Hi... I will introduce myself. Math educator, sessional instructor, school trustee. I've been in the system as a teacher for 16 years and out of the system as trustee for 6... parent for 14 years. Can't wait to moderate this #bcedchat on the CULTURE OF UNSAIDS.
Looking forward to joining tonight's #bcedchat. I've been in education (formal and informal) since 1998, when I was at Lynn Canyon Ecology Center. Worked in 5 districts in various positions. Always interested in the 'unsaid' #bcedchat
Hi all. Olwen (sounds like All-win) tweeting it up from Burnaby. Special ed background with a focus in #imaginativeEd. Interested in new ideas and collecting people...er, I mean friends! #bcedchat
Q1: Non-discussibles, unsaids or unwritten understandings in our contexts in K-12 education can be tough to navigate. Please join tonight’s #bcedchat from a place of integrity and curiosity.
What do you believe is left unsaid in K-12 education?
Q1: Non-discussibles, unsaids or unwritten understandings in our contexts in K-12 education can be tough to navigate. Please join tonight’s #bcedchat from a place of integrity and curiosity.
What do you believe is left unsaid in K-12 education?
#bcedchat Often it is the fears we have with connecting. Our profession should be all about connecting with students, families & our communities. How much better would our world be?
Less shootings? More student growth and engagement?
A1: Teachers are not all one perspective. We all come from many different backgrounds and understandings. Our unsaids help us navigate these differences. #bcedchat
#bcedchat A1: Unfortunately, it is often our underlying educational philosophies. With out understanding of these as our contexts, we have problems communicating.
A1: Teachers are not all one perspective. We all come from many different backgrounds and understandings. Our unsaids help us navigate these differences. #bcedchat
So well said, Fred and so very true. Our profession is so much about the connections that last years with students, families and communities can be incredible. #bcedchat
A1: in America, it is mind boggling how teachers have ceased to be the experts in education and politicians have now become the experts. And don’t get me started about our lack of mental health services in the Us
S.... #bcedchat
#bcedchat A1: Unfortunately, it is often our underlying educational philosophies. With out understanding of these as our contexts, we have problems communicating.
A1: I think it is often challenging to be "honest" with parents. We all want children to do very well and if they aren't there is worry about how a parent will respond. #bcedchat
#bcedchat Yes and also when we assume we are all coming from the same context. If you are thinking "I need to teach" and I am thinking "my students need to learn", a co-planned lesson would be totally different in each class. Common words would have different meanings.
#bcedchat A1: Unfortunately, it is often our underlying educational philosophies. With out understanding of these as our contexts, we have problems communicating.
I agree. Even though we talk about a "growth mindset" a lot in education it is hard to admit that we may not know something or we may be struggling. So important to "reach out"... #bcedchat
A1: in America, it is mind boggling how teachers have ceased to be the experts in education and politicians have now become the experts. And don’t get me started about our lack of mental health services in the Us
S.... #bcedchat
Yes. Build on the differences and perspectives as a way to understand the world. But the unsaids sometimes help with the greater understanding of the whole....or is that the opposite? #bcedchat
Self-preservation? If I chose to show you the real Olwen (aka: Ms. Cowan) I am vulnerable. This can be both negative and positive (but mostly positive) #bcedchat
Schools of the future must weave in the voices of the educators too. No longer can the voices of practitioners be absent from policy. It’s all in my new book. Order yours here: https://t.co/ifRCUS5teL… #call2action4ed#bcedchat
Yes. Can we be fully "honest" with parents with student learning and student achievement? If so, what would it look like? What environment do we need to have this "honesty"? #bcedchat
A1: I think it is often challenging to be "honest" with parents. We all want children to do very well and if they aren't there is worry about how a parent will respond. #bcedchat
#bcedchat This is so true. Those who are curricularly focused and those who are holistically and future focussed could be at odds; Our edcamp's focus on core competencies showed these discrepancies. Many students saw the core as extras because they took away from curriculum
Yes. Teacher self-regulation. But there has to be ways to talk to one another is a professional and collegial way that is formative... that helps all of LIFT each other up. Can we do that? #bcedchat
Self-preservation? If I chose to show you the real Olwen (aka: Ms. Cowan) I am vulnerable. This can be both negative and positive (but mostly positive) #bcedchat
Dropping in late... French Immersion Highschool (currently Frimm Sciences 8-9 & Core French), interested in new teacher supports, experiential learning, dialogue & educational leadership #bcedchat
#bcedchat A2: Could it be that we are all products of a long established culture so we do not reflect upon the whys behind our whats? We just do it the way we have always done it. An unexamined life is not worth living.
The keyword being "formative". Professional growth plans are so key to successful and dare I say, fulfilling careers in Ed...for Ss and educators. #bcedchat
Need to develop mutual respect. Seeing the parent as the "expert" on the child. Don't be afraid to ask for their help. This is a very practical & helpful resource developed by BC CASE- Meaningful Consultation with Parents
https://t.co/DSB1ekUrHi#bcedchat
Yes! I feel personally that sometimes the complexity of balancing focus on pedagogy, curriculum, socio-emotional needs of students, etc. takes away from my focus on the real 'goal' for students, getting back to our philosophy is important. #bcedchat
A2: I still think there is a lack of understanding with the new currilculcim - parents and teachers #bcedchat#moreeducation Still trying to figure this out.
No longer can the voices of practitioners go unheard. The gap between policy &practice is due to leaving educators out of the conversation&the myth of widespread expertise in schooling. Our voices matter. Order my new book here: https://t.co/ifRCUS5teL… #call2action4ed#bcedchat
A2: Many of the things that I leave as unsaid are to protect my students, my teachers and staff. And parents, obviously. I must always find other ways to support with truths. #bcedchat
A2: I think often things go unsaid to avoid ‘rocking the boat’ - especially with colleagues. Even phrased in the post supportive and mindful way, some things are just NOT open for discussion - you know? #bcedchat
#bcedchat A2: Could it be that we are all products of a long established culture so we do not reflect upon the whys behind our whats? We just do it the way we have always done it. An unexamined life is not worth living.
A2: Because we are conscious of fiduciary duty & aren’t always sure what can be said without it being misunderstood or misconstrued. Lack of safe space for intentional dialogue about tough topics. #bcedchat
It's all formative... TRUTH. I hope that we can have these collegial conversations between teachers... but also students, administrators, and parents. It's key to good learning... FOR ALL. #bcedchat
The keyword being "formative". Professional growth plans are so key to successful and dare I say, fulfilling careers in Ed...for Ss and educators. #bcedchat
#bcedchat Aren't we doing this by asking these questions tonight? Or is your question for those not connected in PLCs that explore these contexts & questions?
#bcedchat A2: Could it be that we are all products of a long established culture so we do not reflect upon the whys behind our whats? We just do it the way we have always done it. An unexamined life is not worth living.
At the core i think it's a fear of being separate. There can be a cult mindset (for lack of a better term) in some aspects of education and if you don't drink the kool-aid you can feel like an outcast. Is there room for dissenting discourse? #bcedchat
Need to develop mutual respect. Seeing the parent as the "expert" on the child. Don't be afraid to ask for their help. This is a very practical & helpful resource developed by BC CASE- Meaningful Consultation with Parents
https://t.co/DSB1ekUrHi#bcedchat
Hi Darren... thanks for joining us tonight on #bcedchat. Yes... new policy implementation like BC Curriculum K-12 adds to the complexity of UNSAIDS. #bcedchat
A2: I still think there is a lack of understanding with the new currilculcim - parents and teachers #bcedchat#moreeducation Still trying to figure this out.
I wonder if OUR education that praised conformity & “green dot-ness” (Thanks @tweetsomemoore ) has become an embedded part of our own fears - not wanting to be the “other”? I was raised (at school anyways) in a culture of ‘bobble heads’ - nod along with accepted norms… #bcedchat
#bcedchat Or where our same-olds are still valuable and why? Everything should fit within an over-arching/under-lying structure which should be our educational philosophies & understandings of good practices.
