#OHEdChat was started by an ad hoc group of Ohio educators and other interested people. For information and updates about the chat, visit https://ohedchat.wordpress.com/
Hi everyone! My name is Mack Mettille, I'm from Canfield, OH but I go to Grove City College in PA and I'me a preservice teacher mid level math and science. My favorite spring activity is getting back outside on my bike! #gccedu#ohedchat
Q1: Think about your mindset when you started your career in education. What did you expect of yourself? Why did you have those expectations? #ohedchat
A1: as a preservice teacher, I expect myself to do whatever it takes to reach all of the students in my future class. I know that every student is capable of learning and deserves to learn, so I need to find a way to reach them. #ohedchat#gccedu
A1 - I started off thinking I would teach high school social studies my whole career. I ended up teaching computer science instead. I never imagined I would end up where I am. I am lucky. #ohedchat
A1: Thought I was going to change the world! Often felt like I didn’t even change my lesson plans. Now I realize I change lives of young people everyday. #ohedchat
A1 wow! I’m not even sure I knew the term mindset when I started teaching. At the beginning I assumed I would change the world. Now I’m hoping to change one child at a time. #OhEdChat
A1) VERY concerned with "knowing all the science answers". How could I teach something that I didn't know every possible Q&A a S could ask??! Very high expectations for my content knowledge. #ohedchat
A1: I expected that kids would listen to me because I was the adult and had a diploma on the wall. Learned they listen when they know you care about them! #ohedchat
A1: I was hoping I could “tread” water...many times felt like I was “drowning”...so many changes that made it hard to adapt. I had a “fixed” mindset. #ohedchat
Q1: Think about your mindset when you started your career in education. What did you expect of yourself? Why did you have those expectations? #ohedchat
RT Q1:Think about your mindset when you started your career in education. What did you expect of yourself? Why did you have those expectations? #ohedchat
A1: I knew in the back of mind that it wouldn’t be perfect, but I thought my passion for history would be infectious, I focused more on the subject. I didn’t account for the unexpected, terrible lessons, and the little things say in and day out. #ohedchat
A1-I don't think I even considered my mindset---when I got hired I was reactive and expected to "follow the manual" ---so I guess I had a very fixed mindset #ohedchat
A1: In my first few years of teaching, I was going to save all of my kids! I think I thought it was possible honestly because I didn’t know any differently. I was naive to reality. #ohedchat
A1 extended, another expectation that I have is to avoid a fixed mindset, I know that remaining open to new ideas will only help me improve my teaching. As times change instructional strategies need to change as well #ohedchat#gccedu
I had an amazing student teaching experience but still, when thrown into my own classroom reverted back to my mindset prior to student teaching #ohedchat
Q2: Most of us, at some point, realize that reality isn't meeting our initial expectations. How did you face that truth, and how did you adjust? #ohedchat
#ohedchat throwing a newbie into teaching 6 classes is really not a good idea is it... we need it to be more like internships. Teach 2 or 3, watch others, learn more, plan more
In reply to
@Jacki_prati, @TebnerEbner, @HillMrispo
You mean like, using superfluous exclamation points in my lecture notes because who DOESN'T think continental drift is super cool!!!!!!!!? Apparently most 8th graders. #ohedchat
Me three--and I student taught in middle school and then first job was teaching grades 7, 10, and 12. Very different from my student teaching experience. #ohedchat
A2: Once I realized that everything wasn’t going to go as I planned and that was OK — it got easier. Had great Ts around me to help me understand that. #ohedchat
A1) I expected myself to be perfect. Felt I could not make any mistakes. Learned quickly that mistakes are opp for growth :) #ohedchathttps://t.co/7zfiFMYx70
RT Q1:Think about your mindset when you started your career in education. What did you expect of yourself? Why did you have those expectations? #ohedchat
I haven't made it into my own classroom yet, but through fields I have learned that lesson plans need to allow room to be changed at any point to meet the needs of students. It's also important to be reflective to make the next lesson better #ohedchat#gccedu
A1. I always wanted to be everyone’s “favorite teacher” and I did this by always trying to make the kids happy. I’ve realized that you can’t always do that and it’s okay to not be the “favorite teacher” for a day #ohedchat
A2: I had the luxury of beginning my career at my alma mater, so I was able rely heavily on the very teachers who inspired me to follow in their career path. It was truly a blessing. #ohedchat
A2 extended I also realize that teachers who have been in the school longer most likely have some great ideas and they are usually willing to help the new teachers like myself #ohedchat#gccedu
That is such an important realization! And, sometimes, kids realize long after they've left your class that you actually were their favorite teacher--just not so much in the moment! #ohedchat
A2: After realizing that not every student was like me when I was in school, I had to shift my focus to making the content as relevant & interesting as possible. I figured out that students had to be engaged in their learning! #ohedchat
A2: I haven't given up on my ideology of helping all learners especially underdogs who need it most. I have been fortunate enough to be put into a position to work in an environment that passionately works for diversity in education w/outside the box thinking.
