First a shout-out to all our veterans! If you are a vet, please let us know in your intro! Welcome to #sunchat! Susan here from the Jersey Shore, 6th grade ELA
Good morning from Tennessee! I'm working on my undergrad in Chemistry and am excited to become a science teacher. Also, this is my *very first* twitter chat, so I hope I'm doing it right! #sunchat
I'll start - one of the challenges with education today is convincing parents to let their children stumble and learn from it. Too often, parents try to "save" their kids resulting in a child unable to grow and learn. Need to step back! #sunchat
I love both jobs and being in the classroom allows me to walk my talk with my teachers, but sometimes it feels impossible to do either job well. #time#teacherlife#sunchat
Before we delve too deep this morning, I wanted to share this blog post from #sunchat regular @effortfuleduktr. As a mod, it is always my goal to encourage critical conversations. We learn from purposeful conflict. Let's keep that in mind this morning as we chat #sunchat
NAEP data shows across the board, less than 35% of students are “proficient” in math...in some grades less than 25% are “proficient” in reading. Something in the system is broken. #sunchat
An issue I’m currently facing is learning to meaningfully integrate tech in the early education classroom - in a way that enhances and deepens the learning. #sunchat
I think the biggest challenge is the negative connotation of education! The fact that teachers are not respected for the efforts and challenges that we face in the croom! #sunchat
I feel like a big challenge for teachers is lack of autonomy. It is hard to maintain passion for what we do when it can seem like we are not allowed to think outside the box. #sunchat
I'll start - one of the challenges with education today is convincing parents to let their children stumble and learn from it. Too often, parents try to "save" their kids resulting in a child unable to grow and learn. Need to step back! #sunchat
Great point - we should always give ample time to our decision making processes - who gets a voice, what data do we use, what's the WHY, who are the visible and invisible players... #sunchat
I was going to say something like this. We don’t educate the public well about what we do, we also don’t always respond well when parents ask for a genuine need for their child. Think this is why there is a rise in homeschool, charter etc #sunchat
When I think about all of the additional "paperwork" that now comes along with teaching, that has not much to do with actually transferring knowledge to another individual, it's crazy! But, we have "summers off". *sarcasm there...* #sunchat
I think one of the greatest challenges is that educators know what needs to be changed and how to do it but we are blocked by stakeholders who are afraid of change for a host of real and imagined causes and so we are stuck doing what we've been doing for over a century. #sunchat
Big Q this morning! One that stands out for me is literacy. The number of Ss not being able to read leads to too many adults who do not read. #sunchat@ILAToday
Overburdening teachers with paperwork is a recognized problem that never goes away. #sunchat No end in sight for teachers’ paperwork plague https://t.co/kmeSvA9Nka
This is also a challenge of mine as a school principal. How can I support my early years teachers with the realization their young students are capable and able to participate in the world outside our classrooms? #sunchat
I'd like to address your first point - how do we tell our story. I think we have to reconsider that as school teams, especially in the age of social media. What's our brand and how do we communicate it? #sunchat
I was going to say something like this. We don’t educate the public well about what we do, we also don’t always respond well when parents ask for a genuine need for their child. Think this is why there is a rise in homeschool, charter etc #sunchat
Good point, Jason. This is definitely an issue in the US. One that the higher performing nations don’t contend with as much. How do we shift societal perceptions of this profession towards more respect and positivity? #sunchat
Yes! A few years ago I made a concerted effort to give up control to my Ts. What an incredible difference it has made in their attitude and in the overall culture of the school. #sunchat
Many of those parents do it for the best of intentions, though. They remember their horrible experiences in school and don't trust us to be different because they haven't been given any reason to expect otherwise. #sunchat
It does get frustrating when you hear comments about how much ‘vacation’ time educators get each year. Most Ts spend their ‘vacation’ engaged in activities to provide more for their Ss. #sunchat
I think the biggest challenge is the negative connotation of education! The fact that teachers are not respected for the efforts and challenges that we face in the croom! #sunchat
As a future science teacher, this really concerns me. In order to suceed in science (esp. Chemistry & Physics) you really need to have a good math background. #sunchat
Well...a great example is how we were all in for learning styles, before there was any evidence of its effectiveness.
There is evidence that teaching to preferred learning styles does not work.
