Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
My name is Heidy & I’m from Illinois! After 9 years as an elementary administrator I am spreading my wings to speak, consult & coach in order to help as many teachers & leaders as possible! #IAedChat
A1: to me it means anyone that has anything to do with the school system...the bus drivers, the custodians, the announcers at games, choir director, teachers, leaders, administrators...anyone that can shape and guide a students’ future #iaedchat
A1. Everyone has a part to play in the success of a school. Regardless of content area or role, we all must work together for the success of a child. Everyone, not just teachers, provide value. #IAedChat
A1: When I think about valuing all educators, that means showing a deep level of appreciation. Getting to know all educators on a more personal basis and doing some “little things” so they feel appreciated. #IAedChat
A1 Valuing all educators means that we use more than words to communicate that educators are important. These words are followed by actions of support, encouragement, and tangible recognition that educators are valued #iaedchat
A1: Everyone in the school setting brings something amazing to the table. It could be an instructional strategy, a genuine smile, a behind the scenes decision, an after school program, or providing someone with assistance. Every. Educator. Can. Make. A. Difference. #iaedchat
A1: My philosophy has been "All Means ALL!" whether talking about students or adults. We can't value all yet bash certain roles/positions. We're always telling our story no matter who we're talking to/about. We have to promote everyone's role in fulfilling the mission. #iaedchat
A1- Does your back to school pd value staff members or are you focused on something else? Starting the year off right is crucial in building your cultural. #IAedChat
A1: All means all. All people in the school community make an impact on each other and on kids. To value all means to value many different strengths and ideas and see differences as a way to create new and better. #iaedchat
A1: To me it means appreciating the gifts that each educator brings to the profession. We are all professionals, but we each have a unique way of reaching our students and our colleagues. #IAedchat
A1: All educators have something to add to the betterment of educating all of our students. Everyone's role matters! Teachers, paras, admin, bus drivers, cooks, and more. #iaedchat
A1: To me, this means we listen to, make time for & appreciate EVERY person who impacts our kids. Parents, teachers, lunch servers, aides, janitors, secretaries...#IAedChat
A1. It means that we all people in a building are being listened to, they feel they have a voice and thus want to be part of the learning community in that school/district. #iaedchat
A1: If all educators are valued, they are recognized as individuals for the unique strengths they bring to school every day to reach and teach our students, collaborate with staff, and create a learning culture. #IAedChat
A1: Seeing everyone as an essential part of the team including teachers, para educators, nurses, secretaries, custodians, culinary staff, bus drivers, etc. Not seeing roles as a hierarchy but as a level playing field with all positions impacting students. #iaedchat
A2. Include everybody. Include everyone in the decision making and let all have a voice. Next, recognize everybody. No matter their role, let them know you see their hard work. #IAedChat
A2: Always greet everyone the same! A sincere & happy “Hello, how are you?” go a long way. Ask their perspective (secretaries, janitors, students) to show that all input matters! #IAedChat
A2: First of all, consistently let people know that they are appreciated for what they do. Give them a seat at the table when decisions need to be made. That may include hiring decisions, building schedules, teams or committees, or other shared leadership opportunities. #iaedchat
A2: Don’t assume negative intent. Often times people assume things and make generalities about groups of people in education. Let’s assume positive intent and all work together for kids. #IAedChat
A2: Simple things- thanking people; saying "Hello" when you pass each other; asking "How are you?" and caring about the answer; I've pulled everyone together to talk mission, vision, values, goals and share how individuals and groups fit in to making this a reality. #iaedchat
A2 - Transparency and relationships. Remembering to be #REALedu. Regardless of the role it is important to touch base with everyone and work together. #IAEdChat
A2: Through words, action, and systems. It's important to have systems in place to give people the opportunity to utilize their strengths and passions to make an impact. People also need to hear that they matter- authentic celebration and relationships! #iaedchat
A2. It is so important to be out in the classrooms, talking to everyone. Get to know them...find out about them. It is also important to get their input on ideas. #iaedchat
A2: One of the most well-received appreciations we as teachers did last year during part of our PD afternoon was write thank-you notes to every member of our support staff. The recipients loved the notes, and they appreciated us in turn! It was lovely! #IAEdChat
A1. Everyone has a part to play in the success of a school. Regardless of content area or role, we all must work together for the success of a child. Everyone, not just teachers, provide value. #IAedChat
When I begin a new school district leader position, I ask all staff members to come in to talk with me. I call them "staff chats". This small amount of time invested has a great return on our cultural investment.
