#edchatie Archive

Monday April 3, 2017
3:30 PM EDT
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:31 PM EDT
    Welcome to tonight's #edchatie & as usual, before we begin, please introduce yourself. Include the hashtag in all of your tweets too
  • giveawayvtech Apr 3 @ 3:33 PM EDT
    Welcome to tonight's #edchatie & as usual, before we begin, please introduce yourself. Include the hashtag in all of your tweets too
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 3:33 PM EDT
    #edchatie John in Virginia on Spring Break but I find myself in @AlbemarleHigh for #edchatie
    In reply to @AlbemarleHigh
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:36 PM EDT
    Paul, everywhere, primary teacher #edchatie
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:37 PM EDT
    This is the last #edchatie before Easter. We'll be back on Monday 24th to continue the #edchatie discussions for the last term
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:39 PM EDT
    In case there's a lag from me tonight on #edchatie - it's because I'm attending #CoSN17 over in Chicago at the mo'
  • hey_km Apr 3 @ 3:39 PM EDT
    I'm not sure I could discuss this in a public forum...#edchatie
    • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:28 PM EDT
      Flex your typing fingers - in less than 5 minutes #edchatie goes live to discuss "Unhealthy work relationships in the staffroom" Join in
  • LiamDGuilfoyle Apr 3 @ 3:39 PM EDT
    #edchatie Liam, PP Science, PhD in UL... out of the staffroom, might not be able to contribute much tonight 😐 But interested!
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:40 PM EDT
    I wouldn't be discussing people in any way on #edchatie any night, but it's interesting that it won the vote to be discussed
    In reply to @hey_km
  • LiamDGuilfoyle Apr 3 @ 3:40 PM EDT
    and still managing #edchatie, that is commitment! 😊
    In reply to @fboss
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 3:41 PM EDT
    #edchatie Surprised that this topic could have consequences for some if stuff shared on Twitter
  • LiamDGuilfoyle Apr 3 @ 3:41 PM EDT
    I am curious if anyone can 😅 #edchatie
    In reply to @hey_km
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:41 PM EDT
    Staffrooms can be the most stressful place for new teachers/ subs #edchatie
  • hey_km Apr 3 @ 3:42 PM EDT
    Absolutely, plenty to discuss without getting personal. I'm quite surprised at the vote as well, Fred! I'll give it a go...#edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • historyjk Apr 3 @ 3:42 PM EDT
    Jason, History/CSPE teacher in Cork. I guess that for this to work everything has to be hypothetical-what make a good staff room? #edchatie
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:43 PM EDT
    I remember that feeling of being the new kid on the block in the staffroom too #edchatie
    In reply to @pauldechnoic
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 3:43 PM EDT
    #edchatie I have worked in some places (in and out of education) in Ireland that I am glad no longer there.
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:44 PM EDT
    Staffrooms are a sanctuary for the teacher with a tough class, tea, and a break #edchatie
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:44 PM EDT
    AT last - someone in the same time zone as me ;-) Welcome along tonight John #edchatie
    In reply to @johnmayo
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 3:44 PM EDT
    #edchatie it is the other way round... you are on my patch!!!!
    In reply to @fboss
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 3:45 PM EDT
    unusual choice of #edchatie topic Fred. Not sure I have anything to share on this one!
    In reply to @fboss
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:45 PM EDT
    That is an important point that needs to be made. We always tried (but usually failed) to not have students calling during breaks #edchatie
    In reply to @pauldechnoic
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:45 PM EDT
    Purpose of or a staff room culture needs to be discussed and considered... what's the space for? And not for #edchatie
  • SighleH Apr 3 @ 3:45 PM EDT
    @fboss In an ideal world! #edchatie
    In reply to @pauldechnoic, @fboss
  • AineMcMahon Apr 3 @ 3:46 PM EDT
    #edchatie What secondary school subjects or curriculums are dated or in need of modernisation? Views? For an Irish Times article.