#ohedchat
RT Q2: Most of us, at some point, realize that reality isn't meeting our initial expectations. How did you face that truth, and how did you adjust? #ohedchat
A2: I had an epiphany of realizing I wasn't doing as well as I hoped/wanted (not perfect) and was blessed to have a mentor who stood by my side and continued to believe in me and help me pick up the pieces and put them together--DIFFERENTLY. #ohedchat
A2) loaded question! If I didn't have to have "all the right answers" then I was going to have to give up control (of the knowing) in the classroom. I really dug deep for a few years when I tried to be more student centered #controlfreak#ohedchat
A2 Reading and more reading. I remember reading The Mosaic of Thinking by Ellen Keene and Susan Zimmerman- totlaay changed the way I thought about teaching. #ohedchat
A2: after my first year we got new textbooks, and I tried to follow that structure for the last 2 years. My heart wasn’t in it. I came to a realization at th beginning of this year - focused more on relationships, and more engaging/creative lessons. #ohedchat
There are so many great reads out there of inspiring teachers. There is so much that we as teachers can learn through the experiences of other T's #ohedchat#gccedu
A2. I am not a teacher yet, but in my observations at my local elementary school, I’m always thinking “how am I ever going to do this on my own” #ohedchat
A2) Realized that I could not plan for everything. Lucky I had a great group of colleagues to rely on. We worked well together and we were all different. #ohedchat
Absolutely! No formal mentorship program when I started teaching in IN, and as a three-year veteran, no formal program when I came to OH. Fortunate to have had admins who set me up with a mentor, anyway. #ohedchat
A2: Learning how collaboration empowers our school community and discovering that teaching & learning are much more meaningful with multiple perspectives! #ohedchat
Q3: Aaron Hogan talks about the necessity of collaboration in his book Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth. How do you set up meaningful collaboration with others that helps everyone learn and grow? #ohedchat
Being good at school didn't help either. When you're constantly praised for knowing the answers, you think the "knowing" is what's important. #ohedchat
A3-This year we started a PD opportunity called JW Grows-in which my teachers signed up to observe each other and were accompanied by a coach or me. Then we had a debrief with the teacher they observed so they could ask Qs-it really increased collab in my building #ohedchat
A3: It's always important to realize that the smartest person in the room during group discussion is the room. It's important to share your ideas while listening to the ideas of others, you never know how ideas will combine #ohedchat#gccedu
A3: it’s nice having my colleagues next door to me to share ideas/collaborate and @EdTechTiff shares a pineapple chart with us for schoolwide collaboration. I like getting on twitter and learning from others. #ohedchat
It's like parenting. They send you home with a baby. No experience needed! 😂 Teaching is like that. Every day is hard but hopefully rewarding enough to make you keep striving to do better. #ohedchat
RT Q3: Aaron Hogan talks about the necessity of collaboration in his book Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth. How do you set up meaningful collaboration with others that helps everyone learn and grow? #ohedchat
A3: First five years of my career, my schools didn't use teaming or have frequent dept. meetings. I used lunchtimes to collaborate and also sought those veteran Ts who were willing to commiserate with me. #ohedchat
A3- collaboration is so important, but is easily pushed aside. Building in collaboration time is one of the most important part of a teacher’s day. It needs to be built into our day. #OhEdChat
A3: Breaking down barriers and getting people out of their comfort zone. A culture of understanding that collaboration is not because anyone is weak, but because we are all strong and what to share! #ohedchat
A3: For me the most meaningful collaboration isn’t during a structured time or place; it’s the conversations in the hall between classes, the spontaneous discussions that occur throughout the day. Collaboration can’t be forced. It must be organic #ohedchat
A3: best of this yr has been going off site to other programs similar to ours and sharing ideas. Since we work in such a nontraditional setting being able to collaborate with folks who understand where we are coming from has been amazing.