#EducationalPartners
A2: We have a teacher appreciation day, and a staff appreciation day at our school, so everyone gets recognized for their role in our school. They're fun days for everyone. #iaedchat
A2: Being mindful of having meaningful conversations with everyone! Not just teachers. I’m also extremely fortunate to have a mother-in-law that can really bake! 🙂 #IAedChat
A2: Through words, action, and systems. It's important to have systems in place to give people the opportunity to utilize their strengths and passions to make an impact. People also need to hear that they matter- authentic celebration and relationships! #iaedchat
A1 #IAedchat From the custodians AP’s I am privileged to work with, we are ALL educators in one way or another! A strong school culture makes the “least” feel like they are as important as the Principal! Celebrate ALL who are “in the arena,” doing the work!
A1: *Everyone has diff. life experiences to bring to the table. It is important to encourage each other & to lift each other up so that everyone feels comfortable contributing their ideas+successes+talents & input! Being valued is key to building a positive community #IAedchat!
A2: I’m a big name person, greeting and not ever just walking by someone in a school setting. This has gotten more difficult as I work with three districts now but I work hard to at least be friendly if I don’t know their name or something personal to talk about w them #iaedchat
A2: One of the most well-received appreciations we as teachers did last year during part of our PD afternoon was write thank-you notes to every member of our support staff. The recipients loved the notes, and they appreciated us in turn! It was lovely! #IAEdChat
Q3: What is your best response to someone who says, “I’m just a paraprofessional, I’m just a custodian, I’m just a teacher, or I’m just a ………?” #IAedChat
Agreed, Dyan. Learning names shows that you genuinely care about them and they're worth remembering. I work hard at knowing all 400+ kids' names but sometimes have to use the old "Hey, buddy!" #iaedchat
A2: I’m a big name person, greeting and not ever just walking by someone in a school setting. This has gotten more difficult as I work with three districts now but I work hard to at least be friendly if I don’t know their name or something personal to talk about w them #iaedchat
A3. "I'm just a principal and we are all adults who can make a lasting impact on a students life. You never know what one conversation or smile might do for a student's future " #IAEdChat
A3: I hate when people say “just” anything and I always stop them and give them reasons they are not just anything! Give them compliments, help them realize their worth! #iaedchat
A3: By saying nothing, you indirectly endorse this. As awkward as it may be, tell that person they are not just a..... If they are working in a school, they are a leader. Period. Everyone who comes into contact with others is a leader whether they know it or not. #iaedchat
A3: I like to point out a few really great things they've done with or for students or others, and then joke with them about the "just a" part to let them know there's no such thing. #IAEdChat
Q3: What is your best response to someone who says, “I’m just a paraprofessional, I’m just a custodian, I’m just a teacher, or I’m just a ………?” #IAedChat
A3: I've had this conversation with staff before. Not in this school. We don't have anyone who is "just a..." anything here. Everyone is all in for kids, every day, no excuses. When we allow "just a" to be part of the narrative we invite excuses and blame. #iaedchat
A2: Give everyone a voice. Learn about each educator (passions, goals, hobbies, etc.) and throughout the year, provide opportunities for them to grow in their personal "learning" and "leading" to help strengthen the school environment. #EveryoneWins#iaedchat
A3: I would be very direct in my response here...”Hold on just a minute, we all have an important role in the developmental every student we educate. ALL of us.” #IAedChat
A3: It is important to model this ourselves first and making sure that others see our mind shift change towards we all matter and play an important role in our schools. #IAEdChat
A3: Paras, lunch ladies, custodians, secretaries, teachers--one thing we all know is that we make a difference to at least one special someone, every day. We remind each other of this during tough times. And I never hear people say, "I'm just a _______." #IAEdChat
