#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club β #BFC530 β is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri β 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Wednesday March 2, 2016
I'm great & it's Hump Day!
Today's : Would you rather...teach the same grade/subject every year OR switch every few years? WHY? https://t.co/61FQbdv89b
Good morning! Michala from Virginia Beach.
I would rather change every few years to force me to fresh! Too easy to fall into a slump when it's the same thing year after year
Good morning ! Shovelling late last night really paid off this morning! π
Happy Super Wednesday !
Brian from Mass.
Good morning. Stacey from a rainy in Jersey!
How are you? (Hit Tweet button too soon!)
Good morning, . I'm Ku, Learning Coach, Argentina
I voted-now it's your turn! https://t.co/qjrkslEesb
For those able to access the poll feature, would you rather teach.... Why?
Good morning ! We're halfway through Would You Rather week! :'(
I think switching every few years is good. Have taught 3 grades/5years too much.
Good Morning ! Brenda from Massachusetts!
I gained a new appreciation for other schools & levels when I spent some time in elementary. Felt more like a real district.
If a teacher wants to stay teaching 1 thing throughout their whole career, they need proper oversight.
I would teach one grade and specialize in those standards, but only if can tweak content and projects
Good morning to all groupies. Happy Hump Day!!!! David MS Principal from VA here.
Is there really a Super Wednesday too?
I would definitely like to switch it up every few years. It keeps me energized as well as learn something new.
Although I'm a principal now, I miss teaching English.
Switching up grades avoids complacency. What is right for your sSs?
Hi everyone! Betsy from NJ here!
In elementary, it is hard b/c there is so much to learn. It takes like 4 years to get real good at grade
Yes! Thank you! Not 100% but way better than last week!
As a teacher still early in my career, I'd rather keep the same grade for a while to work towards mastery.
We have so many curriculum changes in the past 5 years, that alone is hard to keep up.
I think there should be a limit to how long you stay at one school too?!
Craig! How are you? Any summer pd planned for you?
I have only taught grades 4, 5, and a 4/5. I think that there is merit to mixing up grade level ranges.
oh I see :) California doesn't vote until June 7
Good Morning friends! Winter has returned to Western NY. Snow, ice & freezing rain-Ugh! BUT-happy because my Spring Bulbs are up!
I prefer change but not everyone likes it!
Variety is the spice of (teaching) life, not getting too 'entrenched' at any one grade level...for me.
thats interesting. How long should a teacher be allowed to stay in one building?
I like teaching the same grade every year, because I can try new things/tech. New grade means I have 2 lrn content/curric 1st.
However, I am a better 3rd T b/c I have taught 2nd and 4th
Same grade level. I like focusing on one age group and honing my lessons to continually challenge them. Switched 1 year, cried...ππ
Good Morning . Switching is great. but keep a focus. I had 3 preps, kept AP stats and switched other 2 every few years. I liked that
Amen https://t.co/AwgPgWLYhT
Variety is the spice of (teaching) life, not getting too 'entrenched' at any one grade level...for me.
I like where I am now w AP and inclusion bio. I always have new ideas for both and that's what makes me not want to change!
Morning ! Amy from MD here!
What would you limit it to, Zeina? There are some international schools that do this already.
I don't think it is either/or. Maybe start teaching same gr/courses for a few years, then regular switching to keep it fresh.
True, it might be same grade/subject, but no 2 yrs are alike. Still new challenges
I think part of this becomes a level ? too. Switching games is not as easy in MS or HS.
You need to know that curriculum first before you can be innovative. That takes time.
Five years seems a reasonable amt. of time with option to move at three. Can move as a team https://t.co/TZgbZLlUE3
thats interesting. How long should a teacher be allowed to stay in one building?
In my role as an instructional coach, I would say switching it up every few years has way different meaning between HS and Elem
Thoughtful question to consider - take a moment https://t.co/rdZPUM4W51
For those able to access the poll feature, would you rather teach.... Why?
Also in SPED the difference in ICS, POR & Alt Ed makes each class very different
ππ»βΊοΈπ I've seen teachers outstay multiple building projects?! Anything over 10yrs is worrying, 30+ is tragic
I've taught same subject for 15 years BUT the course itself is never the same. I switch it up-need variety/change to keep me going!
I do agree, Kathy. Teachers should be given time to learn/understand what is new...a year or two may not be enough.
I think this should be true when you find an Admin team that works.
I'd rather switch every few years to different levels.
Because why not!
I agree- people need to be flexible, but there are so many ways to grow as an elementary teacher in the same grade!
I'm an advocate for switching every few yrs. The longest I taught 1 level was 5 yrs (3rd gr). Though switching was never my choice.