We should hold out implementing something just because...
#sunchat
Lately I have been feeling like I don't have a whole lot of control to give up to them. I find it discouraging but we still work hard to keep the culture of our school unique to our students and our community. #sunchat
Also, what are we doing to bring our stakeholders into the school to really see and understand what we are doing? We should absolutely tell our story, but we need to show it, too. #sunchat
The trauma that so many students go thru makes it challenging and there is often a lack of resources to fully support. In addition, we as admin and Ts are undertrained to deal with it. #sunchat
My biggest EDU concern is the looming teacher shortage crisis. How do we attract quality teachers AND keep them in the profession - and I dare to say increased pay is not the only answer. While that may play a part, it's a way bigger problem! #sunchat
Well...a great example is how we were all in for learning styles, before there was any evidence of its effectiveness.
There is evidence that teaching to preferred learning styles does not work.
We should hold out implementing something just because...
#sunchat
An issue I’m currently facing is learning to meaningfully integrate tech in the early education classroom - in a way that enhances and deepens the learning. #sunchat
Right. And instructional time for math (and reading) have only increased. So, what needs to be fixed first? Is it our system of assessment, promotion, curriculum, or instructional strategies? #sunchat
We weigh any "new" strategies against our school philosophy. If it seems to fit, we experiment with it (often in a couple of classes) and reflect on how it goes. I'm also nervous about jumping on board anything new but I do love to experiment. #sunchat
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
I would also add there needs to be supports for us already working with these issues. One and done PD does not work with Soc/Emo needs as it continually changes. #sunchat
Also, there is an move to 'student-voice and choice' in the classroom. While this can be done correctly, there is evidence that student's intuition when answering the question, 'what is best for my learning?' is often quite flawed. Read here:
https://t.co/t2urPjixOp#sunchat
#truth, @alextvalencic. So the followup question is, what do we need to do to change that? Now we not only need to educate the child, but the parent as well. Our job role is growing once again. Something will fall through the cracks. #sunchat
Many of those parents do it for the best of intentions, though. They remember their horrible experiences in school and don't trust us to be different because they haven't been given any reason to expect otherwise. #sunchat
Hypothesis: Rush to grasp solutions is byproduct of perpetually challenging work in education where professionals likely experience failure more often than success (and/or weight it more heavily), leaving many desperate to try something, anything new. Thoughts? #sunchat
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
I’m still thinking about this myself but I think it is more events where parents are brought in to view and have conversations about what is occurring is a start. Social media can be used to show and support the relationship #sunchat
I definitely applaud this practice. Are there any structures/guidelines you follow to make sure any experimentation doesn't hurt the student's learning?
#sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
I agree entirely-- although I have to say that the compensation part is A LOT of the problem. Many talented people never come to the profession because the financial and social rewards seem so much more impressive in other lanes to young people #sunchat
Instead of selecting a math series that would build upon prior topics each year and then rolling it out one year at a time, everyone had to adopt it at the same time. Result: huge gaps that teachers were constantly filling instead of using the curriculum as designed. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @effortfuleduktr, @tiffanytruitt
Sorry to jump out a bit early but need to get ready to go to cheerleader regional competition shortly! I will check the feed later today! Hope everyone has a great week! #sunchat
I feel one of the biggest issues is the "more, more, more" mentality which erases opportunities for students to play, move, explore, use critical thinking in an unstructured environment, and develop social/emotional skills with classmates. #sunchat
I definitely believe that can happen.
My own experiences (not very scientific) lead me to believe it may be more of an instance where the powers that be pay a lot of money for a new toy and we have to use it in the classroom...who knows if it actually works.
#sunchat
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
We can’t overlook the societal compensation that Mike suggests. If teachers were treated with the respect and esteem as doctors or CEOs, for example, this career would look much different to outsiders. #sunchat
While it isn't easy, I tried to start with sharing information about what I was doing; why I was doing, and how I would respond to students who were at different developmental points. Lots of communication with parents to promote transparency and trust. #sunchat
Ahh. Thanks for the clarity. Are we still doing that? I thought that has stopped and now we are all researched based only. Which I get but I think learning is a mix of tried and true as well as experimenting. #sunchat
Ts observe very closely. If they see an issue, they tell me. Our Ss are also very open about when something does or doesn't work. We meet with them to see how we could tweak something to make it work better. The truth is - what works for one group, may not for another #sunchat
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
Hypothesis: Rush to grasp solutions is byproduct of perpetually challenging work in education where professionals likely experience failure more often than success (and/or weight it more heavily), leaving many desperate to try something, anything new. Thoughts? #sunchat
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
I agree! It is difficult to slow things down in the classroom with the rush to get to all the expectations that don't seem to stop. We need to stop thinking of schools as the answer to fixing everything. We can't do it alone. #sunchat
Also some very frank discussions with parents: "I'm sorry that happened to you in the past. I promise I will do all I can to prevent that from happening with your student. How can we support each other?" #sunchat
Agreed - and many times the parents who have this point of view/lack of respect for the profession pass that attitude onto their children, which does not help us in the classroom when they are taught to disrespect/belittle our profession at home. #sunchat
You would hope...but just yesterday, @edutopia posted something about multiple intelligences and learning styles being a myth...one of the first comments was about learning styles not being a myth.
Trust me, it still exists. Search the hashtag #learningstyles#sunchat
We bounce or we're told to bounce from one notion to another without having the chance to deconstruct it against our understandings/experiences as educators #sunchat
We can’t overlook the societal compensation that Mike suggests. If teachers were treated with the respect and esteem as doctors or CEOs, for example, this career would look much different to outsiders. #sunchat
So true it is why I try to have students to have initial thoughts and then they keep reflecting and change based upon what they notice. I do this because I believe my ultimate job is to help them know how to learn #sunchat
The rhetoric needs to change, right? So, who and what is in control of sending the message? If politicians say they are going to increase pay to match the importance of the work being done, I think that’s a start. What else? #sunchat
I have always felt like it would be beneficial for everybody who goes through a teacher prep program to also do the requirements to become a counselor. Many times, Ss turn to us as a recourse, as they know and spend more time with us than the school counselor. #sunchat
I agree with that but we cannot ignore the world they live in and the process of growth and education that is needed to prepare for that world. #sunchat
Perhaps the goals aren't aligned? Consider early learners goals first - an example might be oral language development. Use tech to record speaking, focus on enunciation, articulation & clarity. Record again in a month. Show SS comparison & reflect together. #sunchat
U always take me to a new level of thinking. Thanks. I think this may be really high among novice educators. Don’t know if a rush to find solutions is a bad thing. I’m scared of the educator who does the same thing even though no one is learning #sunchat
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @effortfuleduktr, @tiffanytruitt
Yes Janet! That is exactly how I feel. Not focusing on tech for hours on end but baby steps toward them seeing we have a big world to share, communicate and collaborate with and we can use it to enhance our own learning. #sunchat
I agree entirely. The cart and the horse are a package deal, though. I think the story validates any motives/means to elevate the profession - whether it be through increase pay, time for planning/PD, increasing teacher prep requirements, etc. #sunchat
Re: tech in lower grades - interesting that you are trying to provide that balance in school. So much goes into figuring out what is best to do in the classrooms! #sunchat
Probably a combo of those things, but based on my very limited experience, I'd say the assessment. I've tutored kids (Algebra) who just fell through the cracks. I'm sure part of this is the pace that teachers have to keep for state testing, etc. #sunchat
I imagine that process of definition happening one vision & mission statement at a time, followed by follow-up to determine how well institution lives up to its & its community's ideals. Arduous, never-ending, essential dance between course setting, course correcting. #sunchat
Keeping quality educators in the profession is integral. So many reasons they leave. Teacher burnout is epidemic...with low moral, lack of resources, lack of support, and lack of respect for the profession being major contributors. #sunchat
I think it's important to conference with Ss about their thinking. It's extremely important for them to learn to self-assess objectively & they can't do it without practice and feedback #sunchat
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @thnorfar, @tiffanytruitt
Mental health and a sense of well-being are big challenges facing education today. High levels of stress, depression, anxiety and poor self-images are all very real challenges that exist for students and staff. #sunchat#mentalhealth#MentalHealthMatters#wellbeing#culturize
There is a new book out by @brightmorningtm called Onward that takes about building teacher’s emotional resiliency! It is on my next read list and would be great as a book study for ALL! #sunchat
We need to remember that technology is anything we use to make a task easier, so everything we use is tech; we need to be just as intentional about pencils as we are about Chromebooks. #sunchat
In reply to
@PrincipalSmart, @carlameyrink, @BrittonES
To the point that teaching isn't a "talent magnet" profession, we ought to recognize a profound & not pretty truth: there's a huge difference between a great teacher and every other teacher. Great teachers rarely direct policy or impact the profession or training #sunchat
So much research has been done on the affects of tech on the young brain & little of it looks positive - so I think this is also about what's best to do in class. We try to let Ps know that they should limit tech, but so far that's a losing battle. #sunchat
Ohh. I wasn’t mean are we still doing learning styles. I was meaning are we still doing things that doesn’t have research. The funny thing to me is there is research to support and deny everything. #sunchat
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @tiffanytruitt, @edutopia
very big topic today #sunchat ; too much emphasis on content in a world where info is available at fingertips ; a system that doesnt fit what todays learners need...
Then district leaders get upset that the teachers aren't closing gaps, parents get upset because their children are lost, and teachers get upset because they know they've been given an impossible task. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @effortfuleduktr, @tiffanytruitt
The issues in teaching today are causing a shortage that will continue to grow. I do student exit reviews and I 3 years I haven’t had one that planning to be a teacher. #sunchat
Finding quality PD has never been an issue for me, but securing the time, and more than that, the funding to go is a challenge. Thankful for groups like @Gilder_Lehrman who work hard to provide awesome PD for free! #sunchat
Exactly! We never know when our influence will redirect the course of a child's life. It usually takes years for Ss to tell a teacher that he/she made a difference - if the S ever tells us at all. Reminds of Loren Eisley's Starfish Story. #sunchat
We bounce or we're told to bounce from one notion to another without having the chance to deconstruct it against our understandings/experiences as educators #sunchat
This is another thing that concerns me as future teacher. I love the profession (I wouldn't be going into it if I didn't), but I know I have to learn to manage my stress well. Advice? #sunchat
OK. What might the steps you take in order to make this happen? It starts with one 😀I'm fortunate 2 be in a district where that does happen & regularly. Valuable info is gathered 4 all parties 2 move 2 next steps. #sunchat
I agree that it can be used effectively, but we do try to limit it. It's often negative for socialization & mental health
https://t.co/cVuy6L53ZH#sunchat
Ohh. I have noticed it is how parents cope. I wonder if you had events where you are in sneaky way teaching them how to engage w/their child in a way they would find rewarding. #sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @susankotch, @BrittonES
I would agree we are still stuck on memorizing content. Is is system problem or also an educator problem of not wanting to let go of what we have always done? #sunchat
Not sure we will ever win that battle, so I suggest changing tactics. I think we shift the conversation - model and instruct on appropriate technology use #sunchat
So much research has been done on the affects of tech on the young brain & little of it looks positive - so I think this is also about what's best to do in class. We try to let Ps know that they should limit tech, but so far that's a losing battle. #sunchat
Not bad thing, per se. Process of vetting changes, deciding which productive pieces to keep versus which failed ones to let go, often seems shaky -- new initiatives sometimes analogous to wallpaper plastered over old layers. Over time, unsightly! #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @effortfuleduktr, @tiffanytruitt
I like this thread! Change agents always need to understand the importance of justification! I think we always, however, have to at least be open to change, so when the real stuff comes along we are willing to ride the train (sorry- watching Polar Express)! #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @brianrozinsky, @effortfuleduktr, @tiffanytruitt
That's why I'm working on 18 FOR '18: writing about 18 great teachers who should be better known outside of their schools. I'm looking for 18 educators who are doing amazing work inside and outside their classrooms. Across the country. Anyone want to help? #sunchat
#sunchat probably a combo of both ; lots of talk about research that we are not using, like how the brain works and how people learn best, but much is hard to implement in the structure of the system and we try to put bandaids
I would agree we are still stuck on memorizing content. Is is system problem or also an educator problem of not wanting to let go of what we have always done? #sunchat
This is an excellent idea. You're right - many Ps use tech as a babysitter and don't seem to know how to interact with their kids...maybe because they're also busy on their phone?
#sunchat
Another of the biggest challenges are parents, and I say that as one. I love active parents, and always love when one reaches out. But it feels increasingly like the autopilot is teachers fault when an issue comes up. #sunchat
I just did a presentation on this topic. Very interesting to look at how it has affected kids mental health. This was another good article that I found. #sunchathttps://t.co/nrvijbEnMO
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @BrittonES, @susankotch
My educational concern is with technology in elementary schools. Technology is everywhere and easily accessible. Blended learning combines technology and traditional teaching methods. How much technology is too much technology for elementary school students? #sunchat
This is a great question. It may take you a while to find what works for you. 1 thing I do is make sure I make time for fun. I also give myself permission to never be finished #sunchat
Yes that is probably true. Sometimes it feels like we keep circling around and around. We talk about engaging our students and recognizing the necessary skills of the today and future but we don't want to give up the traditional ideas of education. #sunchat
We must enlist talent. We need to reach out to our talented students and encourage them to teach. I think we need to encourage the brilliant kids we'd usually send off to law school, medicine, or business to become teachers #sunchat
The challenge w/ much of articles is that its using 'DON'T' argument. Our actions show that we're glued to tech. Unless you have other reasons to do other things, our phones are really about connectedness. So do we model the balanced approach or do we jump when pinged #sunchat
In reply to
@morgannakate, @carlameyrink, @BrittonES, @susankotch
This!! But as educators we must also purposely plan into our class schedule opportunities for movement and "play". Children learn as they play....but more importantly in play children learn how to learn!!! #sunchat
One of the issues in the city where I live is that it's not safe for kids to go outside to play. It makes it very difficult for Ps. How do they keep their children both safe and healthy? #sunchat
In reply to
@shirky17, @thnorfar, @susankotch, @BrittonES
Very few. Too many people think it is dangerous to do. What you must do instead is take them places where you pay for them to play in a structured Place where you can watch #sunchat
In reply to
@shirky17, @carlameyrink, @susankotch, @BrittonES
Perhaps it's not about time; perhaps our question might be "for what purpose is the tech used for". Will the use give us something we couldn't do without using it? Will it enhance or detract? #sunchat
This is where the job expands.... opening the schools after hours, finding funding for programs that take the kids off the streets - our role expands from just "teacher" to "jack of all trades". But, not worthy enough for more respect or resources or higher salary. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @shirky17, @carlameyrink, @BrittonES
I’m finally seeing understanding concepts take a back seat to rote memorization. I’m 68 yrs old and haven’t had to recite anything from memory on a job or in daily life yet.
This is an issue. It's wonderful to be connected (here I am, happily connecting on a Twitter chat) The problem is that we seem to be less connected in real life which eventually leads to loneliness. #sunchat
In reply to
@JanetChowMSc, @morgannakate, @BrittonES, @susankotch
This is where the job expands.... opening the schools after hours, finding funding for programs that take the kids off the streets - our role expands from just "teacher" to "jack of all trades". But, not worthy enough for more respect or resources or higher salary. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @shirky17, @carlameyrink, @BrittonES
I highly recommend this read to the #sunchat crew about the ed policies/practices of the highest performing nations. We have a long way to go, but it can be done! https://t.co/5ssce3GMgc
Again balance. We model what we actually believe or fall into what we believe (whether this is articulated or not). If we value F2F convo we create conditions 2make it happen. Take back the power #sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @morgannakate, @BrittonES, @susankotch
The thing I am discovering is kids who live in unsafe areas (high crime combined w/ high poverty) don’t have the resources to go and most likely find ways to play that are amazing. People in safe places think they are unsafe #sunchat
In reply to
@shirky17, @carlameyrink, @susankotch, @BrittonES
#sunchat we help individuals learn, not teach subjects... how long until we get to the point of getting every kid what they need to succeed in life, not every kid spends 180 days in a subject and gets a grade
That unstructured play is so, so important...one of the major points of "The Coddling of the American Mind" by @JonHaidt and @glukianoff. Definitely worth a read by k-12 educators and parents. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @shirky17, @carlameyrink, @susankotch, @BrittonES, @JonHaidt, @glukianoff
Thanks for a great convo everyone! I'm off to watch our Ss in an ultimate frisbee competition (f2f hahaha) Loved hearing all your points of view. #sunchat