Q3: What is your best response to someone who says, “I’m just a paraprofessional, I’m just a custodian, I’m just a teacher, or I’m just a ………?” #IAedChat
A3: I've had this conversation with staff before. Not in this school. We don't have anyone who is "just a..." anything here. Everyone is all in for kids, every day, no excuses. When we allow "just a" to be part of the narrative we invite excuses and blame. #iaedchat
A3 You might just be a “somebody” , but to one kid you could be that one somebody who is the reason they look forward to coming to school each day. Don’t take that lightly, make every day count!!! #IAedChat
A3: “You have no idea how much you matter. Everything you do & say helps our community. Keep up the awesome job. Thank you!” - then I would follow it up with a note! #IAedChat
Q3: What is your best response to someone who says, “I’m just a paraprofessional, I’m just a custodian, I’m just a teacher, or I’m just a ………?” #IAedChat
We've all heard it. "If we updated our dismissal procedure, it would save us ten minutes at the end of the day which would allow more time to instruct...but what would I know, I'm just a paraprofessional." #IAedchathttps://t.co/j2zRHGHOw7
A3: I like to point out a few really great things they've done with or for students or others, and then joke with them about the "just a" part to let them know there's no such thing. #IAEdChat
Q3: What is your best response to someone who says, “I’m just a paraprofessional, I’m just a custodian, I’m just a teacher, or I’m just a ………?” #IAedChat
Q4: To strive for excellence, we must continue to empower more leaders. Regardless of your position, how do you develop more leaders in your setting? #IAedChat
A2 #IAedchat We started a Para-Professional of the Year Awards to mirror TOY and celebrate both! We also have a recognition board that parents, Ss, & staff can recognize one another for going, “Above and Beyond!”These are posted for a week and read on announcements. Treats 4 ALL!
A3: Literally just had this conversation with a former para I met when working my summer job. I simply responded, "You were not JUST a para." She then changed her language and agreed that her position was vital in the kindergarten classroom. #iaedchat
A3 We have to eliminate "just" from our vocabulary; much like we must eliminate "struggling" when discussing students (they're not struggling or "reluctant"; they are "developing"...just not there yet). "Just" minimizes what we do and what we do is pretty darn great! #IAedChat
A3 We have to eliminate "just" from our vocabulary; much like we must eliminate "struggling" when discussing students (they're not struggling or "reluctant"; they are "developing"...just not there yet). "Just" minimizes what we do and what we do is pretty darn great! #IAedChat
A4: I talk a lot and try to encourage others to speak up...we can’t all just sit in meetings and nod our head but not give any input...speak up, give ideas, make a difference, no idea is silly! #IAedChat
A4 I look forward to creating new ways to foster student leadership while amplifying their voice this year. We plan to meet regularly with a student advisory group to get feedback and ideas for growth #IAedChat
A4: Ask for input from all groups in a setting; be a good model for risk-taking and vulnerability; celebrate diversity and success; share, share, share. #IAedChat
A4: Learn about your teammates: strengths, ambitions, motivations, and where they want to get better. From there, use your influence to allow those strengths to shine. That could be recommending that they serve on a specific team or placing them in position for success. #iaedchat
A4. Create a culture of trust, set up systems for authentic leadership and support people while they take the risk to try something new... oh, and dont be afraid to give up control #IAEdChat
A4: Some of your most influential people are sitting quietly in meetings and doing amazing things in their respective roles. SHOWCASE them! They don't want the spotlight but deserve it. Being the loudest voice in the room does not equal being a leader. #iaedchat
A4 - Encouraging collaboration and using teacher strengths to open opportunities for all. Also encouraging others to read books such #LeadLAP#REALedu to increase the mindset that all can lead. #IAEdChat
A4: We create a culture of shared leadership by trusting educators to make decisions and lead change. We trust teams to lead with our vision as the guidepost. #iaedchat
A4: Some of your most influential people are sitting quietly in meetings and doing amazing things in their respective roles. SHOWCASE them! They don't want the spotlight but deserve it. Being the loudest voice in the room does not equal being a leader. #iaedchat
