#vachat Archive

#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday March 13, 2017
8:00 PM EDT
  • participatechat Mar 13 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Participate in the upcoming #vachat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/zfgwExrI9g
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    hello #vachat ers today's topic is stress! Feeling some (a lot) so a timely topic! Please introduce yourself! #edchat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Good evening, Alex Newsom checking in from Richmond Public Schools. Glad to be here again. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Good evening. Reed, HS AP from Charlottesville and @k12albemarle #vachat
    In reply to @k12albemarle
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hello all. Tom, HS English teacher from Greene Co PS. #vachat
  • EduGladiators Mar 13 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    🤝SATURDAY #EduGladiators joins forces w/#EdCampWake w/@BrendanFetters guest host! #CollabEd #impactmatters #vachat #cdnedchat #LearnLap
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    #vachat welcome everyone... Snowday for you folks tomorrow?
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Not yet. Waiting ... waiting ... waiting ... waiting ... It's like sitting at bag claim at this point. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Christine. Elementary gifted. Charlottesville. So far no word on snow. Too close to the rain/snow line. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Who's doing a a snow dance? Anybody already cancelled? #vachat https://t.co/DCfKc3MfFy
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Same in Richmond. #vachat
    • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:05 PM EDT
      Christine. Elementary gifted. Charlottesville. So far no word on snow. Too close to the rain/snow line. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining us! Go Dragons #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    ok Q1: what do you find causes youthe most stress as an educator? #vachat #edchat
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1: Trying to do all the things I'm supposed to do and do them well. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    going to admit I am... So much to get caught up on! #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    So much to do with little time to do it. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • MsCsCorner Mar 13 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Hi-Megan from Fauquier- Social Science #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    it is a challenge always to keep up! #vachat
    In reply to @EspoLearns
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    A1: Really a lot of what often causes the stress is the things you can't control...thus the stress #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    #vachat for me it is not doing what I want to do/should do because of trying to do what I must do. No time
  • AssignmentHelpN Mar 13 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    #nyedchat #SocEdChat #STEMHQ #teacherwellness #vachat #WonderChat 10 Things you Need to Spring Clean Right Now https://t.co/7AJrA5H3xE
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Like, work gets in the way of getting work done. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Yes! That's absolutely an issue too. Time. I need maybe another 4 hours in the day. Minimum. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • MsCsCorner Mar 13 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    A1: Stress from attempting to do what I think is best with not enough time or resources. #vachat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    The lack of promotion of student accountability. Too many misbehaviors and underachievement get swept under the rug. a1 #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    #vachatfor me this year, I have a unique stress (to me) I moved 3hours from my family to allow my senior to finish HS. #vachat I hate it
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Jumping in a little late from Iowa. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    this is what I hear very often.. Unsupportive parents/admin #vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    That is quite a commute, and a great gift for your senior. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A2 not planning my priorities and then living in quadrant 4 #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    @MsCsCorner And then every other teacher out there shows off how innovative they are and you're like: #vachat
    In reply to @MsCsCorner
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    makes the school week a challenge.. Way to quiet! #vachat
    In reply to @EspoLearns
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    What a range of stressors (a1) As we discuss dealing with the stress of being educators on #vachat
  • jcbjr Mar 13 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    John Bennett, Emeritus Engineering faculty living in Midlothian. Will be jumping on as see appropriate info to share. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Q2: How do you know you are stressed? I mean WAY stressed? #vachat
  • massignmenthelp Mar 13 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    #nyedchat #SocEdChat #STEMHQ #teacherwellness #vachat #WonderChat 5 Daily Habits that will Boost your GPA https://t.co/P32ItfDV0A
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    A2: This is going to sound like a very female answer, but it's when I feel like crying at school. I know I need to chill out. #vachat
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    I meant A1 It must be the stress #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    @philgriffins Ever see that episode of Saved By the Bell where Jessie gets hooked on caffeine pills and freaks out? That. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    very common response! #vachat
    In reply to @EspoLearns
  • CSmithGoBlue Mar 13 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    The Four Corners of health: Mental, Physical, Emotional, Social. If one is missing, you cannot truly be "healthy." #masspchat #vachat
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2 I get a headache. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    nowbthat's funny! #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    At the extreme, mild headaches every now and again. But in general, I can tell by my demeanor. Stress gives me a shorter fuse a2 #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A2: Hoping for snow so you can catch up on work=sign of stress ? #vachat
  • jcbjr Mar 13 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    #vachat A2: When unable to concentrate, when have a short fuse.
