Hey everyone,it is Sunday again with #bcedchat. @DAliceMarsh
& @KennethHeadley will be moderating tonight's topic of "Embracing Change" in your practice!
This #bcedchat topic came from you but also an area many of us #bcedchat moderators are going through currently...So honest feedback will be much appreciated. "Embracing change" Let's go @DAliceMarsh and everyone on the chat tonight!!!!
#bcedchat Fred connecting from Richmond BC. I am a math mentor teacher, a TTOC working from Gr. 4 - 12 and an embracer of change as well as a change agent.
'seeing' is a relative verb here but a great signal of change we embrace in breaking down classroom and district walls to help one another through #bcedchat
Ian - principaling on the pacific I don’t like change for the sake of change, but I will embrace change that is positive for learning! Letting go can be uncomfortable, but so often worth it! #bcedchat
Hi / Bonsoir! Nicole here, I’m facilitating learning for French Immersion Social Studies, grades 8, 9, 10 and Core French. Current interests are assessment, leadership, advocacy for wellness, and new teacher support via @bcecta#BCedchat
Hey everyone,it is Sunday again with #bcedchat. @DAliceMarsh
& @KennethHeadley will be moderating tonight's topic of "Embracing Change" in your practice!
#bcedchat A1: Growth mindset, growing older, watching plants grow all lead me to understanding change/shift happens. If I am unaware or resistant, I will not be growing in knowing. Teaching is a passion, not a job; getting better at it is my job.
I see change as an opportunity to better differentiate/personalize education. For my dad it was introducing computers & microwaves; for me mobile devices & efolios (& both of us changing grading) #bcedchat
A1: change has to be critical thought about like everything else. I generally am uncomfortable with it but move toward it with persuasion of its value. #bcedchat
A1 I embrace what works and is engaging (iPads, geniushour, Finnish bell schedule) I have tended to “pass” on others - I like my track record on identifying “good change” #bcedchat
A1: I’m noticing that our ability to embrace or navigate change is strongly impacted by wellness & resiliency, or lack thereof. Culture plays a huge factor: who helps us to navigate change? Do we feel encouraged & brave, or pressured & excluded? #bcedchat
A1: I embrace change that helps move people forward in positive ways. I slowly push back on change that only has a goal of change. If we are going to do something different, let’s make sure it is better #bcedchat
Mainly in staff meetings or with colleagues in informal settings. I would view myself as quite a forward thinking teacher though and most of the time when change comes I have already been prepared for it. #bcedchat
A1: I am often suspect of change. Typically I am overly concerned about it and then pleasantly surprised with what it brings as I embrace it. #bcedchat
A1: I’m noticing that our ability to embrace or navigate change is strongly impacted by wellness & resiliency, or lack thereof. Culture plays a huge factor: who helps us to navigate change? Do we feel encouraged & brave, or pressured & excluded? #bcedchat
A1: Depends on the change... but if it’s a + change I take the time to educate myself and embrace it. If I’m unsure about the change: focus more on educating myself. #bcedchat
#bcedchat A1: Had some great examples at a workshop yesterday that showed me I hadn't noticed a shift in culture. Good fences makes good neighbours. We aren't keeping our livestock out of neighbour's crops. Instead loneliness is a huge pressure in today's society.
A2 I am enjoying seeing how teachers notice so many of the competencies are already part of their practice, just not as mindfully (explicitly?) talked about as they are now! #bcedchat
Change is easier to embrace when it is accompanied by vision...tangible dreams, concrete imaginings. It helps us critically reflect on how to take ‘next steps.’ Did we acknowledge elephants in the room? Did we address the ‘why’ in meaningful ways? Is the🔺 micromanaged? #bcedchat
#bcedchat A2: For the most part, I find it validating as the new curriculum is aligning to what I have been discovering and doing in my own classes. What I find harder is the tension helping others to embrace the positive aspects of these changes.
A2: I come from England and this is the way I was trained way back in the 80s - especially with the ccs. For me I feel like I am going home. Everything is familiar again. #bcedchat
A2: For subjects/grades I have experience & resources with: excited! A little nervous if I’m given something totally new, but working with teacher candidates has made me way more comfortable with the curriculum. Lots of resources to support Ts!!! #bcedchat
A2. It is a bit of both for me. Some of the changes fit well with what we were already doing, but not all of them are easy to implement in an alternate setting. #bcedchat
A1: sometimes I react with excitement, other times with trepidation. But always with at least one potential positive in mind if I’m skeptical. #bcedchat
Change is easier to embrace when it is accompanied by vision...tangible dreams, concrete imaginings. It helps us critically reflect on how to take ‘next steps.’ Did we acknowledge elephants in the room? Did we address the ‘why’ in meaningful ways? Is the🔺 micromanaged? #bcedchat
Q2- I feel like the new curriculum is validating for many but also overwhelming for many as there are so many layers to change from assessment to #abed perspectives #bcedchat
A2: a bit of both...there seems to be no limits on what you can teach which sometimes makes me worry if I’m teaching skills students really need #bcedchat
That's what I'm hearing from a number of people, it validating current practices. I wonder if it's just that "we" need to reflect more on our teaching to "see" that we've been teaching the new curric for some time now. #bcedchat
A2: I have to say that I love the change that the #bced government introduced in the redesigned curriculum. More time to do meaningful stuff with our students! @bcedplan#bcedchat
A2 #bcedchat new curriculum validates the things I that many teachers have been doing for many yrs. overwhelming 2 teachers that find the changes unfamiliar
#bcedchat One of my most powerful reads was Deanna Burney's "Craft Knowledge" which talked of our responsibility to share what we are uncovering in our classrooms (good & bad); and for districts/province to enable this sharing of our collective intelligence.
Yup. The Silos are real, and loneliness is pervasive. I can also speak to the culture of meritocracy that shames colleagues who are brave enough to ask for help. Judgement & dismissal can often result from attempts to connect.
A2 - bit of both. Part of my role is helping teachers navigate the new curriculum. I think we could have done a better job rolling it out to be honest. @bcedchat#bcedchat@KennethHeadley
A2: a bit of both. I am finding that colleagues are struggling with workload; hard to carve out space to grapple with it *together.* As a naturally collaborative person I get discouraged by making decisions by myself without a sounding board or frame of reference. #BCedchat
A2: being new to BC, I came impressed with the new curriculum but am largely overwhelmed. It felt a lot like being handed a destination with a totally blank map. Many lessons learned so far. #bcedchat
A1: Embrace change! Intentionally choose change in my roles and workplaces to stimulate and nudge my thinking and encourage both personal and professional growth. #bcedchat
#bcedchat This is so true, as a TTOC, I'm constantly thrust into an area/classroom not in my background. Going with the bigger ideas/ the enduring ideas makes all my teaching more real and connected.
A2. It is a bit of both for me. Some of the changes fit well with what we were already doing, but not all of them are easy to implement in an alternate setting. #bcedchat
Hind sight is always 20/20. I think it would have made a large difference if "we" had the whole picture from the start. Not just pieces of it. #bcedchat
In reply to
@sandramcaulay72, @bcedchat, @KennethHeadley
Rolling it out was definitely a huge issue. Some teachers embrace this; others push it away. Age & yrs of experience of the teacher not deciding factors in response. #bcedchat
In reply to
@sandramcaulay72, @bcedchat, @KennethHeadley
A2: I never really felt the curriculum involved many changes, except for the focus on the core competencies and more awareness and embedding of the First Peoples Principles of Learning. Other aspects were “redesigned” or “renewed” to create a coherent framework. #bcedchat
#bcedchat It often exposes our own indoctrination in what has always been done & forces us to reflect more honestly with new lenses. Then we can embrace the changes that are best for us and our students. Learning with teachers, new & old..er, gives us multiple lenses, new eyes
A2 #bcedchat new curriculum validates the things I that many teachers have been doing for many yrs. overwhelming 2 teachers that find the changes unfamiliar
A3: Started chatting on #bcedchat! (She says tongue in cheek) Finding like-minded teachers on twitter has really helped me. Going to conferences of my choosing for pro.d. and then there is always jogging! #bcedchat
A3: When I haven’t felt that learning piece around being an educator, I’ve changed my roles. My philosophy is that when I’m no longer learning, I change my path. #bcedchat
I suspect part of the reason for that difference is the level of connectivity/community in elementary vs. the culture of many highschools. The hierarchy is more stratified, more silos, people don’t eat lunch together... relationships are what help us weather or thrive. #bcedchat
A3: When tiered, I ask myself “why did I get into this progression?” And then I hang out with people that bring me closer to that reason. Connect to your heart to have the present and the future that both you and your students deserve #bcedchat
Hi / Bonsoir! Nicole here, I’m facilitating learning for French Immersion Social Studies, grades 8, 9, 10 and Core French. Current interests are assessment, leadership, advocacy for wellness, and new teacher support via @bcecta#BCedchat
A3. Honestly. Question myself & career choice. Contemplated about leaving prof. To manage my "jumping ship" mood kept an open dialogue w other Ts. Many had similar experiences, it's good to know you're not alone. Work together, find something that you enjoy in teaching. #bcedchat
Even when secondary teachers sit down together to talk, it is usually within subject area. There needs to be more conversations across disciplines. #bcedchat
A3 not sure I have been! Ha! I’ve had lots of changes.Districts, grades, schools, positions. I think all that has helped. Love learning and doing new things. @bcedchat#bcedchat@KennethHeadley
A3 When I am tired/unmotivated, it is usually because something isn't working well, so my brain goes into overdrive to find possible solutions. A big part of that is looking to other educators to see what they do. #bcedchat
A3: closest ex. I can think of: 1styr of teaching, a subject that is not my background and coTeacher took the reigns down a path of direct teaching, textbook busywork, test focused... we sat down and chatted about it, and what the course would look like moving forward. #bcedchat
A3: I’m in that zone now. Therapy (seriously), reducing my FTE to free up headspace, finding people who believe in me and are caring enough to coach me, yoga, reading @BreneBrown, focused assessment training, Edcamp with kindred spirits & practicing self-compassion. #BCedchat
#bcedchat A3: You're obviously talking about more than just report card periods. Assessment dis-alignment drove me to read more but it took over 15 years to get closer to where I wanted/knew I should be.
For a while I counted victories as 3 pts and losses as -1 pt.
@bcedchat Jumping in late after watching the SAGs! Drama & Hum teacher from PG. Great topic tonight. A1: I totally embrace change. I'm a risk taker!!! #bcedchat
#bcedchat A3: Just reflecting how finding peeps in powerful PLCs were such a force for managing/embracing change. Great stimulus in cross-curricular & across age-ranges were so enlightening. Reflective practice/action research and posing good questions key.
Yup. I also suspect elementary generalists have been able to zoom out & really see the inderdisciplinary power of the redesigned curriculum. They can see how they can tackle X via Y/be strategic about it. We need interdisciplinary incubators to plan around competencies. #bcedchat
A2: the roll out is a great example of how NOT to implement change. Big changes across the board... schools tried to implement a bit at a time but few resources and too much change meant the focus was ALL on redesign and no time for anything else. 1/2 #BCedchat
A3 One of my great demotivators is that there are still people who believe that alternate schools are not real schools and alternate kids are "bad", "stupid", and the other derogatory labels I have heard. I combat that by giving workshops to teach that those are myths #bcedchat
A bit of both. I’m really excited about the changes and focus on skills over content. I was on mat leave during rollout so feel that I’m in catch up mode. #bcedchat
A2: I am overwhelmed but I appreciate its depth. I wouldn't say I love it. I just recognize the necessity for change. My teaching has changed as a result. Many don't see it as justification for their own change #bcedchat
2/2 we should always try for incremental changes... so there is plenty of opportunity to reflect, pivot, shift direction as needed. With redesign, no chance for this. What if the redesign doesn’t help with achievement? Then what? Fail small and then pivot. #bcedchat
A4. Ask questions. Lots of questions. Find out why (first) and then what. Ask more questions. By that stage I'm usually getting more comfortable making the request change (or adapting it). #bcedchat
A4. Eeek. We don't even have the time to scratch the surface. Big recognition for me that I had to accept I was basically a "1st yr T" all over again. And recognize that it took years to get to where I was in my classes before. #bcedchat
A4 Even when I don't want the change, I try to remind myself of the unexpected good things that have often come from changes I was skeptical about and keep an open mind to trying it. #bcedchat
#bcedchat I remember when @tweetsomemoore was feeling this until a PLN in her Plus30 post-grad led her to blossom & now is energizing/educating & transforming tons of us. Spoke powerfully to me about pre-conceptions/misconceptions & what every child can teach us.
A3 One of my great demotivators is that there are still people who believe that alternate schools are not real schools and alternate kids are "bad", "stupid", and the other derogatory labels I have heard. I combat that by giving workshops to teach that those are myths #bcedchat
A4: I try to figure out why and how the change will be helpful (I like to know the theory and the research). After that I give myself permission to fail as I attempt to change. If I make it about helping my students, it is easier to remove my ego. #bcedchat
For those that I work with that feel there is a lot of change, I try and help them to see all that is the same, as a way start with what is known and go from there. #bcedchat
#bcedchat I kicked up my heels at the new curriculum coming down the pipe 5 years ago. I literally woke up one morning and decided that I would rather be one of the first to embrace it than get left behind and just made it happen! A4
A4: Educate yourself! Find sone inspiration! Why should I make this change? How have others done it? Reach out to your PLN & start googling. Lots of good stuff out there. #bcedchat
A3: watched “The Power of Vulnerability” by @BreneBrown 30 times. @shawnachor’s TEDx talk “The Happiness Advantage” like 16 times. I cried a lot. I tweeted that I needed to get out of the city, a PLN friend took me up Indian Arm & I came back calmer, more rested. #bcedchat
It’s so important to acknowledge that we feel that way and not jut keep running. How might we build a community of dictators with more advocacy for our own wellness and mental and physical health. #bcedchat
I was really nervous about heading back into the classroom this year. Was overwhelmed at thought of balancing being a mama and full time teacher, learning curricula for 2 grade levels, and wondering if I’d get my classroom teacher groove back. Help fr great colleagues! #bcedchat
I always need to understand the why. What problem is this change trying to solve? If i don’t understand the why, I often just comply and do the bare minimum... if I understand the purpose, I can be more motivated. #bcedchat
I survived my MEd by talking to a counsellor and it helped 1000% to have someone hear my challenges so that I could better support my students when I was with them. #bcedchat
#bcedchat This makes me think of someone asking two people doing the same 'job'. One said, "I'm building a wall" while the other said, "I am building a cathedral!". If we have a huge picture of our impact on the future, does it empower us through the high stresses?
It’s so important to acknowledge that we feel that way and not jut keep running. How might we build a community of dictators with more advocacy for our own wellness and mental and physical health. #bcedchat
One thing I think we all need to remember, is that the new curriculum is essentially focused on competencies. And something that I always carry in my mind...it's okay if I don't get to everything. #bcedchat
Not happy with the new Social Studies curriculum (or English for that matter) both have been rolled out haphazardly with no foresight. SS9 for example covers 1750-1919 - way too much to cover and do a good job. The old nine curriculum was much more manageable.
Yes and working harder can lead to burnout. Rest (not simply sitting around but doing something we love that is not work) leads to way more productivity but we often only do it when we have time. Need to make it a priority. #bcedchat#easiersaidthandone
Yes, I teach gr 6/7. There are days I dream of teaching in a middle school. But many advantages to having one group of kids all day. So much flexibility. #bcedchat
Nope. We had added changes (grade reconfiguration, boundary changes, and new Secondary curriculum). I returned to f2f after 9 years online. Without the resources, amd everyone ‘new’ to the curriculum, it is a lot less time to prep the more fun lessons. #bcedchat
We can definitely learn a lot from our counter parts at other grade levels. I can only imagine what you can learn if you make the change yourself. #bcedchat
A4 #bcedchat#Assessment has been my passion for many years. We're gradeless in gr 7-9 at my school. I'm definitely spearheading change. With that comes both frustrating and invigorating my colleagues 😂 I love both because it's making waves one ripple at a time! #GrowthMindset
A5: Embarking on a big change - school, position, etc. will force a re-evaluation of what works and why (why we do what we do is a big question to keep asking). #bcedchat
A5: I make happy calls home, early on. I catch a kid doing something amazing (trying hard, being kind, sharing an anecdote, making us laugh) and I call home to celebrate & get to know them through their parents’ eyes. They walk in with their head higher the next day ✊🏾#bcedchat
#bcedchat A5: 42 years in profession (called practice because we are always changing) leads to too many areas to list. I've a top 10 list though. I'll post it when it is condensed from 12 pages.
I feel like it starts with bravery in stepping forward and admitting that this is a hard job and we need help. Many of our schools are not safe places for educators to ask for help. Maybe we can all look out for one another a little better, and see ourselves in them 1/ #bcedchat
Definitely easier said then done. Well..I can do it pretty well. But then I burn out trying to "catch up" to where I should be. I tend to be on high or low, medium has not existed for me this year. #bcedchat
A5: Using @AngelaStockman 's loose parts ideas has enabled my students to take off in writing. Makerspaces is working really well and there is more focus on play based learning. @perfinker's place based learning is also a hit! #bcedchat
A5 It is not so much a change, but more of an evolution. I place far more focus on mental health now and getting the students ready and able to learn, and believe they can do it. Part of that is speaking openly about the issues that we all need to deal with. #bcedchat
However, sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees. I’m grateful to have colleagues that look me in the eyes and ask me how I am doing. I wonder if there is a bragger way to support that connection for others who need that as well. #bcedchat
Formative assessment! In 2007, I taught intermed and went from collecting points/marks on a spreadsheet to assessing learning (using learning intentions, criteria, feedback)... I understood the why, started small, and saw awesome results with kids. #bcedchat
I still find memorization is a vital skill to have (and practice). Ss don't have to memorize just content; there are skills and processes that have to become ingrained as well. #bcedchat
Marie-Line Petit - French Immersion teacher as well as math and core french! I love gamification inside the classroom as well as using technology to create engaging lessons! #bcedchat
#bcedchat Your tweet made me remember the Paradigm shifts that were really key:
"it is not about teaching but about student learning"
"learning is participatory & not just acquisition"
"every assessment should improve learning"
"teacher who cares"...
A5 It is not so much a change, but more of an evolution. I place far more focus on mental health now and getting the students ready and able to learn, and believe they can do it. Part of that is speaking openly about the issues that we all need to deal with. #bcedchat
I made some big changes last year and it’s not perfect... but so much better. Less conferences, less twitter, no work b/w Friday at 5 and Sunday at 7. Now adding exercise and taking another step. #bcedchat
A5: my biggest change is trying to incorporate Restorative Practices in all that I do. It is amazing when everything is viewed through a relationship lens #bcedchat
#bcedchat Dallas Willard in response to the question, “What do I need to do to stay healthy and alive spiritually?”
"We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives"..."there is nothing else."
I would ask us to be really thoughtful in reflecting on how we may be kind, helpful & encouraging with students as learners (we know it’s crucial) but fail to do the same for adult learners (aka, one another). It gets to the point where we feel discouraged for trying. #bcedchat
A5: I’ve really changed how I see kids who are struggling w behaviour. Think of Ross Greene’s “kids do well when they can...” everyday. I view “challenging” behaviour w curiosity #bcedchat
With my big change from AltEd to MiddleSchool and a change in subject areas, I'm finding it hard to strike a balance. I miss those days when all tech & school work was over by 8pm. And never on a weekend. #bcedchat
I feel like most educators I talk to feel overwhelmed by the change. I notice I get to embrace the change in my role but acknowledge that it is challenging in many classrooms. The time spent in creating excellent material for students feels exhausting. #bcedchat
And many departments implementing change at the same time. So each dept thinks that it is a small change.. as they don’t see the many small changes (in addition to a big change). #bcedchat
In reply to
@jfprovencher27, @CraigMah, @KennethHeadley
There is the edutwitter effect: everything is bursting with unicorn & rainbows about the new curriculum. We don’t hear from people who struggle or just don’t do the new curriculum. Twitter is not the best way to gage satisfaction. #diverse#voices#bcedchat
My personal fave has been incorporating characters (DnD-like character) for each student where they can earn special powers and upgrade to help them through the semester is HUGE! Everything I have learned has been from @MrHebertPE#bcedchat
#bcedchat A6: I'd say "giving valuable, timely feedback that aids in students taking the next steps
Also, involving students in self-reflective & peer assessments.
A6: I want to do more with connecting my class with other schools. It happens with @rilmcknight and @fitwithfrank on twitter but would love to do some skype-ing and team teaching. #bcedchat
I hadn’t encountered this until recently. It’s my own tendency to never do the same thing twice but the opportunity for knock-your-socks-off Pro D with my M Ed shifted my career. #bcedchat
A5 : a huge benefit of being new is being able to go “sure, worth a shot 🤷♀️.” However, my corporate background (no autonomy and constant organizational reshuffling) helps too. #bcedchat
So tough. At some point, we have to say “I am doing enough”. My first principal said to me... you can always find stuff to work on and improve... but id you don’t take time for you, your body will force you to take time for you (and it won’t be as fun). #bcedchat
Replying #bcedchat@KennethHeadley A6 I struggle to keep up with email demands/ tasks Focus on being present to demands at school leaves me always feeling behind
#bcedchat A7: I think I'll change it from practice but to my world view. I want to learn to do good to all around me in love.
Perhaps it was the last two days of workshops/sermons and Rent is playing in the background.
"How do you measure your life?"
"In love!"
We have started using Learning Sprints this year. Teachers focus on a small change for a short period of time and then assess to see if it works or does not work. So far, positive feedback from teachers. #bcedchathttps://t.co/xNFkGrmxPK@SimonBreakspear
A6 Our demographics are dynamic so I have often had things that worked with a group and didn't work with the next, or vice-versa. When something doesn't work, I always have a Plan B...and sometimes C through Z. I have to adapt to change in students as well. 😀 #bcedchat
Doing that for lessons. Realized that it took me years to be really happy with my old lessons. And that it can't be done overnight. Guess it's more of a marking thing and getting used to supporting 80+ students at a time for 2+ subjects. Higher volumes than I'm used to. #bcedchat