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:46 PM EDT
    Said earlier, the twist on "Unhealthy work relationships in the staffroom" could be more interesting - what DOES makes them work #edchatie
    In reply to @pamelaaobrien
  • ValerieLCarson Apr 3 @ 3:47 PM EDT
    Thankfully have little experience of this but a symptom of poor communication and/or support structures I would imagine? #edchatie
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:47 PM EDT
    Could also make an interesting #edchatie discussion topic for after Easter
    In reply to @AineMcMahon
  • clareire Apr 3 @ 3:47 PM EDT
    Clare - DP - Tipp #edchatie can b v "healthy r'ships" in staffrooms - peer support- collegiality - positive school culture = positive s'room
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:48 PM EDT
    Staffrooms like ecosystem of their own,can breath clicks,territory issues.my cup, my chair.Hard to nativgate with unspoken rules #edchatie
  • clairenichan Apr 3 @ 3:48 PM EDT
    I'm also surprised this got the vote! I'm living the dream - cosy staffroom, free tea and wonderful colleagues. 😍#edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @hey_km
  • joannetoal1 Apr 3 @ 3:48 PM EDT
    Joanne, primary teacher in Dublin. Interesting topic! #edchatie
  • mikepcarey7 Apr 3 @ 3:48 PM EDT
    #edchatie Mike (PE Mathematics ICT, Cork) Team Leader, Short Courses with @JCforTeachers
    In reply to @JCforTeachers
  • talsara Apr 3 @ 3:48 PM EDT
    Talitha, primary, Laois #edchatie
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 3:49 PM EDT
    what does make them work ... somewhere you are supported, where you can feel you can share ideas etc. #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:49 PM EDT
    Finding tea in the States is sometimes not very easy ;-) #edchatie Sounds like a lovely staffroom
    In reply to @clairenichan, @hey_km
  • talsara Apr 3 @ 3:50 PM EDT
    #edchatie the odd sweet treat now and again never hurts.
    In reply to @fboss, @pamelaaobrien
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:50 PM EDT
    I personally love our staff room, colourful, large, sit anywhere and always treats lurking #edchatie
  • SenKidsCharity Apr 3 @ 3:50 PM EDT
    The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus & Learn https://t.co/GT2F3c2JbM via @YouTube #otpeeps #edchatie
    In reply to @YouTube
  • historyjk Apr 3 @ 3:51 PM EDT
    Being able to take time out to unwind and have a conversation with colleagues is vital in any school #edchatie
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:51 PM EDT
    Inserts "everyday" #edchatie
    In reply to @talsara, @fboss, @pamelaaobrien
  • clareire Apr 3 @ 3:52 PM EDT
    #edchatie I like idea of separate staff workroom & social room....creative use of furniture to avoid cliques....
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 3:52 PM EDT
    if you insist Paul! :) #edchatie
    In reply to @pauldechnoic, @talsara, @fboss
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 3:53 PM EDT
    On my summer course, same topic came up, and staffrooms big stressor... all staff need to be aware of space and share it #edchatie
  • clareire Apr 3 @ 3:53 PM EDT
    #edchatie duty teacher interception of students approaching staff room would help!
    In reply to @fboss, @pauldechnoic
  • mikepcarey7 Apr 3 @ 3:54 PM EDT
    #edchatie @AineMcMahon worth looking @NCCAie website. p.17 of FfJC https://t.co/fNcLL4gpy7 shows curr. timeline of update of all JC subjects
    In reply to @AineMcMahon, @AineMcMahon, @NCCAie
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 3:55 PM EDT
    So, I'm now wondering is there a way to construct an ideal staffroom to assist teachers in the "work,rest and play" - Any thoughts #edchatie
    In reply to @clareire
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 3:57 PM EDT
    Late to the party tonight! Jana, primary. At our first staff meeting every year,we're reminded to keep staff chitchat separate /1 #edchatie
  • clareire Apr 3 @ 3:57 PM EDT
    I notice s'body used the #edchatie to show a multi sensory room - a retreat space like that for staff is really needed! #stressreduction
    In reply to @fboss
  • joannetoal1 Apr 3 @ 3:57 PM EDT
    Rest- We have a lovely seating area with couches, great for a sneaky nap ;) #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @clareire
  • hey_km Apr 3 @ 3:57 PM EDT
    Schools with separate work and staff rooms are key - really sets the tone for each space. #edchatie
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 3:58 PM EDT
    ...both for our own wellbeing and for children's privacy. Creates a lovely atmosphere where you can switch off! 2/2 #edchatie
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 3:58 PM EDT
    #edchatie yes by creating zones just as you would in a kitchen/dining/ sitting area. No photocopier in it please!