A3: "You are a Rockstar!" Everyone is important in the success of a school!! Highlight individuals in the school, such as..."A staff showcase"... Where everyone can be featured and praised for their contribution to the success of the school. #everyonematters#iaedchat
A4 - Encouraging collaboration and using teacher strengths to open opportunities for all. Also encouraging others to read books such #LeadLAP#REALedu to increase the mindset that all can lead. #IAEdChat
A4: I strive to strengthen teams of teachers focused on solving a specific challenge or task. I schedule work times, take detailed discussion notes, and connect people with others who can help them with the project. I provide structural support for their big ideas. #IAedChat
Q4: To strive for excellence, we must continue to empower more leaders. Regardless of your position, how do you develop more leaders in your setting? #IAedChat
A4.2: In order for this work to take place, it is critical to have the right environment. One that encourages risk taking, uncomfortable feelings sometimes, and focused on growth. To create this culture, it starts at the top. Model, model, model. #iaedchat
#IAedchat
A4. Build trust within your school and groups. When they trust you and trust others around them, people open up, share out, and expose their creative juices! When you see something awesome, share it by allowing others to observe it and ask about it!
A4: Some of your most influential people are sitting quietly in meetings and doing amazing things in their respective roles. SHOWCASE them! They don't want the spotlight but deserve it. Being the loudest voice in the room does not equal being a leader. #iaedchat
Sorry to join the party late! Currently packing for vacation! A1: valuing all educators means everyone has a voice at the table. Everyone has a chance to share when decisions are made that impact all. #iaedchat
A4: This is the key to success. Building leaders across all setting is powerful because none of us can do it alone. I believe true leadership is seeing talent in others and supporting them as they grow. Never underestimate the power we have to help someone rise. #IAedChat
A2: Some strategies to show that educators matter include clarity and transparent communication. Take time in a weekly meeting or communique to keep everyone informed of what's happening and celebrate the successes #iaedchat
A5: There are so many examples. What stands out to me and gives me all the feels, is reflecting on how powerful it is that we are in pursuit of creating a school that kids deserve- no matter our title! @KLAMagnet#IAEdChat
A5: I think of kids who are using their voices to enact change, stand up for someone, or advocate for their rights. Students historically have been the last people thought of when it comes to school improvement or reform. #iaedchat
A5. Our Algebra teacher, @carra_02 (Carra Turner) took a Mississippi pilot program, Algebra Nation, and became an expert at it. Now, the state looks to us as an example. Carra demonstrated tremendous leadership. #iaedchat
A5: I have seen our school secretary take charge in so many challenging situations involving emotionally heightened parents, injured students, or emotional teachers. Tremendous leadership without thinking anything of it. #iaedchat
#IAedchat
A5. A custodian takes every day to make sure every student getting off the bus is welcomed by a smile, hug, and good morning! She walks the crying to class, shares her fun stories with all, and encourages each one to have a great day! She is a mawmaw to many. My momma!
A5: There are so many examples. What stands out to me and gives me all the feels, is reflecting on how powerful it is that we are in pursuit of creating a school that kids deserve- no matter our title! @KLAMagnet#IAEdChat
A5: After having a very difficult year, a former student wrote me the most inspiring letter. She led me to believe in myself after truly feeling like I was done. She was a true leader bc she saw things in me that I wasn’t seeing at the time. #IAedChat
A5: @drey_kassie as a first year teacher...she was doing amazing things in her classroom/gym, volunteering to do other things in the school with PBIS, reading aloud to my students, starting a running and reading program...1st year!! That’s impressive! #IAedChat
A5: The person I'm thinking of gave me specific feedback about what I was doing to positively impact student learning and building culture.
He also challenged me by asking me questions I didn't have answers to, and encouraged me research and ponder possibilities.
#IAedChat
A5: A teacher at my previous school taking charge when our restrooms became non-functioning 15 minutes prior to graduation! His leadership directing people and assisting helped avoid disaster. #IAedChat
A5 We have a paraprofessional who goes above and beyond in ALL that she does. When asked “why do you this? Your “just” a para?” She always says “It’s what is best for kids or our team!” She walks the walk daily! #IAedChat
A5 We have a paraprofessional who goes above and beyond in ALL that she does. When asked “why do you this? Your “just” a para?” She always says “It’s what is best for kids or our team!” She walks the walk daily! #IAedChat
A5 - Seeing someone that doesn't see themselves as 'just' a custodian or para. When they see themselves as a piece of the puzzle that keeps everything running smoothly on a daily basis. We are all in this together. #iaedchat
A5: I think of our teacher associates who step up to plate everyday and knock it out of the ballpark. The list is long of people who show leadership in our building #iaedchat
@danbutler A5: There was a teacher in my school who led people in completing a class competition on dress code. This was a situation that we were constantly dealing with and it really made the school setting much better when the kids had ownership of the issue #IAedChat
A4: coach others to see how important their interactions with kids are and provide training if necessary to help them reach their potential. If every adult approaches their position as a service, the kids benefit. #iaedchat
A5: Our secretary is a leader in positivity and empathy. When talking to someone, no matter if it s a 3 year old or a 70 year old, she treats them as if they are the most important person in the world. #iaedchat
A5: Our secretary is a leader in positivity and empathy. When talking to someone, no matter if it s a 3 year old or a 70 year old, she treats them as if they are the most important person in the world. #iaedchat
A6 We can empower our unsung heroes by making it a point to recognize and celebrate the great things they are doing. Them knowing that what they do does make a difference will be more empowering than you can imagine. Celebrate your staff daily! #IAedChat
A6: Quiet leaders aren't doing these things for recognition, which is awesome. However, giving them a platform to share is important. We've done rotations during PD where we spotlight these teachers' practices/tools being used to give voice to those quiet leaders. #iaedchat
A6: be their cheerleader...Let them know you see their passion and their effort and encourage them to keep going! You’ve “caught” them making a difference 🐟, pun intended with gif #IAedChat
A5: the head custodian in my building is an awesome example of leadership. He greets the kids as he comes across them and the kids respect him enough to tidy up after themselves. #iaedchat
A6: This is not a mind-blowing strategy, but just talk to them. Provide them with feedback and evidence of skills you have seen. One of the greatest gifts that we can give to people is confidence. Provide them with an opportunity to see their excellence. #iaedchat
#IAedchat
A6. Most often, the superstars rise, and others see their greatness and speak about it/give credit! I like to invite others to see that greatness and encourage them to write up a "gratitude gram" about one another's awesomeness, when they may not see it themselves.
A6: Being an observant principal and witnessing these great moments and then giving shout outs or praise in whatever way you do. Celebrate the little things. #IAedChat
A6: Some ideas could be acknowledgement and praise. Ask for their permission to share their work with others and encourage them to do the same. #iaedchat
A6: I find small ways to build that person’s confidence behind the scenes. I encourage the person by partnering together on a project or task...taking risks is the way to find your voice. #IAedChat
A6: I find small ways to build that person’s confidence behind the scenes. I encourage the person by partnering together on a project or task...taking risks is the way to find your voice. #IAedChat
A6:
--ask to pair that person with a colleague who could benefit from expertise one-on-one.
