#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Hello #TOSAchat!!! SO STOKED to welcome you all back for another epic year of learning and sharing! Happy 3rd Anniversary to @TosaChat! Ann here, tweeting from Seattle, WA tonight! heading back to So Cal tomorrow...
Hey #tosachat! Karly, tech TOSA and computer science teacher from SF Bay Area! Favorite summer ☀️ activity has been going to the gym 🏋️♀️ with my mom and my son. It's been AWESOME working out together!
Hi #TOSAchat friends!! Amanda, kicking off my new role as a 2nd grade T in @CampbellCSI ... woot! My favorite is travel— I try to see some place new every summer
Karen, secondary learning tech coach in beautiful Colorado. My fav summer activity is hanging out with my kids which sometime in late July becomes not my favorite. HA! #tosachat
Hey All, Coach Ben here from Salinas! I am super pumped to be a NEWLY minted Kinder teacher, may favorite summer activity had to be #LAX18#GoogleEI#TOSAchat
Hey, #tosachat! I’m an 80% TOSA this year. I’m back in the classroom for 2 periods in middle school teaching Digital Media & Design. Fav summer activity: time at the beach with family.
HI all! Instructional Technology Coordinator checking in from Benicia, California! Favorite summer activity was taking my daughter to the pool for the first time for parent/tot classes. So, so fun. #tosachat
Hey everybody! The TOSA formerly known as GGTechTosa here. I enjoy woodworking over the summer. Made a bunch of cornhole boards and other stuff. #TOSAChat
A1 I’m so busy during the first week rostering students into digital services and helping teachers get started with grade books, and class pages, I tend to not get much time for routines. I always try to refresh my help ticket system and my website though… #tosachat
I start by reviewing and refining my goals for the year. Then I like to meet with principals to discuss their PD goals for the year. On work days I help Ts set up their classrooms and casually ask about their goals for the year. #tosachat
A1 some #BackToSchool TOSA routines: focus on connecting w Ts, celebrating the start of school, sharing resources & making sure Ts know you're there to support them! Also, be sure they know how to schedule TOSA time & contact you for support! #TOSAchat
A1: This year doesn't feel like "back" to routine. I feel like I'm already in a groove. Kinda liking it! #tosachat Other than the very early alarm clock.
A1: I kinda feel like I worked a lot of my summer prepping for the https://t.co/aBZlXdurQR reveal. I need to get tech tips rolling, revamp resources, and market PD....oh, and "Other duties as assigned" #TOSAchat
A1: Honestly a lot of email right from the get go. Essentially it means making sure teachers know that my team and I are here for them. This year I am going to try and start my day at school sites to get myself in front of more teachers. #TOSAchat
A1: My back to school routine tonight is getting some lesson planning done!
In fact I need to go do that right now. Wishing all my #TOSAchat peeps an new awesome year.
#A1#TOSAchat life routine is following twitter and my #PLN especially important in staying in the know...checking in with my #Ts making sure they feel supported!
A1 I just went back today. Still trying to get back in the groove. My favorite activity is welcoming the kiddos back and connecting with the classes. Seeing where I can best support. #tosachat
A1: I just sent out my Aeries "cheat sheets" that I made to help my Ts get their gradebooks up and running, walking around making sure new people know I am available to help or bounce ideas off of #tosachat
A1: Definitely checking in with Ts that had things in place. Reaching out to those ready to take next steps! Taking inventory of what people would like/need #TOSAchat
This year I’m hurling myself back into #tosalife after being all #adminlife for 6 months last year. So my routines are out the door and I’m helping transition @WMSPatriots to their new admin team and making plans to roll out some #supermuch PD this year!! #tosachat
A1: Introducing myself to new admin & teachers, scheduling site visits, supporting new teachers, getting back in the Twitter game to improve my craft. #TOSAchat
Hi #TOSAchat@naomiharm joining you from Fairfield, CA. Let the exciting learning continue! My favorite summer learning activity is joining the @cueinc lead learner's team and spending quality family time w/ my grandbabies, & their visit from WI for a week!
