#vachat Archive
#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday January 4, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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Good evening and welcome to as we discuss How Educators Make Differences.
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Please take a second to introduce yourself. Excited for our first of 2016.
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Christine. Elementary gifted specialist. Charlottesville, VA.
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Thanks for joining us! Happy 2016!
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Happy Monday . Glad to be here! Lyn, K-5 principal in Prince William County.
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Might be a small group tonight...appreciate your dedication!
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Craig, SPED Teacher, Loudoun
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Hey ! I'm Margaret, HS Tech Coach in Chantilly/Fairfax County. Watching the Mountaineers play bball but joining in here too! Go Eers!
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Thanks for being with us tonight.
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Question 1 coming up in a minute as we discuss Making a Difference on
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Hi all! I'm Rebecca, Elementary Principal from Henrico.
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Q1: We entered education to be difference makers. Who was a teacher that made a difference for you?
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A1: My fourth grade teacher brought learning to life for me. I remember her dressing up like famous Americans throughout the year.
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A1 So many! Mr. Graham in 6th who did things differently! I wanted to be that T! And Mrs. Barlow who cared so much for us
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A1: Mr. T (before the other Mr. T!). 5th grade. He made learning fun and obviously enjoyed his job.
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I'm still in touch with both of them - exchange cards or FB messages regularly
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A1: Several 9th grade teachers helped "coerce" me out of my shell
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A1: I had many along the way! 1st and 2nd grade teachers, 7th grade English teacher, several HS teachers. All made an impact on me.
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I really loved school from even before I started - but the Ts who challenged me really stick with me!
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Not sure what it says about me--or my teachers--but I can only remember a few ES and MS teachers.
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Paul from Ashburn A1 Dr. Goode wasn't a Dr, but we called him that. Loved that he tapped into competition b/t me and pals
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I always struggle with competitions--motivates some, opposite for others. Speaks to need to know your students
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I'm the same - just a few but maybe it's because those few had such a big impact. Hard for others to compare.
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Question 2 coming in a second.
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Sadly we also remember the worst ones too.
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We remember the ones who touch us deeply. The ones we aspire to become. Nobody starts wanting to be average.
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Q2: What motivates you as a teacher? How do you want to be a difference maker?
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A2: I love seeing that a-ha moment, showing Ss they can find those for themselves. I want Ss to figure out how to learn & wonder.
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I want Ss and Ts to feel truly cared for. That I have gotten to really know them and care for them. https://t.co/lznG2kyG9j
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A2: Every teacher wants in the heart to be a difference maker - the struggle of that hope versus difficulty of change slows progress
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A2: Used 2 be because I loved school & wanted 2 help Ss love school, too. It's more complicated now--but my own kids are part of it.
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Great point and also a bit of foreshadowing of a later question.
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a2 - at this point, just motivated to do best for the Ss everyday. Also feel I owe it to Pub ed. syst/new Ts to fight good fight
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Nothing wrong with that...can't do better than doing our best
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I'm motivated by Ss gaining the desire to learn and making progress (in a variety of ways!)
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For me it's not just about academic growth, the bigger challenge is to help unlock each student's potential.
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Q3: Share a story about how you made a difference for a student? Or how you know you’ve done great!
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And definitely difficult to articulate in a 140 character statement!
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The beauty is not knowing when you are making a difference - the kid who comes back to hug is never who you expect
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Sorry I am late! The questions are interesting.. I will try to catch up!
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The first story that comes to mind is one that has nothing to do with academics. It was about building relationships and trust.
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A3: I saw a student I haven't seen in 2 years this fall. He was excited to see me & told his younger bro that I was his best friend.
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A3 - wow, this one feels awk to answer. Wedding boom part 2 - and I got invited to 3 weddings of former Ss this year
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So true! https://t.co/iOapGl1Unb
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The beauty is not knowing when you are making a difference - the kid who comes back to hug is never who you expect
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Exactly! I remember a former student seeking me out in WalMart to tell me how well he was doing. Went out of his way
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A3: "I hate history but this was my favorite class." ((Hopefully they don't truly HATE it.))