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    I also stress eat like crazy. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    #vachat A2 I eat... And I get short with people... Usually I am very chill
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    agree about the fuse. When my speech bubble gets nasty. I know I need to destress #vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    Didn't even think of that one! So true. Comfort foods, sweets are indeed signs of stress #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    my speech changes rhythm... Shorter, rapid... #vachat
    In reply to @schofield2007, @OnMy_AGame
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    I gave up sweets for Lent. It may end me. #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    I think many educators are stress junkies though. It takes a lot to push us over the edge #vachat
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2: Heh. Sometimes I think can judge the stress level in the building by how quickly the chocolate in my choc drawer disappears. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Stress junkies or we just have a longer fuse? #vachat
    In reply to @schofield2007
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    I sometimes have to consciously hit the reset button so I don't unfairly take things out on students or others a2 #vachat @schofield2007
    In reply to @schofield2007
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Q3: How does our response to stress impact our students/school #vachat
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    I don't know. For me there is a certain level of stress that keeps me on my game. #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese
  • yankee_todd Mar 13 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A3: had to remind a colleague to take a breath & relax. People look to us to remain calm during all situations. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    I think this can really depend on the individual involved and the situation. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    oh good lord! #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese, @rggillespie
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A3: I'm more likely to say no w/o thinking whether or not it's a reasonable request - to Ss, Ts & admin alike. I don't like me. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    I mean, I clearly don't do my job as well, but sometimes my reaction to stress has little effect on students. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    must have a good relationship to be able to do that. #vachat
    In reply to @yankee_todd
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Stress response is very important. Students pick up on energy fairly easy. a3 #vachat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Depending on the situation students may either reciprocate or manipulate(take advantage of) that energy. a3 #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Mar 13 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A3: Students say what teachers say and they do what teachers do. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    never thougjt of it in thatway! #vachat #manipulate
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    No. I give my students more credit than that. They know how to think for themselves. #vachat
    In reply to @wadewhitehead
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    #vachat A3: I always try to remember that when the principal sneezes the school catches a cold. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A3: Stress can cloud one's mind and judgment. Shortened fuses. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Yeah, that is definitely something that happens. I've been actually ridiculed for being stressed before #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins, @OnMy_AGame
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Q4: What are some ways that school/ admin/ other Ts can help reduce your stress? #vachat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    It's human nature. When the avg person sees someone exhibit vulnerability, they either empathize or attack. A3 #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Genuinely appreciate your realistic view here #vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    A4 I find doing something fun or giving Ts some unexpected time can bring the stress level down. Food helps too. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A4: Build in time to calendar/day to help relieve future stress? Less duties, maybe? #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    #vachat especially for our new Ts, I find that a strong mentor can really help through these rough patches.
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A4: More time to work collaboratively #vachat
  • ErinWest_ITRT Mar 13 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Good evening #vachat goto tty to catch up on the Qs.
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    For me, the best avoidance of unnecessary stress would be to set and maintain uniform expectations on a consistent and basis. a4 #vachat
  • ErinWest_ITRT Mar 13 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Good evening #vachat going to try to catch up on the Qs.
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Or more time to work by myself without distraction or interruption, tbh #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A4: Being an ear, canceling meetings that can be done by email, being able to say, "Chill out." #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A4: We continually add to educators' plates. Need to either take things off or redesign what the plate is #vachat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    I think setting standards proactively instead of reactively will eliminate many headaches. a4 #vachat
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A4: Honestly? An email from the P that says, "JEANS!" does wonders for one's state of mind. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    such a great point. I had to intro something new today as part of PD, and it is causing great stress for my Ts...#vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Appreciate it. In order to prepare our kids for the "real world" we have to anticipate how it already affects them. a3 #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    I'll have to use that soon! #vachat
    In reply to @EspoLearns
  • ErinWest_ITRT Mar 13 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A4 Admin can remember the "T lens" and be cognizant of meetings & all that Ts have to do (mandatory mtgs the week of report cards!!) #vachat
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A4: Just as we learn the rules, it seems we roll out a new game. Constant change for change's sake=stress #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    As a school going through reconstitution... Change is a way of life, causes such stress. I hated tonadd to it today #vachat
    In reply to @mrwilliamsworld
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    So many meticulous last minute things get in the way of the big picture. Definitely gets frustrating. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    just don't forget to put the cover sheet on your TPS reports. #vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame, @philgriffins
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Yeah, but I'm talking about unnecessary change. Just changing stuff b/c we can. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    #vachat Q5: What societal perspectives (myths) cause you stress as an educator?
