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.
Unfortunately a lot of our parents had bad experience at school and teachers are often treated as the enemy
Except for when they want us to do the parenting #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
Definitely agree. Ps often don't realize how much education may have changed since they were in school. They see it through the lens of their own experience. #bfc530
Good morning #bfc530 friends! I'm stuck on the north coast - tried to drive home early yesterday but the roads were full of broken glass & burning logs. Had to turn around. Will try again this morning!
I think teachers are questioned a lot if school doesn't mimic their own experiences. And the bigger issue is that their experience wasnt that good #BFC530
As a classroom teacher, I need to be able to see the whole and how the pieces work..many people just see the pieces and not the whole and then it gets complicated. #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
I have been in my small town for 30 years..for the most part, I think I have a reputation..and it is hard to beat when I say, “In my 30 years of teaching...” #bfc530
Overall, I would say no. We are called professionals, yet we are given strict guidelines from the administration office, school board, leadership teams, etc. on how to do our jobs. We do not need to be cookie cutter teachers as we do not have cookie cutter students. #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
Tough question- I see both sides. Ts should always reflect on their practice and do what's best to help Ss, but on the other hand - why are most decisions made by people NOT in the trenches?! #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
IMHO the general public believes that since they attended school, they are experts on school. I thought the same thing, and then I became a teacher. It was like I received a backstage pass and saw all that went on to run a school #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
Tough question- I see both sides. Ts should always reflect on their practice and do what's best to help Ss, but on the other hand - why are most decisions made by people NOT in the trenches?! #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
So true! High stakes testing seems like the ultimate proof that no one trusts teachers. I'm sure most of you can predict which students will do well on the test and which ones won't. #bfc530
IMHO the general public believes that since they attended school, they are experts on school. I thought the same thing, and then I became a teacher. It was like I received a backstage pass and saw all that went on to run a school #bfc530
I see my own children's Ts through my lens as an educator. Sadly not as many as I'd like hold up to my expectations. Might be because I expect Ts like you all:)
#bfc530
Definitely agree. Ps often don't realize how much education may have changed since they were in school. They see it through the lens of their own experience. #bfc530
I am a believer in small steps to create big relationships.I send wkly emails to parents (bulk) telling them about the week ahead-but always start with a snippet into my life about what I did this weekend. They love that. My open house where kids share brings them in. #BFC530
Teachers aren't treated like experts and that could be improved by supporting their ideas financially and encouraging them to take risks. For an expert to take a risk, its a norm. For a teacher, it's beurocratic-ly exhausting. #bfc530
At the high school level this is true even with students. They don’t always see the connections between the mentor texts we study, the books they’re reading and the pieces they’re writing. So unpacking it for parents on Back to School Night is imperative for me! #bfc530
So true! High stakes testing seems like the ultimate proof that no one trusts teachers. I'm sure most of you can predict which students will do well on the test and which ones won't. #bfc530
We are working practitioners.
We try new things. Discard practices that are no longer effective.
The term "experts" seems so final and echoes a fixed mindset, for me.
I think we are professionals, but always works-in-progress.
#bfc530
Not often; teachers treat other teachers as experts, but that practice is not followed by all (even in other vital facets of education).
To improve it?
Endeavor and continue to BE professionals and experts, and advocate for ourselves and for what is best for students. #BFC530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
I see my own children's Ts through my lens as an educator. Sadly not as many as I'd like hold up to my expectations. Might be because I expect Ts like you all:)
#bfc530
Definitely agree. Ps often don't realize how much education may have changed since they were in school. They see it through the lens of their own experience. #bfc530
What you said there is why I have aprreciated working under admins who have allowed me freedom to tailor my lessons in ways that reach students rather than force me into uniformity w/other teachers (always ironic when school's promote diversity in every other way) #bfc530
the "public" do not treat anyone in authority with respect ... police officers ... politicians ... we talk respect, but when pulled over by a police officer ... it cn'tbe possible you have done something wrong. #bfc530
That's a tough one. So hard when you want more for them. That's the reason I opened my own school - I just couldn't watch my son's eyes glaze over with boredom in first grade! A first grade student should be excited & curious, not begging to stay home. #bfc530
When schools or teachers do things differently it can make others unsure/uncomfortable about their own knowledge. Let’s bring it back to how we used to do things.
Example —
Math is Math https://t.co/hqHD6sOfiC#BFC530
I’ve also found that citing research when defending practice is essential. And that means that teachers who are professionals should be reading peer reviewed journals and books steeped in sound research regularly. #BFC530
As others have mentioned, there is a societal feeling that we are not, that we are either angels of hope or just plain babysitters. I think, to some extent, respect is earned, but at the same time, other jobs are respected outright. We need to be listened to at all levels #bfc530
Get respect from Hispanic and Indian parents (about 60%). Mixed from the rest, but more respect than not. Worst are those who consider themselves very successful and me as the ‘servant’. I’m put on the accent for them, for some unknown reason they then respect me more? #bfc530
I wish I could say that all teachers are, but that would be false. I lean towards many are, but that is from the people who see what we do everyday. Most people only see the negative about a few teachers on the news & assume it’s all of us. #bfc530
We see each other as experts. More than anything, this is a reason to publicize what is happening in our rooms. As long as we are used as a political tool and shown as a bunch of do nothings who get their summers off, we will not be taken seriously. #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
we have to accept our "expert" role ... expert does not mean we are the best in our field but when you are talking to a non-educator you ARE THE EXPERT and you should act like one. #bfc530
I am a believer in small steps to create big relationships.I send wkly emails to parents (bulk) telling them about the week ahead-but always start with a snippet into my life about what I did this weekend. They love that. My open house where kids share brings them in. #BFC530
We are working practitioners.
We try new things. Discard practices that are no longer effective.
The term "experts" seems so final and echoes a fixed mindset, for me.
I think we are professionals, but always works-in-progress.
#bfc530
That's a tough one. So hard when you want more for them. That's the reason I opened my own school - I just couldn't watch my son's eyes glaze over with boredom in first grade! A first grade student should be excited & curious, not begging to stay home. #bfc530
It's not to say that I don't have any freedoms in my classroom, but so many directives/marching orders come down from the powers that be, that they disrupt actual learning. #bfc530
Grandmother always told me an expert's a "drip under pressure." It feels that way some days, doesn't it? But, that pressure? That percolation right before that first drip? That's excellence brewing to be shared. Go. Grab a cup. Be that cup of excellence. You expert, you. #bfc530
I think what @casehighprinc did is amazing! I wish more politicians, local leaders and admistrators would spend a day or two and follow me around. Just be sure to wear sneakers.. lol #bfc530
As a parent in education, I struggle sometimes with my son's teachers. For a long time, I stayed out of it, trusting their judgment, but the closer he gets to grades I taught, the less I agree with their practices #bfc530
I’ve been a teacher while managing my own kid’s experience with teachers. Ego, control and a very limited view of excellence can be mistaken for expertise in our field . I’ll take the label of consultant any day. And prefer a T for my kids from that perspective too. #BFC530
I dont expect a teacher to teach like me, but expect the same passion. Sadly, some of my daughters' teachers havent met that. But when they do, the respect I display in my words and actions towards them is authentic and appreciated by them. #bfc530
As a parent in education, who has a different philosophy and understanding of practice and my son's particular needs as a gifted child with high anxiety, I wish his teachers would be more flexible #bfc530
they may insist, but they do not always get ... heck ... i teach my kids to question everything ... how can I get frustrated when they question me? Why do I need to do this? I better have a good response because they deserve it. #bfc530
Parent Educators, When is the Right Time to Intervene in a Schooling Dilemma? - Work in Progress - Education Week Teacher https://t.co/gD5RPX2LDh#bfc530
I agree there..but expert seems final..I would want people to know that I (and many teachers) are always learning, always growing..always using best practices built on current research. #bfc530
My colleagues are often asking each other for help on their child's math hw. Should we be forcing a technique on Ss or understanding in however way they want to "see" how to do the problem #bfc530
I dont expect a teacher to teach like me, but expect the same passion. Sadly, some of my daughters' teachers havent met that. But when they do, the respect I display in my words and actions towards them is authentic and appreciated by them. #bfc530
Particularly in the content area I taught... and also in the other ones that are heavily content driven. He has so much work in and out of school that they are beating the love of learning out of him in the name of rigor #bfc530
In reply to
@dothinkeducate, @oonziela, @SirKenRobinson
I agree. I often ask if some of things we do is necessary or is it job justifying for someone in a state office so politicians can say they passed an education law to appease voters but has zero value in benefitting children. #bfc530
agreed ... i think we are living in a world where it is all about "me" ... you need to understand "me" and we forget there are two or more sides to everything. #bfc530
Teachers who act professionally, are constantly evaluating their instruction, and take the lead on student learning are very much so seen and treated as experts by the community, colleagues, students, and administration. #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
He has had teachers, however, for whom I am deeply grateful. They provided insight, understood him and he responded well to them. Big shout out to @AngelaAbend and #ProjectExtra#bfc530
It is about building relationships, everyday with Ss and families. THEY are experts with their children and we are content and instructional experts! Lots to learn on both sides! #bfc530
My daughters have had some beyond amazing teachers who left in gratitude tears. They have also had some not so good teachers that I struggled to keep my mouth shut.. #bfc530
Ahh, rigor...it is true that there needs to be a continued love of learning, even when the content is upped. That’s where the pressure of finals and ‘ticking boxes’ to keep authorities happy makes learning for love/life tricky. Teachers struggle with that imbalance. #bfc530
In reply to
@mssackstein, @oonziela, @SirKenRobinson
Totally understand now, thank for clarifying. I agree that is a communication issue. There are times when Ts will ask for Ss to think about math a certain way because it will lead to greater understanding down the road. If that is not communicated that is a problem. #BFC530
I love the fact that you copy the principal. Great way to give positive feedback. As a principal, i can tell you, I'd love to hear more of the positives from Ps. #BFC530
sure, but you are missing my point ... if I am talking to a non-educator ... i am not going to be wishy-washy about my knowledge ... if we don't act like the expert why the heck would a parent treat us like the expert? #bfc530
I dont expect a teacher to teach like me, but expect the same passion. Sadly, some of my daughters' teachers havent met that. But when they do, the respect I display in my words and actions towards them is authentic and appreciated by them. #bfc530
Parent Educators, When is the Right Time to Intervene in a Schooling Dilemma? - Work in Progress - Education Week Teacher https://t.co/gD5RPX2LDh#bfc530
We also shouldn't diminish other forms of understanding families share. (As long as it is rooted in understanding and not just a rote process). #bfc530
Parent was commenting on how the emails are great, but she wants kiddo to be more independent, wanted to know how I update them. I told her, then said she could delete them-response, “Oh no, I love hearing about your horse and soccer games-I live vicariously thru you” #bfc530
I think assuming good intent is so important in the school. And with that, trusting your staff. If you staff feels supported, heard, celebrated and validated; it goes a long way in building culture. #bfc530
expert is not final ... that is education overthinking the simple ... why is it so difficult for teachers to accept they are the education experts. isn't that why we went to college? ... to know more about education than the majority of the population. #bfc530
Yes and so do leaders... at least I do. I want the teachers on our team to take risks and making learning epic for our kids and I don't want them worrying about test scores, but I'm reminded all of the time about how visible the test scores are in NY... #bfc530
In reply to
@dothinkeducate, @oonziela, @SirKenRobinson
The thing about #bfc530 that everyone is missing is that we are on the verge of runaway climate change and we need a complete re-think of the global economy to ensure a just society & avoid planetary catastrophe.
Parents nostalgically want their children to read the “classics” they read in school, which runs up against the choices I want students to have + the need to move away from the canon to help ensure better representation in my classroom. Nostalgia hangs on tight though. #bfc530
I feel honored and respected as an educator from the community. Within my school district, not as much, yet. I’m a new T there. I’m trying to build trust. #bfc530
I’ve been asked by several colleagues about the recent @nytimes piece about how we are teaching reading wrong. The author has no credibility as a researcher or educator, but @skrashen does. His response:
https://t.co/WbNEvTTeQ4
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
Both for a culture of excellence in schools. There are multiple perspectives, so understanding needs to occur from both sides. Strong home/school connections & relationships with Ps support these understandings #bfc530
We see each other as experts. More than anything, this is a reason to publicize what is happening in our rooms. As long as we are used as a political tool and shown as a bunch of do nothings who get their summers off, we will not be taken seriously. #bfc530
Are teachers treated as experts? How could the culture/support of schools and teachers be improved?
@drknicki#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC576RB