This is a great time to strike while the iron is hot. So many new Ts in our system. Opportunity to shape the culture around the core competencies. #bcedchat
A2: I think often things go unsaid to avoid ‘rocking the boat’ - especially with colleagues. Even phrased in the post supportive and mindful way, some things are just NOT open for discussion - you know? #bcedchat
true, Bryn. I got this feedback from staff surveys..."we know when you are 'spinning' something to soften it. Just tell us the truth!" With strong relationships they can handle it #bcedchat
A good example of this might be when we tackle social responsibility as a school goal rather than assessment practices since the former is less confrontational. #bcedchat
Sorry, I tend to lurk every week but btw kids hockey and family dinners, it’s been hard to give some real solid answers. I’m always aware and in spirit. #bcedchat
Sorry, I tend to lurk every week but btw kids hockey and family dinners, it’s been hard to give some real solid answers. I’m always aware and in spirit. #bcedchat
Change is hard. I like the "appreciative inquiry" approach of taking the best of the 'present' forward into the future. Then it's easier to be brave. #bcedchat
A2: I think often things go unsaid to avoid ‘rocking the boat’ - especially with colleagues. Even phrased in the post supportive and mindful way, some things are just NOT open for discussion - you know? #bcedchat
Wow. An expectation??? Why do you think this is so. It kind of reminds me of a previous comment on self-preservation. What's the drive behind that? #bcedchat
This might be a good way for #bcedchat to begin A2: If we unsay what a colleague is doing (or not doing) we discredit them, belittle their efforts, alienate them and disconnect them from what should always be a growing, learning community.
Change is hard. I like the "appreciative inquiry" approach of taking the best of the 'present' forward into the future. Then it's easier to be brave. #bcedchat
A3: this is a tough one. Partly because I’m cautious to exercise individual judgement in deeming X is worth/safe saying but Y isn’t. I’m 30. What do I know? I need collective wisdom to support my will to be courageous. #bcedchat
I appreciate the way you have said this! As a new teacher, it is daunting to hear phrases like 'best practice' because there should always be a dialogue and discussion. #bcedchat
Personally in my opinion I think the ‘this is how we have always done it” mentality pervades in education. A lot of teachers want compliance not controversial thinking... #BCEdchat
This might be a good way for #bcedchat to begin A2: If we unsay what a colleague is doing (or not doing) we discredit them, belittle their efforts, alienate them and disconnect them from what should always be a growing, learning community.
Change is hard. I like the "appreciative inquiry" approach of taking the best of the 'present' forward into the future. Then it's easier to be brave. #bcedchat
A3: Leaving things unsaid allows us to think and be creative in coming up with new solutions. We need to change, “but just tell me what ‘you' want me to know” #bcedchat
A3: we need to see more examples of courageous outliers who question the status quo and are applauded for it. We could do a better job of valuing diversity and thus promoting more inclusion of new perspectives in dialogue. #bcedchat
Wow... this response took courage. TY. The ideas of caution and safety are RED CARDS for me. What's worth saying? If we're reflective practitioners, what we say is worthwhile. And you won't know what's worthwhile unless you say it. You are part of the collective wisdom. #bcedchat
A3: this is a tough one. Partly because I’m cautious to exercise individual judgement in deeming X is worth/safe saying but Y isn’t. I’m 30. What do I know? I need collective wisdom to support my will to be courageous. #bcedchat
Fear of being on the outside...bring judged without having the whole story? Can be reminiscent of high school...
Culture and leadership definitely have ability to break this down...
#bcedchat
A3: we need to see more examples of courageous outliers who question the status quo and are applauded for it. We could do a better job of valuing diversity and thus promoting more inclusion of new perspectives in dialogue. #bcedchat
Yes! Part of what draws me to teaching is the complexity. There is no one 'right answer' and right way of doing things. We should question when we are told that there is. #bcedchat
A3: Leaving things unsaid allows us to think and be creative in coming up with new solutions. We need to change, “but just tell me what ‘you' want me to know” #bcedchat
Q4: How do you manage what you say and don’t say in K-12 education? What “rules” do you use (in your role) to self-regulate what is unsaid or unwritten? #bcedchat
Q4: How do you manage what you say and don’t say in K-12 education? What “rules” do you use (in your role) to self-regulate what is unsaid or unwritten? #bcedchat
Isn't it sad that this is the culture/context in many schools. None of us can do everything - we need to lean on each other and all grow together. #bcedchat
Teachers are their own worst enemies! I know so many amazing teachers who think what they have to say is not valuable. We MUST Shane this mindset and false belief system! #bcedchat
every experience you have in doing this and seeing how others are treated when they do shapes your behavior and thinking. Early career experiences can have a significant impact on people's tolerance for petsonal risk and supporting others who dare to be different #bcedchat
A4: This is a tough one (like all the questions), there is political side to being an administrator, however, difficult information needs to be conveyed to everyone. #bcedchat
#bcedchat A4: Our code of conduct is one starting point, but is this any different with colleagues then it would be with our students? We want to all learn together & grow. My belief that I learn daily from my students is key.
I agree that outliers should be the norm. There’s an outdated ‘Bell Curve’ way-of-thinking that is still pervasive. It fails to recognize the truth of diversity. Conformity is a waste of energy IMO. We are better off fueling creativity. #bcedchat
My favourite saying with staff is “You don’t know what you don’t know”. That is our job as an ed leader. I had a T sad I was leaving the school bc they felt they had more to learn. It made me feel I was doing my job. #bcedchat
A3: Actions speak louder than words. Maybe by leaving a void (the unsaid) we are opening up space for action. I dunno. I'm just spinning here. This Q is tough! #bcedchat
Here, here... need more of Brene Brown in education. Vulnerability. Courage. Shame. Let's bring the UNSAID visible to move forward together. We can be professionals about this. We can do this... for all of us... and best of all, for our students. #bcedchat
My favourite saying with staff is “You don’t know what you don’t know”. That is our job as an ed leader. I had a T sad I was leaving the school bc they felt they had more to learn. It made me feel I was doing my job. #bcedchat
A1, as educators and professionals we often think that we know what’s best for our students, and I’m not sure that we question the status quo often enough, reflection may lead to growth #bcedchat
A4: is it legal? is it socially acceptable? and would it lead to me ending up in my principals office - that’s what guides the things that come out of my mouth #bcedchat
#bcedchat This is why I found Burney's "Craft Knowledge: the road to transforming schools" so valuable as an educator. My students taught me so much as a second year teacher that I had to share that with others. Everyone gives us new perspectives/experiences for seeing deeper
Teachers are their own worst enemies! I know so many amazing teachers who think what they have to say is not valuable. We MUST Shane this mindset and false belief system! #bcedchat
Absolutely. Revealing any of the unsaids does not mean to step beyond what's appropriate, but sometimes it's nice to get to the heart of things. It also depends on who and what you are facing. #bcedchat
A4: This is a tough one (like all the questions), there is political side to being an administrator, however, difficult information needs to be conveyed to everyone. #bcedchat
a4 I have a lot of discussions with myself and rehearse conversations that may be challenging. i share my raw thoughts with my admin partner and try to find the right way to say what needs to be said. Still step in it sometimes #bcedchat
A4: I keep plugging the competencies. The new curriculum really makes me reflect back on my own education. All those years of memorizing dates and names. I love these 3R’s. #bcedchathttps://t.co/QhcXa7DSmf
A4 I don’t say it if it doesn’t move the conversation forward. I try not to ”bite the hook.” I also don’t say something at at meetings that’s already been said in another way. So many rods at meetings. Important to valve someone who can streamline the discussion. #BCEdchat
How do the outliers become seen and accepted by the majority? That's when it becomes the norm. Being an outlier is not sustainable. You need each other to have each others backs. We need to do that for each other... thus become the norm. Like that leadership video #bcedchat
I agree that outliers should be the norm. There’s an outdated ‘Bell Curve’ way-of-thinking that is still pervasive. It fails to recognize the truth of diversity. Conformity is a waste of energy IMO. We are better off fueling creativity. #bcedchat
Actually it’s beyond the 3R’s. https://t.co/QhcXa7VtdN#bcedchat I have my own 2 kids in the system to think about. They give me reason for every other Ss I see everyday. It’s important.
A3: Actions speak louder than words. Maybe by leaving a void (the unsaid) we are opening up space for action. I dunno. I'm just spinning here. This Q is tough! #bcedchat
I also believe that regardless of my opinions students need to see me as someone who gives them facts not opinion... although I will play devil's advocate #bcedchat
A2 I think things are often left unsaid because as compassionate people we are afraid of the repercussions that DO happen if we say things that aren’t what others think we should do or say. Educators are somewhat judgemental if things are outside the box. #bcedchat
I think when we turn the corner of needing to be perceived as ‘perfect’ and allow our humanness to show.
I feel like this is a parallel of what we are challenging our students to do in their #corecompetencies...
#bcedchat
Welcome to #bcedchat Dave... and WOW... you have said an UNSAID. So true. Compassion is an excellent reason why not to say something. Fear is another reason. It's the FEAR FACTOR I would like to address and getting outside of the box. #bcedchat
A2 I think things are often left unsaid because as compassionate people we are afraid of the repercussions that DO happen if we say things that aren’t what others think we should do or say. Educators are somewhat judgemental if things are outside the box. #bcedchat
Even better said. “Unknown unknowns”. Again, it makes us all think and look for the ways to make us better educators. If it was always handed to us, we’d stop thinking. #bcedchat
A4: self-regulating emotional reaction in certain situations is important. I have the rule to wait at least one day sometimes. Following ethics code is always a go to standard. #bcedchat
Inaction - best beat with some cobweb shaking. Staff wellness, examination of why, control of our bhvr, having fun, and bringing joy back to the 9 - 5 (dance party, anyone?) #bcedchat
I think when we turn the corner of needing to be perceived as ‘perfect’ and allow our humanness to show.
I feel like this is a parallel of what we are challenging our students to do in their #corecompetencies...
#bcedchat
A1 Too many teacher colleagues take themselves and their work far too seriously. Teaching requires a sense of humour and the ability to understand that we don’t always get it right. #bcedchat
A5: that without diverse staff (weird, introverted, funny, thoughtful, extroverted, nerdy, passionate, sporty...) we canNOT support our students best. Our diversity as a staff is crucial and we need to value each other, encourage each other more. #bcedchat
I think it depends on context. I worry about inaction when intuitively someone knew they had to do something... but didn't. Inaction with intention is different. #bcedchat
A5: that without diverse staff (weird, introverted, funny, thoughtful, extroverted, nerdy, passionate, sporty...) we canNOT support our students best. Our diversity as a staff is crucial and we need to value each other, encourage each other more. #bcedchat
Inaction - best beat with some cobweb shaking. Staff wellness, examination of why, control of our bhvr, having fun, and bringing joy back to the 9 - 5 (dance party, anyone?) #bcedchat
Rehearsing conversations...super powerful...both in your head and out-loud with trusted colleague. If we can all take the time to process and then tell it through...
#bcedchat
Q6: How would you propose, as teacher/school/student leader to provide a safe place for those in K-12 education to disclose and discuss the unsaids? #bcedchat
Q6: How would you propose, as teacher/school/student leader to provide a safe place for those in K-12 education to disclose and discuss the unsaids? #bcedchat
Thanks again @bcedchat I’ve loved tonight’s chat. I’m off for “bedtime circus” - tonight I’ve been cast in the role of “master of the animals” - wish me luck!
#bcedchat
A5: that cognitive and emotional exhaustion are to be taken very seriously. That teachers do work that is every bit as complex as doctors and nurses and lawyers. That we need lesser workloads & Peer Support coaching. A 1.0 today is what a 0.67 FTE was 20 years ago. #bcedchat
Explain that further. I'm curious. What are some of the concerns with a "fearless educator"? Fearless with intention versus fearless do anything... #bcedchat
A6: I feel that unsaids are ok in the school itself and with Ts. It’s educating parents and making them understand what we are trying to do with their children. Trust us! #bcedchat
I think sometimes the perceived outliers are more introverted and just don’t have the energy to justify their perspectives. We need to find ways to reach all types of personalities (colleagues...and students). #bcedchat
Yes. Teaching is a very complex profession that is changing rapidly over time... how can we manage this? Can we live with some things and let go of others? #bcedchat
A5: that cognitive and emotional exhaustion are to be taken very seriously. That teachers do work that is every bit as complex as doctors and nurses and lawyers. That we need lesser workloads & Peer Support coaching. A 1.0 today is what a 0.67 FTE was 20 years ago. #bcedchat
#bcedchat A6: Case studies as a safer way to move some things away from ourselves & allow for more comfortable discussions; the use of metaphors; opposites.
These all allow for a degree of separation that provides safety yet allows discussion. Fishbowl activities with staff?
Q6: How would you propose, as teacher/school/student leader to provide a safe place for those in K-12 education to disclose and discuss the unsaids? #bcedchat
Goodnes, I would like to think that it is fear based out of compassion and fear based from fear of change but fear to ensure compliance is a whole other thing. #bcedchat
Not everything is worth saying, too much change is not good, it needs to monitor and plan. however you are the right for your voice but you might not get an answer because of timing #bcedchat
#bcedchat This is a nice example of using a degree of separation. I can talk of this slogan without disclosing too much about my own classroom but I will be reflecting on what is in my own.
A6: I can only speak for myself and how I would contribute to the space. I believe constant, self-friendly but critical reflection of our role in the space is important. What am I allowing be unsaid or said? What we are doing Together tonight 😊 #bcedchat
We had a staff meeting where a difficult topic was being discussed but rather than having an “out loud” discussion, we all had access to a google doc. The “quiet” voices had an opportunity to speak. #bcedchat
A5: Showing our faults and failures as Ts and Ed Leaders will only demo to Ss the importance of trial and error. It should be a competency actually. It’s what is missing. #bcedchat
Agreed... but I think that the premise of this #bcedchat is investigating why some things are UNSAID and should be said. What are they? Why? How can we overcome it? #bcedchat
Not everything is worth saying, too much change is not good, it needs to monitor and plan. however you are the right for your voice but you might not get an answer because of timing #bcedchat
Q6: How would you propose, as teacher/school/student leader to provide a safe place for those in K-12 education to disclose and discuss the unsaids? #bcedchat
A6: I can only speak for myself and how I would contribute to the space. I believe constant, self-friendly but critical reflection of our role in the space is important. What am I allowing be unsaid or said? What we are doing Together tonight 😊 #bcedchat
It is a great conversation starter, Christine. I think both the needed to be said, unsaids, and the need to remain unsaid, unsaids, are so important. #bcedchat
Yesterday at grad school we had a silent Socratic discussion wherein we could only read & write back and forth with the goal of probing for further depth of understanding / clarity of conception. No talking out loud. It was meaningful. #bcedchat
In reply to
@srobinsmith, @lyndasuelew, @ChristineYH
Could substitute the word ‘teacher’ for leader...we need to follow these beliefs both inside and outside our classroom...with students AND colleagues!!! #bcedchat
Yesterday at grad school we had a silent Socratic discussion wherein we could only read & write back and forth with the goal of probing for further depth of understanding / clarity of conception. No talking out loud. It was meaningful. #bcedchat
In reply to
@srobinsmith, @lyndasuelew, @ChristineYH
A8: It is the importance in my role to be proactive and say those unsaids (to support my teachers, to support my students, and to support my parents) when I need to support each. #bcedchat
Q4, is a bit of a know your audience thing. You have to know how people will react, and be okay with their response. You also need to know the answers to questions before you ask them and know what questions are likely to be asked. #bcedchat
And when we did the similar thing, it became part of the “written record” of our meeting so people were a little more thoughtful before they “spoke”. #bcedchat
Thank you for the wonderful moderating! These were some tough questions tonight. I found it particularly helpful to see that others feel the same way about certain 'unsaids'. #bcedchat
A8: It is the importance in my role to be proactive and say those unsaids (to support my teachers, to support my students, and to support my parents) when I need to support each. #bcedchat
So much of everything I do these days is growth mindset/competency based (applied to myself). Leading our students by our own learning and examples...#bcedchat
A8: get in the classroom. Show, teach, tell, work side by side. It goes along way. More impt. now with so many new Ts in the classroom. It builds excitement for everyone. #bcedchat
A8: When people ask “how are you?” I am authentic in my response. Sometimes I cry because teaching is stressful. Other days I feel proud of myself for remembering not to sweat the small stuff. I refuse to pretend everything is ok when in reality it’s a complex journey. #BCedchat
Q6, I’m not sure that is possible to have truly open dialogue as generally having differing opinions is deemed controversial or obtuse. But, if we are truly open to differing opinions or beliefs that would be a great thing. #bcedchat
A8: I like to think that I have worked on ensuring that people know they can talk to me and that I'm non-judgemental. Open door policy - say all the unsaids! #bcedchat
Yes!!! Watching @susancain’s #TEDTalk and reading this book 3 years ago has been pivotal in my personal and professional transformation!
There is also a young adult version...SO much goodness!
#bcedchat
In reply to
@OlwenCowan, @nico1e, @ChristineYH, @susancain