A1: Back to TOSA life first steps include reacquainting myself with Google, and learning about all the changes to Classroom & creating a curriculum for a brand new class. #tosachat
Our district offers four days of voluntary training prior to teachers reporting back. My focus is formative assessment, Google Slides, Chromebook basics and Green Screen. #TOSAchat
Honored to be part of this team. Last year I learned so much from this amazing chat and all the connections. Can't wait to make more connections,learn from everyone, and help in anyway I can. #tosachat
A1: Part of my new school year routine is to journal about big goals for the year ahead. Its so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day and forget that the beginning of the year is where we need to build the foundation for the big awesome stuff that we can accomplish. #tosachat
A2: Every year is different and I try to meet the needs of all the Ts where they are. I love checking in with staffs at our PD day to see if there's anything they know they want to work on! #tosachat
A2 This year I am redefining a lot! Trying to be in classrooms much more often and focusing on encouraging collaboration with me and also teacher to teacher. #tosachat
When I got my job I had to define my job duties because there was not a clear job description. I identified goals and made up job duties. Now, two years later, I reflect on and refine my goals from the previous year to fit the new needs of those I serve. #tosachat
A2 cheerleader. supporter. helper. fangirl. thought partner. collaborator. brainstormer. amplifier. high fiver. ALL THE TOSA THINGS! My job is to help empower Ts so they can empower Ss! #TOSAchat
A2: I spent some time this summer making a list of what things I would like to help teachers accomplish this year. Met with my boss to talk about a plan of action. This should be an exciting year. Lots of teachers ready for new things. #TOSAchat
A1: My B2S routine is anything but routine this year :) Just planned first week of school w/my teammate & it’s looking much different than past years— more SEL, DT, @YouCubedOrg Inspirational Math, improv & playtime and less HW and canned “get to know you” worksheets #TOSAchat
A2 This year my boss actually had us create a chart to spell out who does what. With our new form of PD, I look forward to more Ts collaboration. @TosaChat#TOSAChat
A2. Short answer is I am there to support. That will look different for each individual teacher. Try to find what I can do to make each teacher better, whether it is starting at the basics or advanced users. #TOSAchat
A2 My role changes every year. I wait to see where I am most needed. This past year it was teaching computer science and supporting teachers with tech integration. This year will be similar. #tosachat
I try and post two tips a week on a blog and I send them out via email newsletter. I call it Ed Tech Weekly. I include some flashbacks to helpful tips from the previous year. I may back off and just do it twice a month this year, but Ts seem to like it. #tosachat
A2: I wrote tech plan last year to submit to my boss. We will revisit that so I can make a comprehensive plan that will become my goals and objectives. It is likely based on needs of teachers and students aligned with district vision. :) #TOSAchat
A2 I feel like it is a role that is constantly changing from day to day. Hard to define but supporting teachers to support students is really the heart of it. #tosachat
Every year I set goals for myself as a tosa. These goals help me redefine my work each year. This year my focus is the #supermuch classroom— all about creativity & innovation, student voice & choice, and global collaboration. I’m super excited! #tosachat
Every year I set goals for myself as a tosa. These goals help me redefine my work each year. This year my focus is the #supermuch classroom— all about creativity & innovation, student voice & choice, and global collaboration. I’m super excited! #tosachat
A2: Main focus is to reestablish connections with teachers at our 7 campuses and connecting with new teachers (and those teachers who have moved grade levels!). #tosachat
A2: Working w/@thehughes2 to redefine our roles as primary Ts! We’re planning on co-teaching & strengths-based teaching, within our team & partnering w/other grade levels and staff. #TOSAchat
#A2#TOSAchat I’ve actually done that this year I was split between Edtech and history...and it was difficult. I am now full History social science #tosa which is amazing! My role will depend on the needs of my #Ts and the new #hssframework
A2: I define my role by the projects and focus that we will be emphasizing this year. Mainly communicating with my team and deciding on what will benefit our teachers and students the most this year. #TOSAchat
I chose Weebly since Google Sites doesn’t have a true blog feature yet. I love the category list down the side because Ts can find previous posts easily. I also have a tutorials page where I like all the posts in categories so they are easily found. #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechAntics, @iluvteaching72, @KVoge71
