INTRO: Welcome to #UTEdchat and Happy Holidays. Tonight we’re talking about what we wish legislators knew about teaching! Respond to each Q using the A# format. Don’t forget to include #UTedchat in your answer.
Introduce yourself and tell your favorite thing about Thanksgiving!
INTRO: Welcome to #UTEdchat and Happy Holidays. Tonight we’re talking about what we wish legislators knew about teaching! Respond to each Q using the A# format. Don’t forget to include #UTedchat in your answer.
Introduce yourself and tell your favorite thing about Thanksgiving!
Kristin, English teacher from @DavisSchools. Looking forward to hearing what you'd like to have legislators know about education. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is having the whole family at our house. My favorite part of the meal is cranberry sauce!! #utedchat
Wendy Rush here. Virtual educator since 2011. My fave thing about Thanksgiving is pie night! The night before TG my family gathers to hand-make all of the pies. We make around 15-18 pies! #UTedChat
INTRO: Welcome to #UTEdchat and Happy Holidays. Tonight we’re talking about what we wish legislators knew about teaching! Respond to each Q using the A# format. Don’t forget to include #UTedchat in your answer.
Introduce yourself and tell your favorite thing about Thanksgiving!
A1: We are piloting using mClass licenses for the students who are struggling with reading fluency in the upper grades 4th-6th. Hope is not an option. This will improve our growth and help these kiddos master reading! #UTedChat#TeachInDavis
A1 - I think the most positive thing so far this year is the building of relationships with my students. They are at the heart of everything I do, so getting to know them is essential. #UTedChat
Hey #UTEdchat. I love Thanksgiving because it's a good reminder to be THANKFUL. And what's not to love about the flavors of the combined meal? I will admit to having TWO slices of my favorite pie: Razzleberry.
INTRO: Welcome to #UTEdchat and Happy Holidays. Tonight we’re talking about what we wish legislators knew about teaching! Respond to each Q using the A# format. Don’t forget to include #UTedchat in your answer.
Introduce yourself and tell your favorite thing about Thanksgiving!
A1 - I think it has been a great year for collaboration. I have worked with a lot of the teachers in my school to do awesome projects including 3D printing, robotics, AR/VR, and just doing crazy/awesome things for the students. Excited to start sharing some lesson plans #utedchat
A1: The most positive thing that has happened in my school this year is the implementation of co-teaching and greater collaboration between Special Education and General Education! #UTedChat
A1: The MOST positive thing? Well, I have a few students who have negative attitudes about school and learning I've worked really hard to win over. One was really surprised earlier this week to get 100% on an assessment. Now I get fistbumps and a lot less resistance. #UTEdchat
A1-It's been kind of a rough year but @Darling_Math got our marquee working at the school and it is now better than ever and is taking advantage of cool features we never used before. #UTedChat#problemsolving
#UTedChat
In my Current Issues class, which has a lot of at-risk students, I had a girl do an absolutely amazing presentation. Well beyond the parameters of the assignment! Way cool to see her shine!
I've used some 360 videos and set up virtual field trips through Chromebooks with them. It's an easy access point. You can invest in viewers if you want, but good ones can be pricy. I found some inexpensive clip on 3D glasses if you want to try them. #utedchat
It has been so cool thus far. We did archeology collections of objects from the Smithsonian and digs around the world in Augmented Reality. So students could hold objects and see them in 3D. So cool. #utedchat
I'm just glad @misteralvord noticed it was broken. I've apparently been living in a bubble and didn't realize it was broken. We make a good team! #UTedChat#teamwork
A1 - I think the most positive thing so far this year is the building of relationships with my students. They are at the heart of everything I do, so getting to know them is essential. #UTedChat
Those PL experiences have been pretty amazing too! But the real task is taking the information and using it. I'm trying to improve equity in my classroom because of the work we've done. Relationships are a big part of that. #UTEdchat
In reply to
@HSG_UT, @MRS_Fairbourn, @holly4equity, @editoremilye, @GravietJennifer, @BraleyDodson, @leetroyhale, @SergioMarBel, @TeacherWinters, @EdTrexPD
Agreed it can get pricey. We did a @DonorsChoose for some @MergeVR Cubes and it went really well. However, jumping onto Google Tour Creator and using Google Maps to create tours on Chromebooks can be an excellent experience. #utedchat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @vb_kristin, @DonorsChoose, @MergeVR
A2 - Teachers work hard to create an environment in which students feel safe and can learn. I think sometimes they don't understand how challenging our job can be. #utedchat
A2: Easy. The HARD work involved in teaching - not just delivery, but design, differentiation, feedback... ALL of it. Too many people mistakenly think teaching is so easy a caveman can do it. (Apologies to GEICO for stealing their stuffy old tagline.) #UTEdchat
A1-I think one of the best things to have happened this year in Davis District is the addition of the BYU Independent Study courses in @CanvasLMS along with content from @EdgenuityInc. Great resources for personalized learning! #utedchat@teachindavis
A1. The most positive thing that has happened in my classroom this year - I have a student that was absent 50% of Kindergarten and First Grade due to high anxiety. He has only been absent 4 days this year.
