Welcome to #UTedChat! Today we will be discussing Teacher Advocacy and Involvement. Q1 will begin in five minutes. While we wait, please introduce yourself and share your favorite super hero and why. Extra credit if you tag a friend or two and invite them to join us tonight.
As we wait for Q1, you have the perfect amount of time to take our quick survey. We'd love every Utah Teacher to take it and have their voice heard! If you'd like to say even more, message me about an opportunity to join a focus group discussion. #UTedChathttps://t.co/oHTAA2pvUC
I like the Avengers because each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses and we need each of us to work together to achieve a goal. Education can't be successful without each and every ONE of us. #UTedChat
In reply to
@alpineschools, @HSG_UT, @YoungUTed, @lars3eb, @hjones3000, @pamturley55
Welcome to #UTedChat! Today we will be discussing Teacher Advocacy and Involvement. Q1 will begin in five minutes. While we wait, please introduce yourself and share your favorite super hero and why. Extra credit if you tag a friend or two and invite them to join us tonight.
Hi, #UTedChat! I'm Havilah! My favorite super hero is Lady Redundant Woman. She's actually a villain, but I think we can get her to switch sides. I'm tagging @PickensAlison and @bwe545
We will use the Q1, Q2, Q3, format. Please begin your tweets with the corresponding A1, A2, A3, so that we can more easily follow the conversation. Don't forget to add the #UTedChat hashtag to each tweet so that all of us can see it. Question one is coming in one minute!
Hey #utedchat ‘ers - UEN PDTV has a new episode you can really “Sink Your Teeth Into”, check out https://t.co/nttEp7VaxI to see how the UofU School of Dentistry uses Virtual Reality to teach operating procedures.
Lynette Yorgason, a social studies teacher at @EastHighSLC, @HSG_UT fellow, and jealous that I don't get to be an Avenger. But it's okay, becuase I'm more of a Harry Potter fan myself. #utedchat
Deborah from @GraniteSchools checking for tonight's #utedchat. I have my own super suit, thanks. But I DO love the Incredibles! Gotta be flexible. And multi-talented in today's world. Or at least stubborn - that's me to a T.
A1: I've heard teachers make 1,500 decisions a day. https://t.co/rhFiKNH9Fg Hopefully we are giving our students a voice in decision making too. However, too many teachers feel they don't have a voice in big decision making even though we are the experts in our field. #UTedChat
A1: Most influential decision makers really depends on policy being discussed. When it comes to curriculum, that's state & district. When it comes to procedures, that's usually district & school. The key is figuring out WHO is the decision maker for areas of concern. #UTEdchat
A1: I think the state board has a lot of influence on broad programs and requirements. But like politics, I think the more local, the more effect it has on our daily teaching lives, which is a lot of power! #utedchat
Hello #utedchat@HSG_UT checking in! Passionate about this topic and empowering teachers to be involved with the policies that affect their profession. I guess I like Professor X because the fellows are my x-men! Each teacher has their own super power!
Welcome to #UTedChat! Today we will be discussing Teacher Advocacy and Involvement. Q1 will begin in five minutes. While we wait, please introduce yourself and share your favorite super hero and why. Extra credit if you tag a friend or two and invite them to join us tonight.
Welcome to #UTedChat! Today we will be discussing Teacher Advocacy and Involvement. Q1 will begin in five minutes. While we wait, please introduce yourself and share your favorite super hero and why. Extra credit if you tag a friend or two and invite them to join us tonight.
