#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
As we chat tonight, don't forget to add #RuralEdChat to your tweet so we can all share your ideas. We will be using a Q1/A1 format unless a conversation really gets going.
Since so many will have their interests elsewhere at 9pm est, we will wrap up just before then. We honor your desire to learn for yourselves. #RuralEdChat
A1b: Since there are so many ways I am connected with many of my students outside of school, they generally know as much as anyone else about my personal life. #RuralEdChat
A1 Understanding norms and expectations of the community is an important aspect. Setting boundaries for self care needs is essential. Maybe even moreso? #ruraledchat
A1: First we need to be clear w/ ourselves about what our boundaries R & how serious/important they are 2 us. I see too many teachers unclear at the self level & that's where the trouble starts. #RuralEdChat
Or it can feel like the community is setting that pace often just through well-intentioned concern. Still maintaining a sense of intuition and self-knowledge helps set those helpful type boundaries. #RuralEdChat
A1: typically, for personal interests, I'll talk about "what", but not "how" or "when". Most common: several of my Ss play the same computer games I do, so we chat about the game itself, but draw a hard line at usernames or when I play. #RuralEdChat
And respectful use of gates (open, check for dogs; close behind you when and when you leave!) can be retained for situations that merit them. #ruraledchat
I find my students respond pretty well to explicit boundaries. They're a little sad, but have never asked again after I've said "I don't add current students on {social media platform}. #RuralEdChat
** Q2 **
How do you handle a situation where a student or colleague wants to know more than you are ready or willing to share? (Please be explicit as possible.)
#RuralEdChat
Same! And sometimes "how" is good, when its for personal learning I'm doing, its a great way to guide students to good resources. But, that's my only exception I can think of #ruraledchat
A2 Asking for respect for privacy in a 1-1 setting has worked. Enlisting in support of coworkers to help run interference when I haven't been able to confront the request. #ruraledchat
People often think boundaries, like rules & neg consequences, hurt relationships because of perception of pure negativity, but it's the opposite. These HELP relationships. Relationships R more comfortable, smooth, & meaningful when expectations R set & maintained. #ruraledchat
But it goes both ways. Best to hear others boundaries & respect them...even if they are 6 or 7. Kids have reasonable boundaries too. Often related to touch or privacy or choice. #RuralEdChat
A2: Recently I've had to explain that somethings hurt too much to talk about. The passing of a close family member kept me out of the classroom. I return tomorrow. These conversations are VERY real for me right now. #RuralEdChat
Thinking of you. Returning can sometimes be overwhelming with all the questions and love coming at you. Wishing you some quiet moments and the space you need. #ruraledchat
A2 with students, i fall back to part of A1: be explicit that you won't share something they're asking about. Colleagues, sometimes the same, though, I'll often start with an attempted non-answer or two. #RuralEdChat
A2: Recently I've had to explain that somethings hurt too much to talk about. The passing of a close family member kept me out of the classroom. I return tomorrow. These conversations are VERY real for me right now. #RuralEdChat
It is 9pm. We at #RuralEdChat respect your time. Thank you so much for the brief but powerful conversation. Next week we will be back to a full hour of #RuralEdChat
Promise. :-)
Thank you to @TG_Neil who helped us consider some important ideas tonight in our practice. Thank you to all of you for joining in. See you soon #RuralEdChat Goodnight :)
True. The Littles (K-2) are sometimes sensitive about having their work shown on the overhead, for example, but there is something to be said for making a culture where that does not happen or happens less.#ruraledchat#GrowthMindset
