We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Hello #ECEchat! Colleen Schmit from Omaha, NE. Former KDG teacher. Current author, speaker, consultant and zookeeper. I look forward to learning and reflecting with you tonight! Pic attached is of my heart on a couch. My four monkeys :)
Good evening #ECEchat PLN! My name is Nancy. I am the very proud principal of Celina Primary School in North Texas. I am passionate about things #ECE and #EarlyEd#STEAM#STEM
Q1: Let's talk about our "why"...What is the part of teaching that motivates you to continue as an educator? In other words, why do you keep coming back for more? #ECECHAT
A1: My role as an educator has changed! My new "why" is b/c I love helping teachers. I know if I can support the Ts I can reach the kids. That will always be my mission. Advocacy for students first! #ECEchat
A1. My #WHY is my Ss! Especially those who need a positive male model in their life. They depend on me and that keeps me coming back for more! They deserve my best each and every day, so I rise to the challenge! #ecechat#kidsdeserveit
A1 Although I am no longer in the classroom, my ‘why’ remains the same… I work in early childhood education to set a foundation, to see the lightbulbs turn on, & to provide equity for our youngest learners! #ECEchat
A1 I left a profitable profession in advertising in NYC because it didn’t feed my soul; teaching does! I want to help kids that might not otherwise know that they are worth it; my childhood wasn’t great & I want them to know I care & believe in them #ECEchat
Q1. THE KIDS!!! I love that moment when it clicks for them and they get it. I love to be able to provide encouragement, hugs, and smiles for them. Unfortunately I am the only one who may do it for some! #ECECHAT
A1: To change SS lives for the better. Be that positive role model and light for them. And, to motivate SS to become lifelong learners. Teaching is simply the most rewarding career out there! #ecechat
A1 Yesterday was our first day back after spring break. At 3:55 I told my class it was time to pack up and one of my students blurted “I don’t want to leave! Why can’t we stay here?!” My WHY= I love when students love school & love learning #ECEchat#TED9190
A1 Yesterday was our first day back after spring break. At 3:55 I told my class it was time to pack up and one of my students blurted “I don’t want to leave! Why can’t we stay here?!” My WHY= I love when students love school & love learning #ECEchat#TED9190
A1 I left a profitable profession in advertising in NYC because it didn’t feed my soul; teaching does! I want to help kids that might not otherwise know that they are worth it; my childhood wasn’t great & I want them to know I care & believe in them #ECEchat
A2: Grad school has made this difficult. Spring break was a great reminder to get my head out of grad school and teaching. Watching Bball, spending time with family, and not bringing home work if I don't need to are all important aspects of that. #ecechat
A2: I go on Twitter for 3 reasons. 1. I have not heard a negative comment yet, and it’s been a month since I started. Everything is so powerful, thought provoking, and relevant. My great ideas come because my mind does ant stop. 2, I feel heard. 3, I feel valued. #ECEchat
A2. I do a lot of reflecting! Finding the positives in the day and focusing on those. Can't let the negatives weigh us down, though they are often important for growth! This is an area I could/should do much better. I look forward to learning about what everyone does! #ecechat
A2: I make a point to spend time with my dogs after work. Taking them for walks clears my mind and improves both my mental and physical health. #ECEchat
A2 we have an awesome admin @SusieTowber1 who allows our team to have an early out each month to build relationships as a team and relax doing things like mani/pedi and eating pie @pie emporium #ECEchat
A2 Selfcare is super important & something I am still working on in my new role. I’m getting better at letting email wait till the next day, & putting the work away once I get home. Also, weekends are for me and my daughter!! #ECEchat
A2: I disconnect from all social media/technology. I also sleep late on the weekend and go out to breakfast w/ my family. I also participate in a weekly mastermind group w/ @alienearbud and other school leaders. #ECEchat
A2 we have an awesome admin @SusieTowber1 who allows our team to have an early out each month to build relationships as a team and relax doing things like mani/pedi and eating pie @pie emporium #ECEchat
A1: I come back to teaching and coaching year after year because I see the students' faces when they make growth and when past students come back and say thank you and list their accomplishments. #ecechat
A2 we have an awesome admin @SusieTowber1 who allows our team to have an early out each month to build relationships as a team and relax doing things like mani/pedi and eating pie @pie emporium #ECEchat
A2 I do yoga before school and try to fit in a workout after school if possible! I’ve noticed that getting up early to do yoga in the morning helps me to have a positive mindset throughout the day! #ecechat#TED9190
Is the disconnecting hard Nancy? What tips do you have? We just talked about that in the mastermind with my coach @VFTCoach It’s a real struggle for me recently #ecechat
A2 take time to laugh, play, and read many bedtime stories with my daughters. Work out when hubby watches the kids. I would like to start journaling more. #ECEchat
A3: Sometimes what negative Ts really need is just support. I think it is however always ok to set a limit and not allow yourself to be swallowed into that climate of negative attitudes and people. #ECEchat
A3: I try to offer solutions, keep my classroom door open, and offer to co-teach or co-plan. Any materials I create, I will share. However, sometimes, it's like talking to a brick wall, but I keep trying, just like with students. #ecechat
A3 lead by example, offer positives up to the negatives; focus on a positive they have and encourage it; and yes it is hard to be the upbeat in a downbeat person #ECEchat
A3: I try to offer solutions, keep my classroom door open, and offer to co-teach or co-plan. Any materials I create, I will share. However, sometimes, it's like talking to a brick wall, but I keep trying, just like with students. #ecechat
A3. There is a core group of us that have "bitch9 sessions" to vent and let off steam about issues as we need to. We then always end by making each other laugh. It is not used daily, but only when needed. We don't feel alone in our frustration. #ECECHAT
A3 I think you have to set limits, if you know someone has a negative attitude, you can still try to support that person but distance yourself so you don’t fall victim to the negativity. #ECEchat
A3. I usually try to avoid these situations. It can often drain the happiness and positivity from me! These situations/people can quickly flip your day! I try to present positivity to these individuals. When they complain, I reply with a positive of their sitatuion! #ecechat
A3. There is a core group of us that have "bitch9 sessions" to vent and let off steam about issues as we need to. We then always end by making each other laugh. It is not used daily, but only when needed. We don't feel alone in our frustration. #ECECHAT
A3 Find your marigolds & thank them often. Find ways to fill the bucket of those who may be bringing negative vibes, give them a random act of kindness. #ECEchathttps://t.co/BAimjRPoTS
A2: #ECEchat self care is essential! But it is amazingly wonderful when your self care is talking with and supporting teachers in being their best for others they serve: both students and their professional colleagues!
A2: #ECEchat self care is essential! But it is amazingly wonderful when your self care is talking with and supporting teachers in being their best for others they serve: both students and their professional colleagues!
A3: Become crafty & skilled at diverting attention, changing the subject, asking questions, making a silly joke, or telling a story, even if it is off topic. #ECEchat
#ecechat A3: surround yourself with positivity! Your positivity becomes contagious very quickly when you have passion with a purpose! It will smother negative always!
A4: Competition can be EVERYWHERE in buildings. Ts sometimes compete on high stakes items (e.g. test scores) and silly things (e.g. bulletin boards). Focusing on collaboration and sharing is a must for a positive school climate! #ECEchat
A4: This is difficult at Prek because we are one of the only grade levels left with a somewhat flexible curriculum. Because of this in @WaterlooSchools prek teachers have led professional development and shared ideas. This has been helpful for everyone! #ecechat
A4: our school supports collaboration by providing shared PD experiences for teachers. Then, people can grow together over shared understanding. The nice thing is as we spend time talking about teaching and learning trust and friendships are built. #ecechat
A3: I treat ppl the way I want to be treated w/ respect and honesty. I try not to avoid negativity or conflict. I listen, say my peace, offer solutions and try to model. Not easy but must be resilient. #ecechat
So important to have a positive attitude. There actually is research about being happy - it gives you a mental advantage - The Happiness Advantage #ECEchathttps://t.co/LLhEFtxNPZ
A4: I work at a Kindergarten Center that is divided into teams. This allows for easy communication and support through your team. We also have PLC meetings weekly with our teams members. My team has 5 classroom teachers, a SPED teacher, and an EL teacher on it. #ECEchat
A4: It is great to find a co-worker or a team of like minds to try on facilitating peer workshops and/or student projects, etc. U can learn from each other as well. #ecechat
A4 Our Admin team encourages collaboration/growth mindset; They set the example to encourage the staff; each team meets once a month for our PLC. #ECEchat
A4: our school supports collaboration by providing shared PD experiences for teachers. Then, people can grow together over shared understanding. The nice thing is as we spend time talking about teaching and learning trust and friendships are built. #ecechat
A4. Our district has a 1 hr early out every Wed for collab time with grade level teams or whole staff. We are encouraged to support each other. If we think about competition, it is more toward the other elem schs in our dist than ea other. #ECECHAT
A4 We are in the process of starting PLCs (Professional Learning Communities).. I am really excited about the opportunity for collaboration involved! #ecechat
#ecechat A4: Setting the schedule that allows for and encourages collaboration is vital! Common grade level plan daily helps! Teachers can’t do it alone! But with a team approach nothing is impossible @Masters_OPS
A4: We have PLCs, grade level meetings, positive behavior supports in school mtgs., and my Ts gather as needed for special projects and assemblies. #ecechat
A4: In my role, when I see a positive school climate where there is mutual trust, appreciation, & respect, there is almost always a healthy balance between collaboration & competition. #ECEchat
A4 @JessicaCabeen had an awesome idea for each of our PLC groups to collaborate and share ideas and resources on a staff @Seesaw. Each week teams record a strategy they used to help students reach an essential learning outcome #ECEchat
A4: In my role, when I see a positive school climate where there is mutual trust, appreciation, & respect, there is almost always a healthy balance between collaboration & competition. #ECEchat
Going to bed early is the key, then exercise and what you eat. Once get the first figured out, the second is easy. The last one is difficult. I love to eat!! #ecechat
Q5: In ECE we can be misunderstood by coworkers teaching older grades and admin/leadership teams. What can you do to be an advocate for DAP in ECE? How can you help others to understand the value of your practices? #ECEchat
A4 In #ted9190 I’ve had the chance to reflect about collaboration vs competition at my school. I’ve realized that our administrators create an environment that fosters collaboration because they work closely with teachers & empower teacher leaders #ECEchat
A5: I suggest inviting your admin into your room! It can also be helpful to share research and information on developmental theory to support your practices. Not everyone has had extensive training on Maslow, Piaget, Erickson, etc. #ECEchat
A5: It's imperative early childhood education professionals speak with intelligence and facts when repping the preschool or kindergarten levels. We can't say "children learn through play" unless we can back that up. We have to evidence our why for each lesson/time. #ecechat
I share activities, projects, etc via Social Media so that not only Ts, but parents and community members can see what, why, and how we are doing things in K! If asked why I do something, I always have a reason. If what we do can be supported, then we will be supported! #ecechat
A5 I try to be an advocate by sharing the DAP ECE research! I always have books and articles on hand that support what I’m doing in my classroom. #ECEchat#TED9190
A5 Education is the key; make time to inform your coworkers/admin, invite them into your room, get them involved in the great work you are doing! #ecechat
A5: It's imperative early childhood education professionals speak with intelligence and facts when repping the preschool or kindergarten levels. We can't say "children learn through play" unless we can back that up. We have to evidence our why for each lesson/time. #ecechat
A5. I did@DonorsChoose projects for my entire bldg for calm down boxes. I share materials/strategies with them. Open door/open invitation to visit. Sub shortage last yr had tchrs covering classes during planning times. Eye opening for many! #ECECHAT
YES! and invite us not just to discipline a student or move furniture or read a book to your class. Let's talk pedagogy, strategies, techniques, goals, passions and what can exist and what we can create! #ecechat
A5 As a former secondary-science T, I know the difference we make in EC! When others say “babysitting” I am able to debate the issue because I have done both; I invite anyone in my room to see the amazing learning; we are creating life long learners to send to them #ECEchat
When I push out our learning on social media I try to share the learning that is taking place that is reasearch based. This is for parents and my learning community. #ecechat
A5: Not around the STAAR frenzy, of course, but schedule switch days, build relationships with other grade levels: whatever “buddy” you can think of- reading, tech, science, writing, etc. Don’t forget about all of your tech options and utilize them across grade levels! #ECEchat
A5: When I push out our learning on social media I try to share the learning that is taking place that is reasearch based. This is for parents and my learning community. #ecechat
Our teacher leaders are teacher leaders because they choose to be—we have teachers leading our ILT, SIP Focus Team, SIP Data Team, etc. #ecechat#TED9190
A6: Don't change your DAP to fit in with the rest of the elementary school! Focus on building relationships with the kids and their families. Continue to have FUN with teaching. #ECEchat
A5: IF teacher of older students used DAP, there would not be such a gap in their learning when they move from grade to grade. So many JHS/HS are still learning how to decode. #ecechat
A6. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF! Don't say "I will do it next year" DO IT NOW!!! You can't do everything in 1 year, but if you build relationships and teach from your heart, everything will be okay. #ecechat
A4: we meet weekly with PLCs and collaborate by sharing knowledge through using @Seesaw, etc. We also have committees that work together to make our school great for our Ss. #ECEchat
A6. Remember to have fun. Focus on building relationships and social emotional skills first for a strong foundation. Then the learning can take place. #ECECHAT
A6: If a young child is swearing or challenging, it's not because you are not a decent educator, it's because they are a child and need help. It's one thing to know not to take behavior personally, it's another thing to live that every day when you start out! #ecechat
A6: Kiddos & their parents care more about your passion, your joy, your heart, & your love for them more than what your classroom might look 👀 like! #ECEchat
A6: If I was giving guidance to my first year teacher self I would say to find those teachers who love the kids and love teaching and spend time in their classes and listen and watch. How teachers treat kids and each other is of the outmost importance. #ecechat
A6: You can’t do it all, so instead do what you can and commit to doing it well! Focus on building relationships with students, parents and coworkers! #ecechat
A6. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF! Don't say "I will do it next year" DO IT NOW!!! You can't do everything in 1 year, but if you build relationships and teach from your heart, everything will be okay. #ecechat
A6. Don't be afraid to stand out as the energetic, passionate 1st year T! Don't be afraid to jump off the bandwagon and do what is best for your Ss. Their success (social, emotional, academic) is of upmost importance. #ecechat
A6: Start small & add as you go. Don’t try to do everything all at once… it’s too overwhelming. It’s ok to make mistakes. You’ll learn from them & so will your Ss. #ECEchat
Q6 FYI: you will be sick all the time and use up all of your days-viruses love 1st yrs; 😉 Do your best and know that each year you will become better-learn from your “mistakes” and allow them to help you grow! #ECEchat
This is a fantastic idea! Sometimes this can be tough in a school with Ts who have taught for many years and have lost their WHY. We can be that change and can reignite that flame when they see the 1st Year T so passionate! #ecechat
A5: Invite them into classrooms, and look at things from all perspectives. Letting them know what is important for our Ss is important for teachers as well. Be intentional and have purpose. #ECEchat
A6 Don't try to be better than anyone except yourself yesterday. Let the kids lead, have a voice and choice. Have fun and believe they can achieve amazing things. Learn with them, you don't need to know the answer to everything. #ECEchat