#ohedchat
A3) as a principal I try to schedule time for my teachers to share out lessons and ideas with edcamp style PD days and round table discussions #ohedchat
Hey everyone! Sorry I’ve been away! So much going on in my personal life (wedding, buying a house, loss of an uncle)...I hope to be back soon! #ohedchat
A3) In the past when we met, one person on a rotating basis brings an article, lesson, idea etc to discuss. Great way to start the PD session. Also have watched each other teach. #ohedchat
A3: best pd this yr has been going off site to other programs similar to ours and sharing ideas. Since we work in such a nontraditional setting being able to collaborate with folks who understand where we are coming from has been amazing.
#ohedchat
Reading some of your tweets from the #ohedchat - a good question would be how your expectations have changed since the beginning of your teaching career...
A3: Listening is the key. Be on the front page of understanding others. Ask questions. Focus on goals. Share. Celebrate! Surge for excellence! #ohedchat
Q4: Hogan also talks about imagining the possibilities, whether it's ways of meeting what's currently expected or moving beyond expectations to make things even better. What change would you love to see in your classroom or school? How could you make that happen? #ohedchat
A2: I had been “treading water”...several years ago, our District was RIFing I tried to get a different job...that did not work out. I was not the best version of myself. I adjusted by “learning & adapting” which led to my vocation. #ohedchat
Q2: Most of us, at some point, realize that reality isn't meeting our initial expectations. How did you face that truth, and how did you adjust? #ohedchat
#ohedchat A4 would love to see/be in a place that has a culture of learning. need to work on de-emphasizing grades/points/GPA and promote learning (and not on a deadline)
A4-for me-I want my teachers to see the positive benefits of CHANGE. I am going to be moving a lot of teachers to new grade levels before we get too comfortable! And, it's making ME uncomfortable too! #ohedchat
A4 One thing that I hope to do with my classroom that is different from most classrooms is individualizing lesson plans based on individual needs of students. This may be having students reaching the same objective in different ways #ohedchat#gccedu
RT Q4: Hogan also talks about imagining the possibilities, whether it's ways of meeting what's currently expected or moving beyond expectations to make things even better. What change would you love to see in your classroom or school? How could you make that happen? #ohedchat
A4: my focus this year has been on student engagement and creativity, I want to experiment with empowerment. I’m taking the risk and trying out a lesson with my 8th grade. They choose the topic, create the driving question, the rubric, and the product #OhEdChat
A1: Im still young in my career (this is my second yr teaching) but my expectation for myself is to be better tomorrow than today. So far it's been easy to do, but that small doable goal has lead to what I think is great change. #ohedchat
I love reflecting on how I can be the "best version of myself". Since the only thing we can really control is ourselves it's really a good thing to reflect on ;) #ohedchat
This seems interesting, is there some sort of guide in place to ensure that students still reach standards and objectives? I would love to learn more about this idea. #ohedchat#gccedu
A3: Sometimes the best collaboration can be spontaneous! A peer colleague & I hosted another schl & visited their schl to show our @PlayworksIL system. So much good came out of that! #ohedchat
Q3: Aaron Hogan talks about the necessity of collaboration in his book Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth. How do you set up meaningful collaboration with others that helps everyone learn and grow? #ohedchat
A4: I want to see more cross-curricular collaboration. Faculty shouldn’t be stuck within their own departments/subjects. Maybe the history teacher or art teacher down the hall has a great strategy. #ohedchat
#ohedchat there is no one big thing, it is many little steps and you have to believe you are on the right path b/c you wont see the affect for a while... then kids will be happier and better citizens of the world
A4 grading for me needs to change. Still a work in progress. I want to move away from the grade to did my students actually master the standards or push their learning. #OhEdChat
When we focus on better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today our big goals don't seem as insurmountable and if we have a bad day we can look forward to a better tomorrow. #ohedchat
There's the saying about a journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step---so true, such a great attitude and mindset! Both @aaron_hogan and @JoyKirr write about how small things can lead to big change over time. Powerful. #ohedchat
In reply to
@MrHartzlerMath, @aaron_hogan, @JoyKirr
A 4: teachers should be a little more involved with their students other than just academics. This might be a big expectation for students to know each student, but when students know their teachers care, they are more likely to learn. This is something I will do. #ohedchat
#ohedchat have a serious discussion about grades (de-emphasizing them as quickly as you can) ; big discussion of high quality feedback (T-S, S-S, S-T) ; more cross curricular world projects
Q5: Hogan echoes Brene Brown in talking about the importance of vulnerability. When you discover a gap between who you are and who you want to be, what helps you face that and overcome it? #ohedchat
@MrWellsScience might be the GOAT when it comes to teaching. His mindset and goals are something else. So understanding and gets to the point. He makes everything clear and is just someone you can talk to on a personal level. His recent tweets prove that. Well deserved shoutout.
A4: When I imagine the possibilities...I imagine staff & leadership with “open minds & ♥️ hearts!” Complacency = Status Quo - BWHADITW. “Because We Have Always Done It That Way!” #ohedchat
Q4: Hogan also talks about imagining the possibilities, whether it's ways of meeting what's currently expected or moving beyond expectations to make things even better. What change would you love to see in your classroom or school? How could you make that happen? #ohedchat
When I discover a gap between who I am and who I want to be I like to reflect on what I have been doing and how I can change to be my best #ohedchat#gccedu
Q5: Hogan echoes Brene Brown in talking about the importance of vulnerability. When you discover a gap between who you are and who you want to be, what helps you face that and overcome it? #ohedchat
RT Q5: Hogan echoes Brene Brown in talking about the importance of vulnerability. When you discover a gap between who you are and who you want to be, what helps you face that and overcome it? #ohedchat
A5- @coytecooper talks about "closing the gap on your goals" We have to be honest about who we want to be and discipline ourselves to close the gap on our goals #ohedchat
A3: I spend most lunch periods with 30+ students in my classroom. Through conversations with them I learn what other teachers are doing that works well, from the consumer's perspective. Then I go to the teacher to learn their side. #ohedchat
A5: I have to take a step back and do some serious reflecting and soul-searching. Turn to trusted thought partners and ask the tough questions, and own the tough answers. Then think through how best to close that gap. #ohedchat
True That! Even in my personal life with family...when life is good-we don’t NEED to connect, we are complacent with one another. When life is challenging-we NEED to connect to get to a better place! #ohedchat
A4: I would like to see more trusting, respectful relationships between our Ss and Ts and a willingness to have open, meaningful discussions when things awry. Some are so quick to make judgements and speak without thinking how it may affect the other. #ohedchat
When I first started seeing the gaps, it was terrifying and upsetting. Trusted mentors and thought partners helped me get past that to the growth. #ohedchat
A5: I’m a big proponent of @TimothyKight’s R-Factor. Your response to an event is directly related to the outcomes you experience. By responding in a thought out and measured way, you get the best possible outcome #ohedchat
A5: Talk to others. Other teachers, friends, etc. For me, when I feel like I’m not at my best I reach out and talk with others. Just talking about what’s going on is cathartic and helps to recharge. #ohedchat
A5 I think when you understand that there is a gap from who you are and who you want to be is when you are most vulnerable- but when you can also face the possibilities of changing and why you might need to change. #ohedchat
A5: teachers should not be afraid to face that “gap”, have uncomfortable conversations, and make changes. Take risks, try new things, and reflect and repeat. #ohedchat
Q6: Hogan talks about negativity's influence on our passion and drive in education. How do you keep your passion and drive, and how do you support those around you? #ohedchat
