#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Friday March 18, 2016
Good morning, ! Ben from NC. Physics & math teacher.
Good Morning! Long week with the time change! Hard on the little humans.
Sometimes some staff believe that admin has to solve every concern when they say they want support.
Today's question is simple for me. Admin support = accessible + accountable.
Good morning! From California!
TGIF ! Oona from NJ. Hope you all have had a good week. Looking forward to the weekend!
Happy Friday morning ! Loaded question today, but will do my best once the coffee finishes brewing ☕️
Good morning! Miriam, vocal music teacher from DC/VA. How is everybody this AM?
and for and the question is "What specifically do we mean when we say we want admin support?"
For me administrative support is helping Ts to wade through the numerous systems that slow us down.
Revelation: Best way to collaborate w pesky (but so needed) Ts? Get Ss to develop the project connecting the courses.
Agreed, I sometimes feel its a vague way of complaining.
Good morning friends. I am VERY interested to hear your thoughts on todays topic! Being a principal, this is near & dear Lets go!
Good morning from my friends
Gotta get you a self timer coffee maker mines ready when I come downstairs ( haven) https://t.co/KUhsYJHAPy
Happy Friday morning ! Loaded question today, but will do my best once the coffee finishes brewing ☕️
I would like admin support if I want to try something new, like introduce Twitter, connected educators, PLN, Edcamp style PD
I think support to be able to problem solve with.
Good morning friends. Admin supt means seeing things thru our eyes, thinking of what is on our plates b4 piling more on.
Allowing Ts to take risks, Ok to be innovative, open PD for Ts input and Ts driven
Morning! Sorry I'm a tad late! WHat's our Q?
Our administrators support us by emphasizing our strengths. It makes growth more positive.
#1884 Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. —Warren Buffett
https://t.co/v8CtSaqq8x
Happy Friday from Massachusetts . Brian, HS principal.
Talking with Ts about their future goals/plans and helping them get there.
Admin support can be congenial and collegial. Start with coffee/conversation. But don't stay there.
What steps do they take to help out? https://t.co/VB1K9MYpl6
Our administrators support us by emphasizing our strengths. It makes growth more positive.
Support means that your team has a culture of empowerment and a leader with a positive, change focus. https://t.co/tf9e5LsV4R
An Admin who is in support of new teacher driven projects. and supports you with parents
Yes great leaders command respect, they never demand it
Um, Craig, I think it's the middle of the night in CA, not the morning haha! You are such a rockstar!
Also it means a lot to me when they just listen.
Love for admin to be open to ideas and to support them. An admin that helps to build that shared vision
Admin support = Fair, Forward Thinking, Flexible, Passionate, & Modeling Collaborative Leadership
Difficult for all the humans!
I think Admin support is encouraging risk taking & backing you up when you make mistakes while helping you learn from them
no chance of that for me. As soon as my alarm is off, my girl is in my face!
Well, saying good night doesn't seem to fit. https://t.co/QCqAXgHWRF
Um, Craig, I think it's the middle of the night in CA, not the morning haha! You are such a rockstar!
Administrators must understand the stress their front line teachers are faced with on a daily basis & let them know
Indeed! It all starts with trust and a shared vision of excellence!
Also, if Ts have future plans and goals that aren't in YOUR plan for them, please push past that.
Love this Ryan!! https://t.co/fhf87fOTRz
I think Admin support is encouraging risk taking & backing you up when you make mistakes while helping you learn from them
From the beginning I was given chances to try out new tech because I had an aptitude for it.
I'm rarely concerned about the classroom stuff. I want Admin in the hallways, handling management and managing PD.
Morning friend. How was the week?
I think a good admin knows when there is just too much on Ts plates and backs off a little.
Love that! https://t.co/5YiDRAZrri
Our administrators support us by emphasizing our strengths. It makes growth more positive.
So true. Take the time to just listen. Makes all the difference.
Just asking us questions is a great start-How's it going? What do you need? How can I help?
yes creating a safe environment for risk, just like we do in classroom for our Ss https://t.co/XtErqP8TVm
I think Admin support is encouraging risk taking & backing you up when you make mistakes while helping you learn from them
Supportive admin have your back. They praise you in front of the Ss and challenge you behind-the-scenes; they understand T's goals
Admins should help Ts by setting the tone, modeling expectations of all, and seeing the big picture over individual interests.
