#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 January 22, 2016
What does/should highly impactful T to T mentoring look like? All experiences & ideas welcome! - https://t.co/0RnwwU5azr
Samantha Murray, library media specialist from Port Orange, FL ready to chat!
I love froggy coffee! Thanks so much for sharing Jo!
I am thinking it is going to miss us. The weathermen are just too excited because we haven't had any snow.
Megan from Massachusetts
Excited about this topic!
The 21st and 25th are holidays here - we took Friday off as well.
Even though I had the day off I had to join for this topic.
A great teacher mentor is supportive, positive, available and an expert teacher!
Good morning Does anyone have school today. We are hearing amazing things here in Oz about your storm
Teachers in this chat are so dedicated. Why I love it so!
Good morning . Stacey from NJ. Excited for Friday!
You should be in bed sleeping Manny! But I get it-I'm always too excited to sleep on
I'm in Western NY and I have school!
Bergen representing! I'm Oona -- live in Bergen, work in Morris, teach English to 11th & 12th graders.
How's things where you are today
Aaaaand I'm back! Good morning crew. Megan from central FL, 58 degrees here and def not snowing! 😬
I find that young Millennial teachers are craving feedback and coaching - T to T can be a great way to make this happen!
happy Friday to all this morning on . Brian, HS principal.
Great T to T mentoring built upon trust, mutual respect, risk-taking, partnership, compassion, listening and openness.
When mentoring a teacher I always want "I will" and "You will" statements. Tasks are important.
I think mentor teachers are willing to learn as well. More experienced, but not perfect. T to T mentoring should be 2 way.
That's okay, I'm in Georgia, but not the part that's about to get nailed. I have school too. .
Mentoring should be supportive and collaborative. They should be a good listener and empathetic
Sharing, patience, listening, caring, guidance...
Whoot! Now to get you up with the birds to join along with and me!
good morning friends - it's Friday!
Good to here. I was once at a school on a mountain that had snow days. Hard for us to understand here
Unimpacted in Wisconsin. https://t.co/xaDl1WmEGs
Good morning Does anyone have school today. We are hearing amazing things here in Oz about your storm
My BIL district is getting student teachers and starting there to prep them for teaching. My DD will be a part.
Good morning ! Betsy from nj! Happy
T:T mentoring needs to be focused and specific.
Hey welcome to fantastic Friday!
Yesterday when I read I Need a Snow Day with my Ss I really didn't expect we would have 1 today. Too funny https://t.co/wcc7B1OR0U
Peer observations are crucial to growth of all teachers.
Lots of time impactful T to T mentoring looks like people having a conversation-- outside of school.
Mentor Ts should be willing to share their experiences but also learn from their men-tee
Great topic! Good mentoring/coaching is confidential, built off trust, non-evaluative, both parties learn from eachother
T to T mentoring is completely new for me, looking forward to reading what others have to say
Mentors have to be available. You never know when they need support or have questions.
I flew to Sydney today. Going to a con this weekend very excited. Letting out my inner nerd.
Are we talking Brand New teachers or teachers who need a boost?
Mentors should not be seen as experts, but rather people with more experience in a specific area
Mentors should have experience teaching the same subject and grade
Have a great time! Great way to destress!
Knew you'd miss us way too much! 😄😄😄
What are your thought of teacher to teacher mentoring.
Not yet! Give us 36 hours and we'll have a better idea here in metro NY https://t.co/P2t9uFOrUm
Good morning Does anyone have school today. We are hearing amazing things here in Oz about your storm
Sounds like our press has over emphasised your storm. I read somewhere 84% of US under ice
Most schools have mentoring programs for new teachers, but there is very little oversight or direction.
Good Morning, ! Looking forward to practicing relaxation with some student leaders this morning
Peer observations are incredibly powerful, when done correctly and systematically.
Last year our school had 7 snow days - had to "make-up" days.
There is a difference. Also, when a seasoned T moves into a new district.
there's always something to be learnt I agree
the snow wont start for a while but we have the whole day off.
Good morning ! Today's topic?
I also gained a lot about my teaching style by viewing videotapes of my lessons. Observing them with colleagues to get their tips
Good t to t mentoring makes both think about their practice. Should be beneficial to both
. I love mentoring and being mentored, no matter how long you've been around, advice and sharing ideas is always a positive!
I'm in and out like this morning!
Agreed!I promised I would observe my colleagues this year, yet to go thru with it- I hate 2 be absent from my classes
I have mentored outstanding and not so good teachers. Hard to peer mentor the not good ones. ,
What does good T to T mentoring/coaching look like.
expect pictures of me with internet cartoon voice actors you have never heard of tomorrow
NJ it is a requirement. New T pays for the mentor.
Mentors should give honest, constructive feedback. "Great lesson!" (Or its opposite!) Doesn't really do that.
Highly effective T 2 T mentoring needs 2 include a mentor who demonstrates engaging instructional practices & is a reflective T
T to T mentoring only works if admin takes its hands off of it and there is total confidentiality btwn mentor and mentee.
oh, my! we've done that a couple of times but it seems like it's due to be quiet here today
I will be looking for them! :)
Absolutely - it doesn't matter how experienced Ts are, there's always something to learn.
A good mentor builds a relationship w her/his mentee and gives/shares willingly and often.
New teachers need a safe space to vent and ask silly questions. Vets need a plan with specific steps.
It should be immediate-teachers want support- our school pairs new teachers with a mentor upon hiring
Always! The most dangerous phrase in the world is "We've (I) always done this way." Learn & try new things https://t.co/IdMLuf4iv6
there's always something to be learnt I agree
Mentoring is about helping individual Teacher not pushing a district mandate ... what's their vision/need for their classroom.
yes, and that is something that as a T I love to do-go into other classrooms
Does metro NY get heavy snow. i was there in 2004 and saw snow but it was light
I just taped myself teaching yesterday! I used . Hope to start using it w/ my mentees soon!
Morning, all. Sorry to be late. Abner from the DC area.
yes! Just like we can learn so much from our students. Co-learning is key!
Some of my best mentors have been high school teachers of diff disciplines. Other perspectives important!.
https://t.co/IM6xrVZque
Mentors should have experience teaching the same subject and grade
You can pair T mentors by their PDP goals so both can coach each other/ have something to share. Not just for new Ts
I had no idea how big this storm is. Wow!
I guess we shouldn't be surprised by media over emphasising things
True. Do you use any particular protocols? We are looking to experiment with instructional rounds.
Morning! It's Deanna from PA!
that's the challenge I have with t to t observations no one wants to leave their students https://t.co/xKMhIK2u04
Agreed!I promised I would observe my colleagues this year, yet to go thru with it- I hate 2 be absent from my classes
I love the first part. The second part makes me wildly uncomfortable.
Feeling the mama love! ❤️ Happy Friday! 🎉
I didnt realize you were from Westchester. i've spent a lot of time there.
I was once in a rural school where we had days off due to floods
oh, we can get SLAMMED - last yr is a good example of that
Love an infographic and did on reciprocal 21stC mentoring for Feb 2016 English Leadership Quarterly
Love an infographic and did on reciprocal 21stC mentoring for Feb 2016 English Leadership Quarterly
Ts do this superbly....such a game-changer for kids! 🙌🏼 https://t.co/t6QokQgSC1
Great T to T mentoring built upon trust, mutual respect, risk-taking, partnership, compassion, listening and openness.
I also think that a mentor can learn from a new teacher. One of our best teachers is a first yr. She's amazing!
Everyone needs a mentor. Biggest danger is seeing yourself in a silo.
I think mentor Ts should always start by finding strengths before looking at areas to improve.
Agree! Authentic learning in action!
https://t.co/mrUiGrVJf7
yes, and that is something that as a T I love to do-go into other classrooms
what con? I so need to get to Australia! Might be coming next March for a conference.
you can say great lesson, but tell me why and push me to next.
Still trying to figure out why I wake up just before most days. My Sleep page https://t.co/zAvlub48a5 Snow Day & here!
Good point. In a great mentoring situation, both learn. https://t.co/gKO4c7Z3Wu
You can pair T mentors by their PDP goals so both can coach each other/ have something to share. Not just for new Ts
Yes don't get me started on that topic Our students are used to sensational headlines
Yes don't get me started on that topic Our students are used to sensational headlines
Solid mentoring is a symbiotic relationship. Both teachers benefit, both teachers grow.
Strange that it is only for new teachers ... at which point in our careers do we stop needed help/support?
same here Ohio has a resident educator program https://t.co/65HZ86xD3S
It should be immediate-teachers want support- our school pairs new teachers with a mentor upon hiring
born and raised! Started on the LI Sound side and now I live on the Hudson. Only about 30 min. distance tho
Rather than providing advice mentors should ask probing questions to challenge the Ts thinking about ideas.
We do that here. Helpful as heck. 😂 https://t.co/t7dNnVkuym
. I love mentoring and being mentored, no matter how long you've been around, advice and sharing ideas is always a positive!
Hi all Happy almost weekend ! Eric in NJ in storm prep mode
Mentors also need to be willing to have the tough talk. In my position I worry about what my role is compared to an AP or Chair.
As I'm reading all your responses I think our community is a great example of T to T mentoring. I've grown so much because of you.
