Intro: Michael A., #STEM Facilitator for @smartlab_tweets from @simmonsknights1 and #122edchat. The Golden Girl I would most like to be is Dorothy. She's pretty intense and has a sharp sense of humor. I'm guessing that she was also misunderstood, often. #scitlap
Hi everyone! Megan, 8th Science & host of #122edchat. I am definitely Dorothy, with a little bit of Rose mixed in. Glad to have you all here in #scitlap!
A1: Without @BatkiewiczK, I wouldn't be here today. She was the most positive influence in my life when I started my teaching career, & she continues to inspire me every day! #scitlap
A2: PBIS Coach, #122edchat founder, new teacher advisor, district science leadership team member, former Drama sponsor, current Drama groupie. So important to be involved to show support for your community. #scitlap
A2: being an "involved teacher" helps build community. the kids see you in a difefrent light and you have shared experiences to talk about/reminesce/build upon. #scitlap
A2: I am a girls cross country coach and I work a lot of other sports in the winter and spring. https://t.co/mJ9sxXISe2 get to know the kids in a differnet way 2.It shows them you are more than just a person they see in the classroom 3.It's fun and keeps you young. #scitlap
A2.1: Drama is a huge extracurricular for me. We just had auditions for Lion King today. I absolutely love musical season. Brings out the best in EVERYONE. Also, I am a runner. Looking ahead, impatiently, to spring. #scitlap
A2 Probably too many things, but I have lots of ideas and like to help, so...most recently, helping to plan PD on Friday. Google is our focus! #scitlap
A2: #scienceolympiad and I've done robotics. Ss want to know you are invested in them inside and outside of the classroom- it's where one can foster relationships #scitlap
A2: PBIS Coach, #122edchat founder, new teacher advisor, district science leadership team member, former Drama sponsor, current Drama groupie. So important to be involved to show support for your community. #scitlap
A2.2: Forming connections beyond the classroom helps teachers and students to view one another in a different light. Wins in teams can easily be carried back to class. Some of my greatest classroom breakthroughs have started in a club or outside activity. #scitlap
Such a great point - the more visible we make ourselves in our communities, the more the students will realize that we really ARE here for them! #scitlap
A2: Became a mathletes coach this year and LOVE IT. So awesome to work with extraordinary students from different grade levels who WANT to be challenged and work on math. Seriously, the best feeling. #scitlap
A2: I started a @FIRSTweets First Lego League this year. It is a great program and gives those kids who may not ever be on a sports team an opportunity to shine in their own competition #scitlap
A2- I am the Athletic Director, Union Building Rep, and on 2 District Leadership teams. I really enjoy my position as AD because it allows m to see our kids excel in things that they love. I think being involved makes you take ownership in your building. #scitlap
Sorry I missed it. I may hit you up. We are new to a Google as a school. Some people dove right in, some very hesitant. We have a wide range of skills, but everyone is very excited, it is much needed. #scitlap
A3: By letting them talk! Too often, Ts want to stifle Ss voices because of the old school idea that a quiet classroom means more learning is happening. #scitlap
A2: In my school I run a robotics team, in my community I am a school board trustee. Both students and parents need to see your professional dedication. #scitlap
A3: I begin by giving a set of future careers that could stem from the current unit and motivate the students to look into each of them / explore on their own. Motivate them by inviting them to think fo the future. #scitlap
A3: In my current setting it is tough, but in the past, we have done projects with @scratch where students were able to customize their activity to match their interests and backgrounds. #scitlap
A3: Student discussion! Love hearing how other students figured out a different way to solve a problem based on where they came from. Math and student background all in one! #scitlap
The kids get into it! Sometimes, we make “Help Wanted” Signs at the end or resumes so the students can show what they know about the job field.. But they’re really just telling me what they know about that topic ;) #scitlap
A3 I try and meet them on their level as much as an uncool old dude can. Talk and discuss. Student made a Stranger Things connection in class today. Fun times. #scitlap
Have projects for units where Ss create something showing what our current unit looks like in their life. Currently finding energy transformations around their home, but favorite is when they use what they know about physics to improve performance for a sport or hobby. #scitlap
A3: Being a person of color, I like to make a connection to the text about who I am first so the students feel more comfortable. Once they see that I'm open and honest about my story, they'll begin to feel the same way. #asafespaceisthebestspace#scitlap
Just today. We're doing a game design unit so for "finding the play in things" I shared with them that back in HS my friends and I developed "MaskingBall" a game we came up with using used tape balls. Then asking have u and your friends come up with your own games? #scitlap
A4: Set firm expectations from the start & don't let up for anything, but let the kids have choice in those rules as well. We made Class Contracts at the beginning of the year so they felt connected to the room. #scitlap
A4: Consistency. Connecting the situation back to the rule or standard that is in place. In all situations, I attempt to stress that I am correcting them because I care and desire them to get better. #scitlap
A4: Be flexible. Just because it wasn't in your original syllabus or expectations, accept that change will happen. Shows Ss that you are not afraid to admit you are wrong. #scitlap
A4 Be fair and always give kids an out. No one likes to be backed in the corner, so always give them the ability to save face and still do what you need them to do. Just make sure your requests are reasonable #scitlap
A4: I give feedback and I don’t hold back on it. I know the students might think I am being hard on them.