#utedchat
That's on my list. I invested in Merge Cubes for a PD workshop I delivered at the start of the year but haven't had time to design instruction around them for my content. Still, you can also just print the cubes to make them yourself and save some $. #utedchat
In reply to
@TeacherWinters, @vb_kristin, @DonorsChoose, @MergeVR
A2 - I wish they knew how much there is to being a teacher. From planning to discipline to collaborating, innovation, engagement, and community involvement. There are so many moving parts that can be equally rewarding and overwhelming. #utedchat
I think Legislators need to hear from students as well as teachers! Student and Teacher experiences must be sought after through pulse checks and interviews: A kind of customer satisfaction for those that they serve! #UTedChat
Q2. I wish legislators knew that school now is very different than it was when they or we went to school. That it is exhausting to be social worker, 2nd mom or only, psychologist, team player, tester and then teacher. That it is most rewarding. But hard. #UTEdchat
A2 I wish legislators knew how hard you teachers actually work. In addition to their classes there are PLCs, PBIS, committees, and more. Teachers are awesome! #utedchat
A2: I think Legislators need to hear from students as well as teachers! Student and Teacher experiences must be sought after through pulse checks and interviews: A kind of customer satisfaction for those that they serve! #UTedChat
A1: It's been a rough year. I think the most positive thing is the relationships that I have with my peers, administration, and students. Even on the really hard days, I feel I have someone to turn to and that my students feel that they do too. #utedchat
It has been so cool thus far. We did archeology collections of objects from the Smithsonian and digs around the world in Augmented Reality. So students could hold objects and see them in 3D. So cool. #utedchat
A2: I volunteered to have a legislator visit my classroom. I think many are open to hear from us. I am learning to be more pro-active and less timid about inviting them in, even to conversations like this one. #utedchat
That is one of the coolest hacks I have seen this year. I am planning on making a huge one over the break. I just put together a video on some curriculum on my youtube if you are interested. #utedchat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @vb_kristin, @DonorsChoose, @MergeVR
A2 I wish they could see the variety of skills and abilities that are found inside a classroom and the teachers who are working hard to meet all those needs! #UTedChat
A1- I think one of the most positive things happening in Jordan is all the kindness, growth mindset & other positive cultural initiatives I see in schools I visit. School culture comes through in a lot of ways. #utedchat
A1. That building relationships with students is a part of assisting a child in learning. If they trust their teacher, the student will take risk. Class size is also a part of this because it is difficult to connect with students when your class is large. @HSG_UT#utedchat
A3: I would love for a legislator to see teachers in my building do centers using the technology they have available. I would also love for them to see how teachers teach math using Comprehensive Math Instruction. #UTedChat#TeachInDavis
A1- I had a teacher ask me to talk to her class about my parents journey as boat people and my experience growing up as an immigrant. Their first unit was about “American Voices.” It was wonderfully special to see them make connections from the text to my story. #utedchat
A3: I would like legislators to become more familiar with virtual education practices, challenges, and strengths and to consider the needs of virtual schools in their decision-making processes. #UTedChat
A3- When I get most of the class engaged in a discussion on whatever subject and start to see the connection forming in their brains as they see how the subject matter affects them. #UTedChat
A3 - I think I'd really like them to see a normal, chaotic day. My classroom isn't the quiet, "perfect" classroom many expect. It's messy. It's loud. It's people working together to learn and grow. They need to see the normal day, not a dog and pony show. #utedchat
A2: A good way to make legislators aware of what happens in our classrooms is to document it on social media and tag them. Or, have our students write to them. #oldschool#UTEdchat
A3 - I would love them to come in on Poetry Slam day or when we are talking about the end of Of Mice and Men. Those are some of my favorite days because my students usually forget to be "cool" and just jump into the conversation. #utedchat
A2- I wish they knew how long all the outside-the-classroom work takes. Not even grading, but the planning, learning, communicating, teaming, etc. People have long wish lists for what they want educators to be doing; those wishes almost universally take more time. #utedchat
A3 I would love to have them see us using @SkypeClassroom to communicate and collaborate with global classrooms. It’s fun, authentic and provides great real world problem solving opportunities! #MysterySkype#UTedChat
A3 I would love legislators to come and see me teach an #applieddigitalskills lesson. Students would budget, plan, market, and make proposals for events that would positively impact their community. Oh and we would fund the best events because of #DTLUtah#utedchat
A3: Hmmmm. I'd love to have them see a dynamic engaging lesson that keeps students hopping (and on task, of course) and actively constructing meaning as they learn Geography. Then I'd like them to try it themselves (and fail, unless they're trained teachers of course). #UTEdchat
We get all the students at our school to do it. We have over 200 students per hour in the library and we go all out. We yell, we scream, we snap, and most of all we share. It is quite the day. #utedchat
#UtedChat
The different types of students we have. Students that are ELL's, have 504's, have IEP's, and just the so-called "regular" students and their issues. I would like to see them come to my Current Issues class where I have 10-12 Level 1-2 ELL's.
A3 Some of the very difficult math strategies and district writing projects we do. I think they would be surprised at the expectations we have for young children. #utedchat
Q3 I want them to see us teach anything while warding off chairs, punches, or words. Or just come see us teach while sick because it's easier than sub days. Or best, just come spend a day with me and ask me about what I love, what I need, why I stay. #UTEdchat
A3: I would like legislators to see me teach lessons in an engaging manner, but I'd also like to see the teaching of life skills, conflict resolution, self confidence, etc. All those things that aren't necessarily in the lesson plan. #utedchat
So many awesome lessons and classroom experiences being shared on #UTEdchat I want to go observe all of these talented educators! Love hearing about all the innovative practices happening in Utah public education #uted
Du, this is so cool. I did an immigrant unit last year towards the end of the year and it is amazing to see students start to understand how important immigrant voices are. I bet you really made a difference with those students. #utedchat
It's like that time when I took my dad up in a helicopter simulator & let HIM try to fly it. He always pooh-poohed what I was learning to do as easy. Until he crashed. Repeatedly. In a simulator. As professionals we make it look easy. Experience proves otherwise. #UTEdchat
A3: I'd like a legislator to attend a data dive, and hear the earnest questions teachers ask about students past and present. I'd like to talk through the uses of assessment and data, what we are and aren't assessing. #utedchat
A3: I'd love to have a legislator see my kids learn about current events in guided reading with Newsela. They're learning more than just how to read, they're learning about what's going on around them! I think that makes true education. #UTedChat
A4 - That teachers really love their students and will do whatever they can to help them learn. I'd also like them to understand that technology is a tool, not the holy grail. Sometimes too much emphasis is put on tech at the expense of interactions with students. #utedchat
Tooele County school board elect, excited to learn as much as I can so I can help where I can. Thanksgiving is the best because its my daughters birthday! #utedchat
Trouble is there's never a guarantee they'll turn out that well. That's the problem with constantly changing things up to improve. I have a few consistent winners - like my Zero Sum Game simulation. So. Much. FUN! So I guess it would have to be that day. #UTEdchat
A4 I would hope legislators how much learning takes place in fun and engaging ways. I want them to see how teachers make the most of every taxpayer dollar spent. #utedchat
A4: I hope that a legislator would see the amount of skilled preparation that goes into crafting and delivering a lesson that effectively utilizes research-based instructional practices, deep understanding of the content, and the attention to differentiation. #UTedChat
A4 Of course, we want them to know how difficult our job is so they can help bring solutions to our system! They need to understand the severity of some the behavioral issues we deal with daily. #utedchat