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A5: The shift to the Ts are to blame for Ss not doing work or getting good grades. Ss need to accept responsibility for their grades #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    That I'm not Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society #ocaptainmycaptain #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    #vachat mine is that schools in general are failing... #vachat that and that teachers are done at 3pm
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    And that we have three months off each year. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • ErinWest_ITRT Mar 13 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A5 that IT {teaching/planning} really can be done (and done well) within the duty day. #vachat
  • giveawayfazo Mar 13 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    #vachat mine is that schools in general are failing... #vachat that and that teachers are done at 3pm
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    such a lie! #vachat
    In reply to @ErinWest_ITRT
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A5: Where to start: My long paid vacations, all that time off, that we're terrible, we're in it for the summers off... #vachat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    The biggest and most frustrating myth I encounter is that the low achievement of kids I deal with is indicative of ability. a5 #vachat
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A4: pt 2 #vachat Crap like this - https://t.co/5ZRXU0xIwU
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Q6: What are your best ways that you have to handle stress? What do you do to regain your sanity? #vachat
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A5 that students scores are the most important thing we can focus on #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A4: That we're in "receiving mode." #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    those that can't teach mentality. #vachat
    In reply to @EspoLearns
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Also, another myth which is as confusing as it is disheartening is that b/c us teachers hold a degree this makes us experts. a5 #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A6: Keep a file with all the positive notes from Ps, Ss, peers, etc. Look thru them when you need a pick-me-up #vachat
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    YES. I've gotten into a scrap or two about that one. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • jtmitchem Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A4: Reduce stress with time and validation. Let Ts know their work matters to the success of our Ss #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    I've seen that from people in the education field, believe it or not. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins, @EspoLearns
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Also being told, "Why are you teaching, you could be doing so much more." #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Teachers, especially us young ones, need continuous and effective molding. a5 #vachat
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    On line Scrabble, WWE on tv, and reading books that have nothing to do with my job. #vachat #DisconnectingFromWork
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    I write and podcast about things that don't have to deal with teaching. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    THIS!!! #vachat
    In reply to @schofield2007
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    I have my closet at work that I open and see this. #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    I believe in "leaving work at work." Once I leave the bldg I put my attn anywhere else. Easier said than done sometimes lol a6 #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    #vachat I do foolish things like this!
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    I have a few taped to the lectern in my classroom. #vachat
    In reply to @mrwilliamsworld, @rggillespie
  • jtmitchem Mar 13 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Q3: Stress takes away from a supportive learning environment that we work to create for our Ss. #vachat
  • mrwilliamsworld Mar 13 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A6: I also write children's readers to help keep my sanity. #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    i almost never send any e.ails to staff on weekends. That is family time. #vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Tried that...Any time I crossed over the speed bump near my house, it meant no more thoughts about work. #vachat
    • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:52 PM EDT
      I believe in "leaving work at work." Once I leave the bldg I put my attn anywhere else. Easier said than done sometimes lol a6 #vachat
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Mann, those outside interests are so important. I'm learning this. #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese, @philgriffins
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    Laughter is the best stress relief and getting outside. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    Most nights, I try to log off my work email by 8:00 or 8:30. It helps me wind down. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins, @OnMy_AGame
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    Yes! I do that too. It may mean I'm at work really late, but once I leave, it's over. #vachat
    In reply to @OnMy_AGame
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    #vachat do try to remember that sleep, exercise, eating right, and a good hug (physical contact) can make kust about anything better
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    Laughing while you are outside is the ultimate #vachat
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6: I declare a "no-people weekend", break out the (totally mind candy) books I've been meaning to read and read. #vachat
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6: Am I the only person who will clean the house because I need to relieve stress? #vachat
  • EspoLearns Mar 13 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Um...can I give you my address? #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese
  • schofield2007 Mar 13 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Thanks for a great chat. Take a deep breath and remember you are awesome. #inspirechange this week #vachat
  • philgriffins Mar 13 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Thanl youfor a great hour. I find conversations like these help recjarge my bayteries! Have a great week, snow and all! #vachat
  • jtmitchem Mar 13 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A6: Remember that I work to live, but I don't live to work. There must be balance #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Mar 13 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    I can't leave house in the am if it's messy...but don't ask to see my work desk #vachat
    In reply to @mrpanarese
  • OnMy_AGame Mar 13 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    I like it. You set a "benchmark" for your goal and practiced making it a routine. That's what you call DISCIPLINE!! Lol #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • mrpanarese Mar 13 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Oh, I am easily the slob of my department. #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie