#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Welcome to #caedchat, where educators gather to share and collaborate!
Let’s all take a moment to introduce ourselves. Where are you from? What do you teach?
Moderators will post questions w/ Q1, Q2, Q3. Participants respond with A1, A2, A3, etc.
Use TweetDeck and have two columns open for the chat: one for real time and one for where you are in the chat.
To participate in the chat, be sure to use the #caedchat hashtag on every tweet
Rick Stevens from the San Francisco area. 25 years in K-12 classrooms and district office. Now consultant and instructional coach. Love participating in these chats. #caedchat
A1: A colleague stopped me this week to tell me he had been reflecting on the important things he had done professionally bc I talked him into it. His gratitude was really rewarding. #caedchat
#caedchat Our village at our university consists of faculty, teaching assistants, and staff. A concerted and coherent message is given to each student to avoid confusion in our goals. At least, that is what we attempt to do.
A1: A colleague stopped me this week to tell me he had been reflecting on the important things he had done professionally bc I talked him into it. His gratitude was really rewarding. #caedchat
I would not be the educator I am today without my village. My campus has a family culture where I feel inspired daily and my district is super supportive and provides guidance for growth. Plus my PLN on Twitter is invaluable, I learn so much from you all. #caedchat
#caedchat Our village at our university consists of faculty, teaching assistants, and staff. A concerted and coherent message is given to each student to avoid confusion in our goals. At least, that is what we attempt to do.
A1: It definitely takes a village. As a D.O. person I believe it is my job to celebrate the Ts in our organization. I do my best to visit classrooms each week and engage with the Ts in my district. #strengthsbasedfeedback#caedchat
A1. Yes, you need your own #SharkTank to throw ideas, get valuable feedback and encouragement. Otherwise, being alone is a quick way to get overwhelmed and being burned out. #caedchat
A1: I’d say it takes a tribe. Ts have to find their tribe, and it might not be in their own building or district. My tribe is #MTBoS and #iteachmath. I’ve found other Ts there who expose me to new ideas and inspire me to keep improving. #caedchat
A!: For us it defines how we build. We have 1 class per grade and avg of 12 Ss per class. We started with 3 grades and exanded now into HS. We do full inclusion. Collaboration is part of the process. #caedchat
University student here :) How do you make sure this message is understood by students? Mission statement, class activity, personal faculty statements? #caedchat
A1: Yes, I would say that it takes a village to raise both teacher and child. The largest enemy of creativity is isolation. Community and being connected is the antidote. #caedchat
A1: Our PTA at our school does an amazing job recognizing teachers & also expressing appreciation. This year all of the teachers received cozy wind-breakers with out last names embroidered to the front. #caedchat
A1. Yes, you need your own #SharkTank to throw ideas, get valuable feedback and encouragement. Otherwise, being alone is a quick way to get overwhelmed and being burned out. #caedchat
A1: Yes, to keep Ts inspired and motivated, it requires Ts breaking down the walls of their classroom, reaching out to others, attending events/conferences, etc. Many #cuechat people are in my village sharing ideas and inspiring me! #CAedchat
A1: the village metaphor speaks to the importance of ALL aspects of life; my church tribe, my #CUE tribe, my family tribe, my colleagues, my PLN, etc...I certainly need them all! #caedchat
A1: I’d say it takes a tribe. Ts have to find their tribe, and it might not be in their own building or district. My tribe is #MTBoS and #iteachmath. I’ve found other Ts there who expose me to new ideas and inspire me to keep improving. #caedchat
Look to @Larryferlazzo for LOTS of info re: motivation- and note, the goal is for students to develop motivation rather than for us to “give” it #caedchat
A2The first thing that comes to mind is using @Seesaw. It’s an amazing tool for students to show their learning and collaborate with classmates. Plus, it gives parents a channel of communication to their own child’s creations. It helps students feel empowered and proud #caedchat
A2: Celebrate process. Celebrate good feedback. Celebrate iterations towards success. Show evidence of thinking in room. Not just pretty final products. #caedchat
A2- motivation is tied to their investment in their learning, making content relevant, helping to foster their desire to do their best, always giving and asking for the “why” behind the Learning #caedchat
A2 We give each other "shine" basically jazz hands and cheering to celebrate student success. Also daily reflection and restorative circles to give shout outs #caedchat
A2. Small wins make a big difference. Your tone in your voice (just by saying hello) matters. Giving Ss the respect they deserve like most adults would, celebrate Ss victories and not dominate their shine makes a big difference. #caedchat
A2: the most important way to motivate and celebrate students...make it about about things they already care about! Make connections to THEIR world (then bring them along to others) #caedchat
A2 We give each other "shine" basically jazz hands and cheering to celebrate student success. Also daily reflection and restorative circles to give shout outs #caedchat
A2: Focusing on a #growthmindset rather than a grade helps Ss to celebrate their growth, rather than achieving a certain grade. “Look, you grew from a 3/24 in the pre-test to an 18/24 on the post-test! Woohoo!” #CAedchat
A2: the most important way to motivate and celebrate students...make it about about things they already care about! Make connections to THEIR world (then bring them along to others) #caedchat
A3: Principals can help teachers let go and offer support when they want to do something epic! Many Ts feel trapped by the content and keeping pace so their Ss are ready for the next level. #caedchat
A3being visible in the classrooms and knowing the Ss is powerful. A morning greeting and high5 can go a long way. Building relationships with Ss can show them that you truly care about their learning and future. Morning announcement shoutouts and lunch groups work too #caedchat
A3. Students love the shine without being embarrassed. Write a genuine hand written letter appreciating how much Ss have grown academically, mentally, etc. Even just to say thank you for helping someone else out.
There's something about a hand written letter.
#caedchat
Differs in opinion, yes! We need more of that, esp on Twitter, where we tend to RT instead of pushing on ideas. Just don’t be demeaning about it. #caedchat
A3 currently in masters in admin online program & thinking about how your role changes as a #leader you are responsible for more students success, expands your reach. #caedchat
A3: Publicly celebrate successes. Include recognition for both effort and achievement. Acknowledge little things as well. It's a way of saying "I see you, and it makes me smile." #caedchat
A3: Principals are department chairs at college. Aside from being part of the village, the department chair can serve as a "comment and appeals" conduit for students who have questions which are beyond staff and faculty. #caedchat
A3: I use to love meeting kids at the curb in the morning, opening the car door and sharing “good news” about a student with the family. Kids and parents loved it. Great way to start the day. #caedchat
A2: There are ways to celebrate little successes in BIG ways: i.e. Stickers & Positive messages on 100% quizzes or practice tests. Also, electing nominated ‘Class Officers’ to celebrate trustworthy & kind students. Positive phone calls, etc. #caedchat
A3 we have a "Hall of Fame" where parents, teachers, and admin can nominate Ss for achievement outside of school. Pictures up in community bulletin board and school-wide announcement each month #caedchat
A3- my principal @KatHolmes12#AUSD starting having staff give positive office referrals, she announces them on morning announcements and calls their family. Loved that she even made a point to call me when my 3rd grd got one #caedchat
A4: In K-8 especially, the connection between teachers and parents can be very special. When my parents came home from parent-teacher chats with a personalized compliment/acknowledgement from my teacher, it made me feel like my efforts had really been noticed. #caedchat
A4: My previous P would stop in his tracks and shout across the quad, “Fisher! Have I told you how much I appreciate you? Keep it up!” I don’t need a lot, but a simple thank you goes a long way to keep me charged up. #caedchat
#caedchat A1: I definitely feel it takes a village for teachers to be inspired and motivated. It pushes me to be innovative and creative. I feel that everyone from classified to certificated and my Ss help me be a better educator. I need them just as much as they need me.
#caedchat A3: With that being said, department chairs support the village mission. If the student has further issues, then the chair can assist with giving the student further legal resources outside the department but within university.
A4. It feels like you've won the Superbowl. Ts barely ever get the credit they deserve. To be recognized means a lot, even though they may pretend that it doesn't mean anything. #caedchat
I had a Principal who used to do that. They called it "catching someone doing good." It really worked well and often pleasantly surprised parents. #caedchat
A4: Just last week a T at one of our 24 schools shared with me that I am “her favorite” district office visitor. She said “because you really seem interested and always say thank you”. Warmed my ❤️! #caedchat
A4: I was approached not too long ago to do some work on the side and be compensated for it bc they saw how hard I was working. It made me feel like a rockstar and motivated me to keep on doing my best! #CAedchat
A4: I think I'm one of those who always thought the "celebrations" felt forced. But the TIME some admin invested in me sure felt good. Paradoxically, I think I do the celebrations thing well now. But I wonder how they're really received? #caedchat
#caedchat A4: In school no. In the military, I worked hard due to being raised by good parents. I received no award while serving. Six months after I left and went back to school, I received an award for 4 years of meritorious service. I am not an awards type of person.
#caedchat A2: Ss are motivated by choices, instant feedback from their peers and myself, and me be honest with them. Demonstrating empathy, in return they demonstrate empathy. Setting expectations.
A4 Along with Ss, Ts are nominated each month for who best demonstrates a certain #pyp ;earner profile attrib. announcement, photo with Ss winners and SWEET parking spot for a month! #caedchat
A5: Schools should find ways to recognize/acknowledge students for academic, character and service accomplishments that occur both inside and outside the school setting. #caedchat
A5: Ts should acknowledge Ss success on all levels, not just academic gains. Celebrate their effort, boost their self worth, and motivate them to continue working hard. #caedchat
I think it depends on how the celebrations occur... if it feels authentic or a check off in the system. Kids know when they’re truly valued (which I’m sure you do!) #caedchat
A3: Our principal, Dr. Nagy, has been a wonderful support for our Garden Club, attending an Award Ceremony for our Kent Award last year was much appreciated. Our 5th gr. club president, her dad & I all attended! #caedchat
A5- every Ss is unique some need instant praise for small gains, where others are motivated by beating their own personal best, as long as they can tell your praise is meaningful #caedchat
I believe gains and progress should be celebrated. But I believe persevance and effort should be celebrated too. Otherwise we risks making our students believe their value and worth lies in achievements only. I give out points in class for “ not giving up”. #caedchat
Love these Match Minis to inspire Ts to do more parent phone calls. https://t.co/Fd9YSugJx0 Admins can dedicate space for this so Ts don't use their cell phones. #caedchat
A4: A few years ago, when I was in my first year at a new school, the PTA surprised me with a Teacher-of-the-Year Award. That experience has inspired me to stay fully dedicated to my students & school ever since! #caedchat
#caedchat A4: success should be celebrated in all forms. We all bring different cards to the table. How the celebration occurs depends on the students. Encouragement/celebration can be achieved by a one-on-one interaction.
Successes look different for different students *thumbs up* - show them how to celebrate life as well as celebrating successes, then they become their own motivators #caedchat
I believe gains and progress should be celebrated. But I believe persevance and effort should be celebrated too. Otherwise we risks making our students think that their value and worth lies in achievements only. I give out points in class for “not giving up” often! #caedchat
A5: We are all multi-faceted beings. Yes, let's celebrate and acknowledge learning goals, but let's go beyond that as well. Remember that part of the mission of a teacher is to nurture the whole child. #caedchat
#CAedchat A3: Ss are super motived when Principals are invested in knowing who they are, participating in fun challenges, display having fun at school while learning. Shoutout to @MrKirkbride
A5 cont. I remember one principal celebrating like they won the Superbowl because a T helped his S go from pre primer to 2nd grade (the S was a 5th grader). They could've cared less about that S's standardized score that year. That baby could finally read! #caedchat
A6- everyone wants to feel good about what they are doing. Our job is hard and often thankless, yes we have to point out the positive growth, each time I present data to staff I start with a PowerPoint highlighting 1 success of each grade #caedchat
A6. One principal asked her local businesses that surrounded her school if they could donate gift cards for the teacher improvements. They happily complied... Parents joined in too.
#caedchat
A6: This one’s tough. Personally, I don’t need/like public recognition. But I do need/appreciate being told when admin is aware of my successes. Lack of recognition doesn’t affect how I recognize Ss, but it does affect my morale. #caedchat
#caedchat A6: success for us is measured through self evaluation. Understanding that personal growth will result and be reflected in student success. Ask yourself: Why do you do the job you do?
A6: Though celebrations of success are wonderful, it’s the admin. who provides effective support and a willingness to listen that I believe impacts teachers & school culture more. Teachers can determine how to give praise effectively, whether praised themselves or not. #caedchat
I’m #blowingthewhistle on the 1,024 #txed schools that wholeheartedly accept ALL students regardless of their parent’s income level, academic challenges, disciplinary needs, #Sped services, homelessness, religious beliefs, based in foster homes, or immigration detention centers.
#caedchat A7 - each year at graduation, chemistry department gives awards to an array of students. Anyone from freshmen to seniors qualify to receive awards. Pictures are taken and posted in front of department office for the year.
If you’re interested in a novel way to celebrate teachers, check out Ovation! - a recognition run by your teachers union! Info and template at @CTAIFT website
https://t.co/YjmxGittef#caedchat
A8 in times of need, I have to give a shout out to @DonorsChoose and all my wonderful sponsors. They have provided so many science materials to my class #CAedchat
A5 cont. Positivity is always great, but we cant forget the value of giving task-relevant feedback rather than just a good-job! #caedchat#GrowthMindset