“What I love, what I need, why I stay...” A beautiful request from a UT teacher to our legislators. Visit classrooms and offer a listening ear to those who valiantly serve there. #LeadLikeLincoln and circulate along the troops. #utedchat
Q3 I want them to see us teach anything while warding off chairs, punches, or words. Or just come see us teach while sick because it's easier than sub days. Or best, just come spend a day with me and ask me about what I love, what I need, why I stay. #UTEdchat
This!! We are building data literacy in schools and districts across the state!! Using data to inform our decisions—making better instructional decisions because we know more about students’ needs. Responding to needs in a targeted and effective manner. Great stuff!! #utedchat
A3: I'd like a legislator to attend a data dive, and hear the earnest questions teachers ask about students past and present. I'd like to talk through the uses of assessment and data, what we are and aren't assessing. #utedchat
A4- Eduction has many ill-structured problems that take more than a glance to define. To fully develop empathy they have to get to know the diverse kids, amazing teachers, and incredible staff that exist in their schools a little bit more. #UTedChat
A4: I want Legislators to know that students bring very real challenges with them & that we work hard to meet their needs but are limited in our effectiveness by large classes and structural issues that they can help us address. I want them to help us increase equity. #UTEdchat
A5: Don't base your decisions on pleasing factions who won't be happy with public ed policies no matter what you decide. Policy shouldn't be dictated by the least reasonable people in the room. #utedchat
A-2Teachers are spending their own money, more often than not, to ensure all their students get the very best education and the most opportunities possible. Teaching is not just a job it is a calling and we're doing it everyday in spite of the deficits #utedchat
A4 I would hope a legislator learns that teachers are superheroes and our daily inspiration is our students. We want what's best for them too and we are in the trenches every single day- listen to teacher voices! #utedchat
A5 - Again, I think it's all about relationships. I'd like to get to know where the legislator is coming from and answer questions they might have about education. I would love a give and take. I'd love to share the positive stories of education. #utedchat
A4 - I would hope they would learn that it is not always about funding or numbers, education is human system and it is about changing human lives and that cannot always be quantified into a single or string of numbers. #utedchat
Unfortunately I'm not teaching US History this year, so I don't get to use it. Unless I sneak it into my AP Euro class... Ooooooh. I might just have to do that! They loved the Enlightenment Salon simulation we just did. That was loads of fun too. #UTEdchat
A3 For me it isn't so much about the content, as the connection I have with my students. I want them to witness how much we genuinely care about and see every student in our classes and work diligently to help them reach their greatest success #utedchat
A5 I did have a chance to talk to some candidates this year. I wanted to know how they felt about the current system, what they were concerned about, and ideas for change. #utedchat
A5.2: Consistency is the most beneficial legacy you can leave behind. Progress takes time and if we keep moving goalposts, changing metrics, switching assessments, we're going to waste our efforts implementing instead of improving. #utedchat
#UTedChat
Can I just scream this over and over and over 1) Pay teachers more 2) Restore benefits, 3) Reduce class size 4) Kill all the paperwork you make principals/teacher do. 5) Teachers love these children but you make it hard because you don't do 1-4.
A5: Don't base your decisions on pleasing factions who won't be happy with public ed policies no matter what you decide. Policy shouldn't be dictated by the least reasonable people in the room. #utedchat
A5: What Brooke said. We need to focus on what matters most instead of all the shiny baubles that people keep throwing in the air for us to juggle. Otherwise, we never measure up. It feels deliberate sometimes, like some groups WANT education to fail. That's bad. #UTEdchat
A5.2: Consistency is the most beneficial legacy you can leave behind. Progress takes time and if we keep moving goalposts, changing metrics, switching assessments, we're going to waste our efforts implementing instead of improving. #utedchat
A5: Dear Legislator, Our way of life depends upon us raising generation after generation of well and equitably educated citizens. Neglect students and teachers and our quality of life begins to deteriorate, rapidly.