A2: I think one aspect of the job that I love is that it isn’t always defined. That leads me into some amazing opportunities that I may not have planned for. #TOSAchat
A1: not a Tosa, but a #TOSAchat wanna be, my goals for #Back2School deliverables include activities that focus on passion w/ a purpose! Here's 1 of my kickoff activities 2allow me 2discover how T friends contribute their talent every day 2build community https://t.co/Fq5KzAcd9a
I do love Google Sites though. But the biggest thing is just to make sure whatever resource site you build is easily accessible to them. It helps the most when I can just send them a blog post to help answer those “can you remind me how” emails. #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechAntics, @iluvteaching72, @KVoge71
A2: This year I plan to redefine my role where teachers will see me more as a support for effective instructional teaching rather than someone just good at tech support. #TOSAchat
I'm still a fix it person. It doesn't bother me though. If that is what they need to do their job then I'm happy to help them. Waiting for the right district people can take forrreeeveeeeeer. #TOSACHAT
A2: This year I plan to redefine my role where teachers will see me more as a support for effective instructional teaching rather than someone just good at tech support. #TOSAchat
I use https://t.co/TQYARMiGbX for Ts to book appointments. Then I just showed up to school sites. The more time I spend with even one T at a site, the more others would book me. Word of mouth hit a sweet spot for me last year. #TOSAchat
our district people are super fast to respond (benefits of a small district) and I totally don't mind helping but when it consumes my entire prep period it gets hard #TOSAchat
Luckily, I get into classrooms a lot to demo/ co-lead lessons so I get my fix there. But, I do wish I could create the classroom of my dreams after all of the cool ideas I have collected the past few years. I also enjoy presenting at conferences to get my teaching fix. #tosachat
A3 I try to be out and around on campus to see the students as well as trying to get into classrooms whenever I can. This year I’m teaching two middle school electives (2 days a week) in addition to my TOSA position. #tosachat
A3 I still teach every day that I'm at my site (I'm 50%) I am teaching classes. It helps keep me relevant and gives me the opportunity to connect with the kids and the teachers. #tosachat
Q3: I offer to demo lessons in the class. Often, the same teachers will invite me back and the kids get to know me as "the fun teacher". It definitely brings a smile to my face when I hear that. #tosachat
I'm getting to buy furniture and robots for our new STEAM labs. The fact that I'm getting the freedom to by flexible furniture is empowering! #tosachat
A3: I go in to my own kids classrooms! And I pop in to my adopted classrooms from last year to see if they want a regular schedule again this year! #tosachat
A2: I’m here to help all teachers improve their teaching practices. I will accept them as they are & cheerfully go from there. Treat as individuals! Be cheerful, kind & helpful #tosachat
A3: I try to visit at least one school site a day. Last year I got to work with a few classes over a few weeks. Developed relationships with those kids. #TOSAchat
Last day if school I broke out my jewelers magnifier and a lamp to try Frankenstein keyboard scissor from one Acer to another. Failed. I’ll find a repair shop when we go back. #tosachat
A3: It is great being in classes but I also get my “kid fill” by visiting former students at my previous school. I got to see some today with their parents for the First Day of School and my ❤️ was full!!! #tosachat
A3: Keep in mind that your range has expanded. We are reaching students in a different way and can potentially have access to more students throughout the year. Finally, start scheduling those site visits to get in front of those kiddos. #TOSAchat
A2: I define my Facilitator role as a doer of good, as it is my job to inspire you to dream big, cultivate your very best practices to engage student learning, and instigate creative ideas to activate the ultimate teaching lesson/activity. #Tosachat
A3: Last year, I taught one section of middle school English & the rest of the day TOSA. This helped me try things authentically & stay in the practice of teaching. I also spent a lot of time in my colleagues rooms co-teaching #TOSAchat
A3: haha!! I'm #notaTOSA so I have kids every day. I do take some of my kids to Kinder (and now have requests for 1st & 2nd) to do STEM projects, so I go "play" with different grade levels #tosachat
A3 We've trained during computer lab. Ts don't always have time to attend training so train Ts and Ss together, plus we get time with the kids! #tosachat#MIEExpert#MIETrainer
A3. I found that talking to teachers and saying that I want to try something I saw with their kids helps to break down barriers. Makes it so they know I am not there to judge. #TOSAchat
A3: I ask teachers to let me be a part of their online classroom communities. When I want to feel more connected to students, I will go in & comment on blogs, leave feedback on projects, etc. Gives Ss an authentic audience & helps me feel like I alongside them. #tosachat
