Yay! It's #EDpiper time! I'm Cindy from Corsicana. A few things that make me smile: My family, my dog Skippy, my cow Buttercup, babies, birds, & old people. I'm ready to roll!
Intro: I’m Monica Flemister teaching 1st grade in Hewitt, TX! My dog Brodie, chocolate, and watching my students laugh are all things that make me smile! #edpiper
Barbara Page, teacher in Waco, TX! Others smiles make me smile, children & their wacky personalities, COWBOYS winning & checking things off my to-do list! & MONDAY NIGHT TWITTER CHATS! I hope everyone had a great Monday! #TXed#educhat#edleadership#edpiper
I’m @DrJohnsonEDU Texas Principal and co-moderator of #EDpiper. What makes me smile? 1) my husband 2) all our girls 3) my school 4) and the puppy I am getting (one day).
A1. Counting my blessings is always a great way to stay motivated. I like to think of all the things that COULD have gone wrong but DIDN'T. #EDpiper#CountYourBlessings
A1: I am motivated to be the person that makes a difference for one...whether that be a student or a teacher, teaching and learning is my passion! #EDpiper
A1: My motivation will always be student success. When I know that my contribution to colleagues & Ss has a direct impact on learning & love for learning, that's the best motivator there is! #TXed#educhat#edleadership#edpiper
A1: Knowing that what I do makes a difference in their learning. That I have the opportunity to make society a better place by educating our future. #edpiper
A1. What keeps me motivated and going to be the best is knowing that I make a difference and that my actions and presence matters, no matter how small. Knowing people depend on me and are there for me also motivates me and vice versa! #edpiper
Having a supportive team & husband makes all the difference! Also, one of the best parts of teaching K is their excitement to learn. It is SO contagious! #edpiper
A1: When I am getting worn out at college, I remind myself that I will soon expect my future students to try their best. I want to set a good example for them. If I don't do my best at learning how to be a teacher, I can't expect my students to do their best. #EDpiper
One way I stay fresh at work is to separate work & home as much as possible. At home, I slow down to stop & smell the roses. Literally. #EDpiper#smelltheroses
A1: my motivation is the support from my team and watching my students succeed. Even on hard days they are the ones who keep me going! This is when some things finally click for my students and that encourages me to keep pushing them. #EDpiper
It was great. I love the topics we are currently covering in personal finance and AP Econ. On top of that I had a conversation with my Superintendent after school. #edpiper
Merissa from TX jumping in!
I stay motivated by keeping in touch with my #PLN here on twitter through chats and collaborations. I love all the amazing ideas and creative ways to engage students I find here!
#EDpiper
A1: Helping ensure teachers and students have access to the digital resources and technologies they need so they can focus on teaching and learning is what keeps me motivated! #edpiper
A1: Finding one or two things every single day to be thankful for and knowing that what I am doing, no matter how small it feels at times, is making a difference in the lives of children. #EdPiper
I think the best motivation for me is having a staff that moves forward together, works strategically together, and gives support and encouragement to one another on a daily basis. Educating is hard work. It takes all of us to make great things happen for our students. #EDpiper
A2: Positive leadership can affect great change and motivation even during the October slump...so very impressed with @ChristineBedre & @principalsteph1 and their Morale Magic that does just this! #EDpiper
Leadership makes a big difference. When leadership is motivated and constantly looking for ways to improve it spreads throughout the building. #edpiper
After my day today, I wanted to go to bed but @DrJohnsonEDU reminded me that I have T-HESS (Texas Husband Evaluation and Support System) evaluations soon. So, here I am. :-) #EDpiper
In reply to
@MrsPottingerCCE, @CastlemanCreek, @DrJohnsonEDU
Having an energetic, inspirational school leadership team that values investing in the staff makes me feel supported & encourages me to seek out advice, troubleshoot, and keep improving even on the tough days! #EDpiper
Good leadership inspires others to take risks and motivates them to step up their game! If my boss is my number one fan I am all about improving myself professionally and setting high goals.
#EDpiper
A2: School leadership affects motivation by setting expectations and morale. We naturally want to work hard and escape slumps when there are goals to achieve. A positive and passionate morale helps maintain high spirits and excitement for learning and teaching! #EDpiper
Cliche-but my kiddos! When they get passionate/excited about something, I become doubly excited.. for real, sometimes they tell me to use an inside voice hahaha #edpiper
A2 school leadership affects everything on the campus. Positivity is contagious! If all are happy and ready to work, staff and students will be motivated to learn! #edpiper
A2: Campus motivation is directly tied to leadership- a positive school leadership will create that culture. On the same token, a negative leadership team sees a decline in campus motivation. Leadership sets the tone & I'm lucky to be part of a great one! #TXed#EDUchat#edpiper
A2: Making people feel valued can help with motivation. October can be hard- the honeymoon is over, But when everyone feels valued, it can change the slump. #EDpiper
I love it! Sometimes people think the word "positivity" is defined by things that are syrupy and sugary sweet. However, I believe being positive means modeling the type of behaviors we need to create an environment that is purposeful, inspirational, and full of life. #EDpiper
When you feel that your leaders believe in you and trust your professionalism, I am more willing to try & do things that I normally wouldn’t do. It’s amazing what just a simple note of encouragement can do when 22 lives are counting on you! #EDpiper
A2: School leadership affects motivation by setting expectations and morale. We naturally want to work hard and escape slumps when there are goals to achieve. A positive and passionate morale helps maintain high spirits and excitement for learning and teaching! #EDpiper
A2: Leadership can make or break the culture of a campus. It's so important for leaders to pour into their staff every day so that they can do the hard work of pouring into our students. #EdPiper
After my day today, I wanted to go to bed but @DrJohnsonEDU reminded me that I have T-HESS (Texas Husband Evaluation and Support System) evaluations soon. So, here I am. :-) #EDpiper
In reply to
@MrsPottingerCCE, @CastlemanCreek, @DrJohnsonEDU
After my day today, I wanted to go to bed but @DrJohnsonEDU reminded me that I have T-HESS (Texas Husband Evaluation and Support System) evaluations soon. So, here I am. :-) #EDpiper
In reply to
@MrsPottingerCCE, @CastlemanCreek, @DrJohnsonEDU
A3. I stay motivated by finding plenty to laugh about each day. Finding the humorous things & having a good laugh (often at myself) really keeps things in perspective. It's helps that I'm getting OLD & have seen that things always work out one way or another. Just smile! #EDpiper
A2. A school leader that promotes community, postivity, excitement, and growth will build that environment and motivation in their teachers and students to keep going and trying! #edpiper
When I feel myself getting discouraged or frustrated, I do a self-check of my attitude. It's soooo much better when you take care of your OWN attitude check instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you. #EDpiper
Well caffeine has been known to motivate me in a pinch lol but it’s things like teacher-led PD’s and seeing student work in the halls that can spark an idea! @MsEdsonCCE gave an excellent PD the other day that I’m planning on trying..someday 🤔 #EDpiper
Don't you love how so many teachers are taking the initiative to lead? It makes me happy to see so many teachers and staff taking ownership of our learning community. #EDpiper
Well caffeine has been known to motivate me in a pinch lol but it’s things like teacher-led PD’s and seeing student work in the halls that can spark an idea! @MsEdsonCCE gave an excellent PD the other day that I’m planning on trying..someday 🤔 #EDpiper
I agree! I like to take time to reflect and ask myself WHY am I feeling this way, WHO will this attitude affect, and HOW can I adjust my attitude and mood so that it's appropriate to the situation #edpiper
A1: one of the things that motivates me to be the best I can be is the enthusiasm my students have when they approach a project. It makes me want and strive to design lessons that will engage them even more #EDpiper
I agree! I like to take time to reflect and ask myself WHY am I feeling this way, WHO will this attitude affect, and HOW can I adjust my attitude and mood so that it's appropriate to the situation #edpiper
I agree! I like to take time to reflect and ask myself WHY am I feeling this way, WHO will this attitude affect, and HOW can I adjust my attitude and mood so that it's appropriate to the situation #edpiper
A4: I believe that Ss are more likely to trust and build a relationship with positive, motivating teachers. Relationships are key to learning! #edpiper
A2: school leadership can encourage teachers to be risk takers while supporting us with their support and allow us to be creative in engaging our students. I thrive as an educator in this type of climate and culture. #EDpiper
A4: It definitely has to be intrinsic- if Ts do not get motivated to push Ss to their maximum potential, I don't believe there is an amount of extrinsic motivation that would be able to. Love for Ss learning is the correlation to Ss success! #TXed#educhat#edpiper
#YouAreTrusted & #Appreciated I have the best job in the world. I am surrounded by so many leaders in my building, who are all willing to be out in front of the wagon. #EDpiper
When you feel that your leaders believe in you and trust your professionalism, I am more willing to try & do things that I normally wouldn’t do. It’s amazing what just a simple note of encouragement can do when 22 lives are counting on you! #EDpiper
Remember your why & find a way to cultivate it creatively.
I recently started school wide interactive boards & they have taken on a life of their own. The boards have given me a new purpose to be attentive & focused on my goals. Plus I love all the #studentengagement.
#EDpiper
Teachers who are motivated are also more involved in their teacher causing students to be more involved in their learning leading to higher student success. They kids know when we are excited to teach and when we are just “there”. #EDpiper
A4: I believe there is a direct correlation between teacher motivation and student achievement. Students feed off their teacher's attitude, suggestions, and expectations. Teachers can easily make a happy environment conducive to learning with a positive attitude! #EDpiper
A4: When teachers are excited about their students, whether when teaching in a small group, playing games at recess, or working on a project, students feel the love. When they feel the love- mountains can be moved. #EDpiper
A3: time for me! I have really learned that taking time away from school is what helps me most. I use the down time to take a nap, take a walk, journal my daily grateful for list, or just watch TV! #EDpiper
The correlation is imperative. It is just like we’ve been talking about- when admin is motivated we as T’s are more successful! The same happens in our classrooms. #edpiper
A4: teacher motivation & attitudes can heavily influence student success over time, we all have off days but our kids need to witness us persevere #EDpiper
A4: when we, teachers, are excited and motivated then our students will be too. We celebrate the smallest success. Even on days where I don’t have the energy I have to still make them excited about learning. #EDpiper
A4: Ss recognize instantly if you are not motivated or feeling today. They shut down instantly and will be invested in something else (their phones). #edpiper
R1: I keep seeing things in my Ss that they don’t see in themselves. It is hard to stay positive when they want to give a $.10 effort for their $1M dreams. #EDpiper
A motivated, passionate teacher yields successful students who are not afraid to use their voice. The amount of good any child gets from a caring, attentive adult who mentors positive values is immeasurable.
#EDpiper
A4 When a teacher/staff is invested in cultivating a relationship, building students up, and being in their corner after every success/trial, there’s a direct tie between student and teacher. #edpiper
One of them today tried asking why I teach if I "get paid so little". I can't tell you how many times I had to tell them that I'm not doing it for the money. #edpiper
Teacher motivation sets the atmosphere of the classroom. We have the power to inspire students and help them learn to love learning& find their passion in what we are teaching... or to dread certain subjects & school. Its up to us to determine which way it goes for them #EDpiper
R2: School leadership needs to identify our efforts in the classroom and recognize the effort. I used to do “Free Pop Friday” or bring in donuts. It helped boost morale during down times. #EDpiper
I liked using quotes in class with students & later using them w staff. Ask others to bring a quote to post on the wall. It's a great habit of mind to encourage each other that way. #EDpiper
A5 Stay the constant, keep feeding the positive relationships, celebrate successes, and mix it up every now and again. Everyone liked a little fun too. #edpiper
I've always believed that students perform their best when they have a strong, healthy, motivating relationship with their teachers. Just ask the kids - they know which teachers are most effective. High expectations + positive attitudes = powerful learning. #EDpiper
R3: I give my Ss projects to complete. Right now, my Ss are doing a 6 task performance assessment over cells. It hits on a variety of different strategies. I’m more a resource than a replicator of info. #EDpiper
A5: My group this year loves a personalized note. Even if it’s real quick on a sticky note. I try to tell them something they did well and why I’m proud of them. I’m always giving fist bumps, high fives, and hugs! #EDpiper
A5. I know music always brightens up my day! Start the day/week off with something energizing for the students, whether that be a joke, a dance, a quote, some music, or even stories to share! Build relationships. #edpiper
A5: I think it would be fun to incorporate more hands-on activities like science experiments to make the slump months more exciting for students! Fun activities would help students feel the joy and excitement of learning! #EDpiper
Increase rewards they can earn/possibilities of how to earn rewards. Do community building activities to remind your students that even in the middle of a slump we’re all in it together #EDpiper
Highly motivated teachers will have far greater success than those rooms without. Educators who are satisfied with their performance today and not motivated to do more, is scary. Like Jim Collins stated in his book, 'Good to Great,' "The enemy of great is good." #EDpiper
A5: Get them up and moving. Have projects that get them out of their seats or even out of the classroom. Go explore and learn in various other parts of the building (if allowed) #edpiper
It is so important to come up with new and exciting ways to motivate students to keep going. Everyone is tired and ready for a break, but we have to find ways to encourage our students to do their best! #EDpiper
A5: BREAKS, BREAKS, BREAKS! I always tell them that the most tiring job is a mental one & our brains need a break, especially during these slump moments. But we make a deal to hit it hard once they've had their break. #EDUchat#TXed#edpiper
Setting goals for individuals and as a class to help keep them on target for learning. Find encouraging ways to engage Ss (gamification of class/content, class dojo, note from teacher, a pencil, etc). Your passion is contagious; infect your students! 🤣
#EDpiper
In Kinder you have to remember they are 5- still babies. It’s important to join them in their excitement of holidays/ fun things! You have to be flexible! #edpiper
R5: set the target and identify when goals are made. Again, sometimes it is a bribe or a fun activity. My physics kids are doing egg drop boxes this week. We are going to “explode” pumpkins on Weds and Thurs. Fun activities. #EDpiper
A5: The counseling staff at my campus has been doing a great job of circling up in the classrooms to help build family-like atmospheres in classes where the slump is starting to show. #EDpiper
A5: I just gave a lesson to my college class and incorporated yoga for kids! We had so much fun. I think it would be fun to alternate between yoga and @GoNoodle activity videos #EDpiper
Oh, my, YES! The next few weeks for our little ones are memorable experiences. We cannot forget that. They will learn more when they are excited and happy. #EDpiper
In Kinder you have to remember they are 5- still babies. It’s important to join them in their excitement of holidays/ fun things! You have to be flexible! #edpiper
A5again: I’ve also seen a new level of motivation from my students as they are tracking their data! They want to see their numbers go up and are setting great goals for themselves. #EDpiper
I work in sped and that is the first question we always ask when Ts are having difficulty with behaviors...
What are they working for?
What is their work/break system?
So much can happen when you have a system in place and utilize it properly.
#EDpiper
I think we should all help each other find ways to have more fun. I love it when I see everyone laughing and joking. I have the best time listening to others. You all make me smile often. #EDpiper
It is so important to come up with new and exciting ways to motivate students to keep going. Everyone is tired and ready for a break, but we have to find ways to encourage our students to do their best! #EDpiper
Agreed. Then they try and give me a reason of "you're getting a fancy doctorate, it's all about the duckets man!" (true quote from today) #edpiper#skewedgoals
A5again: I’ve also seen a new level of motivation from my students as they are tracking their data! They want to see their numbers go up and are setting great goals for themselves. #EDpiper
A5: In kinder I try and add a new goal or a challenge to get through the slump. Honesty with your kids is also good. They seem to want to motivate you when you feel you are in a slump and that motivates you #EDpiper
It is so important to stay positive and encourage others.. especially when times are hard. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into the trap of negativity. Once you fall in the trap, it is so difficult to get out. #EdPiper
R6: right now I’m not sure. I’m in the funk. I guess I need to see my students spark and succeed to get things rolling again. Hope that this week gets me there. #EDpiper
A6 Bring your A-game daily. Our students have their own baggage and struggles. Give every day your all. Admit when you mess up and be human. Your students will show grace. #edpiper
Providing those opportunities for expression, #studentvoice and encouragement.
I tailor my boards to times of the year, important dates to our school inspirational fun. I think, "What would I like to see as a student?" I also ask for input from staff and Ss.
#edpiper
A6: Formal or informal exchange of ideas. Our greatest ideas are working in the classrooms alongside us. But many times, it's the small things: a note, a little treat, even just a friendly "hello". I make it a point never to pass someone & not say hello! #TXed#EDUchat#edpiper
It is so important to stay positive and encourage others.. especially when times are hard. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into the trap of negativity. Once you fall in the trap, it is so difficult to get out. #EdPiper
A principal in my district starts off staff meetings giving shoutouts written from one teacher to another. Simple recognition can go a long way. #EDpiper
A6: As the season of conferences and observations are upon me, I hope to remember that my teachers and students need me to be present and positive. Taking the time to shine a little light on their day (usually with food!) and lending a helping hand goes a long way. #EDpiper
A6: When you hear the toxic conversations or persistent complaining counter it with the positive...remind others why we are here. When the negative becomes uncomfortable it stops. #EDpiper
It is so important to stay positive and encourage others.. especially when times are hard. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into the trap of negativity. Once you fall in the trap, it is so difficult to get out. #EdPiper
You CAN & SHOULD be a culture developer, spreader, defender, nurturer! It matters not what your role may be. Some of the best culture spreaders I've seen have been school secretaries, custodians, food service, bus drivers & paraprofessionals. They are the heartbeat! #EDpiper
A5: Slumps are normal for students and staff. Give them breaks, keep building the relationship, stay positive, be the role model you always wanted when you were a student. #edpiper
A6: Be positive, support each other, LISTEN fully to someone about their day or what’s going on. I have to sometimes remember the good communication skills I am teaching my students. #EDpiper
A5: when students can easily see how excited a teacher is about a particular topic, it brings the topic alive. wear the enthusiasm on the sleeves and make as many real world connections as possible! #EDpiper
So many days when I feel I failed in this area. I get trapped behind issues that take so much of my time. I need to be more intentional about connections. I was inspired by @Bethhill2829#JoyfulLeaders this week. @educationweek had a great article about her. #EDpiper
Intro: so very late, but catching up on the great conversation. Had to get some things ready for trunk or treat after judging a cheerleading competition!i got to watch current &old students perform, made me so happy!The hugs! And the chickfila I had on the way home 😉
#edpiper
A6: When you hear the toxic conversations or persistent complaining counter it with the positive...remind others why we are here. When the negative becomes uncomfortable it stops. #EDpiper
It was great chatting and learning from you all! All the positivity from this chat is keeping me awake but I have to sleep!! I have class tomorrow ahah. Have a safe Halloween everyone! #edpiper
It makes me happy to see the little and the big things people do to help us create the school we believe our kiddos deserve. #Edpiper#CCEPride#ThisIsCCE
A1: being involved keeps me motivated, yes it's tiring, but I love the extra time with my kids, and it motivates them as all, going to their games/ performances. I also run a coding club that I adore, science demos, UIL number sense, I love it!
#EDpiper
