Hi, #UTedChat! Havilah from @alpineschools. When I'm stressed I love to relax with friends and family. There something special about a low-pressure conversation. Lots of laughter is a plus!
Intro: Deborah, Secondary Social Studies teacher in Granite. When I can do ANYTHING I want, I travel. Or if I need to stay closer to home, I go hiking, to the Symphony or the Opera. #UTEdchat Or I fix stuff that's broken, read a book or sleep. So maybe it's mood dependent...
A1: Wow - those are a lot of different words. If it's especially stressful, I go for a run. Exercise induced oxygen deprivation seems to clear my head. #UTEdchat
A2: I wish administrators would respect two things: 1. The fact that I can't do everything (Wonder Woman shirt notwithstanding)!!! 2. They need to empower teachers with authentic voice so the load is shared. I'm willing to stir the pot, but lots of us have good ideas. #UTEdchat
Oh, I wouldn't say I really have a favorite - I like to try new operas. No repeats yet. HOWEVER, I definitely prefer comedies. During the school year I need things that make me laugh!
Recently saw Die Fledermaus and it was hilarious. #UTEdchat
A1: When I feel stressed, unhappy, etc. I try to reconnect with people I love, do something out of my routine, or just reconnect with myself. Seeking normalcy has been my key. #UTedChat
Hello all, Derek Larson running a bit late but stoked to be here for #UTedChat tonight. I was out spending time w/ my Dad and bro watching SOLO and taking care of some personal well-being.
A1 One of the best things for me to do when I'm feeling stressed, unhappy, burned out, and anxious is sleep. I have a love/hate relationship with sleep and I ALWAYS need more than I get. It usually helps pretty good. #UTedChat
A2: There have been times in my professional life where I have felt like a racehorse that is being reigned in. I love it when I am in an environment where I feel free to run! 🐎 #utedchat
A1 I also feel that exercise is a GREAT way to burn off some of those negative feelings, but it takes time and I'm kinda lazy. That's why I'm the shape I am and why I live life stressed and a little burned out. I'm hoping to make some changes with my new job next year. #UTedChat
You know what, I really did like it. In fact I want to go see it again just so I can really absorb it all. I thought they did a pretty good job. #UTedChat#StarWars#SoloStarWars
A2 What I wish my admin/boss would know about my well-being is that sometimes I need sleep more than an 8am start time and that sometimes it makes better sense for me to sleep a little longer and come in a little later. Not always possible, but sometimes. #UTedChat
I am far from fantastic but I really enjoy playing. I have worked through many challenging times by spending some time at the piano! My husband can tell what kind of day I have had based on the volume and tempo at which I am playing. 😉 #utedchat
A2 And that's only possible because I'm at a regional service center and not a school. When I head to Tonaquint Intermediate School next year, a later start time won't be possible at all. In fact, it'll be earlier. #UTedChat
A2: I am grateful for leaders who recognize that I’m human, that I need flexibility and are willing to step in so I can refresh my mind. I don’t need it all the time but a little goes along way. #utedchat
As my friend Greg has said, "Round is a shape." Bahahahahaha! Good luck next year. I find when I have a regular exercise routine I have more energy and I'm generally nicer to be around. Hoping to be better about the routine next year (starting this morning). #UTEdchat
If you're a #StarWars fan you should definitely see it. I was thrown for a couple loops and I LOVED them! Like I said, I plan to go again. #UTedChat#SoloMovie
A3: Not sure if it is specific to reducing stress or burnout, but my principal and supervising admin are good about being open and transparent, and also listening. I don't always get what I want, but with them I know I've been honestly heard. #UTEdchat
A3: Grateful for Admin. who take the time to not only recognize my accomplishments but my efforts to our school. Genuine praise along the journey works wonders not only for students but also for adults. #UTedChat
Family time is often just what the doctor ordered, but sometimes it can add to the anxiety. But I def love my time I spend with my wife and kiddos! #UTedChat
A1: Exercise, play the piano, dance, play/game/watch sports, clean, binge watch something on Netflix, or I just go to sleep because a good night's sleep does wonders. #UTedChat
I wish more admins would praise publicly more often. It's a powerful tool to help with morale and a generally good idea for keeping folks happy! #UTedChat
Opportunity cost, my friend. It all depends on the priorities. Sleep has been one of mine, and I didn't even get enough of that this school year. Hoping to balance a few less things better next year. #UTEdchat
A2: I just wish they'd know I want to be a part of things and to feel needed. Even if it's more work, if it's meaningful and I feel a part of it, it doesn't seem like work and actually feel like less. #UTedChat
Don't forget, if you want to keep up with all things #UTedChat and get reminders about when we'll be chatting this summer, be sure to join our @RemindHQ list by following the directions below.
