Good evening and welcome to #ASEchat! I am chair of @theASE's 11-19 committee who have been discussing science teacher retention which we have been picking up as a key issue. I am delighted to be joined by @Grevster73
Welcome to #ASEchat. I am a member of ASE 11-19 committee and have coordinated putting the #SciTeacherSOS document together. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. https://t.co/sq7jlUfSqR
We thought we would kick off tonight's #ASEchat with the question "Have you seen @theASE's #SCiTEacherSOS support document and what are your first impressions?
In reply to
@ViciaScience, @theASE, @Grevster73, @theASE
Hi Helen and Andy - I'm here! - hope to be able to stay for the hour and as another member of ASE 11-19 hope to be able to offer ideas and suggestions etc.
We thought we would kick off tonight's #ASEchat with the question "Have you seen @theASE's #SCiTEacherSOS support document and what are your first impressions?
In reply to
@ViciaScience, @theASE, @Grevster73, @theASE
The aim is to support reflection rather than giving advice that tells someone what to do #ASEchat. The aim is to get teachers to stop and think carefully before reaching a decision. #asechat
#asechat@Grevster73@hecharden I think the document is also useful to people in supportive roles, e.g mentors and HODs - the questions could be used to open a conversation if you are worried about someone.
We were seeing lots of good sci teachers just wanting to leave. One just left the profession completely taking 15 years of professional knowledge. What could we do to keep such a sciteacher? #asechat#SciTeacherSOS
I think we arae all UK but you are still very welcome! Great to hear what it is like elsewhere? Are science teachers staying in teaching over in the US? #ASEchat
I really like the bit that says “how are you?’ so easy to say “Im fine’ when asked, but private reflection might point you to working out whats wrong #asechat
Good Q. Changes to technician support. Different classroom management demands due to varied practical work. Requisition deadlines, which double as planning deadlines. Changes of spec! #asechat
It may help to consider teachers at different stages of their career? In terms of staying in teaching as a recently qualified teachers... what challenges are there compared to other subjects? #asechat
Even if you’re are just finding things tough, there is a good exercise on evaluating your work-life balance (Exercise A) and making changes (Exercise B). https://t.co/sq7jlUfSqR#ASEchat#SciTeacherSOS
Good Q. Changes to technician support. Different classroom management demands due to varied practical work. Requisition deadlines, which double as planning deadlines. Changes of spec! #asechat
#asechat Document looks v clear & helpful. But, I think the model of sci teaching is no longer realistic. The expectation that teachers can teach 3 diff subjects for 4 to 5 hrs - day in day out & include practical is flawed. Plus everything else? Much too hard.
Good Q. Changes to technician support. Different classroom management demands due to varied practical work. Requisition deadlines, which double as planning deadlines. Changes of spec! #asechat
#asechat Document looks v clear & helpful. But, I think the model of sci teaching is no longer realistic. The expectation that teachers can teach 3 diff subjects for 4 to 5 hrs - day in day out & include practical is flawed. Plus everything else? Much too hard.
#asechat Document looks v clear & helpful. But, I think the model of sci teaching is no longer realistic. The expectation that teachers can teach 3 diff subjects for 4 to 5 hrs - day in day out & include practical is flawed. Plus everything else? Much too hard.
So do you think major curriculum changes such as those associated with practical science at A level / GCSE that science experiences are of little consequence in reality? #ASEchat
In reply to
@RequireImprove, @hecharden, @theASE, @Grevster73
Well, I care even more passionately about technician retention currently! But I couldn't do what I do without techs, tho I have heard of schools attempting to. #ASEconf
Even if you’re are just finding things tough, there is a good exercise on evaluating your work-life balance (Exercise A) and making changes (Exercise B). https://t.co/sq7jlUfSqR#ASEchat#SciTeacherSOS
My experience in teaching has been enhanced by being an active part of a subject Association (ASE). Seeing the bigger picture, meeting so many people from different backgrounds and areas of education #asechat
Joining a subject Association is a great way to reduce isolation. Good to get a perspective beyong your own school. @theASE runs regional conferences and teachmeets. #asechat
My experience in teaching has been enhanced by being an active part of a subject Association (ASE). Seeing the bigger picture, meeting so many people from different backgrounds and areas of education #asechat
#asechat@hecharden But often these NQTs are struggling - then leave - so school is understaffed, puts pressure on other staff & becomes a viscious circle as no-one has time to support anyone anymore.
Joining a subject Association is a great way to reduce isolation. Good to get a perspective beyong your own school. @theASE runs regional conferences and teachmeets. #asechat
My experience in teaching has been enhanced by being an active part of a subject Association (ASE). Seeing the bigger picture, meeting so many people from different backgrounds and areas of education #asechat
I attended a teacher recruitment event in London on Sat. with a young, interested friend. Many engineers & scientists are opting for maths teaching! The word is out; it's much easier.
@TeaLadyJune science is now labelled 'biology, chemistry physics' in the primary curriculum. Will this cause as much stress for teachers of younger pupils? #asechat
Given the challenges facing science teachers, how could heads of science support their departments? How could #SciteacherSOS help? Any good suggestions? #ASEchat
The huge swings (pre 2006 - core + additional era - now) haven't helped, but I'm not sure they are a key factor. Lots of teachers in all subjects pretty fed up- it's just that some academic backgrounds make a step out easier. #ASEChat
In reply to
@ViciaScience, @hecharden, @theASE, @Grevster73
Big issue, Helen. We know technician hours are overall declining (not for all schls), and generational loss of knowledge and expertise. Technicians needed to support all work; esp. those teaching out of specialism and new teachers
have been teaching maths the past 2 terms #asechat just physics without experiments and 'practical maths' involves measuring things. easier, but not so exciting for me
Get to know your staff. Know when things are going well, and when they aren't. Learn when to listen, when to step back and when to step in. Tell staff what you are doing and why. #ASEchat
Well, I care even more passionately about technician retention currently! But I couldn't do what I do without techs, tho I have heard of schools attempting to. #ASEconf
#asechat@Grevster73 Focus on impact in the classroom - those things that have an impact! Reduce admin where possible - weekly newsletter instead of daily emails; but also look after yourself.
Given the challenges facing science teachers, how could heads of science support their departments? How could #SciteacherSOS help? Any good suggestions? #ASEchat
Agree - model yourself. Don't compete to be first in and last out, show how to be efficient. Only ask colleagues to do things that have an impact on students; do the rest yourself or not at all
We have science technicians to help prepare lesson equipment for practical work (and all the other wonderful stuff they do - ours are brilliant). #asechat
'‘working scientifically’ might be embedded within the content of biology, chemistry and physics,' - but you are right in general - no one reads the intro to the National Curriculum #ASEchat
#asechat@Grevster73 take advantage of network meetings to get together with other HOS; share ideas as much as possible; I had a buddy (head of another dept) we met for lunch once a fortnight - good to have a sounding board
Pull-out copies of the #SciTeacherSOS postcards are available in the next edition of ASE’s *Education in Science*. Put them in your prep room, staff room or pigeon holes of staff. #ASEchat
have been teaching maths the past 2 terms #asechat just physics without experiments and 'practical maths' involves measuring things. easier, but not so exciting for me
#asechat I found solace some yrs ago in doing part time further qual (MA) involving sci ed research - anyone else think this might be an avenue worth exploring?
Have seen evidence presented showing teachers can be more open with external mentors. Not feeling like opening up vulnerabilities to own HoS and colleagues #asechat
Mix with departmental colleagues, colleagues in same position from other departments and look to network. Get to ASE events, SLP regional has of science meetings etc. Talk and don't bottle things up #ASEchat
in SEND, so classroom management the same in terms of behaviour. of course, it's much easier to manage a class when they are sitting, not moving to fetch equipment, etc #asechat
Mix with departmental colleagues, colleagues in same position from other departments and look to network. Get to ASE events, SLP regional has of science meetings etc. Talk and don't bottle things up #ASEchat
In the states there are no lab technicians- teachers have to get practicals prepared themselves. So many do not and many science lessons are death/by-worksheet.
in terms of planning, I've got four groups, each on a different level (entry 1, 2, 3 and level 1) #asechat so similar content at different challenge level required
Not really, such trust did exist when I first became a teacher. We have to look after the most valuable asset of every school, teachers. Have hope, there are some pockets of supportive schools still going strong. Teacher retention is usually not a problem in such schools.
in SEND, so classroom management the same in terms of behaviour. of course, it's much easier to manage a class when they are sitting, not moving to fetch equipment, etc #asechat
Think it’s a combination of jumping in at the deep end, but with the right support, i.e. helpful colleagues and supportive department. What doesn’t help though is ‘here a chem class (to a physics grad) get them all grade 5 or higher’
Any examples of adaptations to whole school policies to support science departments (or whole school policies that make it difficult in science?) #ASEchat
How much contact time do you have in a week? Do you have time set aside to do this sort of preparation? We know they do in some other countries #asechat
In reply to
@OCoumes_, @A_Weatherall, @hecharden, @acherr12
#asechat That is fascinating. Here in the U.S. some teachers are getting away from textbooks, but they are an integral part of many classes. What is the substitution for textbooks in the U.K.?
In reply to
@RequireImprove, @oboelizzy, @Cam_Assessment
Just bought the new Abraham’s and Reid’s book at #aseconf. Excellent, better to do fewer well thought through practicals than lots of unfocused. #asechathttps://t.co/3Dgc1x4uRT
The #SciTEacherSOS guide's first section is 'How are you?' To what extent do schools discuss mental health of teachers. Have you experienced any positive initiatives? Do you feel mental health is an issue for teachers in schools? #asechat
I wonder as well about the contribution of teacher's physical health to their wellbeing. There was always a culture of 'battling on' through illness (and snow!) #ASEchat
#ASEChat In well-run places, it's using powerpoints and worksheets that have been collectively sourced and collated. Otherwise, teachers end up producing the lot- customised to the group in front of you. Lovely idea in theory, but leads to workload crisis.
In reply to
@acherr12, @oboelizzy, @Cam_Assessment
I wonder as well about the contribution of teacher's physical health to their wellbeing. There was always a culture of 'battling on' through illness (and snow!) #ASEchat
As a science teacher I used to get hardly any lunch break as I used to be setting up for afternoon practical lessons. Was that just me or is that an issue for others? #Asechat
I wonder as well about the contribution of teacher's physical health to their wellbeing. There was always a culture of 'battling on' through illness (and snow!) #ASEchat
#asechat my LA recently put together document 'Don't Lose Your Head!' Similar sentiments to SOS to encourage school and Governors to consider Head's position
We had our local educational psychology service run a day on building emotional resilience. Not quite the same but some overlaps and very useful. Compulsory for all staff #ASEchat
There was a lot of talk about mental health @educationgovuk QTS and career consultation, but more for children. teachers just as important #asechat@lisafathersAFL
The #SciTEacherSOS guide's first section is 'How are you?' To what extent do schools discuss mental health of teachers. Have you experienced any positive initiatives? Do you feel mental health is an issue for teachers in schools? #asechat
Plus, this might a bit out there, but what if marking was banned in favour of planning, unless its purpose was to inform planning... I think that would be a step change towards a more rewarding day, week, month, career! #asechat