A3: The withdrawals are real! I try to do demo lessons, co-teach lessons, I did summer school this past year. which helped This upcoming year I plan on working with teachers on after school programs with students. #TOSAchat
A3 When I miss classroom life I just go visit! It doesn’t have to be a tech related visit. My K teachers will always take an extra set of hands, especially in the fall! #buildrelationships#tosachat
I'm at one site. So it's easier for me I think. I love teaching computer science. Something the kids love and the teachers and I can learn together. Best PD for all of us! #tosachat
A1: new teacher institute PD for all new hires, Visit all new hires day 1, induction orientation, assign new teachers & mentors, meet with T weekly & observe, plan, support, sub training, 10 all day PDs! Let’s do this👍🏼❤️#tosachat
A3: I ask teachers to let me be a part of their online classroom communities. When I want to feel more connected to students, I will go in & comment on blogs, leave feedback on projects, etc. Gives Ss an authentic audience & helps me feel like I alongside them. #tosachat
haha not so much. It was funny because that's how the T introduced me. At that school some of they go by their first names-ie Maestra Diana. so I became Kelly Martin. said in Pretty much one breath! #TOSAchat
A1 Learn new programs. We added @ClassLink and became #Google and #Office365 hybrid. Update handouts, check links for updates on the #OneNote we share with staff, revisit #digcit assembly presentations... #tosachat
A3: #tosachat I ward off the 'I miss the kids blues" w/ creating/designing stu facing activities that empower student voice/choice. Then offer this learning through summer workshops/webinars all summer long. Here's an ex of growth mindset visionboards https://t.co/skHHV2pIUy
I am always planting seed ideas with teachers either in passing or through E form. District trainings are also a great catalyst to working in classrooms. I also call my teacher friends to do a lesson with their class. Then the word gets out other teachers reach out. #tosachat
A4 If I’m going to them instead of them coming to me, I try to find something that will improve their workflow and start there. It tends to rapidly lead to excitement and more collaboration. #tosachat
A4 reach out! Let folks know you're ready to go... some will be ready to go immediately, others need some time to shift gears! Be available & remind them that you're available however they need you! #TOSAchat
A4: My "go-to" lessons are Digital Breakouts, Art of Using a Chromebook from @nadinegilkison , #EduProtocols, especially 8 parts or Worst Preso Ever. Google Drawing is always a hit. #TOSAchat
A4: When the crazy amount of emails die down and teachers remember how they can use you. Just because I cannot be in front of teachers physically remind them that you are a resource once the year is in full swing. I can coach through email... #TOSAchat
A4: being #notaTOSA makes it a bit harder for me, but I try and listen to what they are teaching or doing and offer different suggestions for tools/apps or ways they can integrates some tech into the lesson or activity. I will also offer to come and help during my prep #tosachat
I try and be really responsive to emails, even if it is to say - I see this, I hear you - I’ll get back with you tomorrow. I want them to know I’m there even if I’m not RIGHT THERE. #tosachat
A4: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships! I try to know the teachers I work with and connect. I love the people I work, so once we have created a connection, it isn’t so hard to get invited in to share some “awesomeness”. LOL! #tosachat
A4 They book me using https://t.co/pmVBJ65ubB (thanks to @Jyoung1219 for that tip!) and if they don't I'll schedule a time with them when we are co-teaching computer science. #tosachat
Lurk away - and join in when you have something to say! This is truly an awesome group filled with encouragers. No judgement here! This group changed my career trajectory big time! #tosachat
A4. Getting seen on campus. When I go teach a lesson to one class, the other teachers hear that the kids are excited and their kids start asking for me. #prettyawesome#TOSAchat
A4: Showing them that you're ready and excited to help them springboards the conversation. Being supportive when things don't go quite as planned is equally important though! #tosachat
A4: Induction program requires it, but usually I still gain their trust & have them share their ideas & say, when can I come see this lesson or activity & go when invited. After a PD, we offer follow up to observe, model, CO-teach! #tosachat
I am in the midst of this too. This is my 4th year and the lines between ed tech and IT are still fuzzy, but I feel like it is slowly becoming a separate entity. #tosachat
A4: #TOSAchat I focus on actively listening to understand their greatest learning needs of edu's.I assist them build a stronger community of learner's, Stu classroom manag strategies, & 1 passion they want 2transform in2 purposeful learning opp 2make the most of my Sept. w/ them.
A4: Just having honest conversations around technology is the sweet spot, imho. Make “technology” less scary by taking the time to outline learning goals and next steps. #tosachat
A4 Reaching out in person, email, newsletter with an idea, new app or new feature. Try to keep my name out there so they remember I am here to help! #tosachat
A4: My sweet spot for getting into classrooms has been to do demos with tools &strategies that Ts are afraid to try alone. I focus on building relationships so they feel comfortable inviting me into their classrooms to demo or co-teach. #TOSAchat
A4: We put out a newsletter (quarterly now, used to be monthly) and are moving to a weekly Ed Tech blast. We make a point to answer emails rather quickly and offer ourselves up frequently for guided planning time, prep periods etc. #tosachat
I try to attend social hours with teachers (happy hours, lunch off campus). Then just talk about our personal lives and get to know them better. I try to have as many non coaching interactions as possible to develop a relationship before starting any coaching. #tosachat
Agreed! I started my Google Institute with a slide that said Technology doesn't HATE anyone. Got a good chuckle, but trying to get them to push all the buttons as @annkozma723 would say. #TOSAchat
A5 I do my best to check in on them often just to ask if there is anything I can do. I anticipate their needs when I can and be sure they feel like I’m there to help them with whatever they need. If it isn’t in my job description to do it, I find someone to do it. #tosachat
A5 I always try to help Ts know that they don't have to have all the answers & not to be embarrassed to ask for help. Creating a safe space where Ts can try something new & be supported is a great way to build that relationship. I want my Ts to know I care about them. #tosachat
A4: A lot has to do with the relationship that has been built with the Tt - being patient. But also seeing where the Chromebook is... are they out and ready to go - or still in the cart? And some is just really listening so the 'just right' first lesson can be offered #TOSAchat
A5: Always make sure they know they don't need to do EVERYTHING at once. Start small, right where they are. I am there to support them on the journey. #TOSAchat
This helps a TON! I can’t tell you how many non-work conversations have ended with - “Can I ask you a quick work question?” Or “I’ve been meaning to ask you…” #tosachat
A5: A face to face conversation works best...meet them where they are...find out where they want to go...or provide a path if necessary. Try to integrate pedagogy + content so it isn't "just one more thing" #TOSAchat
A5: Actively listening to teachers has been helpful. It helps if I can address any problem they have immediately. But really just try to listen to build teachers up. #TOSAchat
A5b: Saw this idea on a blog, but am writing one card a day to someone I have worked with or seen in action letting them know they are doing an awesome job. #TOSAchat
A5 Build the relationship! Get to know them and find connections that aren’t tech related. When they are ready to jump in they already know you and will feel safe asking questions. #tosachat
A5: listen to their questions, challenges & concerns & helpbthem solve an immediate need, paper, copies, tech, supplies, etc, take them for coffee, lunch, leave a positive note, email, be friendly & kind & fun #tosachat
A5: I try to remember, communicate, and understand that the coaching work that we will do together is only one small part of their work as educators. I try to start small and build from early successes (rather than start too big and have to draw back). #tosachat
A5: Myself and another TOSA friend went to visit our new 1st and 2nd Grade teachers. We introduced ourselves and left business cards. We acknowledged how overwhelming the beginning of the year could be but when they were ready, they could contact us. #tosachat
I try and chat with new people and get to know them better to build commonality. We eat food. We laugh. I show that I’m genuinely there to support and not judge. #tosachat
I sectioned my inbox into “unread” and “Follow Up” - a label I made, and then everything else. This has helped so much! Try to keep inbox empty and put everything I need to address in Follow Up before I leave for the day. #tosachat
A5: A face to face conversation works best...meet them where they are...find out where they want to go...or provide a path if necessary. Try to integrate pedagogy + content so it isn't "just one more thing" #TOSAchat
A5: Of course I first research best practices to build a stronger coaching culture to get my skills up to speed, and focus on building trust w/ EQ with Ss & Ts (emotional intelligence) it is a must!
A Case For EQ in Our Schools From 6 Seconds #TOSAchathttps://t.co/HRFKeii3aE
A5. I find that as long as you work as a team you can get most Ts to join you. I am fulfilled handing a project together. That usually works for me. I love to help. #TOSACHAT@TosaChat
A5 I help them with whatever they need. Coteach lessons, set up google classroom, retrieve their email password, cover while they use the bathroom. Teaching is rewarding but tough. I'm there to support them and I try to show them that. #tosachat
A5: Be there for them. Every time I'm on campus, I will just pop in just to check in and to see how I can better support them. If I can't support them, I try to find the right resources for them. #TOSAchat
A5: I'm site-based, so this is probably a little easier for me than district TOSAs, but face time & follow up. Ask Qs about their story, how they're doing, what they need. Then follow through and follow up. I'm here & I care builds a solid foundation to jump off of. #tosachat
I love to use and share the link to my Google + community. It is a curated collections of awesomeness in the categories of STEAM, PBL, 4C’s, and MakerEd. Here in the link: https://t.co/vOSchjK27n. I ask everyone who joins to use, share, and contribute. #tosachat
A6 I love to share my Google Forms/Formmule/Youcanbook.me help request system with other TOSAs - it has made it so easy for teachers to let me know what they need and they can schedule me for when it fits their schedule best. I just go where my calendar tells me to go! #tosachat
A5: We invite them all over for BBQ the first Saturday of the year (team building). Also, the carryover from the other staff helps with this. Gotta be available. When people apologize as they walk towards my desk I know I’m (too) busy. #tosachat
A2: (late to the party on this)This year I'm excited to offer a co-plan, co-teach deal for 1 period, 1 trimester. (I'm at a middle school). Especially targeting our new Ts, but also to support those heavier-hitting classrooms. Co-teach is different than being coached... #tosachat
A5. Martin from Australia here. I think asking them about themselves and letting them share their own experience, challenges and successes. This lets them feel like you are working with them as an individual, not just a number. Importantly it helps guide your coaching #TOSAchat
Here you go @TeachingTechNix (and other #tosachat ers). Useful links & resources for your site all in one place. #FileMakeACopy if you'd like to use for your peeps.
A6: My favorite resource is #TOSAchat. I get so many ideas throughout the year and they are from educators in my position. Where else can you get a gem like this that we can implement right away for this year. https://t.co/xP0i8N8ex2
It's been around and rebranded several times in my district. The lens is mostly on our EL students and those who are most academically struggling. It's my second year in it, so I'm learning more and defining it as I go. I really like it though. #tosachat
right?! it basically solved a major issue we had. three of us are going to work on it and modify it for the district. Soooo HELPFUL!!! Thanks again Nicole! #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TeachingTechNix, @beardsleyteach, @EdTechEddie
Thanks Eddie. It's a remix of some other similar ones I've seen others use. Sometimes it's the simplest little things that can rock your world, amiright? #tosachat
A4: When the crazy amount of emails die down and teachers remember how they can use you. Just because I cannot be in front of teachers physically remind them that you are a resource once the year is in full swing. I can coach through email... #TOSAchat
A6: Fav #backtoschool resources will be shared on Aug. 15th through the #IECNetwork Tech Bytes, as I have curated the very very best resources 4 @TosaChat & teacher friends nationwide. I will share with you through the #tosachat hashtag when we publish it 😁 Here is a sneak peek.