It's also nice when you have a colleague in your room instead of eval Admin. Helps you take risks/ improve your craft
Public shout out to our peep for Green Bay-inspired tips regarding this upcoming snow storm. She needs to write a book! :)
We have rain here and I just heard thunder! I think it's suppose to change to ice later. We shall see.
Should b a collaborative learning experience.Not mentor/coach telling/giving advice. Team should explore/discover
I once taught a class in a TV studio and that was a very interesting experience with all the technicians there.
sometimes mentoring is too structured. I have organic T to T mentoring to be best.
Just give info & constant communication. Don't wait to be asked Q b/c often new T (or new to grade level) doesn't know what to ask
Mentoring needs 2 B recursive. Veteran Ts need newbs to give them new ideas? Um, no. We should be cross pollinating, crowdsourcing
Was thinking the same thing. You all are my mentors! https://t.co/NK2aTJhz2e
As I'm reading all your responses I think our community is a great example of T to T mentoring. I've grown so much because of you.
I'm tomoro so I really hope this thing turns out to sea - branches rarely close unless it's REALLY bad
Mentor needs 2have difficult conversations, if necessary, but leading reflective conversations might lead mentee 2 own understanding
We have one of those amazing first years too!
I know! Poor members of the crew!
Exactly! Specific feedback is crucial. I've rarely had it since I left college.
I find that this is not always essential -learn just as much if not more from difference
I'm in for 20 years and I need a mentor every day
we never stop needing help and support. Districts that are serious about mentoring need it built in. https://t.co/sMJROjXHUC
Strange that it is only for new teachers ... at which point in our careers do we stop needed help/support?
Mentoring roles can have a bigger impact when they are formalized and both parties are given time during the day to work together.
the kids teach me the most! ✨
New teachers need that plan too, right, Manny?
instead of assigning mentors to new Ts, all Ts & mentors are put in one group. See who gravitates toward whom.
I think everyone needs a "buddy"/mentor ... a different perspective ... someone out of our "group" ... someone to work with
At my last HS we had a Peer observation program where Ts would invite others in for obs. to help with feedback & advice
really? Spent lots of time there as a child w mom's family & in hs w Model Congress
sharing ideas in order to help make each other better!
national weather service calling for 6-10 in the city... Should be interesting
I'll second that! https://t.co/olATcZbOkG
As I'm reading all your responses I think our community is a great example of T to T mentoring. I've grown so much because of you.
Good mentoring is based on trust; the confidential nature allows new Ts to share their struggles and grow
Ts working with Ts works best when there's trust, enthusiasm and not judgements being made. I have seen it work best in strong teams
Teachers are supposed to be experts from year one but the reality is that 30 years in there is still stuff to learn, room to grow
Good mentor/mentee relationships are a 2 way st where both Ts learn. . cc
I've unofficially mentored lots of new Ts whose assigned mentors were sub-par, so let's redefine mentoring for the good of the cause
Co-planning, co-teaching, co-learning are huge parts of the partnership.
Agree. I think mentors get a stronger experience outside of discipline. Focus is on practice not content.
https://t.co/nPFRBQQPgo
They can't be a "drop in to see if you need anything"- we already have a welcoming committee! Be available, be honest, be helpful
. I usually say, "this is the norm here, but feel free to make it your own". Need to bring in new ideas!
YES!!!! Everytime I learn from the Ss I make sure they know it. I don't think they believe me but it's true https://t.co/FjdbkQ7wCt
the kids teach me the most! ✨
So who counts as a mentor? Is it official or are you able to choose?
exactly, isn't that what being connected all about. And it can be connected F2F or online https://t.co/bCvi6tQtEs
sharing ideas in order to help make each other better!
Also 3 evaluations before February doesn't necessarily help me grow... Mentoring can help me do that
I love being a "mentor" for you! You help me grow too! ☺️ https://t.co/7TajLFjVgt
Solid mentoring is a symbiotic relationship. Both teachers benefit, both teachers grow.
I think that depends on your admin. https://t.co/UcSoy30RTQ
It's also nice when you have a colleague in your room instead of eval Admin. Helps you take risks/ improve your craft
So many mentors/coaches across my career.A good one doesn't mind getting"down&dirty" in the classroom!Makes many teachable moments.
We often talk about veterans mentoring new teachers as though information and growth will not go the other way.
Time is the precious currency of all Ts. Give them the time they need. And donuts. And coffee. Lots of coffee
Ss can learn without us present. A little planning goes a long way.
I did a peer obs last yr. I new the T socially in classroom but learnt so much about he and how to focus Ss that day
New ideas never hurt anyone - what's the worse case scenario? It doesn't work - at least you gave it a shot https://t.co/0c53NAceQZ
. I usually say, "this is the norm here, but feel free to make it your own". Need to bring in new ideas!
power of togetherness, empathy n varied perspective is huge.