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A3 - and I were invited to 3 former Ss weddings this year
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Dang! I'm not even close to that many in 20+ years...
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That's awesome! A former student of mine shows up many Friday afternoons just to chat.
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That is awesome - graduation parties also a thrill to attend
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Getting ready for question 4...We realize that it takes a team!
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A2: Peers pushing me to try new things. Seeing other Ts try innovative approaches. Seeing Ss find success with what I am doing.
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Q4: Who is a colleague who has made a difference for you as a professional? How can you support others?
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didn't put me up to this but he's an author of 2 great books https://t.co/6Q3imNmgyd Glad to have him with us tonight
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A4: is doing it right now! HS math teacher invited me (elementary gifted) to join their book PLC. Already making changes!
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A4: My professional mentor is - he has made an impossibly significant impact on my life. We all have that power!
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A4: My classroom neighbor (Mrs Wyles) who pushed me into , Major Warner and countless others
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A4: Ts who are happy to collaborate, allow me to learn from them. & who are willing to ask the tough Qs & challenge me.
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A4) Hi Reed... The vet Ts at MHS inspire me. They've found a way to make it work & be great year after year. True Professionals.
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Ha - thanks. I am enjoying the chat immensely.
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BAM!
Yes! Discourse only comes when trust is there. https://t.co/twobvUFNJ1
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A4: Ts who are happy to collaborate, allow me to learn from them. & who are willing to ask the tough Qs & challenge me.
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A4 - wow lots, but I❤️my current LT Shall and SMcClain
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I love seeing the MHS Ts & admin here on . Sending my niece there next year! I know she's in good hands.
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Q5: How do you hope to make a difference for your current students?
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A4:My neighbor last year, , (he didn't put me up to this),Erika Yates, and this year!
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A5: I want them to learn for learning's sake. I'd ditch grades if I could so they can focus on how, what, and why they learn.
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Although I haven't written your letter of recommendation yet, so it doesn't hurt
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My biggest supporters were actually principals of mine.As a T, my P pushed me towards admin.As AP, my P provided me opportunities.
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A5: So many of my Ss are anxious over grades, being perfect, not making mistakes - I want them to embrace the risk & growth mindset.
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A4 - wow lots, but I❤️my current LT and SMcClain
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Give it a shot. Check out work (blog and books)
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A4: Lots of people have helped me along the way. being a constant cheerleader & positive energy is making a diff for me!
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True! I should keep going, huh?
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Great leaders and coaches have the ability to see others for greater than they see themselves and greater than they currently are
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I'll check them out. I've ditched them to the extent I can w/i structure. Change is slow.
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A4: (con't) I can be a constant cheerleader and positive energy for others. It makes a difference!
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So true. This is an important role of leaders and it is our job to grow others.
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A5: Getting all of our current students to graduate, which means I need to build better relationships with them / motivation
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That's so sweet! You're doing amazing work! I'm excited that we're learning together!
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A5: Building relationships and being present support my Ss.
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Final question coming up....
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A5: Know them. Keep pushing to be my best. Keep setting goals. Do what I can in my current position to help them make connections
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Q6: Share a personal and/or professional accomplishment you would like to achieve in 2016. How will you be a difference maker?
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hope Ss learn the value of process. (And until we can do away with grades) trust that grade will reflect their process/mastery
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A6: Go back to grad school and start the journey to admin. Keep pushing for the best in current position. Also complete a marathon.
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A6:Personally, I want to finish the Doc and start a new book-Professionally - I want to lead our district through a building project
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A5: Fair doesn't mean the same. Fair is using tools needed 2 be successful. Having tools readily available for Ss to use.
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Wow! Those are some lofty goals!
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A6: This is a combo: more balance and doing a better job of exercise. I feel like it will make me better at school and at home!
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Our Voxer group was talking about Balance--is it possible
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. A6 Want to be able to create a environment w/1:1 Chromebooks & lead division transition (1:3 now!).
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A6 Virginia Writing Project
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I think it is important to strive for balance. It might not be possible but it is a goal of mine too!
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I think whether it is achievable or not, it's worth striving for!
