Welcome to #mnlead. I’m Matt Hillmann from Northfield, MN. I’ll be your moderator tonight. Please introduce yourself and how you feel about today’s switch to Daylight Savings Time (unless you live in Arizona or Hawaii where they don’t observe it!)
Hi #mnlead! I'm Baily, an elementary education student taking part in my first education chat! Daylight savings snuck up on me once again, but it was nice eating dinner with some sunlight!
Jim Smith, Assessment Associate, Solution Tree and long time Minnesota educator. Took a few months off of Twitter and this is my first chat back. #mnlead
Jim Smith, Assessment Associate, Solution Tree and long time Minnesota educator. Took a few months off of Twitter and this is my first chat back. #mnlead
Glad you are moderating tonight! Planning is like a driving a car: You have a rear-view mirror to reflect on what is behind you, side mirrors to be aware of what is around you, and a windshield so you can see where you want to go! #mnlead
Glad you are moderating tonight! Planning is like a driving a car: You have a rear-view mirror to reflect on what is behind you, side mirrors to be aware of what is around you, and a windshield so you can see where you want to go! #mnlead
A1- Planning creates frame the direction, but also helps identify roadblocks & questions to ask. Planning well helps align all work & messaging so everyone is clear of the path #mnlead
A1: Planning well means three things to me: 1) predictability 2) time to take things from good to phenomenal through “feedforward”, collaboration and shared leadership 3) space to expect and prepare for what we will monitor (and adjust) #mnlead
A1) Educators have to plan. There are SO many complex decisions that need to be made that preparation is a must. Even planning high level questioning within lessons. Can't leave rigorous learning to chance. #mnlead
A1 Planning means I am purposeful, and I have time to prevent some missteps that take some precious time away from our mission. "Failing to plan is planning to fail." #mnlead
Hello #mnlead from Utah-
A1 Planning helps me focus on my students as individuals- some need more support, some enrichment, etc. Planning helps me to be better prepared to meet their needs. Always good to have plan A,B,C with tech too. :)
Hello #mnlead from Utah-
A1 Planning helps me focus on my students as individuals- some need more support, some enrichment, etc. Planning helps me to be better prepared to meet their needs. Always good to have plan A,B,C with tech too. :)
A1. Being educationally intentionally aligned with my goals and meeting those goals is important to me, but less important than the relationships with my colleagues. Finding acceptable alternatives through collaboration. #mnlead
A1 Planning means I am purposeful, and I have time to prevent some missteps that take some precious time away from our mission. "Failing to plan is planning to fail." #mnlead
This is my first #mnlead in a while! And we are on Spring Break this week - so my "typical" Sunday night planning can be spent doing other fun things - like Twitter chats! @mahillmann
This is my first #mnlead in a while! And we are on Spring Break this week - so my "typical" Sunday night planning can be spent doing other fun things - like Twitter chats! @mahillmann
We’ve been in enough chats together I know where you stand, my friend! Now, how was your cross country ski race this weekend? I saw that pile of snow! #mnlead
A1. Without planning, you have no road map to reach your goals. You’re just flying by the seat of your pants. Our work is too important to just leave things to chance. #MNLead
A2: The "biggest rocks" for our school district is figuring out space needs, careful planning of enrollment, and the matriculation of increased student enrollment through the grades. So thankful to our stakeholders for passing our referendum this past fall!
#mnlead
A1. Without planning, you have no road map to reach your goals. You’re just flying by the seat of your pants. Our work is too important to just leave things to chance. #MNLead
A2- Being intentional in the details. Planning ways to continually engage all staff, how to message the “why”, intentionally choosing my communication, & building in times for feedback. Planning for this, not hoping it happens #mnlead
A2) Advancing the great work and learning happening at TCU. AVID, Personalization, & Grateful to be planning building construction, just to name a few. #mnlead
A2: Aligning professional development goals, supporting our strategic plan through challenging and engaging professional development, connecting with the 12 schools I work with to be able to respond to programmatic and individual needs. #mnlead
I love the answers to #mnlead A2. Educators from around the world in different roles showing their intentionality in making sure 2018-19 will be great for kids!
A2 Of course there are the academic big rocks but I want to plan EXPERIENCES more than just simple lessons. That takes planning! How can I make coming to school different? How can I really ignite the fire? What do I need to do to get kids talking about our learning? #mnlead
A2- Biggest rocks are engagement (particularly around text), guided instruction, trauma supports, continuing to deepen PLC process, and family engagement. #mnlead
A2: I will have new admin team, bldg configuration, new data system and need to amplify student voice. We also want to make gains with stduent success. #mnlead
A2: It all starts with our strategic plan, which is focused on Ss. We had an awesome PD day on Friday talking about recognition at the middle level and how it will shape what we do next year! #mnlead
A2 Of course there are the academic big rocks but I want to plan EXPERIENCES more than just simple lessons. That takes planning! How can I make coming to school different? How can I really ignite the fire? What do I need to do to get kids talking about our learning? #mnlead
You know how much I love a good strategic plan, @chris_bussmann. It’s the mother of all planning! Gives us focus across the disparate functions a school district must operate. #mnlead
A2: It all starts with our strategic plan, which is focused on Ss. We had an awesome PD day on Friday talking about recognition at the middle level and how it will shape what we do next year! #mnlead
A2: I'm brand new to Administration as of January. I think my own learning is the "biggest rock" I need to make a plan for! The more I learn, the more intentional I can be with my leadership moves. #mnlead
So cool to hear. I know our team is planning on visiting a few other PBIS schools around the metro. Maybe we can come and visit over the next few years? I'd love to learn more! #mnlead
A2: I'm brand new to Administration as of January. I think my own learning is the "biggest rock" I need to make a plan for! The more I learn, the more intentional I can be with my leadership moves. #mnlead
You know how much I love a good strategic plan, @chris_bussmann. It’s the mother of all planning! Gives us focus across the disparate functions a school district must operate. #mnlead
A2: It all starts with our strategic plan, which is focused on Ss. We had an awesome PD day on Friday talking about recognition at the middle level and how it will shape what we do next year! #mnlead
A2. I want to plan for how staff can take on leadership roles and plan on how I can best support their growth as leaders. Building organizational capacity is planning for success. Teachers grow into leaders...kids win! #MNLead
A2: Finding ways to get more voices sharing the work. We have many amazing teacher-leader and student-leader voices that need to be heard. Finding time / space for that is a challenge. But key. Creativity must flow!!! #mnlead
A2: As Instructional Coach My biggest rock will be providing personal Pd experiences that give each teacher what they need! Teacher voice and choice! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻#mnlead
You have a network of people, here, to support you. Message me ANY TIME and I'll support you any which way I can! Others did it for me once upon a time....
#mnlead
A2: I'm brand new to Administration as of January. I think my own learning is the "biggest rock" I need to make a plan for! The more I learn, the more intentional I can be with my leadership moves. #mnlead
When this happens in the learning process we call it instructional agility. This agility in the classroom or admin needs at its roots clear goals and accurate assessment (formative) to inform the agility that must take place. #mnlead
Giving teachers a lot of choice for PD is motivating. We all learn in different ways. Plus, if I have the opportunity to learn something relevant to my situation, I learn a lot more! #mnlead
Keep it rolling, #mnlead. We might have lost an hour of sleep (except @SepukaMel who lives in Arizona) but you have the PD on fire this evening! Great work!
Completely understand your sentiment. It's always that balance between pushing the needle on best practices/student achievement etc. vs. too much. Important to have fun and laugh often.....and buy donuts once in a while. #mnlead
It’s a good rock to encounter. we’ve had amazing teachers step up to lead some awesome PD, share their insights and expertise, and co-create ideas. Not a bad rock. Finding the avenues to give them megaphones can be tough, though. #mnlead
A3) Already underway. I cannot live without my Outlook calendar and the calendar app on my phone! Oh, and the ColorNote app helps me keep lists of all the planning ideas and tasks. #MNLead
A3- I struggle with this one. Need to be more intentional about setting times & places to get purposeful feedback- then make changes. Need to think of this more like an assessment process #mnlead
Nathan Eklund of @EklundConsult. Work with schools around workplace culture and leadership development. So joining from right outside your inner circle. #mnlead
Q3: follow these basic steps. Vision, plan, action, monitor, feedback, celebrate...repeat. Many schools only get to first three and then life gets busy...all 6 help you gain traction! #mnlead
I appreciate this honest answer. Having a list of target dates for completion helps us keep on track. Better yet, put those dates on the calendar. What is on the calendar is what gets done! #mnlead
A3- I struggle with this one. Need to be more intentional about setting times & places to get purposeful feedback- then make changes. Need to think of this more like an assessment process #mnlead
A3) Already underway. I cannot live without my Outlook calendar and the calendar app on my phone! Oh, and the ColorNote app helps me keep lists of all the planning ideas and tasks. #MNLead
A2: the biggest blocks I see in planning is too many admins taking a “buy-in” approach which suggests that the end users (teachers) weren’t passionately engaged in the planning process itself. If we ASK enough questions, the plan itself shouldn’t require “buy-in.” #mnlead
A3: I have a list of important tasks that are time bound that I prepare for at least 30 days in advance. That frees me up to take on the spur of the moment things that encourage innovation and risk taking. #mnlead
A3 constantly working to perfect this I start w district calendar and backwards design some are mini projects within so I work to list all our steps as to not miss any I do my best at this when not trying to multitask also loop in appropriate teams all along the way #mnlead
A3: Taking good notes this year drives my plans for the next! I also have a brainstorm journal for next year. I put ideas in that as they come to me. #mnlead
To use the old sports adage, everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth. Plans go awry. Sometimes that “agility” might even mean strategically changing the goal too. Happened to me this week with my AP Stats class. #mnlead
Calendar reminders and to do lists are huge. I always have an an ongoing list of "Begin of Year" and "End of Year" so ideas and details aren't missed.#mnlead
Nathan Eklund of @EklundConsult. Work with schools around workplace culture and leadership development. So joining from right outside your inner circle. #mnlead
A3 - all of our #PLSAS schools have a Building Instructional Leadership Team and our road map: School Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP) . Constantly reviewing, reflecting, and holding ourselves accountable for the work we said we were going to do! #mnlead
To use the old sports adage, everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth. Plans go awry. Sometimes that “agility” might even mean strategically changing the goal too. Happened to me this week with my AP Stats class. #mnlead
A3) Already underway. I cannot live without my Outlook calendar and the calendar app on my phone! Oh, and the ColorNote app helps me keep lists of all the planning ideas and tasks. #MNLead
A3) Already underway. I cannot live without my Outlook calendar and the calendar app on my phone! Oh, and the ColorNote app helps me keep lists of all the planning ideas and tasks. #MNLead
A3) I find if you take the time to develop a three year plan...then this time of year it is much easier to reflect on where you are...and how you will continue/revise the path you had planned. #mnlead
A3: someone once told me that great leaders don’t just patch problems, they eradicate problems. Taking notes of “what can’t happen again” or “what needs to happen again” can help look ahead for the next year(s). #mnlead
One of the most important things I have tried to implement this year is when I get stopped in the hallway with a question from a staff members, I do my best to always encourage them to send me an email -- because it's important and I know I'll forget! #mnlead
A3: I always have a vague, general, and fluid pacing guide (Is that term even still a thing?) that will change as I get to know my kids and learn their needs so I can meet them where they are. #mnlead
A4 Everything! It is how you respond to those challenges that shows your flexibility as a leader. (Hello, Bri here! Digital Learning Coach, Shakopee) #mnlead
A4) sometimes plans get disrupted by losing focus and forgetting that sometimes you have to use the word "no" judiciously ...you will get there...what gets focused on flourishes...we want learning to flourish! #mnlead
A4: Everything is going to impact the planning. That is the constant I can count on. If you set you with a mind and attitude that is nimble, agile, and flexible, you (and everyone you impact) will be well served. #mnlead
A3 constantly working to perfect this I start w district calendar and backwards design some are mini projects within so I work to list all our steps as to not miss any I do my best at this when not trying to multitask also loop in appropriate teams all along the way #mnlead
I always follow up a hallway conversation with, "please send me an email to remind me"! I walk out of my office and forget why I was doing - I'll never remember what others need! #mnlead#itsnotanagething
A4 - making sure to always take time for the important things in life: family, friends, fun, vacation, disconnecting, exercise, sleep, laughter! #mnlead
A4: As an Art Teacher, my plans have to fit under @PrairieViewEMS plans, and our schools plans have to fit within the @ISD728 calendar and goals. It’s a delicate balancing act to make my BiG ideas come to reality. But I think that is half the fun! #mnlead
A4 Everything! It is how you respond to those challenges that shows your flexibility as a leader. (Hello, Bri here! Digital Learning Coach, Shakopee) #mnlead
Natural disasters! We witnessed some amazing educators who showed grit, perseverance, and determination to do what had to be done for kids last Fall. #mnlead
A4: As an Art Teacher, my plans have to fit under @PrairieViewEMS plans, and our schools plans have to fit within the @ISD728 calendar and goals. It’s a delicate balancing act to make my BiG ideas come to reality. But I think that is half the fun! #mnlead
I always approach planning like “I know exactly where I want us to go, but I have no clue how we’ll get there.” Teaching is a crazy choose-your-own-adventure story that’s never the same twice. #mnlead
I got a tip from a principal this year who carries a clipboard with a closed compartment on it so I now carry this when I am out of office to jot notes have the schedule at my finger tips etc more personal and quicker #mnlead
In reply to
@APKRentz, @RKucinski, @PrincipalFrench
A4: In Education there is one thing that we can always count on...Changes!! #mnlead Every year there are new challenges to face and plans must be tweaked!
A3: I am old school and print out ideas and protocols and such and create a timeline on the top bricks of my office all around to pace it out and wroteeetings and such out in dry erase --- then I type that #mnlead
A4: In Education there is one thing that we can always count on...Changes!! #mnlead Every year there are new challenges to face and plans must be tweaked!
A5) when you get thrown a curve ball...don't forget to rely on folks around you. Leaders build up their teams to creat support networks. Together we are brilliant! #MNLead
A5 Prioritize what is the most important to keep moving forward. Don’t forget about everything else and be creative to see where the “others” can fit in. #mnlead
A4: Time. For me, I’ve got to ensure the big ideas and concrete examples, exemplars, and resources are able to get to teachers. Time is undefeated. There is never enough time. How do we use creative and absurdly efficient and responsive ways to share vision and its tools? #mnlead
A4: Planning is simply that which leads to implementation. The overriding plan should be to develop building wide common commitments to the success of all kids. When the umbrella is there then disruptions can lead to innovation #mnlead
A5: I live by small-group instruction. I feel like I can effectively meet individual needs, build relationships, and really get to assess what my Ss know formatively. #mnlead
I agree…in working to improve what we do for students we have tried to jam too much into our instructional day. Intentionally editing what we do during the day will be a big focus in the coming years… #mnlead
A5 first build in extra time for things w hard deadlines and remember to be flexible no two days are the same and we need to be servant folksputting others needs before ours. Also finding joy in something each day as I reflect on events #mnlead
A4: this doesn't speak to a 18-19 specific issue, and I know this is a bit blasphemous, but many school plans are so hyper focused on student outcomes that the people who will execute the plan (staff) aren't treated as strategically as the students are. #mnlead
Just finished listening to that book a couple of weeks ago and have started through a second time. One of the best I've read to help prioritize and plan. #mnlead
A5: That is where I use @mindfulmaryt lessons & learn to take deep breath. Also, expecting the calendar to not go as planned is something I have learned to make part of my practice after working in education for 17 years. Being flexible is something I’m proud of. #mnlead
A5: I do plenty of cycling and mountain biking to know that you can set a course all you want, but you are bound to experience a different journey. Just expect it and learn to love the ride! #mnlead
A5 To quote the awesome Tim Allen in Santa Clause 3, :A problem at work is a challenge; a problem at home is a problem." Find some folks to walk through the challenge, and keep folks informed. #mnlead
So sorry - I need to duck out early! My kiddos are adjusting to the daylights saving time, and bedtime is kind of all over the map! Thanks for a great session! #mnlead
A5: I plan with the understanding that things are fluid and I have to be flexible. In a large school situations arise, teachers have emergencies, responsibilities, etc. I have to consider these factors. 😀#mnlead
Good communication is key for effective execution of plans. Q6 is coming up after this commercial break. Actually, it will be coming up sooner than that since #mnlead doesn’t have commercial breaks! ;)
A5 -above average sub plans and video lessons for students to view/review. Relying on others to help with extracurricular and keeping the family health #mnlead
A5: I do plenty of cycling and mountain biking to know that you can set a course all you want, but you are bound to experience a different journey. Just expect it and learn to love the ride! #mnlead
A4: Also to add as we strive right NOW to make schools great places to WORK, this holds true:
A plan = a brand
A brand = a promise you can keep
#mnlead
Overwhelmed? Try to focus on short term timelines...when you are always looking at the BIG to do list...you may end up missing the small gains you are making. Sounds cliche but baby steps are important! #MNLead
I really appreciate the mention of planning for substitutes. Being ahead of the game is important. And, with so many schools going “sub-less,” good planning is even more important for students to have clarity on their expectations for the day. #mnlead
A5 -above average sub plans and video lessons for students to view/review. Relying on others to help with extracurricular and keeping the family health #mnlead
A6: We have a document (SEP) that is published on our website. We are also going to do some iMovies to share our story this year too! SO excited! @ryanssiemens#mnlead
Overwhelmed? Try to focus on short term timelines...when you are always looking at the BIG to do list...you may end up missing the small gains you are making. Sounds cliche but baby steps are important! #MNLead
A6. Weekly grade-level PLCs, staff meetings, Weekly staff/monthly school “newsletters”, school plans now accessible for all divisional admin to access #mnlead
A6 email, website, annual Title 1 meeting, parent nights, al types of staff face to face mtgs, paper copies etc.... thinking of branching out to video clips for families #mnlead
At #mnlead, we finish each chat with CTA = “Call To Action.” This is when we commit to take action on something related to the topic we discussed. The CTA is coming up very soon!
A6: I send out a weekly Instructional Coach’s newsletter on Sunday evenings with upcoming PD and other relevant info. I call it the Tiger Telegram. #mnlead It has helped me cut down on the number of emails I send out. One stop shopping! https://t.co/MGWj9JUz56
CTA: connect with colleagues as much as possible to get that “feedforward” needed to ensure we are bringing the right work at the right time for our teams. Those conversations need to happen ASAP. This chat gave me an appropriate jump start! #mnlead
CTA) Draft a timeline for important planning topics: class lists, spaces, staff assignments, professional development, written plans, events and activities, etc. #MNLead
CTA: I plan to get as much feedback from staff and students as we work to plan for 2018-19. World Cafe, Google surveys, focus groups and similar strategies. #mnlead
Thanks to the great learning here, I need to really flush out what I need to communicate and what are the best methods. Adding that to my list to bring to the admin meeting this week! Thanks #mnlead! Thanks @mahillmann for facilitating!
CTA: Registration is done. Staffing sheet due Friday. 5 staff on maternity leave this spring. Enrollment up 51 students. I plan to go to where I do my deepest thinking without distractions for a few hours: the mechanical room! #mnlead