In the hallways, I make conversation with the kids. I ask them about their day and I listen. I hope they know how much I love them all! #scitlap
A4: At the end of the day, you're there to guide them to make the right choices. They won't be able to trust you if they feel that you're not being your authentic self. Be your authentic self, but make sure that you don't fall back on your class rules. #scitlap
A4 Kind of a simple answer. Treat your students like actual people. Talk, laugh, look up stuff, ask their opinion, listen to their answers, know them, and grow with them. Respect follows. #scitlap
A4: Setting celar expectations and enforcing them when necessary. being consistent. I've been known to give the "evil stare" and in the same breath joke with the next table. #scitlap
A4- It's all about respect. Give them the respect you expect from them. Let them know you are fair. Listen when they need to talk. Honestly ask once in a while!! BUT don't lecture and DON'T keep bringing up their mistakes!! Everyday is a new day!! #scitlap
A4 Kind of a simple answer. Treat your students like actual people. Talk, laugh, look up stuff, ask their opinion, listen to their answers, know them, and grow with them. Respect follows. #scitlap
A5: I would take them on a college road trip, to show them everything that they could have in their future. I know college isn't for everyone, but too often, Ss write themselves off before they even try. #scitlap
A5: The past few years we have been exploring the National Parks as a family. Any place that is outside, where you can explore, hike, breathe, and enjoy the beauty of creation is where I would take them. #scitlap
You mean to tell me they are "actual people"? JK Yes, all of them have their own personalities and when you treat them as individuals you bring out the best in them. #scitlap
My parents and I would do this all the time. I walked on so many campuses of famous universities. I, of course, took this for granted. Looking to do the same with our kids. #scitlap
A5 I've thought about this since I was asked in a different chat. I'm thinking China, some place in Africa...still not sure. I really think my Ss would benefit from seeing different cultures. #scitlap
A5- Disney World!!!! Some of my greatest memories are from my high school band trips to Disney!! It is the greatest place on Earth. Some may never get to see it. I think every child should experience the pure awesome that is Disney at least once in their life!! #scitlap
A5: I would take them to two places. I would take them to a country known for its poverty & a country known for its privilege. I would hope that it would encourage them to achieve their dreams & become successful, but also to help those in need. #scitlap#dontforgetyourroots
You mean to tell me they are "actual people"? JK Yes, all of them have their own personalities and when you treat them as individuals you bring out the best in them. #scitlap
I struggle with this too. There are always those classes where there are a great fit and rapport then there are the classes that I work at all year long. #scitlap
A5 I am lucky to work with @EtnyreSci who organized a trip to Iceland this summer and picked me to be a chaperone! My first trip with Ss and I can't wait! #scitlap
A5) Lucky me - I've travelled with 3 groups of our 8th graders to Israel. I usually accompany 7th graders to DC as well. I'd love to take them to New York! #scitlap
So meaningful, Besan. Makes you quickly realize how much privilege that we have in America. At the same time, it highlights our excess. Great way to try to clean the slate. #scitlap
A5 I have been thinking about this and still have no idea. I would honestly just like to take them to dinner and get to know them as people not students. #scitlap
A6: I don't want to finish where I started. I am 18 years in and am in relatively the same position. It's been great, but I believe that there is more. I am looking forward to what the next step will be. #scitlap
A6: May sound cliche but its true. I just want to know that taking my class made a difference in a Ss life. I've grown up with Ps as Ts and most of my role models growing up were Ts. I feel fortunate for what I have experienced. #scitlap