We had a group of us that would do Fitness Marshall videos after school sometimes. A group that would go get dinner. It was just nice to get away or to do something non educational together. #UTedChat
I told my wife @LisaGLarson that if we had twins and they were a boy/girl combo we'd HAVE to use Luke and Leia. She wasn't amused and vetoed it. No twins so it didn't matter anyways. #UTedChat#StarWars
A3 My previous Admin was great at finding ways to help out. He always provided dinner on one of the late nights of parent/teacher conferences and treats on the other. Small things that go a long way! #UTedChat
A4: Well, I hate teacher movies because they feed an unrealistic cultural expectation of teachers. Since I don't have a family of my own, I put almost everything I have into school (and my 2nd job) because I was raised to be reliable. Probably to an unhealthy extent. #UTEdchat
A3 My current boss has been open to sending the team home early after long weeks or really grueling times and forcing us to take a break. She's also been good about some fun times as well, bowling, Escape Rooms, lunch, etc. Again, it's the small things. #UTedChat
A3: I always appreciated when my principal talked with me about my kids and other non-school-related things. It was a great way to relieve stress. I didn't get nervous every time he wanted to talk to me and I felt like I was valued. #UTedChat
I hope you make it sometime. I would like to know more about it. I think Ss and Ts need time in school for it. Do I schedule that time for Ts or leave it up to them? Ts definitely do for Ss. If you don't schedule it, it doesn't happen. #Utedchat
Really good admin and bosses recognize their teachers/people are more than their jobs and that their lives happen. When a boss can see that and respect or even help with that it's powerful. #UTedChat
A4: Let’s See... what kind of culture is @KyleLHoopes referring too? Heaven knows my ethnic culture plays a huge role in both grounding me and stirring things up! 😉 #UTedChat
A4 Culture is EVERYTHING! I was talking with an admin today and he was sharing that he has some great ideas on making changes to better the school, but he has to wait until the culture changes first or else the changes will die off. #UTedChat
A4: A positive school culture is essential to well being. If you have to over come tough things a positive school culture helps you ride those waves. A negative school culture will sink you even in the best of times. #UTedChat
It's super important that school leaders recognize us as the real humans we are - with lives outside of school - and not widgets to manage the school with.
Relationships demonstrate respect. #UTEdchat
A4 If you try and do something different before a culture is ready to accept it then the change will die and you'll look terrible. But if you can time it right when the group is ready you'll soar like an eagle! #UTedChat
Far too often the media glorifies the “lone” teacher or administrator who transforms the educational experience for students. What they don’t show is twofold—the fact that those “lone” educators burn out quickly or the fact that true transformation is collaborative. #utedchat
And the dirty secret of most teacher movies is that many of those amazing teachers working alone usually end up leaving the profession shortly after that "movie moment" has passed. If you can't get the culture onboard it's not feasible to thrive long-term. #UTedChat
If your school is ONLY about school 100% of the time the culture is not a good place. EDUs are more than their jobs and we need to connect with each other on deeper levels for real long-term success to happen. #UTedChat
True. And in large schools there can be sub-culture dynamics & differences between departments, grade-levels, etc. School administration play a crucial role at the top, but we all play a part. The sum of our attitudes about students & learning defines school culture. #UTEdchat
A4: A positive school culture is essential to well being. If you have to over come tough things a positive school culture helps you ride those waves. A negative school culture will sink you even in the best of times. #UTedChat
Hopefully he is working to lead that change as an admin! I have to coax my admins along when I see changes that need to be made. What I can do at the classroom level is powerful, but limited within the system. #UTEdchat
A5: I have 2 little girls that keep me in check. If Mamí is off... they don’t hesitate to let me know! I’m grateful for those who are willing to help reground me! #utedchat
He is 100% working to change that culture, but it's a very slow train to shift. He's been there 2-3 years and is starting to make a little headway. He's gonna make it happen though because he gets it and knows what he's doing. I'd love to work with him. #UTedChat
A5: I have a stash of thank you cards from teachers, students, and parents that I keep when I need a pick me up. Also exercise and vacation w/ the fam...unplugged. #UTedChat
A5 - Still not great at this. I try to be sure I spend as much time as possible with my family, but so many other things get in the way (including school). #UTedChat
I have my moments. They come as they please and I'm often surprised at what comes out of my "mouth" when the moments happen. Glad I'm useful occasionally. #UTedChat
Thank you for saying that! I know as an admin, my role in building and sustaining a positive school culture is paramount. I also know Ts, Ss, and community are a huge part. I always say, "I walked into a great place." Kudos to my peeps. #Utedchat
A5: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahahahaahhaahahahahahahhahaha! Oh, you're serious.
Sleep. Eat. Exercise (sometimes). Take a summer vacation to get away and recharge.
Leave my phone on another level of the house so sleep is undisturbed.
#UTEdchat
A5 I do like I did tonight, head to the movies with family or friends. I LOVE movies and what they can do for you. Being able to escape for a time is a great way to help your well-being and allow you to refocus afterwards. #UTedChat
A5: I am also learning to give myself the same leeway that I give others. Be patient with myself, eat well, rest as needed, laugh often and develop hobbies old and new. I’m a work in progress. #utedchat
Oh yeah, the larger the school the more subcultures that can and often do exist. So you have to work even harder to shift the whole system in times of need. #UTedChat
And as an effective admin, you recognize you don't have ALL the answers and you rely on your faculty to steer you clear of issues you're unaware of. Right? #UTedChat
A5: Get some sleep, exercise, read a good book, unplug and really be in the moment with loved ones...takes care of them and takes care of me. #UTedChat
A1: when I'm stressed/unhappy/anxious/burned out: Start off with a nap, wake up with some tea, listen to music and dance around. When those don't work, it's time for a relaxing spa treatment in my own bathroom.
#UTedchat
A6 - If I'm stressed out, that is bound to show with my students. If I'm in a good place and balanced, I'm more able to help them meet their needs. #UTedChat
A6: Hmmmm. While they are nicer and better behaved when I'm ill or have lost my voice, I think the real answer is this: If I'm my best self, the students get my best lessons, my best feedback, and my best efforts to support their learning. They know if we're slacking. #UTEdchat
When I'm stressed out/having a hard time in life, my work as a teacher is affected. I tell my kids that I'm human and having a bad day. An, there were a lot of bad days this year. #utedchat
A6 When I had off-days my students suffered, unless I let them know up front and they were able to work with me. You see, even elem kiddos can work with you and help you get through your funky days. But if you hold the problems in then your in trouble. #UTedChat
A6: Students feed off of our energy! We can pretend we are ok but for only so long! Self Care helps us maximize our potential and when we do our students can too! #UTedChat
Movies are definitely one of the ways I retreat as well. There is just something about letting your mind go and escaping into someone else’s story. #utedchat
It is important to be honest with students. This makes it okay for them to be human too. SO IMPORTANT these days that we make it safe for that honesty. I work with students who have challenges to figure things out, and they tend to cut me some slack too. Win-win. #UTEdchat
A6 When I am on top of my game my teaching is best but when I slip it affects the kids negatively. You've got to take care of yourself if you want to be successful. Burning the candle at both ends means you get burned. And I know from experiences, yes plural! #UTedChat
That's a good routine. I try and take a walk every morning, pray out loud. Helps me start the day right. I'm sure some see me talking to myself and think it is a little weird. #Utedchat
A6: if I'm not in a good mental space, my students won't be in a positive learning environment and that'll make them less likely to want to stay engaged. #UTedchat
True statement. My challenge as an admin is to encourage, find time, for my Ts to get mentally right. Sometimes a little mindfulness exercise needs to happen during the day! #UTedChat
Thanks for joining tonight! Your challenge this week is to take one of the ideas that were shared during this chat and apply it to improve your own well-being. Do it for a week and share how it helped you via #Utedchat