--ask to share a specific in my weekly update.
--ask the colleague to present a PD session to interested colleagues.
--write a note to the person with specific appreciation. #IAedChat
A6: A culture of listening, sharing ideas, and being willing to try different things (instead of closing doors or keeping score) helps Ts feel safe to contribute and to take risks. Everyone rises, and supportive culture benefits Ss. #IAedchat
A6: This is not a mind-blowing strategy, but just talk to them. Provide them with feedback and evidence of skills you have seen. One of the greatest gifts that we can give to people is confidence. Provide them with an opportunity to see their excellence. #iaedchat
Thanks, Jeanette! We lead best by sitting back and listening sometimes. If we care more about where we are headed than if it was my idea as the leader, it takes the pressure off me to always be right. It also helps the team build a cohesive spirit. #iaedchat
A7: One thing I will do is meet with every staff member in my building at least for a few minutes. They all have a voice and great ideas. Look for common themes and find ways to revisit these conversations down the road. #IAedChat
A7: As we approach the school year, I plan to make a list of all of our staff members and write down a strength that I have seen about each person. From there, I will think of ways this strength can be extended throughout the year. #iaedchat
A7: Strive to recognize all the people who make our school what it is. We've got some ideas for recognizing staff built in to our school improvement plan so that we are intentional and committed to maintaining this practice with timelines in place. #iaedchat
A7: learn more and more names and get to know people personally. I think sometimes as an AEA person, we are looked at as outsiders, I want to be a part of every one of my schools! #IAedChat
A7: I'm going to be an active mentor to others. Engage in dialogue around practice with all teachers and collaborate on how to best meet the needs of the kids regardless of subject matter. #iaedchat
#IAedchat
A7. I have already started meeting individually with all staff members in my school, catching up and getting to know. We will continue with Staff Shout Outs and Gratitude Grams, where we highlight the greatness in one another!
A7: One thing I will do is meet with every staff member in my building at least for a few minutes. They all have a voice and great ideas. Look for common themes and find ways to revisit these conversations down the road. #IAedChat
A7. Get out and talk to as many people as I can in the buildings. Listen and learn from their experiences. Show them how valuable they are to the school and district. #iaedchat
A7. I will continue to lift up the profession of “educator” as one of the most noble professions there is. I will also continue to pray for my teachers and staff as they return to school in the next few weeks. #iaedchat
Now I want school to start...now! Ok tomorrow would be fine too! I want it now! These kind of conversations always make me want to get back to it! Let’s go! #iaedchat
A7:
Listen.
Listen.
Listen.
Let people know I see and appreciate what they do.
Be a bridge--connect people to resources, and to each other, so their big ideas become reality.
Know my impact.
#IAEdChat
A7: I would like to take the time to have genuine conversations getting to know each of the staff members in my buildings. Large talks not small talks. #iaedchat
A7. Go back to the staff Strength Finder results to better understand staff and refine some of our systems to ensure we are empowering our staff but also keeping a better guage on our impact so we can celebrate and increase collective efficacy #IAEdChat
Thanks to tonight's participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @duffysclassroom! Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
A7. I hope to have time to meet with individuals and gain new ideas to help make them feel successful. I have been also trying to find new ways to help people feel valued by looking for things to say “yes” to. #IAedChat
A4 #IAedChat As alluded to earlier, everyone “the decision” will impact needs a place at the table relative to a decision! Academic decisions involve Ts,building decions- custodians, rules/expectations- Ss,etc. Leaders typically have a predetermined idea,but the room is smarter!
Thanks to my awesome co-moderators: @townsleyaj and @danpbutler and thanks to all of you for being a part of our chat tonight. I value the work you do for kids and invite you to join us each Sunday at 8:00 for #iaedchat
A7: This is the first year in 9 that I don’t have a staff. It’s weird & lonely but I will be working to share my thoughts, experience & ideas with leaders all over the country! Maybe some of you! #IAedChat