Yes many Admin can mentor as much as a peer. ! https://t.co/IbP5lYjh0K
I think that depends on your admin. https://t.co/UcSoy30RTQ
It's also nice when you have a colleague in your room instead of eval Admin. Helps you take risks/ improve your craft
Enjoy today. East coasters affected by the storm: STAY SAFE!
Every teacher, no matter how much experience they have, has a unique perspective and experience that can help their peers.
I would agree. I've received improvement to my ideas & support many times from
It always feels a little different w/ other adults int he room. I actually like it. I like to engage them in the lesson
me too! I loved it. I got meaningful feedback and appreciated other teachers so much more
I think the Assistant Principal job should be split in 2. Disciplinary Deans and Instructional Leaders.
perhaps stepping out for a period or so will give more energy to go back in
My CoT and I have that relationship. We both use info for blocks when we aren't together.
true true https://t.co/nObQR2212M
we never stop needing help and support. Districts that are serious about mentoring need it built in. https://t.co/sMJROjXHUC
Strange that it is only for new teachers ... at which point in our careers do we stop needed help/support?
Never! We all need support. Ts are on a continuum of learning. Once we stop learning, we stop being great TS
a coating is pretty in NYC - anything more is a logistical nightmare
While "on the fly" mentoring is what all caring and nurturing veteran Ts do, it's supplemental, not incremental
Mentorship can also be digital and does not have to be in house, but must be more than providing cat posters.
I find that specifying an area, task, question works best to center the process. All you mentioned can work.
Yes! I'm 20yrs in and am still learning daily! I learn some of my best stuff from the newbies!
Eventually, but new teachers need space to try and fail and bounce back more so than Vets.
Build a teacher up and he/she will want areas to improve. Most Ts are in ed to be the best they can be. https://t.co/iTk2jKLT4t
I think mentor Ts should always start by finding strengths before looking at areas to improve.
Good luck! Will be thinking of you! Stay safe!
Amen! I do a lot of this too, and it's always for the good of the cause. It's not hard to remember my why! https://t.co/3Iezkt0eQk
I've unofficially mentored lots of new Ts whose assigned mentors were sub-par, so let's redefine mentoring for the good of the cause
that's what it should be about.
Are you all set for the snow Abner? My wife has no school today.
I scared away one principal when I had him engage students in our discussion. He stayed away from my classroom after that.
yes young Ts often would ask for an obso before admin obso to "test run teaching methods" worked well https://t.co/XruJuhwBjH
me too! I loved it. I got meaningful feedback and appreciated other teachers so much more
No doubt dynamics are affected. Good teaching will shine thru any awkward moments.
https://t.co/bgvqFWaUO5
It always feels a little different w/ other adults int he room. I actually like it. I like to engage them in the lesson
I've never met a passionate teacher that isn't a passionate learner.
Best book I've read on - it's not edu specific but you can apply to a mentor or leadership role https://t.co/xPABvrN6EC
Happy Friday T2T relationships develop as we celebrate successes and analyze failures as equals.
love that you make sure they know the value they bring to your life and each other's.🙌🏼 They believe you.✨
inches of snow - the weather folk like to throw numbers at us: 3-5 in., 8-10 inches, Snowmeggedon!
Teaching has so many dimensions. There are experts on specifics throughout your school and we all need to share
APs and Ps should teacher classes when they can.
Or, they get overwhelmed by all of the "bells & whistles" packed into the curriculum.
My best mentor my 1st year of teaching was another T new to the bldg; I wasn't afraid to ask her questions.
exactly! Imagine if we approached teaching the same way as medicine.
As an AP, I would love that bc I was an instr coach; I miss relationships &opportunities 2support T growth https://t.co/1IRTtfHJpF
I think the Assistant Principal job should be split in 2. Disciplinary Deans and Instructional Leaders.
We need to make time to collaborate/create/laugh with other Ts ... share ideas ... build a culture
our teacher of the year this year is a 3 year, non-tenured teacher. First time ever, and VERY well deserved!
I was thinking the same :)
Yes- new teachers are required to have mentor and they is a structured training for mentors in the summer https://t.co/Rwebt0xVKH
Amen! I do a lot of this too, and it's always for the good of the cause. It's not hard to remember my why! https://t.co/3Iezkt0eQk
I've unofficially mentored lots of new Ts whose assigned mentors were sub-par, so let's redefine mentoring for the good of the cause
That just made me laugh out loud! I feel lucky-it's typical in our school for P to come in and engage/learn with S's!
Every T in my school spent 30 min observing another T in LA instruction,another 30 in math.Learnijng walks. https://t.co/KzNzYMq3F1