A6 When I started my current job 5 years, I wanted to get more involved in PD in the district, start a blog, and be involved in the larger EDU community. I think I am on my way #scitlap
A6- It's not about awards it's about the kids. I want to drive off into the sunset knowing I had an impact on at least some of the thousands of kids I have taught. I want students to look back and think of me positively. #scitlap
This is my dream for our Drama Family. I want to do a big catered dinner. Where we all sit at the table and enjoy conversation with one another. Love this. Thank you for sharing and making me feel like I am not crazy. #scitlap
A6: I'd like to teach a student of a former student. I would love to hear the stories shared between parent and child of "Oh that Mrs. Richard... she did that when I was in her class". #scitlap
A6 I never planned on anything else besides being in the classroom (since I accidentally became a teacher), but I am becoming obsessed with PD and I love integrating technology. No plans, but does make me think. #scitlap
When I used to coach Science Olympiad we would have meals together all the time and I learned so much from them just by talking. 12 year olds can be incredibly insighful about liFE #scitlap
A6: I'm still a relatively new T and I'm excited about a former student coming back as an adult and sharing one way I helped them to get where ever they are (scientist, great parent, ANYTHING), we all (Ss too) just want to be remembered for the goal we do in this world. #scitlap
A6: Write a book, advocate for high quality science ed. in many facets. Become a STEM coach/specialist. Open a school. Work hard everyday and find fulfillment and joy. #scitlap
I tell people all the time that middle school kids are the most underrated people on the planet. Then my audience usually dials 911 thinking that I might be in need of medical assistance. They really do not get a fair shake in society. #scitlap
A7: RM 122. The home of @megan_hacholski. Or my lab. I crank up some really loud music and get lost in the tunes until my wife tells me to come home. #scitlap
A7 Easy-peasy, my first stop is directly across the hall with @JamieArmin We really can be there for each other. ❤❤❤ I am also so lucky to have best team and department. Friends 4 Life! #scitlap
A7 I actually prefer to spend my lunch by myself in my room reflecting and refreshing and listening to music. I also now like to jump on Twitter. Constant interactions take a lot out of me #scitlap
Everytime I am asked what I do:
Me: I teach middle school
Everyone: Ugh how do you do it. I could never do it, hormones, attitude, blah blah.
I LOVE IT. Everyday is a different day! #scitlap
Q7: My team and I have carved out a little lunch room. We make it a point to have lunch together and just visit with each other. Sometimes we talk about Ss and sometimes we don't. It's nice to have this group at my building. #scitlap
A8: Continually motivate them to BE the change that the world needs. Don't ever let them forget how special they are & all the good that they can do. #scitlap
A8.1: I think it is all in how we approach things. If we believe that it's possible, they will most likely follow suit. Not everything has to be gloom and doom. Find the good and build on that. #scitlap
Some days are hard, but where else can you say you legit change lives. I had a student say to me she had no idea how how cool science was and wants to study it in college. #teachergoals#Scitlap
A8.2: Also, I believe that establishing the fact that their voice matters now, at age 12, instead of 21...when they are gainfully employed with a paycheck. If they see value in their ideas now, anything is possible. We can change the world. #scitlap
Couldn't agree more. I can't remember where I said it, but at the end of last year I never cried more. The 8th Graders were the ones that were encouraging me at graduation. They had gotten so much that they wanted to give back. #scitlap
A8 I think we have no idea what the world will be like in 10 years, so we have to first and foremost help our kiddos to be strong, empathetic, kind, and work hard. #scitlap