A1- I think there are a lot of stakeholders in education- legislators, state board, districts, principals, teachers, staff, parents, and students. Each one can influence the success of public education #UTedChat
A1: I think teachers, parents, students and local admins should be, but our culture is guided by outside influences that erode the morale. Communities should be partners in all decisions. Education systems should assist our communities. #UTedChat
I definitely think they are, but people don't FEEL like they are, which I think makes them less likely to participate. The farther away it feels, the less important you are in the process. #utedchat
A1. I think the most influential decision makers are at the local level in terms of making decisions the effect me everyday. I also think that decisions at the state level - such as licensing are important decisions. #UTedChat@HSG_UT
There have been many times where I've wanted something to happen and have felt like nobody listened until a parent made the same comment. I think parents should play a really important role in the decision making, but we are the experts when it comes to education. #UTedChat
This is such a good point, parents have a lot of power. Sometimes teachers don't have a good way of acknowledging and positively working with parental power I think. #utedchat
A1- I think teachers ultimately have the most influence since they are the individual working directly with the students, but many teachers don’t use their influence to impact policy and make change to the system #utedchat
A1: The students and parents- it's their decisions (conscious and unconscious) that most directly shape the outcomes in education. After that, I'd say teachers. #utedchat
A1 It depends on what decisions we are making. The day to day decisions that teachers make seem to have the most direct affect on students. But the the big things like funding that affect resources and class size are made by legislature that are influenced by voters.#utedchat
A1: Kathy from West Wendover (your neighbor to the west) Teachers are the most influential as we ultimately decide how we can work our magic within the parameters that we are given to work with in #UTedChat
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
A2: I know A LOT happens within the bureaucracy. That's why it's important to know more than just the public face of elected bodies. Still, it's important to have relationships with Board Members and your administrators so you can give thoughtful input and be heard. #UTEdchat
A2: I've learned a lot more in the last year about state decisions politically (legislative committees). But as a former charter teacher new to a district, I have a lot to learn about district decisions and I want to know more about school board for sure. #UTedChat
A2: I remember seeing this chart at UEA's Educator Day on the Hill last year and wishing it hadn't taken me ten years to figure this out! Here is Who Decides each of these things. #UTedChat
A1: I would like to think teachers would be the greatest influncers, but looking on how the government runs makes policies, it's turning more and more into them being the influncers.
#utedchat
I completely agree. Almost all of the decisions made at our school are greatly controlled by the parents. I feel like they should have some say, but the ultimate decision should come from the teachers because we are the ones that are the experts in our field. #UTedChat
A2: I feel I know too much sometimes. We need more people to understand the process it is comprehensive with safeguards. Get involved! Please!#Utedchat
As we wait for Q1, you have the perfect amount of time to take our quick survey. We'd love every Utah Teacher to take it and have their voice heard! If you'd like to say even more, message me about an opportunity to join a focus group discussion. #UTedChathttps://t.co/oHTAA2pvUC
I'd say things are ALWAYS interesting, but the unfunded mandates can certainly make things a lot more challenging. It gets frustrating when the mandates are at cross-purposes too - like the policy requiring end of year testing and the policy allowing opt-outs. #UTEdchat
A1: In Catholic schools, the school board is advisory. The pastor of each parish have the most influence in local parish schools. BUT the most influential are Catholic school principals. They determine the delivery of spiritual and instructional leadership. #UTedChat#ChatCrasher
I agree with this a million times. I never thought about it until @misteralvord brought it up, but wouldn't this be such a powerful partnership? #utedchat
In reply to
@hjones3000, @misteralvord, @misteralvord
A2: I don't know as much as I would like to know that's for sure, but I have seen the result of too many people trying to run the show that are not in the trenches and thus out of touch #UTedChat
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
#BetterTogether The more people we have working toward a common goal the better. It should be teachers, students, parents, and the entire community becoming better as we band together. #UTedChat
In reply to
@LynetteYorgason, @hjones3000, @misteralvord
So helpful!!! Too many teachers never can figure that out. It's convoluted, to say the least, but that's democracy for you: distribution of power. #UTEdchat
A2: I think I'm pretty well-versed in this, but I may be wrong. I'd like to know where ideas for policies and programs are originating- most often when we are borrowing from other states or political
organizations. There's nothing new under the sun, they say. #UTedChat
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
A2: I do know there is a group out there @teachplus that is training educators in this process and involving them in the process -That's a great thing #utedchat
True. And I personally consider any mandated implementation that does not carry adequate funding for PD as an unfunded or partially-funded mandate. It's not just things we have to pay for, it's people's time. #utedchat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @pamturley55, @Dale_Chu
A2: I remember seeing this chart at UEA's Educator Day on the Hill last year and wishing it hadn't taken me ten years to figure this out! Here is Who Decides each of these things. #UTedChat
A2: There's a lot of overlap across these tiers. Plus things can vary further not only from state to state, but from district to district and even school to school. #utedchat
That is dangerous, to say the least. Too many cooks spoil the stew, right? Somebody has to be in charge and everybody needs to know who it is. At the school level, that's the principal. At the district level, it's the board. When they don't OWN that, there's chaos. #UTEdchat
