The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Hey! I am here! Kathy grade 3 from Ct and mom to @msiwanicki who decided to show her face here (and no we are not in the same house right now) How is everyone? #2PencilChat
Good evening, #2PencilChat! Lauren from New York – currently on leave from teaching 6th grade English to write a book about integrating #SEL into academics.
Good evening, all. Karl, 3-6th basic skills ELA teacher. At a local DnD waiting for my twins's CCD class to finish. On Tweetdeck toggling betw #edchat and #2pencil chat. Let's see how long I can go before replying to the wrong chat!
#teachchallenges
Q1
Let's talk about big education conferences. What are your favorites? What are your tips for making the best of your conference experience?
#2PencilChat
Haven't been to #ISTE yet, but Philly is only an hour away, so I'm thinking this is the year. Otherwise, @edcamp and @teachmeet when I can get them. #2pencilchat
Q1
Let's talk about big education conferences. What are your favorites? What are your tips for making the best of your conference experience?
#2PencilChat
Hey Lauren! I teach in South Korea and our middle school has integrated an #SEL program #SecondStep into our schedule. We have 2 dedicated blocks of time a week that are untouchable to other things. Ss are learning a lot and seem to be having fun with it! #2PencilChat
I worked with a lady from there. Lapeer was always just a Flint/Pontiac bedroom community when I was young... unless you were into farming/hunting.
#2PencilChat
A1: for arts educators FAEA and NAEA are AWESOME!!! Best tips...plan before you go and have a posse. So many great talks and activities happen at the same time so truly making a plan of attack is so helpful! #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's talk about big education conferences. What are your favorites? What are your tips for making the best of your conference experience?
#2PencilChat
A1: Both ISTE and FETC have a lot to offer and I would say that it is easy to become overwhelmed, so know that you may not make it to every session, but don't forget all the sidebars and conversations that happen outside of sessions #2PencilChat
A1 I’ve only been to a couple of big conferences. I’d recommend planning the sessions you want with a backup session that worked well for me #2PencilChat
A1: My best conference experience was one that was hosted by Ss. They shared their experiences and participated in a lot of the workshops. It was really cool! John, you were part of the planning of this. - @mexusmx#2pencilchat
A1. Haven't been to a "big" educational conference in a while. But, I get the most out of things when I get the option to choose what I see/experience. #2PencilChat
A1 leave gaps in your schedule to go to the hang out areas. Just sit and listen. I did this for a long time. You may have seen me at an iste sewing while sitting in a bloggers cafe #2PencilChat
A1: My focus in conferences is about making connections. I love meeting new Ts and hearing about what they are doing in their schools. Plus, it is great when you can keep the conversations going after the conference. #2pencilchat
A1: I haven’t had the opportunity to attend many but one of my favorites was the AVID Conference! #2PencilChat You learn so much! My tip is to try and take a little time to enjoy what the venue has to offer. Especially if it’s at a resort!!👙💃👟Teachers need a little fun!
I LOVED it! Just meeting people in person alone (those I follow on twitter, those who I've never made a connection with until Ed Camp) was amazing. Came out with new resources, new twitter peeps to follow, just a great day overall. #2pencilchat
#ISTE is overwhelming, and pretty great. It's worth it, especially if you're close. We'll get into EdCamps more in q2 - I love those a lot, too! #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's talk about big education conferences. What are your favorites? What are your tips for making the best of your conference experience?
#2PencilChat
A1 My favorite big conference isn’t really for teachers, but it’s where I’ve learned & continue to learn the most useful content – @myACBS. I wonder if so few of us attend larger conferences because they’re cost-prohibitive. #2PencilChat
A1: I’ve only been to PD events and conferences through @RiderCEHS. However, following different conferences on Twitter makes it seem like I’ve been all over! #2PencilChat
A1 Whether it's #FETC2019 or #ISTE19 - my best advice is to only stop at booths and sessions that are about what you're about... don't get distracted by bells and whistles that don't get you where you're wanting to go.
#2PencilChat
A1 (cont): I just got approved to go to Kristine Mraz's conference (she wrote Kids First from Day One) & I'm not sure how big it's going to be but I am literally fan-girl-ing about going! #2pencilchat
A1 look at who the presenters. Too many sessions have become look at me sessions. If you are sales pitching me on you during your sessions, I may yell out at you #2PencilChat (not saying I haven’t done this before)
Networking is something I used to avoid years ago as a new teacher. Now I 💚meeting new teachers. I wish I could tell my new teacher self not to be so intimidated. #2PencilChat
Q2
The #EdCamp movement is one of my favorite things for empowering teachers. Talk about your EdCamp Experience, how do you make it an awesome day for you?
#2PencilChat
I make it to the #NJEA state teachers convention every other year or so. I like it. Mostly. Too many Friday PM session get cancelled, though. But I get useful stuff from them and the floor vendors. #2pencilchat
A2 Try to find a partner to share rides and resources, put an idea on the board - don't be afraid to share, talk to everyone - we're all there for the same reason. Grab the link to the board and save everything to your Google drive #2pencilchat
A2: I go to sessions that sound cool and then if I meet someone in that session that I feel there is a lot to learn from I may end up having a side conversation with them. #2PencilChat
A2: I started attending EdCamps in 2015, EdCamp Magic was my first, I have not looked back since. I think it is important to be OPEN to new things and new ways...taking one thing away from a camp is more than I came with #2PencilChat
A2) My district hosted @edcampPGH last year. It took a lot of planning but was a great day of personalized professional learning and networking. #2pencilchat
Q2
The #EdCamp movement is one of my favorite things for empowering teachers. Talk about your EdCamp Experience, how do you make it an awesome day for you?
#2PencilChat
A2: I have been to big Edcamps and small ones. I’ve learned something from them all. I think the biggest takeaway for me has been that you are there for you. Follow your heart, feet, mind and you’ll get what you need. #2PencilChat
A1 I love the Edcamp experience. Currently in NC, there has been a movement for half day events which are too compressed for me. Usually at Edcamp in NC they give me a room to do my thing and others come in and ask questions #2PencilChat
A2 My school board has Google EdCamp each fall. There are many Google sessions to attend. Down side you can’t book your sessions in advance ☹️ #2PencilChat
How is ISTE and some of the other big conferences? I ask because this next year I will be taking some time off to write and hopefully attend some edu conferences. #2pencilchat
A2 the one thing that bothers me about Edcamps is the swag hunt. So much work to get stuff from companies. I hate to ask my friends to donate to edcamps #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A2 At my 1st @EdCampGrafton I unwittingly became a facilitator for a session.😨. Lots of voting with the feet on that one. I've been back to every one ever since. I like how I never know what I'm going to get.
Q2
The #EdCamp movement is one of my favorite things for empowering teachers. Talk about your EdCamp Experience, how do you make it an awesome day for you?
#2PencilChat
A2 most of the time I find a friends and go to sessions with them. I don’t care what the topic is, all I want to learn with something who cares #2PencilChat
Indeed! Half the fun of conferences is building a professional network of friends that perhaps share the same ideology on education and pedagogy! #2PencilChat
A2: My first edcamp experience was with @edchangeglobal, and it was incredible! It was 24 hours, and the sessions were so timely. I learned about flipgrid and met all these creative Ts. #2pencilchat
I LOVE PMEA (@PMEAstate) and NAfME (@NAfME) conferences! I scope out the schedule, choose those that sound interesting, then find my friends and go. I love social evening dinners and the evening concerts. Music Nerd Fun! #2PencilChat
A2 Loooove #EdCamps! I’ve only been to 3 but want to attend every one that I read about! However...this isn’t realistic so I try to go to at least 2 a year. Great experience to collaborate and learn best practices! Come join us @edcampColumbia this weekend! #2PencilChat
There's is NOTHING wrong with #fanboying a Twitter ed friend when you meet in the flesh. Nothing. At. All.
I'm just waiting for someone to fanboy me at an #edcamp :)
#2pencilchat@MagicPantsJones
In reply to
@pjcerullo, @amber_grohs, @MagicPantsJones
A2.2: #edcamp is such a great way for BTs as well as seasoned vets to get a lot of great ideas, share struggles and improve our craft. It is free (typically) and teacher/participant led. Admin, beginning teachers and student teachers are all welcome! #2pencilchat
A2 Come with something you want to talk about... you don't have to teach it, just be ready with questions. Don't be afraid to put it up on the board! #2PencilChat
Q3
Aside from the #2PencilChat, what are the best chats - and who are the best peeps - to follow on Twitter to energize your teaching craft?
#2PencilChat
Q3
Aside from the #2PencilChat, what are the best chats - and who are the best peeps - to follow on Twitter to energize your teaching craft?
#2PencilChat
A3: Currently I participate in #2pencilchat#whatisschool#masterychat#BFC530 and hop into other random ones when it fits my schedule. Definitely enjoy any & all chats though! Connecting, learning, sharing...
Q3
Aside from the #2PencilChat, what are the best chats - and who are the best peeps - to follow on Twitter to energize your teaching craft?
#2PencilChat
Since moving abroad, I missed out on the whole edcamp movement, so I take advantage of the virtual edcamps. It is always nice when others in my PLN go and share their learning using hashtags. #2pencilchat
:) Same brotha!! #2pencilchat We always leave with some great resources and ideas to bring to the classroom. Though I have been very limited this year (we are trying to streamline across grade level and stick to core instruction) though I have been able to still experiment!
In reply to
@nathan_stevens, @MagicPantsJones, @_parkerjl, @HarmonyAbee, @EdCampQC, @EdCampWake
A3: I’m a full fledged chat hopper. I go based on the topic of discussion ...I like ones that have nothing to do with my subject area so I can gain insight into other areas. And as for peeps! Everyone! Each offers something unique to support my growth! #2PencilChat
Q3
Aside from the #2PencilChat, what are the best chats - and who are the best peeps - to follow on Twitter to energize your teaching craft?
#2PencilChat
A3: #games4ed is a pretty good chat. I also used to do the #bfc530. I have been leaving the house earlier, so I do not get on that one as much. #2PencilChat
:) Same brotha!! #2pencilchat We always leave with some great resources and ideas to bring to the classroom. Though I have been very limited this year (we are trying to streamline across grade level and stick to core instruction) though I have been able to still experiment!
In reply to
@nathan_stevens, @MagicPantsJones, @_parkerjl, @HarmonyAbee, @EdCampQC, @EdCampWake
A3. I tried a bunch of different Twitter chats before I found this one. I was doing it for a long term project I was a part of. Once I found our group, I stayed, even when the project was over. So, you know this is a great place to be. #2PencilChat
A bunch of my fake one off chats have people asking if this is a regular chat. I did #boredchat because I wanted to rant and a bunch of tweeps joined in. #2pencilchat
A3. I think it would be VERY interesting to research why educators go to 1 chat vs another. What do they want to gain from being in a chat? What chat did they try & never want to return to again? What sociological impact will Twitter chats have in 5, 10, 15 years? #2PencilChat
A3. I think it would be VERY interesting to research why educators go to 1 chat vs another. What do they want to gain from being in a chat? What chat did they try & never want to return to again? What sociological impact will Twitter chats have in 5, 10, 15 years? #2PencilChat
They may not realize it, but I learn a ton from @CoachKCullen and @DennisDill when they tweet.
Chats-wise - just about any I stumble upon. #bfc530 is a must. #satchat and #sunchat bring diversity of topics and participants.
#2pencilchat
Q3
Aside from the #2PencilChat, what are the best chats - and who are the best peeps - to follow on Twitter to energize your teaching craft?
#2PencilChat
It is VERY interesting for me to lean back and read a statement like yours that contains so much passion for all of the educators who are here sharing/caring about each other and what professional learning was like 40 years ago! Yup, tons of changes! #2PencilChat
A3. I think it would be VERY interesting to research why educators go to 1 chat vs another. What do they want to gain from being in a chat? What chat did they try & never want to return to again? What sociological impact will Twitter chats have in 5, 10, 15 years? #2PencilChat
Q4
Let's talk books! Who are the authors and publishers who feed you the innovative ideas and outlooks that you need to grow as a teacher?
#2PencilChat
A3.2 I’m a #bfc530 dropout (after going on leave I stopped getting up as early, and if I am up at that time I’m writing) but that was one of the best by far. Same people every day, so it’s a real community. And it’s more interactive than most chats. #2PencilChat
Takes LOTS of time to moderate one. Probably better in the long run to jump into the one's that best match your learning.
Now there's an interesting question - how many attend a chat WAY outside of their wheelhouse? #2pencilchat
I think it's knowing that all teachers are flawed. Maybe I believed in a paragon. Now I believe that most teachers can provide something from which we can learn. Even the best struggle and make mistakes. I know from personal experience and observing many colleagues. #2PencilChat
Q3
Aside from the #2PencilChat, what are the best chats - and who are the best peeps - to follow on Twitter to energize your teaching craft?
#2PencilChat
Yes! I believe it saved me. @Twitter and I remember when PD was so expensive and I couldn’t afford PD books or I would buy only one for the summer! #2pencilchat. Here I get to learn every day!
Q4
Let's talk books! Who are the authors and publishers who feed you the innovative ideas and outlooks that you need to grow as a teacher?
#2PencilChat
A4.
Please, please ....
go check out all of the professional learning books on this website?
https://t.co/9CFlAawfNY
Each book has resources for you to use and extend your learning.
#2PencilChat
A4: for me it’s non educator authors and books. I delve into science books, math books, historical fiction, and more as it allows my mind to think in a wider expanse, be curious about how I can apply to my teachings, and spark an inner fire in me #2PencilChat
Q4
Let's talk books! Who are the authors and publishers who feed you the innovative ideas and outlooks that you need to grow as a teacher?
#2PencilChat
A1 I just reviewed the #NCTE19 proposal I penned for the @Wonderopolis Wonder Team. This conference is the Red Carpet of literacy educators-Who's Who. Tip: travel light; wear comfortable shoes; learn, learn, learn. #2PencilChat#professionaldevelopment
Yeah. People don’t have a since of humor anymore. Too many “too serious” people out there. Because what “edu-rockstars” the joke is on all of you. #2pencilchat
Yes! I believe it saved me. @Twitter and I remember when PD was so expensive and I couldn’t afford PD books or I would buy only one for the summer! #2pencilchat. Here I get to learn every day!
Q4
Let's talk books! Who are the authors and publishers who feed you the innovative ideas and outlooks that you need to grow as a teacher?
#2PencilChat
Yes! I believe it saved me. @Twitter and I remember when PD was so expensive and I couldn’t afford PD books or I would buy only one for the summer! #2pencilchat. Here I get to learn every day!
A4 Oh boy, another long list 😂Eduprotocols, Explore Like a Pirate, Teach Like a Pirate, Play Like a Pirate, Learning Transported, REAL, Make Learning Magical, Inquiry Mindset .... #2PencilChat
Q4
Let's talk books! Who are the authors and publishers who feed you the innovative ideas and outlooks that you need to grow as a teacher?
#2PencilChat
Thank you for doing that, Meredith! A presenter at PD I went to a few years back gave me her book, completely unexpectedly. I was so greatful. Little acts mean so much. 💛 #2PencilChat
Time to return to my alternate role of Taxi-Dad and pick up my boys. #2pencilchat & #edchat, it's been a mind-spinning ride this last 45 minutes. Thank you! You've given me much to think about and be grateful for. G'night, all!
Thank you for doing that, Meredith! A presenter at PD I went to a few years back gave me her book, completely unexpectedly. I was so greatful. Little acts mean so much. 💛 #2PencilChat
Absolutely! For those following me, I promise they will see lots of flaws. I'm an open book. Don't know how else to be. I personally like it when others Ts share their struggles on Twitter. We need more transparency. #2PencilChat
A4. Because I'm the career teacher, the Discovery channel has a lot to offer me. The History channel does too. My students are always asking me, "Do you watch this stuff when you're at home?" LOL. I tell them no, I watch the ID channel and learn about serial killers #2PencilChat
A4: Kids First From Day One was my favorite book I read before I started teaching... but I also have enjoyed Teach Like a Pirate, Kids Deserve It!, First 6 Weeks of School, Tools of Teaching, Your First Year #2pencilchat
The books that are listed on this web page
https://t.co/9CFlAawfNY
With all of the resources are there to help educators who might be trying to decide which one to select for a book study, which one meets the goals they are working on ... #2PencilChat
That is fantastic! And everything and everyone is flawed.... If I stopped shopping at every store that has problematic issues, I'd not have new things! #2PencilChat
A5: Reflect often. Whether orally or in writing. Check in often. With myself. With others. Vary approaches to learning. Multiple mediums.. #2PencilChat
We are highlighting that book on Feb 3 and 10th. Here is the schedule of upcoming books if you would like to check them out. https://t.co/bcIF6eE8r3
All of the books are selected by educators who vote for the top eight. #2pencilchat
A5: I get resources and inspiration from everywhere. Usually, I will think about something and how to apply it in a different way than what I have seen. If I cannot find something that has already been created like I want, I make it. #2PencilChat
A5: I indulge in activities that ignite my soul...I draw, sit by the water, see movies...by doing so I can be the best me possible. Learning to carve out me time has been essential for me to grow in my teaching practice! #2PencilChat
I hate when ppl that take themselves too seriously. It puts me on edge. If I cannot joke around you, then I feel like I am annoying the person, which I probably am.
A5 In-house PD! Here’s something I wrote about creating a culture of learning and meaningful relationships by distributing expertise. https://t.co/khtQZ6Ya9X#2PencilChat
A5: So, sometimes (with permission of course) I like to walk into other T's classrooms. Did this in August with a T who teaches the same program as mine in a different school. Looked around, asked Qs, got advice, chatted. #2pencilchat
A5 I use norms, protocols, collaborative practices, scaffolds, and a digital toolbox to grow my teaching practice. #2PencilChat Right now, I am writing with a community of poets sharing #InstaPoetry (https://t.co/B6NeW3IySa)
A5: constantly reflecting on my own, with my mom, with my colleagues (grade level, K, 2, principal, literacy/math coaches), & trying to find new resources to help improve my craft #2PencilChat
That absolutely ROCKS!! What if every teacher did this once a month? What if some magical fairy handed those teachers $50 for caring about improving their own learning?
Yeah ... yeah .. what if ....
#2pencilchat
A5 I try to catch #ditchsummit and #TheEdCollabGathering for PD at home. Don't forget that some EdCamps make notes public so even if you can't go to one you might be able to follow along. #2PencilChat
I like Voxer, but my groups have to be small, or I have to just skip ahead once in a while. I've been in a couple where someone updates what the prev. conversations were by text so you could skip it. That helped a lot... #2PencilChat
A5: Working in Sped doing push-in, I have the opportunity to learn from other Ts and get feedback on how I can improve. I will always be thankful for teaching in NC. It was there that I found my love-working in inclusion. #2pencilchat
Agreed. I think society has long harbored this view of a standard buttoned-down teacher who does what's needed without much complaint. I think we're seeing a new age of teaching where we feel empowered to speak more openly about the good and bad of our career. #2PencilChat
A5 I try to pull inspiration from everywhere, much like @killyalison. It's amazing how many good structures and ideas can be stolen and applied to education. It keeps it fresh for the kids, and for me! #2PencilChat
A5: I also think it is important to reflect. I really like having my Ss respond on @flipgrid at the end of a unit to let me know what they thought could be improved. #2pencilchat
Sadly I am now working during #2PencilChat so can only jump in briefly but PD is what I do & I make it as hands on & practical as possible - Learning needs to be FUN & challenging!
A5 I try to pull inspiration from everywhere, much like @killyalison. It's amazing how many good structures and ideas can be stolen and applied to education. It keeps it fresh for the kids, and for me! #2PencilChat
True. Very true. I am happy to see others talking about self-care and mental health. I have lost count of how many Ts I know are working through depression and anxiety. They feel ashamed to talk about their struggles. That also needs to change. #2PencilChat
A5: I ALSO love learning from my team! Being in Spec Ed, I work with educational assistants, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists....so many to learn from! #2pencilchat#SPED
A5 I used to host a snack and share where I provide snacks, and my coworkers bring ideas to share. I think I may have to revive that soon....you can learn a lot from the coworkers you don't chat with each day!
#2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us tonight, I hope you found some good ideas for finding good ideas tonight! Now go have a fantastic rest of the week!
Woot woot for both of those statements! And whoa! I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway or realization or epiphany or light bulb moment or big idea.. :) Thanks for that. #2PencilChat