#asechat truth is we need to have each others' backs, support our colleagues in good times and bad, get to know them and the train circumstances, tell them when they have done a great job and support when things are getting too much
#asechat truth is we need to have each others' backs, support our colleagues in good times and bad, get to know them and the train circumstances, tell them when they have done a great job and support when things are getting too much
As a science teacher I used to get hardly any lunch break as I used to be setting up for afternoon practical lessons. Was that just me or is that an issue for others? #Asechat
I wonder as well about the contribution of teacher's physical health to their wellbeing. There was always a culture of 'battling on' through illness (and snow!) #ASEchat
There have been amazing suggestions and thoughts being shared this evening. We need to think about next stages for the #SciTeacherSOS campaign. Any suggestions on how the document could be used and the message spread ?#ASEchat
And some research - Teachers as health promoters: factors that influence early career teachers to engage with health and wellbeing education - https://t.co/qFCkO46jlM#asechat
I've just had a conversation on similar lines with someone struggling... I could cry for the way some colleagues treat others in their schools, playground games and bullying aren't acceptable for kids nevermind the adults who watch over them #ASEchat
Pull-out copies of the #SciTeacherSOS postcards are available in the next edition of ASE’s *Education in Science*. Put them in your prep room, staff room or pigeon holes of staff. #ASEchat
Swap the word children for results and you would be closer in many cases. Not good for teacher OR student well-being #ASEchat Maybe the ASE needs a benchmark for good science departments 😀😀
Plus we need to build stronger relationships with school leaders and managers. In some schools science teachers are regarded as 'difficult' for some reason #ASEchat
If anyone is in this sort of situation the aim of #SciTeacherSOS is to let them know that they ARE valued and that this is not what being a science teacher has to be like. #asechat
I've just had a conversation on similar lines with someone struggling... I could cry for the way some colleagues treat others in their schools, playground games and bullying aren't acceptable for kids nevermind the adults who watch over them #ASEchat
I had 2 textbooks each on the go today when someone walked in. I realised it looked awful to them, but stdts were improving ray diagrams from pracs last lesson and good diagrams were essential. #asechat
In reply to
@Grevster73, @RequireImprove, @acherr12, @oboelizzy, @Cam_Assessment
Why on earth should it look awful? IMO it is essential that all youngsters learn to extract, manipulate, think about, understand, ask questions of text!! #asechat
In reply to
@ruthyie, @Grevster73, @RequireImprove, @acherr12, @Cam_Assessment
Playground games and bullying comes from insecurities. That often comes down to leadership that don't have a good perception of staff. People throw each other in the firing line to escape. #asechat
By the way, if anyone on #ASEchat tonight is on a region committee, we have produced #SciTeacherSOS postcards. Please get in touch with @theASE HQ if you would like some to distribute.
Look out for these @theASE members, share the love with everyone. #asechat Let’s make a difference. Teaching can be the best job in the world (but not always!)
Pull-out copies of the #SciTeacherSOS postcards are available in the next edition of ASE’s *Education in Science*. Put them in your prep room, staff room or pigeon holes of staff. #ASEchat
I think some more CBT like activities such as looking at things you can change Vs things you can't would be helpful as an addition to exercise A #asechat
Good point. Why don't we end with some really positive and wonderful things about teaching science that teachers could remember if the going gets tough? #asechat
Look out for these @theASE members, share the love with everyone. #asechat Let’s make a difference. Teaching can be the best job in the world (but not always!)
Pull-out copies of the #SciTeacherSOS postcards are available in the next edition of ASE’s *Education in Science*. Put them in your prep room, staff room or pigeon holes of staff. #ASEchat
I think some more CBT like activities such as looking at things you can change Vs things you can't would be helpful as an addition to exercise A #asechat
It *is* crazy, but it's definitely a mindset. A bit less common than it was five years ago, but still there. Linked to the every lesson with every class needs 3-fold differentiation by task fad. #ASEChat
In reply to
@oboelizzy, @ruthyie, @Grevster73, @acherr12, @Cam_Assessment
By the way, if anyone on #ASEchat tonight is on a region committee, we have produced #SciTeacherSOS postcards. Please get in touch with @theASE HQ if you would like some to distribute.
