#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
I am Craig Kemp, Head of Digital Learning and Innovation in Singapore & founder of #whatisschool Please introduce yourself, and tag in 3 people that made a positive difference in your week
Hi everyone at #whatisschool! Jennifer, Education Strategist at @participate! Excited to be back with this amazing community! Three people that made a positive difference in my week:
@cinehead@kerszi@kmurfitt1
Hello #whatisschool! I’m Stephanie, a literacy teacher educator from NY. I’m thankful to join in tonight for as long as I can for such a celebratory topic!
Kevin a recently retired Teaching Principal with Irelands first and only Primary School STEAM Room.Promoting STEAM Teaching and learning is my goal #whatisschool
John from Mexico City where I lead an International American School. I tag @MsClaraGalan@josuefalaise and @kruevans for their passion for education and for modeling the importance of relationships #whatisschool
Hello All! I'm Chris Jones, HS principal in MA. Great to be here tonight! Three people who have made a difference for me recently have been @alienearbud, @gmferrojr, and @JfortneyEdS#whatisschool
#whatisschool
Q1: University Professor in elementary ed concentration
I had two students take the initiative to come to class via Zoom in a snow storm today! It made my week to see their dedication.
A1: I often hear teachers saying thank you for finishing a meeting early or for leading professional learning that genuinely helped them out and taught them something #whatisschool
Sharing resources and learning. I went to #EdCampOttawa recently and shared my math learning with a colleague. She was grateful I shared this with her. And I’m always grateful when others share resources & learning with me #whatisschool
A1 it is usually people or tools. I am thankful for all the worksheets in the recycle bin for doing @foldify and paper airplane experiences #whatisschool@JenWilliamsEdu
A1: I hear folks recognizing the support they get from their peers, the autonomy to be creative problem solvers and a chance to recharge batteries next week! #WhatIsSchool
A1: I often hear teachers being grateful when someone steps up to help without being asked. Whether it be a duty, a class or a coffee - the small things matter #whatisschool
A1: Support and a voice in the direction of the student experience. I hear teachers expressing thanks when treated like professionals and given the tools they need for the work they do. #whatisschool
A1. Pete Sullivan—late to the party. I think educators appreciate anyone who truly values the importance and power of their work with students. Too many live in a world where their impact and importance are not respected. #whatisschool
A1 For all those who support, encourage and understand the work they do. Parent conferences will be done tomorrow and they’ve shared with me how it’s going. We tend to forget stress & concern from Ts and Ps. #WeAreThereForTheKids#whatisschool
https://t.co/MsWhiUKKq4 a Teaching Principal I always thanked staff for their great work and enthusiasm.They in turn thanked me for short staff meetings #whatisschool
A1: I personally appreciate it when someone thanks me. The other piece I love is when I see a teacher implementing something I have taught them in the classroom - love it #whatisschool
A1) resource sharing, professional development opportunities, early finishes, Holiday breaks to rejenuvate, supportive colleagues, leadership and administration, Surprise chocolates, coffee #whatisschool
A1. I have a boss who regularly offers to take someones lesson so they can catch up on something or just take a coffee break! I am ALWAYS grateful & thankful for her! #whatisschool
#whatisschool
Good evening from Georgia, USA! A1: I am thankful for the teachers who actually say good morning to you as you pass them in the hallway and acknowledge you! So important!
Laura from Singapore - middle school counselor Jumping in late! Very old dog walking very slow... my morning routine is off schedule! Happy to be here! #whatisschool
A1: Teachers being thankful for having time to collaborate with their colleagues: Professional development that is really for the sole purpose of improving student learning as opposed to admin things #whatisschool
A1: I hear/see many teachers who are thankful when their work is noticed and they are thought of. They think of others daily, but are often overlooked. Slight gestures of recognition are appreciated. #whatisschool
A1) resource sharing, professional development opportunities, early finishes, Holiday breaks to rejenuvate, supportive colleagues, leadership and administration, Surprise chocolates, coffee #whatisschool
I am grateful for colleagues that have the same mindset as me and are willing to share ideas and resources Their gratitude is reciprocated #whatisschool
A1: I also really value when folks around me are positive, keep Ss at the front of their mind at all times, try hard not to complain, and are flexible. #whatisschool
A1 - What I don't hear much is teachers being grateful to their students for being self-motivated and co-owners of the learning process - when they are curious, when they follow up on our advice. #whatisschool
I am Craig Kemp, Head of Digital Learning and Innovation in Singapore & founder of #whatisschool Please introduce yourself, and tag in 3 people that made a positive difference in your week
A1: I personally appreciate it when someone thanks me. The other piece I love is when I see a teacher implementing something I have taught them in the classroom - love it #whatisschool
#whatisschool Lots of wisdom, kindness #gratitude. It's a journey for sure. Heulwen here looking at the gap in decoding between L1 and L2 for sign language students.
#gratefuledu for my crew
A2: I LOVE Twitter - I get so much out of my daily interactions and learning! This improves my experience as an educator more than anything else #whatisschool
A2: I really value any and all clearly written procedures and all pieces of clarity. I know this sounds pretty blah (I get it!), but within these, I can ask "where does it say I can't do this?" and get so juiced up being creative! Tons of freedom within order. #whatisschool
A2 So happy to find myself in an environment where leaders are not afraid to take risks. I remember someone saying those who can innovate are those who "break" the rules. #whatisschool
A2: I really appreciate simplicity, resources that are student centered, and most importantly ideas and practices that are reproducible throughout the year. #whatisschool
I am after two evenings of PT meetings but am very grateful to all the parents who thanked me for all my hard work, who pointed out how fairly I treat the children, who thanked me for all the “extras” I do and who told me how happy their child is in my class #whatisschool
A2: Access to PD - coming from a public school in the USA where there was little access to PD, being in an International school that values PD is amazing! #whatisschool
A1: As a visiting literacy coach, I always hear gratitude for the students we get to work with. I also hear gratitude for the little things: unexpected kindnesses, conversations with colleagues and little tokens of appreciation that make a big difference #stickynotes#chocolate
A2: I value time as a resource. I believe continued learning should be a policy. And voice in how we learn together should be a followed practice. #whatisschool
A2 We are a huge school and so our #SAISrocks tag let’s me see all the amazing things that are happening across divisions. I’ve even gotten to know a couple newer teachers who work across campus- love these happy connections. #whatisschool
Couldn't agree more. Twitter has taken my Teaching to the next level. All because of other twitters that are willing to collaborate & share. #grateful#whatisschool
A2: I LOVE Twitter - I get so much out of my daily interactions and learning! This improves my experience as an educator more than anything else #whatisschool
A2: I value and appreciate my colleagues that are always there to support, guide and lead! A massive shoutout to @ATorrens84@JegsAUS and @techstarteacher who have helped me build the amazing digital learning experience at @SAISSingapore#whatisschool
A1: I hear teachers thankful for being supported by other teachers and by admin. Just knowing when you need a life line that somebody is there is a huge thing. #whatisschool
A2: Professional conferences are my favorite educator experience. They reenergize me, inspire me, educate me, & connect me to people I would otherwise never have the opportunity to know. I grow w/every single one I attend. Twitter chats are my "virtual" conferences. #whatisschool
I value communication. I work as a part of a team (along with EAs, psychologist, speech/lang path, support Ts, etc) and believe that open communication improves our experience as educators. I also value collaboration & sharing of ideas #whatisschool
A1: I see educators valuing students who are engaged and interested in learning. I see educators expressing gratitude for other educators who help and share ideas with each other #whatisschool
A2 Now that I sub I feel staying connected to educators on Twitter, chats and time spent with school colleagues keeps me on the loop of what I consider “good practices” #whatisschool
A2: clear expectations for everyone in a school allows people to relax and focus on their part, instead of constantly worrying if they meet the mark! #whatisschool
A2. I appreciate informal conversations in the workroom about what happens in class. Sometimes a teacher shares something that, with no intention, becomes a great thing to do in my own classroom. #whatisschool
A2: I value policies that allow for flexibility and innovation within the system. As @dintersmith writes; it isn't about doing things better. Its' about doing better things.
#whatisschool
A2: I LOVE Twitter - I get so much out of my daily interactions and learning! This improves my experience as an educator more than anything else #whatisschool
A2: I consider #twitter and #linkedin to be absolute game changers, providing a worldwide network of experts in every area of education imaginable! #whatisschool
A2: Above all I value the practice of continually improving. Make the mistake, reflect, and do it better.
That is what will make the difference for us as practitioners and for our students.
They believe what we model. Not what we teach. #whatisschool
A2) At thé moment I value our Ts' efforts to empower Ss through self-assessment and "going gradeless". This has made an incredible difference in a short time #whatisschool
Resources that are user friendly! I find twitter brilliant and chats like this #whatisschool and #edchatie have put me in contact with many educators around the country that I’m always being inspired by!
A2 I value peers who are willing to take risks and step out of comfort zones to make changes to assessment and instruction that will improve student experiences #whatisschool
A2: Matt in late…policy? We have so many policies now I think we might need to consider a ‘no more policy’ policy! Having said that, I think we need more policies of ‘Yes’ rather than policies of ’No’. #whatisschool
Gratitude comes in different ways. Everyone can share a SMILE and a Thankyou for just understanding #whatisschool Jill here from Hanoi - Good Morning 🌞
A2 We are a huge school and so our #SAISrocks tag let’s me see all the amazing things that are happening across divisions. I’ve even gotten to know a couple newer teachers who work across campus- love these happy connections. #whatisschool
A1 these days we are prepping for our 4th yr and I would hear Ts being grateful about collaborating and helping each other accomplish projects for our foundation day and for supporting our skypeathon experience #whatisschool
A3: Give educators the gifts of time, of connection and of purpose. Ensure that teacher learning is authentic, meaningful and clearly connected to the classroom. Trust and empower teacher expertise. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a2 There is an amazing staff that keeps our lunch room stocked with lunch food. Being busy it has been so helpful in eating healthier. Staying hydrated too
Policies are starting to hamper what we can & can't do. Policy writers need to be 'Teachers' who have the understanding that Ss learning is first & foremost! #whatisschool
A2: have to agree social media is huge. In China WeChat has been invaluable to me, and Twitter is amazing. But also just a practice of collaboration at the school level can be a game changer. #whatisschool
A3: Give them time back. Finish meetings early, let them leave early, do their cuties every now and then, send them kind messages, make them feel important #whatisschool
A2: Professional Developments are a great resourcefor teachers to learn more and grow in their craft; making for an overall better experience :) #whatisschool
A3: By being fully present. Actively listening not to just reply but to truly understand. I find that empathy and understanding goes a long way to building a concrete foundation of trust. #WhatIsSchool#empathy#understanding#relationships
A3 Support their initiative. Support their learning. Support their risk taking. And tell them that by being there to encourage and understand that change can be hard. #WeAreInThisTogether#whatisschool
2A #whatisschool GIFT OF TIME! I am heading to school to prepare for a day of curriculum writing . 2 Full days with time to THINK about my teaching and student learning! GRATEFUL
A3: We need to acknowledge and recognise the big things and the little things. Goes a long way to creating a great school culture. Its easy to say ‘thanks’. #whatisschool
A3: Pay them well, reduce their workload and praise them (amongst other things). Here is what YOU said earlier in the year - https://t.co/RgGYNEBwc9#whatisschool
A1: Educators value their teaching craft! They also value student connections, PTO lunch when they forgot theirs, school supplies, chocolate, caffeine, new toner bottles, warm weather at bus duty, great co-workers & the chance to live on in the ❤️ of students. #whatisschool
Yep. And that’s the problem. Its sometimes easier to just do nothing than wade through the policy to make sure what you are doing is acceptable. Imagine student learning was our measure of good v bad policy?! #whatisschool
Policies are starting to hamper what we can & can't do. Policy writers need to be 'Teachers' who have the understanding that Ss learning is first & foremost! #whatisschool
A3 Simple "thank you" notes can do the job. Although try adding free lunch and it will definitely get it done even better. Teachers love to eat! #whatisschool
A3 I write handwritten thank you notes to them, a shoutout in the email but most of all involving them in projects that would highlight their strengths and potential #whatisschool
A3: I think even a simple “thank you” or a “good job” can go a long way for educators. We are often time under appreciated and overlooked, so just simple acknowledgements mean a lot. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a3 Little things like freshening up the place with new displays has been my forte. Covering/helping with a class when people are snowed under is appreciated too and really listening.
A3: Folks can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think maybe 50% of the job of a leader is just walking around and noticing all the good things that are happening around you, acknowledging, and then praising those things. #whatisschool
That’s awesome @albertopm13 a persons name has such value and using it instantly builds a connection! I’d love to connect you with our language Teachers! #whatisschool
Draw on their knowledge & understandings of what is working in Ts classrooms relating this to the research & build on from their models for successful learning & teaching - ground up rather than top down #whatisschool
A3: Pay them well, reduce their workload and praise them (amongst other things). Here is what YOU said earlier in the year - https://t.co/RgGYNEBwc9#whatisschool
A3: Be authentic, trust them, listen to what they need...and then provide it.
Set time aside to talk to teachers about who they are instead of anything tied to school. When was the last time you asked a teacher "What are you passionate about?" and listened? #whatisschool
A3: all about investing in an emotional bank account with teams. Deposit more than you withdraw. Check out #diaryofadeputyhead today for more info. #whatisschool
A3: By being fully present. Actively listening not to just reply but to truly understand. I find that empathy and understanding goes a long way to building a concrete foundation of trust. #WhatIsSchool#empathy#understanding#relationships
A3 Study their work and how they use their time. Reduce the number of docs to be submitted, rethink daily lesson planning, and listen to them. #whatisschool learn from this https://t.co/xthhmpNWVb
A3: Pay them well, reduce their workload and praise them (amongst other things). Here is what YOU said earlier in the year - https://t.co/RgGYNEBwc9#whatisschool
A4: I think this is often forgotten - I always try to tell our leadership tell that I appreciate the work they are doing - they need to know someone cares #whatisschool
A4: At times Admin is misunderstood and unfairly treated. So many competing priorities that we have little understanding of. But when you know…you know. Its tougher thane imagine running a school. We listen and we help where we can #whatisschool
A4: take one for the team! Sit on the office if you spot someone needs a break or try and complete that admin task yourself. Oh and meet deadlines! #whatisschool
A3 Visit their classroom and tell them something CONSTRUCTIVE without the criticism.
Empathize with educators the way we are expected to empathize with students.
Don’t wait for new ones to struggle, give them supports from the start!
#WhatIsSchool
A4 Recognize that admin has a complex road to navigate. They surve many constuient of the school. Appreciate them with kind words, ready to work with them. #adminArePeopleToo#whatisschool
A4: We always forget about the admin! Just as Ts are people too....Admin are people too. A thank you note (and no just a holiday card), stay after a meeting and let them know one thing you learned #whatisschool
A4 answered this in Q3 but handwritten Thank you notes are my go to aside from talking with them and being available when they need support though very challenging at time #WhatIsSchool
A4. The same way we show Ss we value & appreciate them. Kindness, getting to know them, encouragement, support. Developing these cultures in school is for EVERYONE, school wide! #whatisschool
A4: To often we (meaning admin types like me) don’t find the time to get creative in finding time for others. Teachers know when someone is valuing their time and respond with their hearts - our actions are our mission statement . #whatisschool
A3 Visit their classroom and tell them something CONSTRUCTIVE without the criticism.
Empathize with educators the way we are expected to empathize with students.
Don’t wait for new ones to struggle, give them supports from the start!
#WhatIsSchool
A4: I love being invited and involved in classes! I just want a positive attitude, open mind, and honest communication. The rest will come after that trust and relationship is built. Oh yeah...cards are nice too...;)
#whatisschool
A4: I will tell them...and also do whatever I can to help when needed. Being a team player, staying positive, and saying yes all show that I appreciate their leadership. #whatisschool
A4 Gratitude,Appreciation,Atmosphere,Ethos,Wellbeing and happiness starts in the staffroom and filter downwards and outwards.We leaders play a key role #WhatIsSchool
That us-them rears it’s ugly head with Ts and Ps as well. Not the way to go if we want a school culture that is kind, inclusive, understanding, helpful and hopeful #whatisschool
3A #whatisschool My school provided pho ga soup and western style breakfast to start our 2 days of PD! Very yummy and we gathered together as a community🙏
A5
I’m thankful for my drive each day. It’s 40 minutes each way for me to listen to audiobooks or just reflect on everything going on in life. #WhatIsSchool
Just now able to jump in on this chat! A5: I am so thankful for my family, friends, and of course my PLN. The connections I have made through Twitter and other conferences etc. have been amazing! #whatisschool
A5. My family supports me in every decision I make and I can’t be more thankful for that. The opportunity to travel the world is incomparable. #whatisschool
Heading off to live in Hong Kong this time next week as expat so am so thankful for opportunities & possibilities of constantly learning new ways of being in our world #whatisschool
A5: My husband who allows me to work on the weekends and creates all my classroom posters and signs. He is my biggest supporter. And travel #whatisschool
A5) thankful for my family ( my little world) , one more day of life, empowerment to pursue my passions , time to contribute to community, all struggles earlier in life that made me resilient, gave wisdom and showed me who I am #whatisschool
A5 There are many areas of my life outside of education that I am thankful for example: my friend & family, traveling, running & exercising, cooking (healthy meal preparation), sport events...#whatisschool
A3:) My previous principal had these pink notes she would tape on teacher doors with specific, personalized feedback noting what she appreciated about them or admired about their teaching. I loved coming in to find them some mornings! I kept them all in my SOS file! #whatisschool
A4.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime and I know #WhatIsSchool
A5. My ability to travel and experience the world multiple times per year! Especially when it is to go to a conference with like minded Ts! #whatisschool
A5 Adding how much I appreciate life. So many twists and turns, unexpected events and we carry on. I am so grateful #whatisschool Thanks for this inspiring reminder @mrkempnz@JenWilliamsEdu and friends
A5) The older I get the more I appreciate my quiet time w/my family. Life gets incredibly hectic, so just being in our cozy home w/them makes me incredibly grateful. I'm also thankful for my dog, clean sheets that I didn't have to put on, & a perfectly cooked steak! #whatisschool
A4: Do things for them, earlier this year we had a group of students do a documentary about our principal. It highlighted how one of his policies impacted the school positively. #whatisschool
A3: I’m grateful for the expertise and knowledge they are always willing to share. They have my back when I am wrong and are truly magnificent people. Thank you RG, RC and DS! #WhatIsSchool#grateful
Thank you!!!
Now back to running a school, smiling at students, and thanking the teachers and other admin. A grateful heart is a happy heart. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a4 Knowing the rarity and value of grand office staff and admin, is good to talk them not just when you need something. Also remember to bring them morning tea. They oft miss out
It was amazing! I was so impacted by it I try to do the same for my students. They get notes from me once a quarter... and sometimes more if I can catch my breath. 😀 #whatisschool
@Karin2512 My amazing mum and biggest supporter. @AWJSHead for hiring me and trusting me to implement lots of my ideas. @MissGraceAWJS for never saying no when I ask for a favour or coffee! 😂 #whatisschool
A6 Thanks to my parents: for making me what I am today; to my wife: for putting up with my quirkiness, and to @mrkempnz : for inspiring me to get into Twitter chats. #whatisschool
A6: I am grateful for @alienearbud (#blbs), @BurkheadBill (his guidance and character), and @WHathletics (the work he does for students and the school). These individuals enrich my experience and improve my thinking each day.
#whatisschool
A6. @jackie_child@larubain@lnesswilson All 3 of my colleagues are from my Twitter PLN. All 3 have taken the time to share amazing resources online but also to meet in person to share, support or inspire! for that I am grateful. #whatisschool
Please help me thank @JenWilliamsEdu for leading today's #whatisschool chat with me - Connect & follow her - she is brilliant as I am sure you already know!
Please help me thank @JenWilliamsEdu for leading today's #whatisschool chat with me - Connect & follow her - she is brilliant as I am sure you already know!
A6: I am thankful for a lot of people but these three have inspired me lately. @RalphEmmerink for daily chats @sjtylr for #MYPChat and @mrkempnz for his general twitter presence and the #whatisschool chat
A6) I am grateful for the job I get to do everyday and the impact I have a chance to make if I do it the right way. I am so grateful for amazing colleagues to collaborate and create a positive environment with. #whatisschool
A6: 3 of many..
1. @hayastusa for all the positivity and making space for me whenever I come by to work on projects with my old peeps!
2. @zoeyhein for being sarcastic and hilarious even when I was so sick
3. @patterson7789 for way more than I can house in a tweet.
#whatisschool
@WomenEd for putting gender into the educational conversation @JaneCaro@pasi_sahlberg for keeping equity in education high on the agenda within the educational & political discourse @ollie_lovell for seeking out the research for educators on his podcasts #whatisschool
A6) Marion Chapman ( an awesome educator), not on Twitter) who totally believed and trusted in my skills even before my pre-educator days.
@mrkempnz, for empowering me by providing me the first opportunity
Rebecca @MeetMontyBear for encouragement & support always #whatisschool
Because you're such a rock star and truly care about thoughtful tech integration. I appreciate your dedication to making learning engaging and not passive. #whatisschool
We love you too Laura! You're such a great role model and you truly have the kids' best interests at heart. We love you because we're able to align so easily when it comes to digital well being and the digital learning department. #whatisschool
Hahaha You know I do. But I was worried that my tweet might not get posted if I include you. Technically, I already mentioned 4 people. So making it 5 might get me into trouble. #whatisschool
Thank you @mrkempnz@JenWilliamsEdu for a great #whatisschool chat! I am glad I found this group of amazing educators! I look forward to chatting again!