I think loop every year (k-1) and then come back to K to start again. Finish laying the foundations. Continuity for the kids.
With the switch to NGSS & flipping my classroom more & more, I've been making significant changes in how I teach.
See benefits in both. If staying important to vertical team and share w/ others to help keep ideas fresh
Good morning ! A little late, but here. Elisa from Quito, Ecuador.
I taught the the same subject/grade level 4 14 yrs. Its all n how u approach it. I was always looking 4 new strategies and act.
I think times are different too, at least in my district. The curriculum is changing so fast and furious lately.
It does take a while to build that staff and school culture.
https://t.co/NzjL8JU81L
I think this should be true when you find an Admin team that works.
I think looping is great! Too bad we can't do it with HS kids. https://t.co/TpViYG55h9
I think loop every year (k-1) and then come back to K to start again. Finish laying the foundations. Continuity for the kids.
I think changing it up is good, but I did that even when I taught the same grade for several years. You make changes w/in the grade.
Personally I prefer staying at same grade/subject. Best way to hone your craft, plus there are so many ways to keep it fresh!
But we're trying to make these tough choices by forcing you to pick just one :) https://t.co/vwktLQPuRu
I don't think it is either/or. Maybe start teaching same gr/courses for a few years, then regular switching to keep it fresh.
Yes, I had some courses change but also a central class I could tweak. That was good
True, which could work to either stay or every few years. https://t.co/nIW4I3l6o1
I think times are different too, at least in my district. The curriculum is changing so fast and furious lately.
I think Ts should experience teaching all subjects & specializing. Any time you can see from multiple perspectives is a benefit.
that's the key, if if its the same course every year it can ( should) be a fresh ( new Ss new methods) https://t.co/FDyk9BRuEB
I've taught same subject for 15 years BUT the course itself is never the same. I switch it up-need variety/change to keep me going!
I think my favorite number is 6. 6 years in a grade is good.
I'm really amazed by how many people want to switch! Whole new perspective!
1/2 I was lucky to teach art at all levels. Elem taught me to be organized. High reminded me I was preparing them for the real world
Any thoughts on looping?
2nd to 3rd
yes! With everything else that changes in education, let me master my content!
I agree. Being part of different school communities is important for my professional growth.
Agreed. when an Admin team doesn't work well together, everything else falls apart.
As a school , I get to change content *everyday* - I'd miss the variety if I returned to my English classroom
I agree w/ Kathy. That deep knowledge gives a teacher tons of confidence, flexibility, etc. That takes time. https://t.co/S26BHwo2Tk
You need to know that curriculum first before you can be innovative. That takes time.
2/2 And Middle taught me to always have a sense of humor :)
Good morning, . Veronica arriving late but now I have an updated computer.
I would hate to change grade levels every year, though. Looping, yes. Being moved randomly, no. And I have seen it happen.
Had a good friend who was disappointed in skills 9th graders lacked in math, so she switched to 7th to make a diff
Just because we stay at same grade/subject doesn't mean we teach the same way every year. We switch it up!
I taught a 3rd/4th combo & felt it was the best of both worlds. You get new and returning students.
High school is very specialized and because we don't have textbooks, switching creates massive pressure to create materials
It happened to me; twice. It is incredibly hard.
Yes! That's how I feel. https://t.co/DkE71pjQBC
yes! With everything else that changes in education, let me master my content!
you can always read my mind!!! π
A good idea. There are times when kids need that consistency. https://t.co/X1V9AIpD69
Any thoughts on looping?
2nd to 3rd
this is how it is for me too. Even though the course title is the same, the class is not
High school is so different from Elementary in so many ways.
That's us in elementary as well. https://t.co/oCeabsiDEu
High school is very specialized and because we don't have textbooks, switching creates massive pressure to create materials
Looks like I'll be looping down to 5th next yr. then back up to 6th where I've been for 9 yrs. I'm excited!
Right on! Best way to be able to provide the strongest possible instructional support.
At all levels (ES, MS, HS), I've found prof challenges & personal delights - I learn every single day
Agreed! MS requires spec content cert. Let me master my skill, like a fine watchmaker. Lol. https://t.co/EHoRUrWWHa
yes! With everything else that changes in education, let me master my content!
I like that idea for HS teachers too
https://t.co/1Mt0jCKucL
Good Morning . Switching is great. but keep a focus. I had 3 preps, kept AP stats and switched other 2 every few years. I liked that
I've lived it. Including being told 2 weeks before start of school I was changing grades. So hard! I need time 2 plan!
I can imagine. I had a big adjustment going from K to 2nd. Turned out to be the best thing--loved 2nd!
exactly, we need to adapt to the new Ss in the class. Even different classes of same course during the year. https://t.co/rM5Y4AYNP2
Just because we stay at same grade/subject doesn't mean we teach the same way every year. We switch it up!
I did loop 4th to 5th one yr. there is something to be said for starting with same group of Ss again https://t.co/OgHxg92mul
Any thoughts on looping?
2nd to 3rd
I have never done it, but have heard really powerful anecdotes that make me wish I had. https://t.co/orhyMmQNfP
Any thoughts on looping?
2nd to 3rd
Elementary specializes in student needs and ability. Ts need opportunity to learn and address needs of that age group
I really appreciate the way can have thoughtful conversations with diff viewpts and opinions.
Plan is in place already to be sure to get back to 5th ehh? https://t.co/CR4sZ9X20C
Looks like I'll be looping down to 5th next yr. then back up to 6th where I've been for 9 yrs. I'm excited!
I love teaching 11th and 12th grade newspaper classes. I love 12th grade AP lit. I love journalism in 9th grade
2nd is fun, isn't it! Moving up is easier than moving down I think.
Quite true, Brenda. One year is never the same as the next, even if teaching the same grade level.
There's much to love about each grade level. https://t.co/MIXgy0z1Ki
I love teaching 11th and 12th grade newspaper classes. I love 12th grade AP lit. I love journalism in 9th grade
I was HS for 13 yrs before moving to admin. Stability brought growth/refinement. Change brought challenge/excitement
If you have a moment, plz share your favorite w my friends - they love being connected! https://t.co/pBaGyD3rDX
3/2/16 is Dr. Seuss' b-day. Please tweet us your favorite Dr. Seuss book.
There is a certain amount of comfort having the same core group of Ss you get to know their learning style https://t.co/FZTAlWhI2g
I have never done it, but have heard really powerful anecdotes that make me wish I had. https://t.co/orhyMmQNfP
Any thoughts on looping?
2nd to 3rd
Yes! I'm like you, I have to switch things up but within my own curriculum/grade. https://t.co/lyBdcMchD1
Just because we stay at same grade/subject doesn't mean we teach the same way every year. We switch it up!
Not sure but link to prof. growth & standards,complacency & historical cliques not good for change
I feel I'm most suited for older kids because of my personality. Teaching 7th grade humanities was a great learning experience
Not 100% but that's the thinking. Small district. See our Super every day. She's pretty up front w/ her ideas/thinking.
I love 5-8, math/science, Earth Sciences best. It seems when you love a subject/gl you are unlimited what you can bring into it
I will share poll results from today before tomorrow's chat. Yesterday's coming up....
I hear you! I think that some admins. don't realize that it's not as easy as pressing a button to switch.
yes. But we need to know where we got best and after teaching all the grades in my license, I prefer 12th grade
I never got bored teaching grade 9 English for 4 sections each day for 7 years because of students and changes I made 2 curriculum
Best elementary experience as S was in 5&6-2 classes together (1 5,1 6) w/ 2 T's. S;s got to learn at their own level . !
Have both now. I'm used to it. Ss are never the same. Class isn't either. Always a new prep. Good for all.
Me too! 2 weeks before school started. I drank a lot of wine then!
when you have the opportunity to move, also find out where you're most suited - sometimes it's a suprise (was for me)
Given diverse learning needs of Ss, I never felt that I taught a single grade level any year...multiple grade groups in one class.
Would this be a co-teaching arrangement? https://t.co/gJc1G2Ujnu
Best elementary experience as S was in 5&6-2 classes together (1 5,1 6) w/ 2 T's. S;s got to learn at their own level . !
6 yrs ago moved from 2nd to K and found my sweet spot. Love it!
In AP, CB always throws curve balls! Skills vs content, whole units taken off. Putting a diff T in would be overwhelming
I even have a few "optional" units - I switch up which I teach each year!
if it doesn't challenge u it doesn't change you. Ppl who don't move block innovation by default
That must have been a hard move!
I like a range of grade levels from ECE to MS. I would be fine anywhere in that range. And I'm OK w/changing, but not every year.
Agreed! It was an awesome, eye-opening experience to get to see elementary teachers teach and transition
As teachers, I think our own personalities play a very big role in what age group we are comfortable teaching!
"But this is how we've always done it." Cant stand it.
I was moved b/t buildings (MS to ES) right before start date - lesson in flexibility for me
Not that I could ever teach high school though. :)
Agree, our comfort will definitely shine through to Ss https://t.co/P4lHcuyqHC
As teachers, I think our own personalities play a very big role in what age group we are comfortable teaching!
I looped once with spec needs env sci to bio. It was awesome, but I didn't change the classes/ content I taught.
