The goal of #wvedchat is to provide educators an opportunity to connect, share, and learn from others by engaging in conversations around issues and topics in education.
#wvedchat Derek Oldfield. Asst Principal at Hedgesville High in Berkeley Co. Excited about disrupting education & creating schools that kids run into, not out of.
A1: Culture is the norm for the school based on staff, students, and families. Climate is that end of year survey lol. Mostly how the environment feels #WVEdChat
A1 I think school climate is temporary, something changeable. Culture is that which is long term, that which can mitigate a negative school climate. The culture is the mission statements and cornerstones of a school. #wvedchat
A2 súper heavy question! I’d say a positive school culture is empowering. It empowers teachers, students and staff. It makes you feel like your educating the next generation of world changers. Everyone wants to do more. #wvedchat
A2: A school where student and teacher successes are intertwined and where everyone works to build each other up and remember that at the end of the day we teach kids! #wvedchat
A3 inviting, caring but firm, understanding, open to all ideas; someone who is nonsense when need be but all of the above the rest of the time #WVEdChat
A3: I think the role of admin is huge in cultivating a positive school culture. Day to day interactions need to be positive & supportive. They must be responsive & growing their own mindset daily #growthmindset#WVEdChat
A3: Vital! They have to always be there for their teachers and students like these two have been for me. Two of the most uplifting and motivating administrators I’ve ever met and worked with. #WVEdChat
Kids at my school know that they can go to our principal to celebrate their achievements and then they can come to her with their problems. She also takes care of issues w/ a firm touch when she has to #WVEdChat
A3 #wvedchat I've tried to influence school culture from the classroom. You have a much closer influence on kids but little influence on the other adults. Schl culture influenced by the leaders, but never influenced from the office. Can't change much from the desk.
A3 The administrator should be the guide on the side. Set the expectations and empower Ts to meet them. It’s also awesome when they’re brave when a teacher is doing something that works, but unconventional. #wvedchat
A2: support and encouragement are present, true teamwork/collab, I like to see a space where risks are encouraged - stretching out of comfort zones for continued growth #wvedchat
A2 súper heavy question! I’d say a positive school culture is empowering. It empowers teachers, students and staff. It makes you feel like your educating the next generation of world changers. Everyone wants to do more. #wvedchat
A4: By building those positive relationship. I strive to be that teacher that knows every Ss name in the school and can be there for everyone. #WVEdChat
A3 It’s also super great when the administrators are good at their jobs. When they understand pedagogy and instructional strategies. Nothing, and I mean nothing, affects a school’s culture like an unintelligent CAP or AP. #wvedchat
A4 as a teacher of primary grades I like to show my kids I care with hugs, high 5s, encouraging words; outside of school I go to their games or events minus b-day parties to show that I am there for them #WVEdChat
A4: Staying positive, trying new things, listening, collaborating, learning from your students, taking a few deep breaths when you need them! #WVEdChat
A3&4 #wvedchat It takes micro focus but b aware of every opp. That means every interaction u have either pulls u closer or further away from those u serve & with whom you serve. Each pass n the hall, each moment n the mail room, each lunch n faculty lounge. Be a maker of moments.
A4. I think buy in by educators is important. Giving it the old college try. So often I’m frustrated when colleagues poo poo an idea just because they don’t understand it. You know? In sales we used to say “Fake it til you make it!” Ts need that sometimes too. #wvedchat
A4 #wvedchat I try to do little by accident. That means I am intentional about where I stand, where I sit, how long I sit, whose hand I shake, etc. Do little on accident.
This is when I know, as an admin, that my staff is among the best - they are willing to try things, and even when they aren't, if I give them enough time to process and the support they need, they slap a smile on and try it out. #wvedchat
@BeckyMegMcBride & I talk about this a lot! When you are excited, as a professional, & others don't like that excitement and try to shut it down. It's adult bullying! Perhaps the pushback comes from fear or self-doubt, but don't hold back a pro on a mission to do good! #wvedchat
"One more thing"... As a principal though, I try to be mindful of that, and when I ask for something new - give processing time and the support they need. I'll say, "I want this... how can I help make it happen?" Because Ts are overwhelmed. #wvedchat
Oh my gosh you should have seen me today when I was running around telling people about my Drive/Office marrying together bit... my excitement got me looks lol #wvedchat
A5 #wvedchat isolation. Education enemy number 1. No doubt, in the worst cultures, greatness feels alone. The pursuit of greatness isolates u. Anything that pulls & stretches the current culture experiences pain, discomfort, frustration. Hard to remember our WHY when that happens
I don't even know what that means, but I love it! #wvedchat I was telling someone today that I get so excited at conferences, and I was getting excited just talking about it, and then she was like, "Me too!". I said, "YES! This is why I like you!". Others just laugh at me.
A5 A less than positive school culture is a fight. Like your doing all your work in waste deep water. Support is an issue when it’s not positive. Everything feels accusatory, even when it’s genuine help. The challenge holding Ss to a high standards, not cutting corners #wvedchat
A6: You can find a positive tribe on Twitter. Also, look for the few educators who are positive and join forces. Even just one other can blow away the effect of the negative Nancys #wvedchat
A6 Do what you know you can do and don’t worry about the naysayers. If it is something that you want to try give it a REAL try before you push it aside #WVEdChat
A6 #wvedchat Advice: u may b alone n ur building but don't b afraid to look outside. Find ppl to consult, listen to, seek feedback from, etc. Find a community. Ull need it. Control what u can control. Bring compassion to ur work. Won't get anywhere without love, service, & care.
Popping in late to #wvedchat after a road game. Super bummed I missed this chat but I’m enjoying reading everyone’s responses. This chat is always positive, motivating, and keeps me going!
A6 Do what you know is best for students. And be prepared to defend you practices. Admin respect Ts who have research on their side. Also, be proactive. Make sure to keep admin in the loop when you’re style is avant-garde for the school. Give admin the info to defend U. #wvedchat
A7: I have staff who are willing to risk and learn new tech things with me. I also see staff who pull kids aside to check on them, or keep each other informed if a kid needs extra TLC #wvedchat
A7 The positivesbof our school culture is our willingness to help. We call it #OWN. One Warrior Nation. Ss and Ts look out for each other. Going back to the culture vs climate debate, this is a perfect example. #OWN is our culture even if it is sometimes hard. . #wvedchat
A7 to see the staff help students at my school go through a loss of a parent or other family member, or lose a home to fire is heart warming. It puts a smile on faces to know we care so much. #WVEdChat
My team of 11 is super close. We are constantly communicating which creates consistently in the classrooms and in the hallway as far as expectations. Ts support each other and share connections with kids across different classrooms. #WVEdChat