    In reply to @fboss, @clareire
  • SighleH Apr 3 @ 3:59 PM EDT
    #edchatie @fboss We have become creatures of habit. Sit in same place mostly. Not conducive to good relationships.
    In reply to @fboss
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 3:59 PM EDT
    I love the idea of comfy chairs, light adult reading, possibility to play music. Have a "chocolate emergency box," usually empty! #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @clareire
  • Tumedel Apr 3 @ 4:00 PM EDT
    #edchatie Edel, post primary teacher Monaghan, late to this sorry!
  • joannetoal1 Apr 3 @ 4:00 PM EDT
    Agreed! This is exactly what we have. We do have a projector & screen for staff meetings though #edchatie
    • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 3:58 PM EDT
      #edchatie yes by creating zones just as you would in a kitchen/dining/ sitting area. No photocopier in it please!
      In reply to @fboss, @clareire
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:00 PM EDT
    when can I come visit Donal? :) #edchatie
    In reply to @DpDonal, @talsara, @fboss
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:00 PM EDT
    Never late - you just made it to the halftime marker of the last #edchatie this side of Easter. Back discussing on Monday April 24th
    In reply to @Tumedel
  • historyjk Apr 3 @ 4:01 PM EDT
    It's hugely important that staff rooms have an ethos of welcoming new staff. None of us wanted to be on our own on the first day #edchatie
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 4:01 PM EDT
    #edchatie Adequate space is a must. Use of colour & plants very important to creating positive atmosphere.
  • Tumedel Apr 3 @ 4:01 PM EDT
    Be lovely if possible, but space is often a big issue #edchatie
    • hey_km Apr 3 @ 3:57 PM EDT
      Schools with separate work and staff rooms are key - really sets the tone for each space. #edchatie
  • DpDonal Apr 3 @ 4:02 PM EDT
    Are we putting too much emphasis on the staffroom? What do the private sector have? Teachers definitely need a separate workspace #edchatie
  • hey_km Apr 3 @ 4:02 PM EDT
    Had an interesting workshop with @jimgroom today for #AllAboard2017. Any interested #edchatie folks can catch the highlights here. #heie
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 4:03 PM EDT
    #edchatie we have a kitchen not a staffroom with a very small table. Far from restful.
  • joannetoal1 Apr 3 @ 4:05 PM EDT
    We have noticeboards with all sorts on them and a nice mixture of reading material (bit like a book swap) and curriculum stuff #edchatie
    In reply to @pauldechnoic
  • hey_km Apr 3 @ 4:05 PM EDT
    Since changing jobs (higher ed) I've found it SO useful to have an office. I never had a space of my own to just work! #edchatie
    In reply to @DpDonal
  • joannetoal1 Apr 3 @ 4:06 PM EDT
    Our old one was awful. Low tables and even lower chairs. Had to eat off your lap. Not relaxing! #edchatie
    In reply to @dhubhda
  • clareire Apr 3 @ 4:07 PM EDT
    #edchatie own office is great for work, storage etc but u lose the collegial aspect of shared space
    In reply to @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 4:08 PM EDT
    #edchatie @AlbemarleHigh is so big we don't have what you would call a central staffroom. We have a photocopy room & various dept workrooms
    In reply to @AlbemarleHigh
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 4:08 PM EDT
    #edchatie thrown out of our kitchen so students can do cookery there. Have conducted RSE lessons around table with cup of tea!
    In reply to @joannetoal1
  • ismiseMairead Apr 3 @ 4:08 PM EDT
    Mairéad anseo, múinteoir Gaeilge agus Staire. Staff relationships are difficult in dual union schools at the moment. #edchatie
  • roisin616 Apr 3 @ 4:10 PM EDT
    Hi all, Róisín from Louth but working in Dublin. #edchatie
  • pauldechnoic Apr 3 @ 4:11 PM EDT
    Not going to lie I love a juicy piece of news or some piece of gossip about ppl I know noting about, usually others families! #edchatie
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 4:11 PM EDT
    #edchatie Keep an eye on #acps for room design for classrooms and shared space. We a re big on choice and comfort here!!
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:11 PM EDT
    Is there no where that all can sit and chat. Such as this -> https://t.co/20gqQdQZFo #edchatie
    In reply to @johnmayo, @AlbemarleHigh
  • roisin616 Apr 3 @ 4:12 PM EDT
    Banning shop talk is useful in a staff room; it's so important to leave some things in the classroom. #edchatie
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:13 PM EDT
    from HE perspective open plan office makes it difficult to get any work done in office but invaluable for working relationships #edchatie
    In reply to @clareire, @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 4:14 PM EDT
    #edchatie entitled to a break - headspace
    In reply to @roisin616
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:14 PM EDT
    Environment + time away from students+positives! How else can we discuss "Unhealthy work relationships in the staffroom"? #edchatie
  • roisin616 Apr 3 @ 4:14 PM EDT
    This grant ensures a light bulb in every classroom, and a high definition TV in the teachers' lounge. 😂 #edchatie A Simpsons classic!
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 4:14 PM EDT
    We have 175 members of teaching staff. We have to split faculty meetings into two #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @AlbemarleHigh
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 4:16 PM EDT
    #edchatie important that space is flexible.
  • clairenichan Apr 3 @ 4:16 PM EDT
    Yes! We only get the tea when we've done all our obair bhaile. We used get free biscuits too til we started to get a bit tubby... #edchatie
    In reply to @DpDonal, @fboss, @hey_km
  • roisin616 Apr 3 @ 4:16 PM EDT
    The staff room can be a scary place for subs. Have been in ones with, "Oh, that's Mary's seat/ mug/ spoon". #edchatie
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    agreed Clare. Has gotten me into very bad habits - most of my prep, corrections etc done at home at night :( #edchatie
    In reply to @clareire, @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    OK - how can the staffroom be made even more inviting to subs/NQTs? #edchatie
    In reply to @roisin616
  • DpDonal Apr 3 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    I believe ESSA Academy has common dining area for staff & students. Builds positive environment. #edchatie
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    Positive atmosphere extends beyond staff room too obviously. Some of funniest colleague convos - at classroom door after hours! #edchatie
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 4:18 PM EDT
    As well as informal/formal staff social occasions too. Few comedians on staff keep the mood up during breaks! #edchatie
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:19 PM EDT
    If I'm understanding you correctly, then it would seem that school culture and school climate are as important as environment #edchatie
    In reply to @heartrattle
  • roisin616 Apr 3 @ 4:19 PM EDT
    Not having assigned seats and extra mugs! 😉 I know that even a little chat helps a lot and breaks the ice. #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:19 PM EDT
    important to do that sometimes!! :) #edchatie
    In reply to @clareire, @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 4:20 PM EDT
    Taking initiative to strike up conversation is big, I think. Can be hard to start a conversation w/ strangers who know each other #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @roisin616
  • Tumedel Apr 3 @ 4:20 PM EDT
    Students shouldn't have access to staffroom ie entry to it #edchatie to store items...