A2: There's a lot of overlap across these tiers. Plus things can vary further not only from state to state, but from district to district and even school to school. #utedchat
A2: Great chart, Dave. Thanks for sharing. We as teachers should be much more involved on the levels where these decisions are made, instead of sitting in our rooms complaining about them. #utedchat
A2: I remember seeing this chart at UEA's Educator Day on the Hill last year and wishing it hadn't taken me ten years to figure this out! Here is Who Decides each of these things. #UTedChat
It definitely can feel frustrating. I wish we could get their expert opinion on their child, and our expert opinion on the whole and make it work together for the good of everyone. #utedchat
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
Sometimes it's hard to know who to talk to when you have a concern or a great idea. With how little time we all have it's important we know so that we can be successful. #UTedChat
A2- Basically if we want to see change in education one needs to run for congress. Even then if one gets in there is never a gurantee that we can make change, unless being in congress becomes your new job.#utedchat
Hey #UTedchat friends! We want to hear from you! Please take this short survey on Equitable Access. Want to take it a step further? Tag a few more UT teachers or email a colleague. #uted#utpolhttps://t.co/BUssc13cuN#uted
Q3: What experiences have you had with your state/local school board members? If you haven't had experiences, why would these relationships be important? #UTedChat
Most new ideas are adaptations, not inventions out of thin air, but some are real head scratchers like the '2-bucket' plan for teacher licensing here: unprepared teachers (2 types) and trained types. Nothing more. Irks me to no end. Trying to fix it. #UTEdchat
A2 I'm much more familiar with how decisions are made at the school and district level than the state. I would like to know more about how decisions are made at the state level. Especially since state legislature makes so many decisions that impact education.
#UTedChat
A2: I think I'm pretty well-versed in this, but I may be wrong. I'd like to know where ideas for policies and programs are originating- most often when we are borrowing from other states or political
organizations. There's nothing new under the sun, they say. #UTedChat
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
A3: I've known my State Board member since she helped set up a PTSA at my first school. We've stayed in touch. I also know several local board members, also since my first school. We had to convince the Board to keep it open. Several solid relationships since. #UTEdchat
A3: I have had very few experiences (aka basically none) experiences with state and local school board members. That's something I want to work on because I think they are so important. #UTedChat
A3: Until recently, my only experience with the ASD Board was when they would drop by our school once or twice a year, but I never was able to have a conversation with them. This year, I've done my homework and talked to candidates. I want my rep to know me and me them. #UTedChat
Time IS money. Or so they say. So every unfunded mandate is technically picking my pocket. And then people gripe about how good teachers have it and summers off... Don't get me started. #UTEdchat
It's also easy to pass the buck here too, right (e.g. "Sorry, I can't do anything about that b/c it's a board decision," and then the board says it's a state issue)? Who to believe? #utedchat
A3 I always have the best of intentions. The town hall meetings get on my calendar but that's as far as it gets. I'm inspired tonight to change that. #UTedChat
A3: as a rural school located 110 miles from central office we have often times been ignored as the school board operates is so far away. However we were successful in gettin a parent group to insist that meetings are now held interactively so all can participate #UTedChat
Q3: What experiences have you had with your state/local school board members? If you haven't had experiences, why would these relationships be important? #UTedChat
At the local level I know many of the board members and have had conversations and shared my experience in the classroom. I do know a few state board members and have reached out to them. #utedchat@HSG_UT
Q3: What experiences have you had with your state/local school board members? If you haven't had experiences, why would these relationships be important? #UTedChat
The key is identifying decision makers and becoming a known and trusted quantity. That takes putting yourself out there with the ideas, but also the active service that builds rapport and trust over time. #UTEdchat
That's awesome! I've learned a LOT about the process with my fellowship through @HSG_UT and it's seriously improved and changed my teaching practice and outlook. #utedchat
I agree! I especially want to know what information the decision is based on. I worry that policymakers don't have access to timely and accurate information. #utedchat
A3: We do have one board member who frequently comes out and visits our school so that has been nice unfortunately he has termed out so he will soon be replaced #utedchat
I loved that after bugging some of my representatives I actually had one approach me for once! It felt really nice to know that they trusted my opinion but you have to develop that relationship. #UTedChat
In reply to
@DeborahGatrell1, @TaraPar26117634, @tabitha_pacheco
I'm feeling a bit silly that I'm in the same boat. It seems a bit strange to say I'm a teacher but also say I have basically no interactions with my state/local school board members. How can we fix this? #UTedChat
For what it's worth, I believe most state officials appreciate it when educators reach out to them, especially if the reason for reaching out is to offer a solution. #utedchat
Q2: If I'm being honest, I don't know how a lot of the decisions in education are made. I'm in my 5th year of teaching and would like to learn more about how it all works. #utedchat
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
A3: This is also a great time to include this link. If you're like me and don't know a ton about your school board, you can find your district here! https://t.co/F1RTt81j11#utedchat
A2- I would like to know how much teacher input is solicited before any education policies are made. No discussions about education should be held with a current classroom teacher in the room #utedchat how can schedule meetings that teachers can attend without missing class?