Yes! https://t.co/bEXuIvJW0o
I'm rarely concerned about the classroom stuff. I want Admin in the hallways, handling management and managing PD.
Pink slip for Connie! What do Ts mean when they use the term "admin support"?
Admin support is decision-admin to cover all lunch duty so Ts don't have to do it and can enjoy extra bit of time
If a T needs to make a tough call or negotiate a tricky prob- great to feel supported, ie someone to guide them through the steps
At start of the year, building admin might consider sending out an anonymous survey with this one question: "How can I impress you?"
Good morning I'm very interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic.
Good morning and Happy Friday, Friends.
They sit in on tough conferences and will help us draft difficult emails if we need an objective eye.
Not only is this pre-weekend, it's pre 2-week spring break!
Good morning - it's the Friday before Break!
That's a good point. As we build relationships with students Admin could make more of that effort with us. https://t.co/2vduhE16o7
Just asking us questions is a great start-How's it going? What do you need? How can I help?
Honestly, this sounds simple, but I want a kind admin. Say hello to teacher. Don't just say relationships are important
I think of it every morning--but usually I'm too tired to deal with it the night before!
Love that Jerry! They must work to take more off of the educator's plate https://t.co/gtJ3krwz2l
Administrators must understand the stress their front line teachers are faced with on a daily basis & let them know
"Having our back" in all things, allowing us to take a risk, try something new, supporting new ideas, finding that funding...
Puppy is awake and raring to go! https://t.co/yFh90rWUYb
no chance of that for me. As soon as my alarm is off, my girl is in my face!
Or helps to prioritise. Decide what most impacts Ss positively and go with that!
I understand !!!! https://t.co/6y94kCZd8v
I think of it every morning--but usually I'm too tired to deal with it the night before!
Good morning ! Elisa in Quito.
Admin support would look/sound like collaboration, open dialogue, support in new strategies, and sharing instructional ideas
Sometimes it's a call for help by Ts that are looking to build professional capacity or just out of ideas to engage or challenge Ss.
How can admin best support you in trying something new? https://t.co/GWASMwi72i
I would like admin support if I want to try something new, like introduce Twitter, connected educators, PLN, Edcamp style PD
It is so important for Ss to see admin doing this. I bet Ts who receive this do the same for their Ss
Thanks Oona! But not for the pink slip - LOL!
23% of my school is ESOL. My admin just started taking a spanish class. thats clear support.
Great way to put what I was thinking. https://t.co/VpGP1kW7nr
"Having our back" in all things, allowing us to take a risk, try something new, supporting new ideas, finding that funding...
It's a 2-way street; sometimes we have no idea what admins are going through.They never know what the next phone call may bring
and dogs - mine doesn't know if he's coming or going. It's made for some interesting 5:30s this week
I have mad props for those in an admin role!
Admin should also once in a while teach too so they understand what their teachers face & need.
Good morning! Welcome Friday!
I am lucky my admin now supports me and I am blossoming and so are my Ss
Admin evaluate us, so the best support is to place the right Ts together who can make magic happen in PLCs, teacher work groups etc.
Yes! https://t.co/2WRECUyr3W
Honestly, this sounds simple, but I want a kind admin. Say hello to teacher. Don't just say relationships are important
A pat on the back, visit to my class 1x a week & walk in the hall w opp to ask what you love ab our school. https://t.co/sjRUCPN2DU
and for and the question is "What specifically do we mean when we say we want admin support?"
Good morning! Jennifer from WI. Late, but here!
oh, that is why my dog is weirder than normal
There is much change that is needed. A supportive admin is an equal part of the team to enable that change. https://t.co/14tIxx8bFf
I'd love administration to connect with the kids. Come into classes and sit, read, learn together.
Agree, but the stress recognition should be appreciated in other direction as well.
https://t.co/zX41hXE00j
Administrators must understand the stress their front line teachers are faced with on a daily basis & let them know
Good Morning - Adminstrative support means being available, open and honest. Helps everyone in the school reach their potential.
Wow! That's awesome. My Previous school was tied to a limited # of translators or pulled the Spanish T from class.
That's a great way to put it. We don't just want praise; we want to keep getting better. https://t.co/G3vpRteIe6
Supportive admin have your back. They praise you in front of the Ss and challenge you behind-the-scenes; they understand T's goals
Yeah, even if it means just subbing for a day or too each quarter.
oh, yeah - it's a job I know I could never do
I've told my Ts, if you want to try something new, don't hide it from me, Call Me In! Let's learn and reflect on it together
And, to be fair, that big picture needs to be painted and articulated to Ts. Tell them about the BP quandaries
PS - I have the most amazing administrators to work with!
Interview week. Off. Man., Science T, math T, English T, Sped coord. Got some good People so it was a good week
And selfishly, I think admin needs to support literacy at all costs
Always good to connect friends. I'm off to class. Enjoy the weekend!
Trust, respect, encouragement, encouraging growth, walking side-by-side w/ you not in front of you, showing own vulnerabilities...
I think a principal's job is the hardest in education.
Great question! Support 2 try new things. Trust me 2 know what I'm doing. Periodic convos to check in. Classroom visits. bfc530
Taught three classes of Death of a Salesman this week to 11th graders. Great recalibrator!!
I am fortunate to work w amazing admin. We listen, we share ideas, we learn...together! cc
Admin is a tricky role. Skills that led to being a good teacher may not 100% apply. We as teachers need to be clear about our needs.
Our Admin when they come through rooms almost always will chat with the kids ... ask What are they learning - participate
Good morning or good evening! My Teacher Burnout page https://t.co/CrZ01VrhyE Many would not burn out if they got support
My dream admin is someone who sees me, validates me, encourages me, supports me, & someone who is willing to work as hard as I do!
I am glad you do b/c it is a role where I get blamed for things that are beyond my control. However, I am in charge. .
Yes! https://t.co/kfvDiJvTUI
Just asking us questions is a great start-How's it going? What do you need? How can I help?
Gotta get the good ones EARLY! :-)
The feeling you get when you wake up and it's finally Friday and spring break is next week! https://t.co/E1Qe1CWYle
I also think an admin should listen to T when they say curriculum isn't working. We know We are implementing it!
That's a great idea. This would help to reinforce with admin that the purpose of their work is to help Ss learn.
Communication and relationships key!!
. I like admin that is visible, problem-solving orientated. Accepts no two days are alike in school and love that.
Admin support is reflected in action: $ for subs so Ts can PLC all day & P joins the meeting to sit down and dialogue w small group
If parent goes immediately to admin w/out talking w/ T, support collapses. Ask parents 2 follow chain of command. If not, brooding!
Exactly! That encourages from everyone!
I love admin who do the little things like food and drinks during our PD day!
Suppose we could do our own. hmm
I want to be able to walk up to my leaders and say "I messed up" and know that im going to get support.
Ts that recognize this make r job so much easier. https://t.co/783iHNJHGt
I think a principal's job is the hardest in education.
That's the way I hope Ss see me.
Agreed! My P has taught my class before. He offers that opportunity to all our T's. I'm the only 1 who asked.
I want (and have) a P that shares my belief in doing what's right for kids. She'll stand with me & help make it happen.
Break a leg to on her conference preso today!
Love this idea ... I have never seen an admin Teach a class ... interesting thought
And empowers me https://t.co/y9GrlIWDsC
My dream admin is someone who sees me, validates me, encourages me, supports me, & someone who is willing to work as hard as I do!
Same if T takes issue to admin that should go to Ss/Ps. That's the primary relationship for communication.
Sometimes just having them there to listen and bounce ideas off of is so valuable!
I agree. It's so easy to forget how hard Ts work & the stresses of the classroom
Staffs that have mutual respect for each others very difficult jobs r the ones who work the best together
Mine too! I had that once https://t.co/nOOeErcWBj
My dream admin is someone who sees me, validates me, encourages me, supports me, & someone who is willing to work as hard as I do!
That's fantastic! ...but we need to get to a place where that level of support is the rule, not the exception.
STOP what you're doing, these TEACHERS
And while admin definitely have to deal w/ minutiae, those who bring folks in to solve navigate best
I agree. So lucky mine supports me.
yes! I want my strengths to be utilized!
Our admin do this type of thing! They schedule in their day, when they can, time to visit & interact w/ S's.
I also want an admin to know I have a family too. Family should be first.
Sometimes it is diff base on where admin is. More paperwork and requirements than ever b4. However, I try to do w/ my Ss
You are on fire today! YES! https://t.co/yaUIyaaxyq
I also think an admin should listen to T when they say curriculum isn't working. We know We are implementing it!
Once met the admin of . He said his job was to find a way to say yes. Love that.
We just did feedback form for revisions asked for by district LA team for T FB regarding new curriculum . https://t.co/XIGbQA9jsy
I also think an admin should listen to T when they say curriculum isn't working. We know We are implementing it!
All it takes is one class. When u know when report cards are due, u don't schedule a big meeting
I have worked freelance gigs where this was the payment- human connection. Yeah, it has gone a long way for me/through me.
Love that Bev is in I miss my east coast friends!!! https://t.co/voM983Ylul
Sometimes just having them there to listen and bounce ideas off of is so valuable!
Way to go and that's why you were MA POY! "I'm the New England man. I'm vital in New England." Willy Loman
I have had 6 admin in 8 years. I have opinions! lol
so true real world is what I want and need to see if I'm going to help Ts grow https://t.co/3L38wvq3km
I've told my Ts, if you want to try something new, don't hide it from me, Call Me In! Let's learn and reflect on it together
Supportive admin is trust and acknowledgment of each other's strengths and skills, allows for growth and knows it's about kids.
or challenge us when we doubt ourselves! https://t.co/CwL5kAzgXu
They sit in on tough conferences and will help us draft difficult emails if we need an objective eye.
I'm so fortunate to have admin that are family focused. Send e-mails to say "enjoy the weekend," "relax over break."
So true. Need to remember what it is like to be in the classroom so they are not too far removed. https://t.co/2T0CYYe6Yy
Admin should also once in a while teach too so they understand what their teachers face & need.
Same district, but different schools Before that, same principal 12 years.
I think admin should advocate for their Ts at the district level when district things are pointed out that aren't working.
In my 32 year teaching career only 1 admin ever took "chalk" from me & he was a Superintendent. He thanked me.
that's fantastic! Good for Ts, too/creative process in the classroom
Powerful ! Speaks to relationships , trust, professionalism etc. https://t.co/3jRJshiaV8
I want to be able to walk up to my leaders and say "I messed up" and know that im going to get support.
I was in same boat. Seen so many admin pass through over the years. https://t.co/m8zhaYFE93
I have had 6 admin in 8 years. I have opinions! lol
So how do we make/help this happen? https://t.co/K5wQbTNgt1
That's fantastic! ...but we need to get to a place where that level of support is the rule, not the exception.
great list and I'd add "pushes me": to take risks, challenge myself, see an issue from a different pov
Definitely! Hard on admin. Really respect leader who can balance bureaucracy and human connections.
Admin are Ts too. We should resource them. I asked my principal for time today to problem-solve with her. Need guidance and wisdom..
Admin need to come across as head coach not necessarily the person who controls if we retain our job or not.
LOVE you quoted verbatim No doubt you have a Willy Loman page as well!!!
You rock !!
https://t.co/ZWMalDs79V
Way to go and that's why you were MA POY! "I'm the New England man. I'm vital in New England." Willy Loman
Simply put, I work harder and do more outside for an admin I respect and who respects me.
Exactly. I love when i feel trusted by my leader. I don't respond well to micromanagement. https://t.co/meg2fBqnpR
Supportive admin is trust and acknowledgment of each other's strengths and skills, allows for growth and knows it's about kids.
#1785 The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.— Ray Kroc
https://t.co/hQjUwiYUAQ
I was in same district for 17 years... Revolving door of admin after my first (greatest) admin left. https://t.co/M9c0OUochy
Same district, but different schools Before that, same principal 12 years.
I also think that they should recognize that Ts are human & fallible. I think Ts should recognize that about admin too.
