#ALedchat Archive
#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Monday September 26, 2016
Welcome to , the fastest hour of the week! Pls introduce yourself, what you do, & where you’re tweeting from.
Christy Bice, Principal at Haleyville Elementary and co-moderator for . Looking forward to learning with you all tonight.
Holly Sutherland, Principal at Haleyville HS, Alabama. Co-founder of this chat and . Welcome all to our chat.
Hi, I'm Anna--elem educator at heart! Joining from central AL!
Who's multi-tasking with the and ???
If you are new to , please introduce yourself & where you're from. We love to welcome you :)
Hello ! Jon here, elementary principal from Michigan. Joining my friends & for tonight's chat!
This is my avoidance behavior! LOL
Glad you are here Jonathon!
Dr. Matt Kiser, Principal in Homewood City Schools, tweeting from home, co-moderator for https://t.co/82Zm5y3uwI
Welcome to , the fastest hour of the week! Pls introduce yourself, what you do, & where you’re tweeting from.
will be in a Q1, Q2 with responses A1, A2, etc.
Welcome, Jonathon. Glad to have you with us.
Elyse Aldridge; 9th World History; Haleyville High School
Glad you are here Coach! Welcome!
Hello ! Jodie joining from central Ohio! Excited to join two of my blogging inspirations tonight!
Looking forward to the chat! :)
Michael, HS Principal, tweeting from Hoover
Be sure to use the hashtag so that others can follow along. We are looking forward to learning from you tonight!
thanks for the recent follow, Anna! Look forward to growing with you!
Good evening! Pulling away from to chat about blogging. Happy to be here!
Hey friend! So glad you are here!
Welcome, Jodie! Great to have you!
Jennifer Hogan, Hoover HS AP, co-founder of this chat & . Excited to be moderating with tonight!
I heard was making an appearance in tonight! Couldn't resist dropping in! (Bethany, elem lead learner from Arkansas)
Glad you are here Bethany!
Always great to have you with us!
Melissa Shields from Gadsden, Alabama! Work at SDE as Regional Support Coordinator - Office of Student Learning
Glad you are here Melissa!
Awesome, Allyson! Glad you're here tonight!!
Happy to have you with us tonight!
Hey, guys!! Great to see yall tonight!
***Q1 is coming up in one minute!
excited for the southern hospitality tonight!
LOL! Razorbacks are sore subject still...give a couple more days to mourn their loss!
Greetings! I am driving, so I may not be much support https://t.co/glhBulSaeH
Hey, guys!! Great to see yall tonight!
Hey, Michael! Glad you're here. Hope your teachers join us tonight, too!
oh... this next section of the debate should be intriguing.
Hey, Jodie! I've got my coffee in my favorite cup, ready for the chat. Cheers!
Donmonique Morgan, Tuscaloosa, AL Paul W. Bryant High School, Curriculum Specialist
Hey, Monica! Glad you're joining us tonight!
A1) has been inspirational! Love for all things as well.
A1: Take 2. Love the work of the . Many to mention. Have to start with and
Great to have you with us tonight, Donmonique!
A1: Great blogger & the person who started me blogging.The one & only ! Also many great bloggers in
A1: I love 's blog and site--very helpful with Google Classroom.
A1: I love reading anything by & . Also enjoy .
thanks for the suggestion. Will add him to my list to read!
A1: bloggers I like: the team,
both inspire me as well. Great motivation and reflection from each. Good call!
I'm from Florence...teaching and physics...still loving what I do 20 years later. 😊
Love reading 's post. Yours, too, Jonathan! https://t.co/M1I1GqOPia
A1: Great blogger & the person who started me blogging.The one & only ! Also many great bloggers in
welcome aboard, Donmonique!
Awesome! Glad you're here tonight! https://t.co/bg1TtYKuUu
I'm from Florence...teaching and physics...still loving what I do 20 years later. 😊
Mary Scott here from Huntsville! multitasking with .
Thank you!! I've grown from reading yours as well!!
Great to have you with us!
Glad you joined us again tonight!
all are awesome and 3 of those four I read almost daily!
A1: Tough one...I like and several teacher blogs, such as !
good call! Love what and are doing for the world of edu!
A1b: My friend has been a UUUUGGGEEE inspiration as I started blogging this year
Carol Fretwell, 5th grade science, Russellville Elementary, North Alabama
Welcome, Carol. Jump right in.
Glad you joined Carol! Welcome!
There have been some very interesting/informative posts by ! Will have to check out .
A1: Not much time to spend rdg, but I try to catch blog and from time to time
You've inspired me right back!! :)
Love this question!! I'm following all your suggestions!!!
***Q2 is coming up in one minute! ***
Chuck Marcum, Supt. Roanoke City Schools
Love Simon Sinek! I recently saw TedTalk...
Glad you are here Chuck! Jump right in!
A1: https://t.co/N7h6rWit0f about lesson planning in order to satisfy student needs as well as administrator requests
I've been following . Learning so much & so proud of educators who are doing amazing work!
welcome Carol to ! gave me the wheels to the ride tonight!
Welcome Glad you are here....hop right in and opine https://t.co/sLx49O6yiC
Chuck Marcum, Supt. Roanoke City Schools
Welcome, Mary Scott! I'm multitasking, too!
A1: I started a blog, but writing does not come easy for me. I need a lot of time to think and write- which I cannot seem 2 find.
A2: Time is my biggest challenge (with everything.) Help! Give me your strategies!
great call! Jon has really taught me a ton too. His journey is awesome!
A2) My biggest obstacle has been questioning whether I have anything new or worth saying. Seems like everything's being said!
Yes! I'm reading,Digital Leadership and collaborating in book study!
A2: Time management. I use my email calendar to ensure that I am holding myself accountable
A2: Problem: Staring at a blank screen. Solution: Keep a journal of ideas & topics for potential blog posts and refer to it.
Yep! This is me, too! https://t.co/fJNFekxh1v
A2) My biggest obstacle has been questioning whether I have anything new or worth saying. Seems like everything's being said!
Thanks, Anna! I'm loving what has been sharing! https://t.co/AiBFwWLuUe
A1: Not much time to spend rdg, but I try to catch blog and from time to time
A1: Stacy from Decatur jumping in... Adore I learn something new every time I read him!
My thoughts exactly! https://t.co/ZpyW1ZKGjx
A2) My biggest obstacle has been questioning whether I have anything new or worth saying. Seems like everything's being said!
A2: obstacles include relevant topics and getting to wordy (I have the problem).Ways to overcome is to just keep an idea notebook
A2: Biggest struggle for me is a different/unique idea.
I've grown from the great company I keep...all of you in the !
A2: I am very inconsistent with blogging on my own site. is a great outlet for small pieces so I use it some!
I have the same issue. I start and then think- I am sure there are a hundred blogs on this :)
Exactly ! https://t.co/3Fv6GKzy65
A2) My biggest obstacle has been questioning whether I have anything new or worth saying. Seems like everything's being said!
I don't have to worry about being too wordy. Mine would be bulleted. ;)
A2: When time is the obstacle, try using a routine and write at a certain time each day.
I started doing that!!! Got a google doc of ideas!
I recently started as well and I try to write and connect with the message to staff on weekly publication
A1: Getting teachers not to view you as an "accountability checker" but a support system to ensure student leaning.
uh, I have read your stuff. Move on from that one.
Great advice!! Routines = Consistency https://t.co/LHDeJzwlUi
A2: When time is the obstacle, try using a routine and write at a certain time each day.
A2: I used to keep a journal on my desk for relfection in the afternoons. Blogging can also serve that purpose & help other T's.
Agreed; the quality and quantity of work out there can be kind of intimidating https://t.co/YTNuND1o3K
A2: A hurdle I work to overcome is that I sometimes doubt my ideas, especially after reading really smart people's… https://t.co/eiHz3bGtDg
A2: big obstacle for me is feeling like people have already discovered/already know what I decide to share
Common obstacles to blogging...None that make sense. Small investment in self reflection that pays back. https://t.co/9Y1GbVAIcs
YES!!! Inspired by so many, then I just don't feel like I'm in the same ball game. Self doubt... 🤔
Q2: Fear is a big obstacle... "An ounce of action can crush a ton of fear." -
Well, that should be A2. Sorry... the debate had my ear https://t.co/2nPPxhiX63
Q2: Fear is a big obstacle... "An ounce of action can crush a ton of fear." -
That is a great point; be a resource not a hurdle https://t.co/RixI94AHMn
A1: Getting teachers not to view you as an "accountability checker" but a support system to ensure student leaning.
You have (and continue to make) great contributions!! Love your posts.
A2: If I am absent from my blog for a while, it's okay..I'll come back!
That is a great idea; we all have great ideas that flee as the minutia of the day sets in https://t.co/dvaiBh196l
A2: I used to keep a journal on my desk for relfection in the afternoons. Blogging can also serve that purpose & help other T's.
A2: Fear...sometimes a piece may rock the boat a bit, doesn't mean it shouldn't be written. This is TOUGH.
Too kind. Thank you. ☺️ https://t.co/7Cv9HXbRgI
You have (and continue to make) great contributions!! Love your posts.
Absolutely! We all have a voice that needs to be heard! https://t.co/GblrsbddlG
You have (and continue to make) great contributions!! Love your posts.
The thing about this... Topic may not be new, but your words or your perspective about it may be
***Q3 is coming up in one minute!
sometimes it is hard to carry out "real talk" while understanding that we must temper our words https://t.co/lHewgkUq9L
A2: Fear...sometimes a piece may rock the boat a bit, doesn't mean it shouldn't be written. This is TOUGH.
A1 Dr. Justin Tarte and Keeler most recently
Me too! Just pushed one out recently that was very difficult to place into words because it brought up past hurt.
A2: Sometimes I can put some "controversial" things out there on blogs, always wonder how that can be received
Any tips for a current TCS?
Especially with your new position and experiences, you have A LOT to share! :-)
A3: Reflection is key to lrng. "How do I know what I believe, until I write about it?!"
Q2 - I blog about diff. things, one is subbing. I must be careful not to reveal students' personal info. https://t.co/GOc6t8hSHs
A3: We changed our lesson plans to a reflection type plans on our lessons. We could blog these and share. Create conversation.
A3: I always share my goals for the year and reflect back on them/report my progress 2-3 times per year
A3: by blogging about our failures we could show our effort of growth & reflection. This also shows transparency, which is vital!
A3: Reflection is essential! Written reflection always gives me more accountability.
A3: The main purpose of my blog is reflection & to share my beliefs about education. Some reflections are painful but honest.
A3: Blogging is truly for reflection of self, and betterment of self. If it helps others in the process... BONUS! (and it will)
I agree. Thinking about something and actually putting "pen to paper" makes a difference. https://t.co/eJJ8nJNJ99
A3: Reflection is key to lrng. "How do I know what I believe, until I write about it?!"
BAM!! Well said:) https://t.co/ocUu0wf4Jf
A3: Blogging is truly for reflection of self, and betterment of self. If it helps others in the process... BONUS! (and it will)
A3: Reflection def is key! My most recent post was a reflection/extension of a session at a recent EdCamp. It's how we grow!
A3) I journaled every year I taught-I learned a lot over 9 yrs. Reflection helped me get better each day/year.
A3: blogging can be important to remember what your ideas were after certain learning experiences to look back on later
A3:Reflection helps us reveal our own vulnerabilities, our challenges, & our strengths. When via a blog, it can empower other T's.
Popping in late. I'm actually awake tonight. Hi, friends! Faith from Huntsville!
Welcome back, Faith! Jump right in!
A3: Blogging holds me accountable to practice what a preach. Love when people quote my words back to me.
Thank you, but I sometimes feel like I have lost my super powers 😂. https://t.co/PTCw37geyq
you are superwoman...you are constantly on the move & still get everything done!
This is a great idea! (Would be scary for some to post publicly, though.)
Yes! Love your reflections. They always help me grow!
I agree. Baby steps. Maybe if I were a better model it would help :)
Yes! If I say it...I have to follow through!
Blogging is truly allowing yourself to be vulnerable to others. Definitely risk taking. Will others like it? Will they disagree?
A2: Time is the biggest issue. I can say that I'm more motivated to update my blog from my phone than the computer. It's easier.
Get on the wagon! We'll help you!
Welcome WE are so glad you are here https://t.co/1brx7x5Gcv
Popping in late. I'm actually awake tonight. Hi, friends! Faith from Huntsville!
***Q4 is coming up in one minute! ***
Thanks for the advice. https://t.co/l7N7b3SLFa
A3: We changed our lesson plans to a reflection type plans on our lessons. We could blog these and share. Create conversation.
Sometimes I feel like I write the blog in my head, so when I sit down it's just a matter of physically typing it.
It can be very scary. I can't imagine that there's anyone who doesn't feel that. https://t.co/BNBBrVmnyw
Blogging is truly allowing yourself to be vulnerable to others. Definitely risk taking. Will others like it? Will they disagree?
Yes! In the end, it just ends up being a bunch of things I've already tweeted--just longer versions.
A4: I've learned so much--and stolen so many ideas--from blogs that I've read.
A3:Drafting our thoughts into words helps us develop understand,and cement our own philosophies.We sometimes learn from ourselves
A4: Blogging causes me to clarify my why...to explain what I do and why to myself & then others. There is a method to my madness
Boom! https://t.co/zAj1qhrswz
Yes! In the end, it just ends up being a bunch of things I've already tweeted--just longer versions.
A4: Reading other bloggers work inspires me to write myself. Therefore, I am better at what I do by what I learn through reading.
A4) I love reading others' work. I'd hope feedback from readers would keep me blogging...just have to make the blog happen first.
A4: It is very scary, especially when you post the links to it on social media for the world to see, and advertise to parents.
A4: Blogging done well can encourage the heart. When someone says a post inspires them, it encourages me as well! Win-Win
A4: I hope I will be able to inspire pre service teachers as others have inspired me so far! Fresh perspectives are the best
...failure leads to success. We tell our students if you are not making mistakes there is not a lot of learning
Yes, major thief here too!
A4: Reading other blogs always inspires me to perform better.
A4: It is a bit scary when you write/respond to politically charged edu issues. However, as T's, we must have our voices heard.
I would be remiss not to mention and the blog she curates; keeps us employees thinking about wellness
A4: Blogging has allowed me to connect with others that share the same vision & passions. It's sharing & growing with others.
A4: Reading other blogs inspires me to DO. The great ones inspire me to BE.
I'm very cautious b/c what I write has a reflection on my school whether I like it or not!
Signing off, thanks for the inspiration on one of my favorite topics! and , I am so thankful to 'know' you
A3 I feel reflection also happens when others give you feedback or share comments...as a blogger you get new insight!
Great way to model digital citizenship. My kiddos are too young to read my blog, but their parents read it to them.
A4: It is a win-win ultimately. There may be judgement or some negative comments, but the positive ALWAYS outweighs!
Thanks for joining us tonight, Allyson!
When people write about their passions & with their heart it pulls me in! It's a deeper connection!
A4: blogs allow people to see inside your brain & heart. Also allows people to disagree, which can be difficult.
A4 If blogging my reflections help me 2 grow as a professional and possibly be an inspiration to others then that would be great
Q4 - Blogging inspires me to keep on going. I have a very small readership, but occasionally I connect - and it's worth it.
Like using social media; the idea of blogging as a portal to our school/classrooms is very appealing https://t.co/ZDJ9JOMjVg
Great way to model digital citizenship. My kiddos are too young to read my blog, but their parents read it to them.
I will check out her blog! Thanks!
***Q5 is coming up in one minute!
Writing that inspires is such a gift. I scheduled writing time this year & felt I was more creative & centered for it.
I like that... game riser!
A5) Always learning (& blogging) keeps us relevant & empathetic. We don't forget what it's like to be vulnerable.
A5: I used to think of myself as an ED leader or a principal..I have learned to view myself simply as "A Learner".
A5: Writing for an authentic audience, but we're writing on topics we're passionate about and we have a choice
This is such a powerful statement and realization! https://t.co/ADq66IBcsc
A5: I used to think of myself as an ED leader or a principal..I have learned to view myself simply as "A Learner".
A5: It goes back to being vulnerable - will someone like it? Will I get good feedback?
A5: Remembering what it's like to learn and face fears about writing is huge for me as an English teacher. https://t.co/UZMQCbA3gC
A5: I lrn about myself & what I believe. I lrn about others & what they believe. I become a st of life & tchng.
A5: I pride myslef on being the student. So much to learn and so much yet to accomplish!
It's scary to put yourself out there...but out there is where we grow:)
Q5: Yes, we do! As an ELA T, it reminded me of the challenges& joys of the writing process-helped me better walk S's through it.
A5: by reading blogs we can pull from them what we need; allows us to learn from others and model for our students how to learn.
A5 For me it means taking charge of my learning.
A5: Ts are always Ss whether realize it or not, but blogging=writing which=exploration, self-reflection & discovery, ie learning.
Love this! Profile of good leader! https://t.co/u1LNDYRa8n
A5: I pride myslef on being the student. So much to learn and so much yet to accomplish!
Q5 - When I blog, my "grade" comes in the form of comments. Also, from my husband who always catches the mistakes I miss!! lol
A5: I am a student in that I am open to all perspectives and want to gather as many resources from blogs as I can
Ditto! https://t.co/o3eB47fxos
A5: I pride myslef on being the student. So much to learn and so much yet to accomplish!
A5: I often shared my poetry blog drafts with my students. They LOVED helping me refine my writing. We were felllow writers!
Yes! It must be miserable to think you have to have all the answers & never allow yourself to learn from your students.
A5:we can "know" all the facts n the world, but can always learn from experiences & improve skills. Student4life
This is awesome! Students learn when they get to be the "teacher."
Honestly, I think student and teacher are 2 sides of the same equation and that to be one you must embrace and explore the other
Me too! I think that is the biggest writers block of the entire process.
Great point! Sometimes we learn from experience what we can't learn any other way. Welcome, Tyler! https://t.co/mM5x4qaUIK
A5:we can "know" all the facts n the world, but can always learn from experiences & improve skills. Student4life
I think when we quit "learning" we're kinda giving up on ourselves.
***Q6 is coming up in one minute! ***
thanks for dropping in, Jena! Love your perspective and your insights.
A5: Blogging immerses us deeper into our learning. It feeds a cycle of reading more and learning more in order to write more
Truth. During older Ss took mentored younger but younger felt free 2 teach the older Ss too
I LOVE this viewpoint! We owe it to ourselves to be learners! https://t.co/8Rn00XYHt7
I think when we quit "learning" we're kinda giving up on ourselves.
The more I read and reflect, the time excuse is becoming more of a moot point for me; our students are busy too, aren't they?
I saw Q5 pop into my feed and couldn't resist. I do love chatting with y'all. It's writing after all ;-)
A6: My go to would have to be using technology to tell your school's story or building relationships in schools.
Want to write a guest post for my blog?
A6: I recently blogged about redefining the role of the principal and bashing stereotypes. Tough topic but close to my heart.
Ask kids how much fun it would be if they already knew everything. They look disgusted and horrifed - LOL
A6) My journey or what I've learned throughout nine years of teaching.
A6: I read https://t.co/qA7Y1e2gT6 today about dangers of Groupthink. Need to reflect on this concept a bit more...
A6: I've learned of so many great ideas from other's blogs, but the main thing I gain is inspiration & a desire to improve myself
A6: Very passionate about sped students & meeting their needs. Also addressing mental health in schools. Hmmmm.... 🤔
Mic Drop! https://t.co/BoX8KLIaOT
The more I read and reflect, the time excuse is becoming more of a moot point for me; our students are busy too, aren't they?
A6: I love reading different blogs about flexible seating and alternate learning environments. has great insight!
I love your courage Bethany and how you always tackle touch subjects with compassion. Link?
FA: Love reading blogs from other elem principals. Sometimes I feel I lose my creativity in the storm of mundane tasks.
Waited until the last little bit to bring the heat https://t.co/BxD4hDAWs1
Mic Drop! https://t.co/BoX8KLIaOT
The more I read and reflect, the time excuse is becoming more of a moot point for me; our students are busy too, aren't they?
A6: I've got a passion for effective vocabulary instruction. Can read anything on it!
A6: I enjoyed writing this piece earlier tonight: Rethinking Professional Development - Friday Focus... https://t.co/Kifq6p0EDg
I'm new to blogging and I stress out, but once you get an idea ... type with no worries to length
A6: And a great post at that! https://t.co/OG6cmNbwnE
A6: I recently blogged about redefining the role of the principal and bashing stereotypes. Tough topic but close to my heart.
Ahhh! Thanks so much! Here's a link to all my flexible seating resources! https://t.co/2tOUzfRTKI https://t.co/EJwHFnqCDC
A6: I love reading different blogs about flexible seating and alternate learning environments. has great insight!
Asked by 2 blog about perfectionism. Already thought a lot but blogging took 2 a new level: https://t.co/AzFsRNcu9u
Asked by 2 blog about perfectionism. Already thought a lot but blogging took 2 a new level: https://t.co/Bf9A1ut5kZ
That was an awesome post!!!
A6 cont: Perfectionism is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the need for SEL. Now I want to continue to explore the topic!
thank you! Tough to write but I needed to share it!
Thank you to my awesome blogging tribe co-founder for helping moderate tonight's !!
Great chat tonight & great topic! Excellent job & . I enjoyed meeting some new friends in
Thanks for the honor of co-moderating ! I am better for it. Either keep or start blogging! You are better for it!
Thank you both for moderating tonight! It was awesome!
Sounds great! Thank you. https://t.co/dtw5TuYcvo
Whenever is good for you. Can do a behind-the-scenes post from your trip, or a "what I learned" or...
Q6-as a former teacher, substitute, and sometimes"fly-on-the-wall" I could probably blog about what NOT to do from my observations
I've committed to posting a "Week in Review" post on our school blog this year & share iwth parents.
