#Ntchat Archive
New Teacher Chat was created to provide weekly mentoring and focus on the needs of new, new to the profession and pre-service teachers. The chat is supportive and practitioner focused.
Wednesday September 7, 2016
Welcome to all! I'm the founder and moderator of New Teacher Chat . Join me for this time of learning and collaboration!
Our Topic for tonight is focused on how we can Succeed Together!
Hello! I'm Mike, I teach preservice Ts at Indiana University & always looking for ways to help better prepare them to be future Ts
Starting now! https://t.co/K1Ls7npLOB
Welcome to all! I'm the founder and moderator of New Teacher Chat . Join me for this time of learning and collaboration!
Awesome! Welcome to our chat with tonight!
Good evening, . I'm Jennifer, HS Asst. Princ. in AL, here for a bit! Love me some & !
Hi! I'm Ben and I am a pre-Service secondary teacher who has begun doing work with pre-service teaching.
Hey awesome lady!! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, ! I'm Morgan, 1st grade teacher from KY. I'm still a newbie (year 3) myself, but teacher education is passion! Love this chat!
Ben! Great to have you with us!!
Hello all! Elise, 6th grade teacher from Alabaster, AL
Welcome to you both! Great to have you with us!
To join the chat use Tweetdeck,Tweetchat, or other client with columns. Use the hashtag to join the convo!
We’re a small, but mighty chat...dedicated to being practitioner focused and supportive to new teachers! https://t.co/YdjDV3M4i6
I'm Lisa Dabbs Founder from So Cal. Radio Show Host, Consultant, blogger, speaker, author, Adjunct Prof & former principal.
I'm Lisa Dabbs Founder from So Cal. Radio Show Host, Consultant, blogger, speaker, author, Adjunct Prof & former principal.
Hi, all! I am a 1st grade teacher from Mississippi
Please help them understand how valuable forming a relationship with their school librarian / media specialist is.
Honored to have as our guest mod leading the chat tonight!!
We can all learn, no matter what our year in education! :-)
Thank you for having me! Honored to be here! 😊
Yipee! Ok friend!! You are up in 30 secs!
That's a great tip when the librarians are awesome! (Like )
Also great to have different perspectives too!
Hi, neighbor! I'm in Alabama.
Thanks again for the intro and having me tonight!
Awesome! You've got a great one in ! https://t.co/zhYA7Mfiwf
here as a mentor and inspired by my principal I will check out it out Monday!
Q1: How do you build school community and spirit?
A1: Make sure the day doesn't end when the bell rings! Have all sorts of clubs, hangouts, get-togethers outside of school time
A1: Ss are the foundation, involving students in school spirit allows them to be proud of representation because it applies to them
A1:Always be enthusiastic, and positive about your school. Complaining is easy, but negative attitudes create negative atmospheres.
A1: Have "gear" to "unite on sight"! Tshirts with school logos or in school colors are great for school spirit!
Love that phrase! If anything, it feels like what happens outside of class/school time can be even more impactful.
POSITIVITY is contagious!! Celebrate and encourage your colleagues and students. Mistakes are welcomed because that is how we learn
Spot on. I like how it gives Ss a chance to build a school's brand and what it stands for too.
Absolutely. Kinda like at the whole school level.
I love that! Teach till the last bell rings. :)
School gear seems to serve as the best prizes during pep-rallys and school events!
A1: My school started a house system this year! We are so excited to see how it builds community through the whole building!
Yes, we know about the power of gear at ! Fosters a team and playful mindset.
I love that! I really miss that from my Principal days. ;) https://t.co/5CFlkkWx3T
A1: Have "gear" to "unite on sight"! Tshirts with school logos or in school colors are great for school spirit!
A1: Be a part of the solution, not the problem. Positivity is awesome!
I'm a big fan of school mottos and schools using hashtags so everyone can share their story and have a voice.
What's a house system?? Sounds intriguing.
A1: Here's a link to here a little more about the house system! It was inspired by Harry Potter and RCA! https://t.co/hY2KlT6hkm
We have a Remind group for every grade level, plus a staff group, plus most Ts use it.
A1: by making everyone feel like part of the process. Openness in the classroom bringing people in the class https://t.co/VKQv2OORVv
Q1: How do you build school community and spirit?
Q1. Jump right into the culture of the school. I'm trying to get to know students not just in my classroom, but the whole school.
We hear about Principals having Jeans Fridays with Ts - love that!
It sure is! Give away t-shirts every chance you get!
I bet! I love dress up days on Friday!
Yep, that's where it starts
Ha! That was me every Friday! https://t.co/kyyqF9xtpY
We hear about Principals having Jeans Fridays with Ts - love that!
A1: Greeting everyone you meet establishes positive community and school spirit. Acknowledging fellow humans recognizes their value.
That's awesome, Rich! Being near the entrance when they come into school in the mornings is a great way to do that.
hey no worries and welcome to !
We have a school song we sing Fridays. I make sure to go over the top when we sing it. Gotta make it fun.
Oh yes! Loved greeting at the gate. :)
Q2 What are creative ways you communicate with your class, team, or school?
Hey Mister What is up!! Hope you and fam are well. :)
I saw a red carpet welcome for new Ss - so jealous!
Yes! I can even sing my junior high alma mater! (From 33 years ago!)
A1: encourage Ts/Ss to participate in extracurriculars, celebrate all types of achievements, bling, _____-outs (your school color)
Yes. Building relationships establishes trust. And we can do incredible work with a foundation of authentic trust.
1st year High School teacher in Alabama here! I've never done an edchat, so I've been tuned in but hadn't said hello yet!
A2: This year I sent postcards to students after the first week of school. They loved getting real mail! I plan to do it all year!
A2: Twitter is always great :) Love the idea of sending out real mail we did that my 1st year teaching & it was great!
A2: We use , email, enews, Google classroom, , phone messenger, twitter, FB, school blog...
Q2: I always suggest to our -ers that they develop this in a variety of ways. Maybe its a note home, email, video or a Remind text!
I love all of those!! Easy to do and not too complicated. :0 https://t.co/rb6txpPGFq
A2: We use , email, enews, Google classroom, , phone messenger, twitter, FB, school blog...
Haha! It would REALLY be impressive if I was a decent singer! :-)
So refreshing! While tech is awesome, sometimes on paper is really powerful. I love writing notes to Ts and friends
Instgra, Twitter, REMIND, emails. I tried to do a welcome video so Ss could see me before 1st day. Still trying to perfect that.
Yep, different ways to reach your community where they are!
I agree! Postcard or letter home is such a lovely greeting!
Love that! Did you hear about getting on the roof of the school?
A2: I like using my Google Classroom with my Ts, Twitter and Instagram with Ss. I do still hand write b-day cards for my Ts though!🎂
A favorite story is a teacher having a student record a voice note or video for Ps at home via - loved the bit
Love that idea - that would have pumped me up for school if I were a student today! Also a cool way to get to know Ts
This is a great tip. 1 single way won't reach every1 the way you want/need it to. Not in today's world. :-) https://t.co/dYkC77iv25
Q2: I always suggest to our -ers that they develop this in a variety of ways. Maybe its a note home, email, video or a Remind text!
Just now caught up but finally stopped in!! *shows late pass*
A2: I'm trying this year to communicate with parents. My team and school rely heavily on Google Drive!
does this form get a lot of feed back?
Very cool! I love the open call for feedback and engaging.
Love the handwritten cards. So good.
Our admin team does these for all of our teachers throughout the year w/chick-fil-a gift card.
Q3 How do you help or educate students when they're not at school?
Love this! Can you tell me more?
I love that! Where did you find those??
A3: I believe community ed workshops are INCREDIBLE. When an ed will take the time, it truly says something. https://t.co/50kQV9MV9C
Q3 How do you help or educate students when they're not at school?
A3: Clear policies and systems for Ss to get what they missed. Need to make sure they know how to catch up and stay on-track!
A3 Make sure they know that you are there to support their education and not just during the 40mins(ish) that you see them each day
A3: As a 1:1 school, our kids can get info on google classroom or .
A3: I post my ppts, notes, links etc on my website. Remind/Email. We are not Google classroom/Student provided device ...YET
Just posted end of last week. No responses yet. I wonder if something other than a QR code might get more traffic.
I've been reading more about community schools lately & love the approach. Any particular topics seem to be popular?
Yep, super helpful. Our student advisory board talks about this a ton.
And the teacher sends it just to that student's parent?
A3: I have seen lots of teacher use video in such a creative way! With YouTUbe and FB Live the shy is the limit!
No feedback yet, but it has been up less than a week. I also wonder if there is something more accessible than a QR code.
A3:I send home tips/suggestions for parents working with Ss & the login information for the math & reading sites we use at school.
A3: we are a GAFE school, so most Ts are using Classroom or LiveBinder to share materials with Ss if they aren't there.
A3. Sorry I'm just joining. Teaching is no longer an 8-3 job. I am available through email always to help. (exceptions bed/supper)
Yep, either as a 1:1 message to Ps, or to the whole class!
A3. Providing timely feedback through google docs is key to facilitating their learning.
So far this is just something that our instructional coaches and a few model teachers have opted into to try out.
My kids use google classroom for out of school learning. I like to link podcasts and videos to flip the class occasionally as well!
A3: You can also use Educreations. Have recorded a mini lesson when I had a sub
Diversity ed workshops are a huge topic right now. Often comm. want to help, they just don't know where to begin.
I love hearing when Ts and Principals use current events to send home for learning, like a meteor shower!
I think you're onto something. Maybe a stack of 1/4 sheets with some golf pencils. Make it quick and easy. Low tech.
A3: Technology is amazing - but we need to remember that not all Ss and families have dependable, or in general, access to it.
Yes, the faster feedback loop is great!
Great point. How can we ensure to include everyone?
Q3 I had a 3G S so excited about google slides, he went home, make a presentation and shared it with me that night 1/2
I've seen this with a clipboard of forms to be filled out hanging below the sign.
Countertop in class. I think a little envelope right under the sign would be better. I'm going to try that tomorrow.
I like that idea too! And maybe have a dropbox they can put them in
Being an adaptable Ed. & providing forms of communication in a variety of ways is important. U are correct. https://t.co/wP8GXO1ZTP
A3: Technology is amazing - but we need to remember that not all Ss and families have dependable, or in general, access to it.
Q4 How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?
Q2 If the Ss are excited about something, they'll take it home with them and show it off. Even teach it to family and siblings 2/2
Love it! Thanks for the feedback! Definitely going to add that low tech option tomorrow.
Doceri is a great choice too. It lets you post straight to YouTube. Great to post student thinking. https://t.co/wSmblDtExM
A3: You can also use Educreations. Have recorded a mini lesson when I had a sub
Home interviews/surveys to learn more info to start. Letting families know options to access tech at school/in comms.
perhaps sending out a Ss email list serve with the form attached? It will reach everyone!
A4 Create assignments & activities that necessitate parental (or other community member) involvement, get Ss to get Ps involved
I met a T who had her students create shows for their families. Great way for everyone to learn!
A4: I keep parent sites and links on our class website. Also send home parent guides for our math and reading units.
Love it! Thanks for the fresh ideas!
A4: by keeping them informed about what is happening in class, how they can help their S succeed, invite them in (experts!).
A4: I also have a "Home Reading Program" where my Ss pick a read aloud to take home each night for their parents to read to them!
Getting families involved is so awesome. Student's will kick it into another gear when they know families will see it
A4: Starts with relationships & communication! Get to know fams to know home language, comm. preferences, interests, concerns.
A4. Transparency. Everything we do is shared with parents on the mailing list, from class rules to exemplars to progression of work
Yes! Love inviting Ps in as experts
Great one, Mike! https://t.co/7CzYczsDDI
A4 Create assignments & activities that necessitate parental (or other community member) involvement, get Ss to get Ps involved
This is the attitude that helped earn our school's "Teacher of the Year" last year https://t.co/PCrzwz8jJV
POSITIVITY is contagious!! Celebrate and encourage your colleagues and students. Mistakes are welcomed because that is how we learn
A4: Parents volunteer in the classroom beginning in week 6 (at stations) & attend teacher-provided parent PD https://t.co/3uxgu9puBN
Q4 How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?
A4: Chap 5 of my book I share but talk about "inviting parents in". Math nite, Tech nite, a parent coffee, tons of ideas.
That would have been so helpful for my Ps back when I was a student.
A4: I try to reach out to Ps w/ S celebrations as much as possible. Ss love happy notes/calls, & parents feel good & more motivated
A4: Harder at the HS level. Definitely an area of growth for us. https://t.co/HgmUcAlCtO
Q4 How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?
Great idea! In 1st grade we had to do a report on a family member; it was great to learn about my classmates' Ps
Awesome way to start the year.
That's the hard one! Keeping Ps up to date on assignments and topics of study involves them, & newsletters! https://t.co/K9lCtXzhw0
Q4 How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?
Gotta jump out! Thank you for letting me be a part of !
So important to include parents in their child's education.
https://t.co/EQ8vs2W3gr
A4: Chap 5 of my book I share but talk about "inviting parents in". Math nite, Tech nite, a parent coffee, tons of ideas.
So awesome tohave you here! BIG HUGS!!
A4: Important to remember that not all families have had positive experiences w/ schools. Help build trust! Show them you r genuine.
Definitely. My HS English T would ask my Ps more about my interests so he could apply that
thanks for joining in Jennifer! Learned a lot from you!
Agreed! As a former Principal this was a key concept for me. :) https://t.co/G3BwpgS8Cm
A4: Important to remember that not all families have had positive experiences w/ schools. Help build trust! Show them you r genuine.
A4: Parents are taught by their students' teachers how 2 effectively ask questions and notice student growth https://t.co/3uxgu9puBN
Q4 How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?
I love stories where Ts share content with Ss and Ps - I hear Ps say they enjoy re-learning things along with w/ their kids
A4:Ps appreciate wkly updates/emails. Positive notes home abt their child sparks a great relationship which creates parent inv'ment
A4: If you want parents on board and involved, you have to teach them how to do it! https://t.co/3uxgu9puBN
Q4 How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?
A4 Big part is making parents feel comfortable. I've seen parents who are worried that they can't help in any way. Gotta change that
This is certainly hard. There is a level of autonomy expected that changes the relationship. I reach out every unit.
Another thought about HS P engagement - asking Ps about their kids' future career goals/interests and finding connections or opps
Very true! Glad you mentioned this! https://t.co/oP4OzPI84q
A4 Big part is making parents feel comfortable. I've seen parents who are worried that they can't help in any way. Gotta change that
Definitely! I've heard some say their ashamed as well if they didn't have a good school experience.
A4: Consider changing the language from parents to parents/guardians or families! Include all families/caretakers :)
A3: Teachers need to find ways to build the oh-so-necessary bridge between school and home. https://t.co/hRDHiIvE0n
Q3 How do you help or educate students when they're not at school?
Any ideas on how to best implement this? https://t.co/INblMNJmYf
Another thought about HS P engagement - asking Ps about their kids' future career goals/interests and finding connections or opps
A2: Morning conversations, Email, Classroom website, Twitter, Parent PD, Remind App, Classroom Newsletters https://t.co/RppdbGPZX2
Q2 What are creative ways you communicate with your class, team, or school?
Q5 How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?
A1: The vision drives the change within school and community and everyone needs to be focused and on board https://t.co/qgc02UIdrS
A5: In the class or as an admin...you must walk your talk! Say what you mean, mean what you say and follow through.
A5: Transparent: being seen and seeking questions and comments. Creating quarterly surveys for parents! https://t.co/E5dxe3RVjF
Q5 How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?
Q5. Google allows me to share work and progress with students. They see a lvl4 and compare to their kids, complete success criteria
A5 I think ties back to & helping to foster Ss understanding that everything they say online & off has significance & impact
I hear of Ts and schools using surveys to compare how different approaches or tools meet certain needs