    In reply to @fboss
  • clairenichan Apr 3 @ 4:20 PM EDT
    We have a work room connected to the SR.So we have our desk, storage etc, and still have big tables to eat/work together. #edchatie
    In reply to @pamelaaobrien, @clareire, @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 4:20 PM EDT
    Absolutely. No point having the newest, most modern building if the warm atmosphere just isn't there! People make a place #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 4:21 PM EDT
    Also trying to move the conversation away from generic "have you been getting much work?" etc. I'm as guilty as anyone of that! #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @roisin616
  • ismiseMairead Apr 3 @ 4:21 PM EDT
    moratorium on posts has caused increased competition and has negatively impacted staff harmony. #edchatie
  • SighleH Apr 3 @ 4:21 PM EDT
    For primary scl.Think separate staff room and break room a good idea. No talk of pupils/curric for few minutes to reduce stress #edchatie
  • clairenichan Apr 3 @ 4:21 PM EDT
    Assigned seating needs to go! It should be said at staff meetings that all seats are up for grabs. And always have extra mugs. #edchatie
    In reply to @roisin616, @fboss
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:22 PM EDT
    bringing it home worked for me when my children were very small and my husband working in Dublin. Hard to undo it now! #edchatie
    In reply to @dhubhda, @clareire, @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:22 PM EDT
    sounds like the best of both worlds Claire :) #edchatie
    In reply to @clairenichan, @clareire, @hey_km, @DpDonal
  • ismiseMairead Apr 3 @ 4:23 PM EDT
    Mental health of teachers at risk when staff relationships are strained as staff rooms should be the place to relax and recharge #edchatie
  • MaireadDB Apr 3 @ 4:23 PM EDT
    Good call. Children need to be able to run in the yard. .#edchatie
    In reply to @teach_talk_back
  • johnmayo Apr 3 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    #edchatie what about mental health of unemployed teachers - a bad day at work is better than an average day on the dole #edchatie
    In reply to @ismiseMairead
  • ismiseMairead Apr 3 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    I think social committees are undervalued and contribute so much to staff wellbeing and good relationships #edchatie
    In reply to @heartrattle
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    So, if teachers are making their classroom safe spaces to work and learn they should also have it in the staffroom? #edchatie
    In reply to @ismiseMairead
  • MaireadDB Apr 3 @ 4:25 PM EDT
    Good idea! Doing that tomorrow! .#edchatie
    In reply to @pauldechnoic, @clareire, @fboss
  • clareire Apr 3 @ 4:26 PM EDT
    #edchatie Thx Fred - a grand positive chat in what could have been a toxic space! In summary DES put a bit of thought into s'room design
  • heartrattle Apr 3 @ 4:26 PM EDT
    Def. We're lucky - active committee accommodate different activities + times of day. Coffee/cake in local pub was a great success! #edchatie
    In reply to @ismiseMairead
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:27 PM EDT
    Reminder that the call for presenters for @ICTedu closes this Thursday 6th April https://t.co/zLtnd92ngh #edchatie #ictedu
    In reply to @ICTedu
  • de_Bruner Apr 3 @ 4:28 PM EDT
    #edchatie Staffrooms are not just for work - they're for eating in; we're not robots (despite attempts to turn us into such).
  • ismiseMairead Apr 3 @ 4:28 PM EDT
    Absolutely-a healthy school climate is a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders in the school & requires mutual support #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • dhubhda Apr 3 @ 4:28 PM EDT
    #edchatie @fboss Thanks Fred. Hope your Masters assignment is going well.
    In reply to @fboss
  • de_Bruner Apr 3 @ 4:29 PM EDT
    #edchatie 2. The absence of a staffroom will not increase 'productivity'.
  • pamelaaobrien Apr 3 @ 4:29 PM EDT
    Early Bird Registration is now open for @ICTedu - Bring a Buddy rate of €70 for 2 #edchatie #ictedu https://t.co/zLtnd92ngh
    In reply to @ICTedu
  • fboss Apr 3 @ 4:29 PM EDT
    We're into the famous final five minutes of tonight's #edchatie Any last solutions, ideas and thoughts?
  • clairenichan Apr 3 @ 4:29 PM EDT
    Agreed. Maybe these Teacher Lunchables would help? #edchatie
    In reply to @de_Bruner
  • henrymartin1 Apr 3 @ 4:29 PM EDT
    I did a course last year where the mantra was 'Conflict is Inevitable'. Personalities differ & I guess self management is crucial #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss