT, @SevierSchoolDis
A4b: My ideal solution would be policies that support building time into the school day to support leadership activities. Barring that, I can either decide what to sacrifice or let the work burn me out. I'm also trying to develop more leaders to share the load. #UTEdchat
A3: Yes! When I started teaching 7 years ago, the district had mentors that would check in with me, but my building mentor was amazingly supportive. In my new school teachers who step up as leaders help me stay motivated #utedchat
A3: I was ready to leave last year when not only did I not feel like a leader, but like a failure. This year, @HSG_UT, @YoungUTed and many others have treated me like a leader I felt I was and given me a voice. I love the profession more than ever. #utedchat
Q3: Asked if teacher leadership opportunities would improve retention, some said NO due other factors & lack of time for leadership & others said YES because of collaboration, respect & growth opportunities. Does teacher leadership in your setting help you stay? Why? #UTEdchat
Do teachers get to staff that? That was the best part of our first ever @GraniteSchools Conference last year - staffed by teachers, for teachers. BEst PD ever! #utedchat
In reply to
@DebbieSciTech, @HSG_UT, @SevierSchoolDis, @GraniteSchools
A4: Social life and family time are the biggest trade offs for sure. Sometimes I feel like it's a lose-lose situation. Either neglect my family or neglect my students. #utedchat
Essential! As effective educators, we consider multiple measures of data 2 make data informed decisions. The “data” that should inform education policy needs 2 come from conversations with & observations of effective educators who are transforming teaching & learning. #utedchat
Omg, you would love them. They are a fantastic way to target weaknesses in your own classroom and demonstrate competency in areas of strength. Solid research based best practices and so timely and applicable. #utedchat#microcredentials#reinventteacherPD
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @JuabSD, @KrystleBassett, @vb_kristin
There's a district in AZ that has 4 day weeks and a week between each quarter. That's too much to ask, but I'd like 2 extra days between quarters for planning - on an OPTIONAL basis so it couldn't be filled by mandatory training. Too much of that already. #utedchat
A4 As many others have said, family time tends to suffer. We need to figure out the balance. I love the leadership opportunities, but I don't want my relationships to suffer. #utedchat
glad you joined! You should definitely read back over the #utedchat answers-- there have been some powerful and reflective answers tonight on how to recognize and value effective teachers and how to change policies to allow for more teacher leadership opportunities #uted#utpol
We all want to feel affirmed, validated, appreciated, and understood - awesome to hear you've got that this year - that is huge is moving forward! #utedchat
A4 Teachers who lead trade TIME. Asking admins for support can help! You never know... ASK!! If you're helping other teachers, ask for support! #utedchat
Your leadership has been critical to spread the vision for Digital Teaching and Learning #DTLUtah#utedchat We are fortunate to have your expertise @downrightdave. Utah needs our teacher leaders to support innovation for our students. #uted#utpol
In reply to
@downrightdave, @HSG_UT, @downrightdave
YES! I was excited to see a bill that would allow LEAs to use in-house turnaround specialists which are currently SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED. Pricey consultants aren't getting us our money's worth. Unfortunately I think the bill failed. #utedchat
OOOOOHHHH! I like it. Can you imagine everything we'd accomplish? The time we'd have to collaborate, redesign, look at data and make a gameplan....IT SOUNDS like heaven! #teacherdream#utedchat@SevierSchoolDis
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @vb_kristin, @SevierSchoolDis
I am a big fan of the #ObserveMe movement!! Breaking down walls and opening up classsrooms for shared learning experiences. Teachers set goals for improving instruction, share the goals and then invite others to come to their classrooms and provide feedback. #utedchat
@KBeddes Welcome to the chat tonight. We are having a great discussion on teacher leadership and policies to support teacher development. Great stuff #utedchat
A4: trade-offs when teachers make time for leadership: finite amount of time, attention, and ability. Giving some to a new role means taking away from other roles. #utedchat
So glad to hear this! I'm a mentor and I love it, but I feel horrible that I don't have more time for my new teachers. Especially this time of year. #utedchat
A4: I feel like the solution has to be less grading. I think that the amount of time we spend grading doesn't necessarily pay off in the student mastery. #utedchat
True. That's where I've had some epiphanies about so-called 'bad teacher.' For many, the choice was to invest in family more than school. I have to respect that. #utedchat
Q5: Teachers noted the need for time to perform leadership, with appropriate compensation when leading outside beyond the classroom as teachers. What should a new model of teachers leading look like? Why? #UTEdchat
#utedchat Time and opportunity to observe those teachers. SLCSD used to provide subs so that newbies could go out and observe master teachers at work. Does that still happen anywhere?
Essential! As effective educators, we consider multiple measures of data 2 make data informed decisions. The “data” that should inform education policy needs 2 come from conversations with & observations of effective educators who are transforming teaching & learning. #utedchat
Q4: Teachers use personal time & resources for collaboration, mentoring, committee work & PD. What are the current trade-offs when teachers make time for leadership? How can we overcome these? #UTEdchat
A4also, there is a mentality of us vs them when it comes to leadership. Teachers who transition to more leadership roles really have to fight to remain accepted by the general faculty. It's almost as if they have to defend the fact that they are still a T and not admin #utedchat
Yes!! Multiple measures of “data” must include student voices. Empower students to advocate for their learning needs and then listen to them! #utedchat
A5: I really like the HISD model as a starting point for this discussion: they have various formal teacher leader roles that are in-house and compensated, and roles are determined based on school needs. #UTEdchathttps://t.co/wTqp1QmIAY
A5 pt 2: The HISD plan starts out right, stating "OUR PROGRAM IS COMPLEX, BUT OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE: MAXIMIZE OUR BEST TEACHERS TO
IMPROVE STUDENT OUTCOMES
The solution to campus teacher performance gaps already exists in the building: Teacher Leaders." #UTEdchat LOVE that premise!
A5 I'd love to see a hybrid model that allows teachers to stay in the classroom part time. They could take on other duties part time and not burn themselves out. #utedchat
A5: I think we could look at some of the money being spent for outside professional development and resources and see if we couldn't redirect those funds to making use of the rock stars that already work in our schools.#utedchat
I still love the concept, it's just one more thing I haven't gotten to! #utedchat I'd love to hear stories about how it is impacting teachers and student learning though. Maybe a future #utedchat?
A5 Districts are strapped & have individual needs. It's tough to create a one-size-fits-all approach to Teacher Leadership.
Teachers must design an idea & approach their local board for support! #utedchat
A3: I was ready to leave last year when not only did I not feel like a leader, but like a failure. This year, @HSG_UT, @YoungUTed and many others have treated me like a leader I felt I was and given me a voice. I love the profession more than ever. #utedchat
Q3: Asked if teacher leadership opportunities would improve retention, some said NO due other factors & lack of time for leadership & others said YES because of collaboration, respect & growth opportunities. Does teacher leadership in your setting help you stay? Why? #UTEdchat
A4a: Opportunity cost: I give up my social life, my grading gets behind, & my on-line coursework isn't what I want it to be because there just aren't enough hours in the day. Sometimes other requirements also suffer. If everything is important all the time, nothing is. #UTEdchat
A4: The trade-offs are huge! We often end up sitting with a laptop in our laps working, instead of engaging in our families. Eating out instead of cooking at home. Not getting exercise. etc. Leaders need time within their week to do those tasks. #utedchat
Interesting tech supports available for that with @CanvasLMS but as we shift to the new core and a skills based approach that changes things again. So much can't be reduced to a simple test. #utedchat
A5: regardless of what the new system looks like, I think an essential component is grounding in the classroom. If a teacher follows more leadership roles, don't disappear into the district, never to see the inside of a classroom again. Always come back again. #utedchat
It is happening in districts throughout Utah. But it is for more than just newbies. I have seen building leadership teams collaborate to determine how to visit multiple classrooms. And grade level teams collaborate to determine how to visit each other’s classrooms. #utedchat
YES! @GraniteSchools does this for new teachers. I did an observation at another high school of a master Foreign Language teacher with one of my new teachers. Great experience! #utedchat
#utedchat I adore #utedcamp and #utedcampStGeorge. It was great to go down in February and meet the folks down there, enjoy the weather and the beautiful environs, and check out the school. Lots of great connections with cool teachers too.
What a great program! We differentiate for students—we should be differentiating for adults. That’s why I love #EdCamps so much. Participant driven PD. Reflect on your practice then pursue the learning you need to become more effective. #utedchat
In reply to
@KBeddes, @DeborahGatrell1, @JuabSD, @KrystleBassett
If we're not taking time for ourselves/family... the students will ultimately suffer... doing what is best for kids also includes putting our physical/emotional/spiritual wellness as a priority #utedchat
Yes! We have a mix- professional presenters, UEN, admin, and teachers/staff. It's really great. This year we actually got the PD day and then the next day was a contract day. Ts got to go back to their classrooms and think a minute before their Ss started. #utedchat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @HSG_UT, @SevierSchoolDis, @GraniteSchools
That does get tricky. Even as a Department chair I walk a fine line. The service first approach works wonders. I've built a lot of social capital over the past two years by always being willing to help. I have ZERO authority, which makes it easier in some ways. #utedchat
Q5: I wish we could compensate teacher leaders with more time to develop themselves and support other teachers. I try my best to be creative with time & space as we tackle the master schedule to build this for them. #UTEdchat
So true. I survey my students several times each year, and always ask them at Parent-Teacher Conference what I can do to make the class better for them. And I incorporate their suggestions as best I can. Positive experience for all. #utedchat
In reply to
@marcihouseman, @UtahTOY2014, @MrPhelps_Math
#utedchat One of the reasons for holding rotating faculty meetings was that you could compare the student work on the wall in other grade level classrooms with yours. See Vertical curriculum. Get ideas of where you are going or where the S have been.
It is happening in districts throughout Utah. But it is for more than just newbies. I have seen building leadership teams collaborate to determine how to visit multiple classrooms. And grade level teams collaborate to determine how to visit each other’s classrooms. #utedchat
Q6: A recent U of U study identified why Utah teachers stay in the classroom: a desire to make a difference for children and contribute to the greater societal good. Why do YOU stay? #UTEdchathttps://t.co/EMMmcBWze4
A5: I think we could look at some of the money being spent for outside professional development and resources and see if we couldn't redirect those funds to making use of the rock stars that already work in our schools.#utedchat
Far more authentic when it is teachers teaching teachers in response to teacher needs. I love the new @GraniteSchools Conference model for that exact reason. #utedchat
A6: I stay for the students - I love working with them and making a difference in their lives, their futures, & the future of our society! Occasionally I contemplate a career change for less stress and/or better pay, but I would be miserable not teaching. #UTEdchat
Over the past five years as a Facilitator/Coach in ASD I've seen first hand the power of such a set up - awesome to hear @DavisSchools has a similar set up :) #utedchat
In reply to
@UtahTOY2014, @MaripoZel, @DavisSchools, @DavisSchools
I think that's the hardest part. I don't want to be out of my classroom, because a sub can't really teach rotations about the origin... but I want to be able to observe and teach and make my school a better place. Oh, the dilemma #utedchat
How can we remove the "hierarchy" in school buildings and treat ALL the college graduates like experts! Many teachers have advanced degree and endorsements.Admin and teachers should feel like colleagues and equals in their expertise about student learning #utedchat
A4also, there is a mentality of us vs them when it comes to leadership. Teachers who transition to more leadership roles really have to fight to remain accepted by the general faculty. It's almost as if they have to defend the fact that they are still a T and not admin #utedchat
A5 #utedchat I definitely believe that is true. I have been removed for 8 years now. But honestly, I could never go back. You guys are switched in the "ON" position all day long! 5 days a week. It would kill me. I am 2 old. This year I have been in schools a lot more tho.
A5: regardless of what the new system looks like, I think an essential component is grounding in the classroom. If a teacher follows more leadership roles, don't disappear into the district, never to see the inside of a classroom again. Always come back again. #utedchat
Any real solution absolutely must be tailored to meet local needs. I think there could be some supporting state level @UTBoardofEd policies, perhaps creating a minimum standard. Your thoughts? #utedchat
Q6: I ask myself this question often. What it boils down to is doing something that is more meaningful than earning a dollar. Trying to do my civic responsibility to help make this a "more perfect union" #utedchat
Far more authentic when it is teachers teaching teachers in response to teacher needs. I love the new @GraniteSchools Conference model for that exact reason. #utedchat
I love the @GraniteSchools conference model too -- hopefully we'll see good things this August. Happy to see they're listening to feedback, happier to see that much of the feedback has been positive. #UTedchat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @misteralvord, @GraniteSchools, @GraniteSchools
Q6: A recent U of U study identified why Utah teachers stay in the classroom: a desire to make a difference for children and contribute to the greater societal good. Why do YOU stay? #UTEdchathttps://t.co/EMMmcBWze4
Hahahahaha! It's true. I get at least 30 a day. Sometimes it's all I can do to triage and get to the highest priority ones. I mean, I'm trying to TEACH! I don't always have time to reply to your email... #utedchat
Great point! I really think blended learning is a good way to reduce the paper-trail and get students involved in more deeper studies. I'd love to see one-to-one devices eventually. #utedchat
Q6: I stay because I love the chance to help a young child believe in themselves and set a strong foundation for their educational experience! #Kindergarten#utedchat
Thanks for sharing this creative approach! Sometimes, we have to consider the way we are currently using our time and get creative. Define what matters most. Prioritize time for that. #utedchat
A6: I left the classroom to be an admin. only because I believed I could make an impact on culture and organizational systems which would improve student achievement. I love education and I don’t see anything else filling my bucket! #UTEdchat
I understand teachers in the PAR program just do that for 3 years. No extensions. It's like a tour of duty, & then they go back to the classroom. It's not my favorite hybrid model, but I love that they stay close to the classroom - the only way to maintain credibility. #utedchat
A6: “In South Korea, teachers are known as ‘nation builders.’ Here in America, it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same level of respect” – @BarackObama#UTedchat#LoveTeaching
A6 - The daily opp to make an impact on our future - I love when students come to my office for a discipline situation and I have a chance to engage in great dialogue/build relationships - to me, the conversation ultimately has a bigger impact than the consequence #utedchat
There more teacher input is solicited and actually LISTENED to, the more they will feel validated instead of talked at and separated. Everything should be a team effort, and change should happen from the ground up, instead of top down. #utedchat
True. My Principal set up an opportunity for a few teachers to be a "Student for a Day" this year. 7 teachers did it and loved it, so now there is more demand for next year! Good experiences! #utedchat
Ahhh...I don't want to leave. I'm loving the ideas coming up in this chat tonight. Gotta peace out though. Happy Valentines Day my peeps! #utedchat Thanks @DeborahGatrell1 You are an amazing teacher leader!
#utedchat I guess at this point I'm staying to try to get that big number 30. I thought I might retire early but I've enjoyed it enough plus being in @HopeStreetGroup has invigorated me--being around great educators and tangibly making a difference.
I can imagine that the PD day was far more effective because of the time teachers had to spend the next day simmering on how they could implement what they learned. So valuable!! #utedchat
In reply to
@DebbieSciTech, @DeborahGatrell1, @HSG_UT, @SevierSchoolDis, @GraniteSchools
Q7: It’s Valentine’s Day - What do you LOVE about teaching? #UTEdchat
Share your #LoveTeaching story, tag friends to do the same, then follow the hashtag!
Share the love!
Definitely agree. It took me sometime to get in a groove, plus the jump from elementary to middle school helped in reducing my stress level. We have to keep an eye out for our new teachers to ensure they are not burning themselves out. #utedchat
Hahahahaha! It's true. I get at least 30 a day. Sometimes it's all I can do to triage and get to the highest priority ones. I mean, I'm trying to TEACH! I don't always have time to reply to your email... #utedchat
Oh, it's not just 5 days...my friend who coaches debate works 7 days a week for months on end! Competitions every Friday night and Saturday, then marking Sunday. #utedchat
A7: I know it's corny, but I #LoveTeaching because the light in their eyes when students 'get it' is exciting! When they develop a love of learning, they're on the path to success. I love being part of their journey. Teaching is still my first love =). #UTEdchat
A7:One of my students misplaced all of his class "money" the other day. Before I even had a chance to respond, his classmates were jumping up and giving him some of their money. I love working with these amazing kids! #utedchat
Agree - with my interns and new teachers I work with I try to stress the balance approach - I don't know if you ever find a true "balance", but being an awareness of when overload is about to occur helps with stepping back, evaluating, and making adjustments #utedchat
A6: I stay because they need me. Not all of them, but there are a few that have no one, and I know what that feels like. No one should have to navigate this world alone. #utedchat
A6: “In South Korea, teachers are known as ‘nation builders.’ Here in America, it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same level of respect” – @BarackObama#UTedchat#LoveTeaching
You know...this invites a bigger conversation. Why does this happen in education? Why do teaxher leaders feel “torn” like this? Why doesn’t every teacher see himself/herself as a leader? Why aren’t we cheering on those who are willing to serve in this capacity? #utedchat
Sad I missed the @HSG_UT#utedchat tonight. Was busy nesting and recovering from sickness...ugh! Baby brain is overtaking me! But--excited to read through the questions and see responses from Utah teacher leaders!
A7: I know it's corny, but I #LoveTeaching because the light in their eyes when students 'get it' is exciting! When they develop a love of learning, they're on the path to success. I love being part of their journey. Teaching is still my first love =). #UTEdchat
A7 - The chance to form relationships, relationships, relationships - w/ students-faculty/staff-parents/communities - I strive to leave each place I work just a little better than the way I found it - that focus has helped in keeping my passion/drive #utedchat
A7: What do I love about education? Great teachers that work day after day to unlock potential; Students who bring energy & life to our building & classrooms; Colleagues who take risks & allow me to Learn & Grow with them. So many great things happening @mvhsbruins#UTEdchat
My daughter-in-law will be at Grantsville & Tooele HS tomorrow recruiting for @USUAggies ! She loved her day at Stansbury HS today. Your high schools are amazing! #utedchat
A7 (Part 2): I also love the energy when students finally "Get it." There's nothing better. It's like their brains just flipped a switch and the world got brighter #utedchat
I got recognized by a student I taught 10+ years ago a few months ago a ta movie theater. Such a surprise! So good to know I made a positive difference and helped him choose his career - he was in Junior High at the time! #utedchat
Thanks for sharing your Valentine’s Day with us as part of #utedchat! I love teaching and I love sharing good ideas with like-minded teachers and leaders like you! @HSG_UT#uted#TLUtah
Thanks for sharing your Valentine’s Day with us as part of #utedchat! I love teaching and I love sharing good ideas with like-minded teachers and leaders like you! @HSG_UT#uted#TLUtah