Sincerely, a teacher and a mother #UTedChat
I agree! If our students don't feel like we know who they are and care about the experiences they bring into our classrooms, it's difficult to elicit them to care about the content. #utedchat
A5: I would ask them to be more strategic in identifying legislative priorities and narrow their focus to those things that matter MOST. Do fewer things really well. Use evidence-based decision making and engage stakeholders in the process. #utedchat
A4: To quote Whitney Houston — “that children are our future and that they were being taught well so they could lead the way.” And that teachers are miracle work sets #utedchat
I would hope they would not just visit but spend a whole day with me and see everything that is included in teaching. There a lot more to it then just a lesson. I would hope they would learn about the prep, communication, and see the relationships that are built. #UTedChat
A6 - Invite them into our classrooms. Visit them on the Hill. Connect with them via email. We need to connect in as many ways as possible. It allows them to see what's actually happening, so they can make informed decisions. #utedchat
Again on the investment train... The more you invest in something, you'll more than likely see the quality of it improve. I'm not just talking about teacher pay, although that's important too. But the resources need investment as well! #UTedChat
#UTedChat We need to tell our stories. I'm not sure inviting the to school works for most so tell your stories as much as we can bring to bring it to them.
A6 - Having a visit is nice, but unless they understand what is happening and how it is helping or hindering the work being done, then not much will change. The visit needs to come from a place of empathy, not just a visit for a visit's sake. #utedchat
A5. The children in Utah deserve better opportunities than they currently are given in schools. This includes a increasing teacher pay and funding that will directly assist students. #UTEdchat@HSG_UT
A6: Hey legislators, a cursory visit to a classroom and photo op isn't enough. All legislators should go undercover and teach in a classroom as a visiting teacher for a week... Ever seen the show Undercover Boss? It should be MANDATORY. #UTedChat
A5- If I had ten minutes to talk to Utah legislators about education, I would start with thanking them for #DTLUtah and their work with UETN and USBR.... then I would ask them very tough questions. #UTEdchat
A5 It's time to get creative and think outside the box for teacher planning, prep, and professional learning opportunities. Teachers need TIME to be the best teachers they can be. Loaded schedules + too many students + new curriculum/strategies/technology = burnout #utedchat
A6 I think we must find the ones that truly want to help us in ed. We need to be able to have open and honest conversations about issues. I am excited about our next convening and the momentum it could bring. #utedchat
A5: I would tell them to trust us and include us on policy and decision making. Together with time and collaborating we can do some amazing things #utedchat
A5- If I had ten minutes to talk to Utah legislators about education, I would start with thanking them for #DTLUtah and their work with UETN and USBE.... then I would ask them very tough questions. #UTEdchat
A6: We should invite them to our classrooms, but it has to be carefully constructed. They should NOT hear themselves talk for an hour to bored students. They need to come as observers. Maybe as co-teachers if they're willing to DO THE WORK and get the experience. #UTEdchat
Include more TEACHERS and STUDENTS in the discussion about what happens regarding education. The ones doing the job and the ones spending time in our classrooms are the real experts. #utedchat
A4 Most people talk about how difficult it is to teach but show no action. I would like to see more support for teachers in and outside of the classrooms. Its time to look beyond the way its always been done and create solutions. #UTedChat
A6- I think we utilize the power of video and bring them into our classrooms. I think we utilize the power of video to give our teachers,communities, and students a voice. #UTedChat
Shout out to #DTLUtah and the power of each community creating their own personalized plan for success. Those who know our kids should be in the driver seat for solutions. #UTedchat#uted#utpol#personalizedlearning
Great point Deborah. We want these visits to be authentic and provide opportunities for lawmakers to experience learning in a modern classroom. #utedchat
A7 - Again, it comes back to relationships. If we build relationships (through visits, emails, etc), we are more likely to be able to share the stories of what's happening in our classes..and they're more likely to listen. #utedchat
The goal of the classroom experience should simply be to build understanding. Then we could have more meaningful conversations instead of talking past each other based on different assumptions. Too many people don't give teachers any benefit of the doubt. #UTEdchat
A6: The cliché no news is good news does not apply in this case. I think information and data need to be shared with our legislatures. I deeply feel they are concerned and care about educators and students they just need the right information to make the best decisions #utedchat
A7: Legislators: Ask us! Send us emails, surveys, organize brunches and teas (on the weekends or after 5pm, after all, we are TEACHERS.) Reach out! We will tell you all about our jobs with tears in our eyes if you ask! #UTedChat
A6: Echoing what others have said—use various “channels” to amplify the great things happening in classrooms. Educators are too often too humble. 😉 It’s ok to bang your drum when you are proclaiming the good news about the impact you are having on student learning! #utedchat
A7 - Video can be incredibly power, but tweeting, visiting them on the hill, sending emails, and just getting the world out like many people here tonight have done over the past few years are crucial steps to build relationships with legislators and the #Utah community. #utedchat
#UTedChat
I feel some and maybe even the majority are concerned about education and students. I would hope. But the reality in Utah many legislators despise public education and they have an agenda to kill it.
A7- Tell our stories and share them for as wide an audience that will listen. Be aware and active about what are legislators are working on. Be involved as possible. #UTedChat
We must do more than just invite them to come into our classrooms. It's important to build relationships and provide experience, insight, and workable suggestions and solutions so we gain and build trust as the classrooms experts and problem solvers we are. NO WHINING. #UTEdchat
We need to remember that more often than not, we're on the same team. A lot of times legislators and educators are working toward the same things. #UTedChat
A6: The cliché no news is good news does not apply in this case. I think information and data need to be shared with our legislatures. I deeply feel they are concerned and care about educators and students they just need the right information to make the best decisions #utedchat
A6: One thing I’ve really enjoyed this year with my new position is seeing education policy and process through a new lense. I would be ungrateful if I did not thank them for everything they’re already doing and have done. #utedchat
A7: Let's share our stories! It's already had an impact on public dialogue about education. I've seen people STOP bashing public education after enough positive stories. There are people with open minds who are willing to change their opinions with enough information. #UTEdchat
A7: I can definitely do better at putting together & sending summary data about the schools in their area. There are many successes to highlight. #UTedChat
A8: I think I am going to do what I can to reach out to at least one member of the legislation. Make him a normal figure in the school. If I have to start by inviting him to speak to the students about what he does, I will! #UTedChat@gopTODD@StephenHandyUT#teachindavis
We must do more than just invite them to come into our classrooms. It's important to build relationships and provide experience, insight, and workable suggestions and solutions so we gain and build trust as the classrooms experts and problem solvers we are. NO WHINING. #UTEdchat
A8: Educator Day on the Hill, Encouraging and supporting my colleagues who feel apprehensive or uninformed to engage into the legislative process, and working with teachers to educate students on the legislative process as well! #UTedChat
What a terrific #utedchat tonight. Thanks to @MRS_Fairbourn and @vb_kristin for moderating. Next week @pamturley55 will help educators with their Christmas wish lists. See you next Wednesday!
A8: Communicate with Legislators NOW. Once the Legislative session starts, it's usually too late. NOW is when they work in committees and on draft bills as bill files. I'll be following up with my Legislators over the next couple of weeks and checking bill file names. #UTEdchat
A8 - I'm hoping I can get up the guts to ask my legislator to visit my classroom for at least part of a day. I'd love to have the chance to exchange ideas and let him/her see what a day in public education is really like. That seems like a great way to let them know. #utedchat
A6 I like the idea of having an open invitation to visit the classroom at anytime. I think relationships would be gained as well as a first hand look at what teaching actually entails on a daily basis. Both would be very valuable.#utedchat
It's important to assume best intentions and not come across as confrontational. That means even (especially) with Legislators we might think of as hostile to education. They are coming from a different place. Meet them where they are and invite them to walk with us. #UTEdchat
A8: Educator day on the hill. Every Friday during the legislative session. February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th and March 1st and 8th Be there! #UTedChat