A5: Once you realize you aren't what you want to be you have a great opportunity! You can now run towards something. Otherwise you're moving, but not necessarily forward. Seeing the kids I don't seem to reach makes me aware that I'm not were I want to be. #ohedchat
I agree--and as a young teacher, I really struggled with this. I thought it would raise questions about my skills and abilities, and make me look weak. Now I know differently--it's part of the growth. #ohedchat
A6 I believe that it is important to keep the mindset that the kids need us. Keeping the importance on helping the kids and not on selfish reasons should drive us to always be our best #ohedchat#gccedu
A6: I have my moments of negativity (I had one of those days today) but I remind myself to step back and focus on 3 positive things that from the day #OhEdChat
RT Q6: Hogan talks about negativity's influence on our passion and drive in education. How do you keep your passion and drive, and how do you support those around you? #ohedchat
A5: This year I am working on my to-be list each day instead of only working on my to-do list. This is helping me bridge the gap from where I am to what I want to achieve each day as a mom, a wife, a friend and as an educator. #OhEdChat
#ohedchat A6 negativity just zaps you. You want to reach all kids, but for most of us that is not possible. It is the end of the year and the Ss are getting tired... Try to find new ideas within the topics to share (we are doing sound - just found Ringing Rocks Park
A6: I've been seeing that meme lately about "You've survived 100% of the bad days you've had so far, so your track record is pretty good." Something long those lines. Love that thought. #ohedchat
I would never want to be negative about things in my classroom because then my students would become negative. I always try to keep a smile on my face and hope it rubs off on everyone around me #ohedchat
A6) I took a job in Catholic education (after 14 years in public edu) to escape the negativity. I found a place I feel I can truly make a difference and exact change quickly. I love what I do, even if I have to work til I'm at the pearly gates #noSTRS#ohedchat
A6 if I keep learning then I feel like I am moving forward and feeding my passion. The more I read and learn the more I realize I still have a lot to learn. That keeps me motivated #OhEdChat
A6: Sometimes the negativity becomes more powerful because I'm overtired. Giving myself permission to take an evening or a weekend to recharge is key. This year I'm trying to do some personal fun reading, even for just 5 or 10 minutes a night. #ohedchat
A6: Continually look for new ideas! I never teach the same lesson twice. I’m always shifting, changing, modifying something. I’ve always got an eye out for a new idea #ohedchat
A talkative classroom doesn’t have to be a negative thing- it depends on the content of the conversations. Currently working on building rigor in academic conversations. #ohedchat
conversations are great when it is collaborative and toward a common, good objective. Teaching the students to collaborate together is so powerful in itself. #ohedchat#gccedu
A6: You have to keep yourself healthy. For me that's working in the greenhouse at school and at a local greenhouse on weekends. Plants can thrive in even the worst conditions; we can too! #ohedchat
#ohedchat Ss"but we are talking about Physics" Ts "considering everything in the world IS Physics, that is true. But are you talking about the Physics you are supposed to be doing now?"
A6: The school administrator should never miss the opportunity to highlight & praise a staff member's positivity, growth & commitment to strengthening relationships #ohedchat
A5: For me, facing it is always right in front of me!” Overcoming it...baby steps. I have a blog https://t.co/EuYWV8x4G8. I did not write for 3+months...“writer’s block!” Did Daily One Word Prompt Post to jumpstart my writing. #ohedchat
Q5: Hogan echoes Brene Brown in talking about the importance of vulnerability. When you discover a gap between who you are and who you want to be, what helps you face that and overcome it? #ohedchat
It's all about the balance! Setting aside time for Twitter chats is a treat, even if I learn something along the way, it feels more FUN than WORK! #ohedchat
I totally agree! More than one Wednesday night I've thought, I'm so tired, I should just go to bed . . . and then I "stop by" #ohedchat and stay for the whole time and feel so much better for it. #ohedchat
Thank you @TebnerEbner Your chats are always so thought-provoking!
Have a great night everyone and remember to FOLLOW FIVE and build your PLN
#ohedchat