Q2: What do you know about how decisions about education are made at a state, district, and school level? What would you like to know more about? #UTedChat
A3: Relationships are important so that board members know what is happening in your schools, and hence be united to the mission. And not having their own agendas. But staying united to the school mission. #UTedChat
Q3: What experiences have you had with your state/local school board members? If you haven't had experiences, why would these relationships be important? #UTedChat
The #UTedChat tonight is digging in to the nitty gritty, if you want change ... be the change and network, rub shoulders with the school board, they are people too...
It is frightening when it appears some special interests have the ears of decision makers and teachers aren't consulted or considered. That has happened FAR too often at the state legislature. #UTEdchat
A3: Since I work with the state assessment systems, almost all my interactions revolve around them. It's been an uphill slog trying to correct misinformation. I'm hoping our learning curve as a whole system is tapering off a bit . . . #utedchat
Q3: What experiences have you had with your state/local school board members? If you haven't had experiences, why would these relationships be important? #UTedChat
Well I for one am young to start by going here https://t.co/F1RTt81j11 and actually figuring out who my people are. That's how far behind I am! #UTedChat
A3: Board members make a lot of decisions but ultimately its the community of teachers that will make the most impact in the schools. Teachers must learn to work with one another to be the change we want to see #utedchat
Invite them to visit your classroom! Or contact them about a policy change you're concerned about or would like to see them discuss. In my experience, they've almost all been very good about responding with interest. #UTEdchat
A3: This is also a great time to include this link. If you're like me and don't know a ton about your school board, you can find your district here! https://t.co/F1RTt81j11#utedchat
Are you a teacher that is registered to vote (a redundant question right?) in one of these districts? Don't forget to research and vote for the school board! #utedchat#uted#utpol
I'm so glad you did and that you have found it to be rewarding. It's not as scary as it sounds at first, but you do need your voice and face to be seen often. #DemocracyRocks#utedchat
I’m not a teacher, but I’ve been involved with the district & board for a year plus helping defeat the bond proposal last year & then helping them craft a workable new proposal this year. It’s been extremely rewarding & shown me that it pays to be involved. Also- democracy rocks!
A4: School board shapes the working environment in terms of pay, benefits etc but ultimately I determine the culture and the climate of my classroom and that is what make an impact in student learning #utedchat
A4: Policy decisions are made all the time that change the ways things are done in our classrooms. Our board put through a major homework and grading policy this summer while we weren't paying attention. #UTedChat
You should Follow the Utah Teacher Fellows - we're in the thick of a few things and working to elevate teacher voice in Utah education policy. We're on FB and Twitter. @HSG_UT And we have a blog and will be interviewing school board candidates. #UTEdchat
A4 Their decisions are affected by the money involved, the advice of the school superintendent and his/her minions, and how many school districts admit this (what are the other guys doing)... #UTedChat
Unfortunately this situation happens often. Why are decisions like this made? Who makes them and why aren't they consulting the teachers that it will effect?
#utedchat
What the other guys are doing is hugely important! One of the best questions we can help answer for people--> "Is this normal?" Often it's hard to know. #utedchat
Hey educator friends! If you want to know both who will be on your ballot in November but also everyone who represents you including on state and local school boards, visit: https://t.co/7LgIEHzRQQ
Click on elected officials or see a sample ballot. #UTedChat
A4 I like to think that school boards are doing their best to make policy that will have a positive effect on student learning. The homework they would need to do would be overwhelming to me. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I'm naive. #UTedChat
A5: I think this is so important! Education is one of the most political careers to be involved in other than just being a politician. Our livelihoods are so affected by what happens in politics, so being involved is crucial! #UTedChat
A5: We've talked a lot about who makes decisions in education, so I think that it is very important that we are informed and vote for great candidates at the very least. The more we are able to be involved the better. I love seeing teachers running for many positions! #UTedChat
A5: ABSOLUTELY! If teachers aren't involved in local (and state) politics, then our voices aren't heard. Someone else will tell our story if we don't, and they won't get it right, much to our detriment. #UTEdchat
A4. I think the state decision are broader but do affect me. I think about the decision to let anyone with a degree has negative affects on experienced teachers because we spend a lot of time mentoring ill prepared teachers. #UTedChat
A5: Getting involved in local politics is one way for teacher to feel like they have a voice in policy. Too often we don't feel like our voice is heard, getting involved helps make our voice louder.
#UTedChat
A4 I know with just subbing in schools, and working with my own kids, that some of the changes the board puts in to effect make it harderd to teach. I was trained one way and now they say oh we don't use that method anymore. #utedchat
Teachers were heavily involved in designing the new core, & I actually like it. However, the district is way behind on developing support. Math got new materials - late. We haven't discussed new materials yet. Social studies is untested and therefore unimportant. #UTEDchat
I always like to assume good intentions. I think most of us, teachers, school boards, parents, students, are trying to do the best we know how. That's why it's so important that we work together. #UTedChat
A4 I like to think that school boards are doing their best to make policy that will have a positive effect on student learning. The homework they would need to do would be overwhelming to me. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I'm naive. #UTedChat
A4: I wonder how many school board members really know much about education and how many of them are on the board simply because they see it as a launching pad to a political career #utedchat
A5: Teachers are the experts! We're trained and have years of hands-on experience. How valuable is that when making policy decisions? It seems obvious that it is SUPER important for teachers to be involved in local politics. Why are they not? #UTedChat
A5: Teachers have enormous influence. Polls show that the public trusts us. We need to share our opinions with others to make a larger impact on issues that affect education. #UTedChat
A4: They set the academic achievement goals and the success metrics for the system. Sometimes those goals are reasonable; sometimes they are not. Often, they want information sooner than it can actually be prepared. #utedchat
A4 Everything I do in my classroom - what I teach, the curriculum I use, my class size, my supply budget, the hours I teach, aide hours - everything is decided by elected politicians. Politics affects you whether you get involved or not. #UTEdchat
A5 Definitely important, although complicated and time-consuming...the one commodity teachers lack. It is great to have help in this process. Thank you to Hope Street Group for showing us how. #UTedchat
A5 I'm going to go the other direction - I say no you shouldn't be too involved. To be out lobbying parents and the community can go too far. There is a balance, be informed, do get involved but don't be a zealot on some issues. #UTedChat
And they're a lot less likely to make it, so that creates a revolving door. There is a place for alternate paths, but it cannot be the primary path and that's what it looks like we're headed towards. That's no way to get highly qualified teachers for every student. #UTEdchat
A5: Why Yes I DO I am currently running for city council and super excited and as a government teacher it's been a lot of fun so far sharing the journey with my students
A5: Very much so. There should be a direct line between teachers and the local board. The more interlocutors you have, the more garbled the information. #utedchat
Maybe because we're already exhausted at the end of the school day? Especially teachers who have families to go home to - there are only so many hours in the day. I see why things have to give. Still, we need to ensure our voice is heard often enough to matter. #UTEdchat
A5. Yes it is vital. There are many teachers running for office this year to increase teacher voice. You do not have to run for office to be involved. Assist a teacher friendly candidate on their campaign, contact a policy maker, and invite them into your classroom #UTedChat
A5: YES YES! Teachers are parents and community leaders when they hang up their teacher hat. Get involved. You know your community better than most, advocate for your community. #UTedChat
A5: Very much so. There should be a direct line between teachers and the local board. The more interlocutors you have, the more garbled the information. #utedchat
A5: Teachers have a voice and local leaders will listen. I feel like I helped in some way a few years ago to help state leaders decide to pass funding for CTE programs with letters sent to them #UTedChat
I believe that teachers need to be involved in local politics. We are the experts in the field and without our voice the best decisions may not be made. #UTedChat
Teachers are way too hard on themselves. We are the experts and professionals. Maybe it's also something to do with the fact that we are great with kids...not so much with adults? #UTedChat
West Wendover, NV- I'm a your neighbor to the west though I'm originally from SLC. taught at Highland High before crossing the border. Used to work for the @utahjazz Living in Nevada but still a Utah girl at heart #UTedChat
It's basically ever Friday during session, but that's when they are in session. There isn't really a way to get them to meet some other time. I have found several willing to meet at times that work for me though. Most are actually very willing to set aside time to talk #UTedChat
I do know that as a social studies teacher I try hard to be neutral in my classroom. I've often wondered about how involved in politics I can comfortably be while being able to maintain that neutrality. It's a balance. #utedchat
RIGHT?! I have worked to get USBE meetings in the evenings again, every other school board meets in the evening to engage the community, why doesn't the USBE? #UTedChat
The pre-educator day was on Martin Luther Day, organized by @tpyfer - that was very informative. It opened my eyes to what really happens and what they are working towards. #UTedChat
In reply to
@hjones3000, @DeborahGatrell1, @tpyfer
This is also true. But at the end of the day, we MUST always remember that we are the classroom experts and no one can discredit our experiences. They are REAL and must be considered if we're to have informed policies that make sense in application. #UTEdchat
A6: Teacher voice can have a remarkable impact on decisions made. The trick is making your voice something people want to listen to. Anger and bullying just put people on the defensive. Being solutions oriented and assuming the best gets you places. #UTedChat
A6: I think to truly make a difference we need to be solution oriented. Constant whining/complaining don't help. We need to be innovative and share a different and better way to do things. We are the experts, we have stories to tell, and we need to share our expertise. #UTedChat
A5: Teachers have enormous influence. Polls show that the public trusts us. We need to share our opinions with others to make a larger impact on issues that affect education. #UTedChat
Honestly, when I was teaching, I knew my district board members but not state. It has been as a parent that I have ventured to the State Board meetings or listened online to try to wrap my head around policy impacting education.
I'd love to be able to make an appearance again... It's been ages since I happened to catch one on Spring Break. PS - what I told the committee and the board would happen, HAPPENED. They should have listened to me. #UTEdchat
A5 it’s vital that people who know the reality of a classroom share their expertise with policy makers. It sounds hard but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s raise our Collective voice. https://t.co/QisBxNd3R5#UTEdchat
A5. Yes it is vital. There are many teachers running for office this year to increase teacher voice. You do not have to run for office to be involved. Assist a teacher friendly candidate on their campaign, contact a policy maker, and invite them into your classroom #UTedChat
A6: I think by showing up and making our voices heard. Show up at the board meetings reach out to our representatives 1st amendment - petition the government #utedchat
Many of us are parents, tax payers and highly educated we should be proud. Every other industry is proud of their involvement and we question our involvement. Get involved! #UTedChat
In reply to
@LynetteYorgason, @DeborahGatrell1, @hjones3000
A6: I appreciate how teachers advocate for what works. Anyone can complain, but teachers can use their knowledge and experience to say, "You know what would work better?" #utedchat
A6 As difficult as it can be to get legislators to come out to our schools, it is the best way to help them experience what is really going on. Ever class visit I’ve been on with a leader has been an eye-opening experience for him/her. #utedchat
There are sometimes town hall meetings you can catch on Saturdays during the session too. @PGLAB24 clued me in on that last session and I tracked down my state senator to finally meet her in person. #UTEdchat
Change begins with us, we can't wait for the system to change. We need to take back our profession by doing in the classroom what we know is right #UTedChat
A6: I think to truly make a difference we need to be solution oriented. Constant whining/complaining don't help. We need to be innovative and share a different and better way to do things. We are the experts, we have stories to tell, and we need to share our expertise. #UTedChat
A3: Our school board loves to see the great things our students and teachers are doing. Recently I’ve been advocating for my students and they have reached out to them and recognized them at board meetings #UTedChat#alpineschools
Hey @tpyfer - it sounds like there's a lot of teacher interest in another pre-session training for teachers. Any chance we can do that again? @UTBoardofEd#uted#UTEdchat
The pre-educator day was on Martin Luther Day, organized by @tpyfer - that was very informative. It opened my eyes to what really happens and what they are working towards. #UTedChat
In reply to
@hjones3000, @DeborahGatrell1, @tpyfer
Love the fact we have @tpyfer working with our elected officials to help them see the good things going on in Utah schools. We need more of us sharing the “good news” of public ed in Utah. #utedchat
Teachers in this stae are trusted by 61% of voters; More than anyone else in the poll.#UTedChat
Poll: Utahns trust their cops and teachers but not Congress or media, via @sltribhttps://t.co/VVRtQXqmIE
A6: I think I've decided that the biggest ways we can influence decisions is to avoid complaining. We should be offering solutions and ideas. We are experts at solving problems; not simply identifying them. #UTedChat
We have lots of room @LynetteYorgason !!! We are actively seeking more super heroes for the crew. I’m branching out from Marvel, how do you feel about being Batman? (And the good Christian Bale one, not the unfortunate George Clooney). #utedchat
In reply to
@downrightdave, @hjones3000, @LynetteYorgason, @EastHighSLC, @HSG_UT, @lars3eb, @LynetteYorgason
Q7: How can you help non educators understand education issues on the ballot? What can you do this week to be more involved/informed, or to involve/inform others? #UTedChat
A6 Policy makers listen to your real classroom stories. Politicians listen to the power of your numbers. We can have tremendous influence if we unite, show up, and vote. #UTEdchat
A7: Asking q's about what people know, but making sure you aren't pushy or demanding. For me my trick is to be the person people know they can ask questions of and I won't get angry or defensive. Then they know they can trust me when asking thorny political questions. #UTedChat
Discussing this for an hour is a great start, but it can't stop here. If we aren't going to step up & speak out in support of education then who will? I think teachers are miracle workers, but we can't be afraid to ask for help & to lead the way toward positive change. #UTedChat
We're teachers, break it down for them. Take the issues that they can't relate to because they haven't experienced what it means to be a teacher and frame in ways they can relate. #UTedChat
Q7: How can you help non educators understand education issues on the ballot? What can you do this week to be more involved/informed, or to involve/inform others? #UTedChat
A6: Teachers influence decisions by proactively getting involved when opportunities arise, & as EARLY in a decision-making process as possible. It's easier to nudge things in the right direction early on. Volunteer to help. Get to know people. Be a problem solver. #UTEdchat
A7: The more involved I am, the more people in my non-education circles ask my opinion on education issues on the ballot. I think being well informed on those issues is my responsibility. #UTedChat
A7: Tooele teachers @4micheleJones is hooking me up with some Yes on Question 1 signs. Hit me up if you want one. Also remember Red for Ed Tuesdays. #UTedChat
A7: Become an advocate for our local schools in our non-education social networks. I often stand up for teachers when parents make snarky comments. #utedchat
A7: When you talk class size, explain it in terms of developing relationships and the time and energy that takes. Then ask how close relationships do the try to engage and sustain on a daily basis my answer is around 115 #utedchat
Thanks for leading this discussion, Dave. I agree that teachers are miracle workers and that their experience is invaluable in policy creation. #UTedChat
A7 That's rough. I think the first step is to help them have a realistic view of how hard educators work and the potential impact they have. Helping them to see the items on the ballot through this lens is a first step. #UTedChat
It's amazing what the power of story does. Stories from real people are extremely influential when it comes to legislators. They keep those stories, tell those stories at town hall, and most importantly, take them to the floor when debating bills. #utedchat
A7: This IS a great blog post. I would also add, or repeat, these maxims: assume best intentions, be solutions oriented, & ask probing questions - you know, seek first to understand, then to be understood. Then people ARE heard and civil discourse can happen. #UTEdchat
A7 There was some great info shared tonight! I think talking to those who know the issues firsthand, then sharing what you know. I had an opportunity to share what @4micheleJones shared with me about Question 1 on the upcoming ballot. Great to feel informed. #utedchat
Nice work moderating the chat tonight @downrightdave. Check back next week when we give advice to pre-service teachers with @KrystleBassett and her crew. #utedchat
A7: Call out the good work done by schools. The outcomes of improved intervention, training, mentoring, reduced class size- they're visible. Make it so outcomes are easy to see because seeing is believing. #utedchat
Q7: How can you help non educators understand education issues on the ballot? What can you do this week to be more involved/informed, or to involve/inform others? #UTedChat
Thank you for joining us for #UTedChat One great way to let your voice be heard is to to take our quick @HSG_UT survey on equity. We'd love every Utah Teacher to take it! Want to say even more? Message me about an opportunity to join a focus group. https://t.co/oHTAA2H6Ma
Thank you for joining us for #UTedChat One great way to let your voice be heard is to to take our quick @HSG_UT survey on equity. We'd love every Utah Teacher to take it! Want to say even more? Message me about an opportunity to join a focus group. https://t.co/oHTAA2H6Ma
