#iaedchat Archive
Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Sunday August 21, 2016
Good evening & welcome everyone! My tweets for the next hour are dedicated to
.
Our topic is “Finding the Fit Between Work and Home”
Your co-moderators for tonight’s are and
Your co-moderators for tonight’s are and
Erik Buchholz - WHS Principal from Washington, IA. Glad to be using my own computer tonight!
Take a moment to introduce yourself, your role in schools, and where you are tweeting from tonight.
Greg IC at Epworth Elementary. Joining in from a beautiful fall like evening in Iowa
My man is in the house! Welcome, buddy! Don't forget who we do it for! https://t.co/7BHLG9pNmg
Greg IC at Epworth Elementary. Joining in from a beautiful fall like evening in Iowa
Welcome Erik...Glad you could make it tonight!
Welcome, Erik! Glad to see you here!
I ask myself that daily. It is written on my bathroom mirror. Never forget who we do it for!
Hello , Paul Chick, principal in Hendricks, MN
Welcome, Paul. Great to see you again on
Thanks Dan!! I saw the topic and figured I better learn something tonight, cause there's not much I can teach here! :)
Colin Wikan...Dean of Students at Bett HS. Tweeting at you from Bettendorf IA.
Welcome, Greg! It's been awhile. Great to see you again.
Good evening Tim, elementary principal. Great night here in the suburbs of Chicago.
Welcome Tim!! https://t.co/K0eZYbus71
Good evening Tim, elementary principal. Great night here in the suburbs of Chicago.
Good evening, , Dan Butler, principal of in .
Good evening, , Dan Butler, principal of in .
Good to see you again, Tim!
Thanks Looking forward to learning!!
Yea!!! I'm back for Deb from Cresco. HS ELA
We have another outstanding group of people on this evening! Q1 is coming in one minute.
She's back! Welcome, Deb, it is great to see you again!
this is becoming part of the Sunday night routine!
Thanks. It was a great summer, but time to get back to it
Q1: When you hear the term “appropriate life fit,” what comes to mind as it relates to school and home?
A great routine to be in right now, Tim. Glad to have you with us! https://t.co/0JMIqKYEan
this is becoming part of the Sunday night routine!
Doug from West Prairie in IL.
Good evening, Doug. Thank you for joining us on
Oops! Still have summer brain! Kim North HS TL - glad to be here!
A1: The balance of work life and home life. I try everyday to disconnect to spend time with my family...not always successful!
A1: I think of investing the right amount of time to each. This depends upon the day and my current situation.
Q1 An appropriate life fit makes my life better, more complete--not just one more thing I have to do
Great to see you, KIm! Welcome!
Priorities: I'll be a mediocre principal if I have to be but I don't want to be a mediocre husband or dad. https://t.co/gNeIDIOl2I
Q1: When you hear the term “appropriate life fit,” what comes to mind as it relates to school and home?
I would agree. We will get into this later, but what do you do to find the appropriate fit?
A1: starting my 12th year & I still struggle to balance. First thing I'd tell new Ts. Be able to disconnect!
A1 I think off making sure that you are in the right place both professional and personally for your season of life.
For sure. You can't be a great principal if it's not taken care of at home and visa versa.
Me either. Disconnecting is hard. Esp as a coach, too https://t.co/insvvQ7Dhb
A1: The balance of work life and home life. I try everyday to disconnect to spend time with my family...not always successful!
Right on Danny!! I couldn't agree more!
That's the hard part--and I'm not sure I have a good answer
Hello ! Chris from Norwalk getting geared up for the new school year.
A-1, Envy others. I seem 2 fall into the trap of wanting 2 be great / find myself working long hours. Must not be working smart???
Hopefully we will spark some thoughts before the night is over!
A1 this is so challenging. I am blessed to be married to another educator. We talk "shop" at home to support each other.
Beth in Central Iowa. Supper and on the back deck this evening. This could become a very sweet routine.
A1: Balance is key. Sometimes you have to give a little more/less to each depends on situation - priority is to get back on track.
Welcome Chris...thanks for joining in! https://t.co/57lkw8US17
Hello ! Chris from Norwalk getting geared up for the new school year.
Welcome, Beth! Especially with this wonderful Iowa weather tonight.
For ex. When asked to be on committees, is it something I truly believe in? Or something I can't say no to
not always - sometimes we have to put in the long hrs - but we need to remember we need to put the hrs back into us!
If you have not read Greg's blog, it is worth your time to give a read. Insightful and thought provoking. https://t.co/8tsbUh9Khi
We are off to a great start and just about ready for Q2!
I here you. So important to spend time with loved ones. Recharge your batteries so you can be a better leader, teacher
Q2: School responsibilities and commitments at home are very demanding. What strategies do you have to meet various needs?
A1: You have to be able compartmentalize.
A-1b I have a great spouse who is very understanding and supportive!
Dave - HS SS in Ankeny diving in for Q2
Hi...I'm jumping in a bit late, but glad to be on . Brant, MS Principal from Wyo
That support is pretty critical in this process. I am extremely fortunate in this regard as well. https://t.co/IQ4VmZunhf
A-1b I have a great spouse who is very understanding and supportive!
A2 I always make sure that there are times in my week where it is solid family time. Takes a lot to cancel it.
A2: I swear by my calendar and the help of my husband!
Good to see you again, Brant!
A2 Honestly, I assign days to this. Sunday nights in the summer are for spending with a group of friends. We let nothing interrupt
Welcome Brant...glad you could join us! https://t.co/IEdh3QtOec
Hi...I'm jumping in a bit late, but glad to be on . Brant, MS Principal from Wyo
A2: Revisiting our family's social contract tonight. Asking that my family "checks" me when they feel like things are off balance.
That's pretty awesome, Deb. I need to do this. https://t.co/yGXO4YbiWI
A2 Honestly, I assign days to this. Sunday nights in the summer are for spending with a group of friends. We let nothing interrupt
A2: I ask my wife how her day went & my children have to tell me 3 things about their day. Refocus on work when kids r in bed.
A2: My best strategy is effective communication at school and home. Clarifying my responsibilities of each and planning.
A2 I guard 5-8pm very strictly for family time. If I can do it when kids are in bed I do.
If I didn't take care of my kids, I wouldn't expect parents to let me take care of their kids.
A2 trying to stay organized with meal planning at home so I Feel organized at work.
A2: I need to do a better job of having a tech free Sunday. Been doing way too much weekend work already.
A2: I try to make sure I stay off my work devices (iPad or MacBook) until after my 3 boys are asleep.
A2 Sat during school yerar are for things to do at home or spending with my husband. School work does not appear
A-2 My Google calendar can look crazy at times. I do my absolute best 2 make every daughter event and work the rest of the time.
I thought going to as many ballparks as possible was on the list... cc: https://t.co/q3yzsmdFNB
A2: Revisiting our family's social contract tonight. Asking that my family "checks" me when they feel like things are off balance.
A-1: A happy dance with great balance and not stepping on one another's toes (home snd work)
It's the only way I can balance!
A2: Prioritize and create some things that are "musts" - they can not be trumped. Communicate with wife and peers for the rest.
A2: I'm surprised didn't mention our . We have people running all over the place.
Communicate. Find out from family what things are important to them. They need to know they are first! https://t.co/gMkAXWFGPk
Q2: School responsibilities and commitments at home are very demanding. What strategies do you have to meet various needs?
A2 I make sure that the important family events are a priority My wife and I also work hard to review the calendars every few days
A2 Keeping perspective on what matters to who. Some minor things often mean the world to my kids I can easily miss that.
Such a simple, but very impactful answer! Communication solves about 95% of our issues.
without family, the rest doesn't happen!
One of the reasons why this guy rocks. https://t.co/JIXfJlpmvW
A2 Keeping perspective on what matters to who. Some minor things often mean the world to my kids I can easily miss that.
Q3 is on deck; keep bringing it, !
A2: Yes! We'd be lost without our shared calendar!
That's how I came up with assigned days. It's imp to my husband to have these days.
Us too! My favorite person to bounce ideas off of, he keeps it real. 😃
Q3: What type of time management mechanism or system do you utilize to maximize the 24 hours that you have each day?
A2: I'm lucky, or maybe not, to be an empty-nester so there's only one person to please besides me most of the time.
Trevor Miller Supt.-High School Principal Exira-EHK.
A2. Very supportive spouse and making sure I have time built in my calendar.
yes it is. We have the best conversations at dinner or when we go for a walk!
A-2: Intentionally organize my calendar to avoid difficult choices! While inevitable the blow can be softened!
Welcome, Trevor! It has been too long, my man. Good to see you again on
A3: I lean heavily on my Google Calendar...and also my secretary (not necessarily in that order)
A3 During the school year we agree on a routine that works and then stick to it. Calendar, Communication, and Commitment
A2: Sometimes the balance means everyone eats walking tacos and our kids do their homework in the gym bleachers.
A3: Have a plan and a system and stick to it. Many systems can work IF we follow them.
A3 I keep a bullet journal. Great way for me to keep world organized. But my phone is becoming more imp since it sends reminders
I would agree, Dave. More about discipline than the system. Great point. https://t.co/LyM4tSprgK
A3: Have a plan and a system and stick to it. Many systems can work IF we follow them.
A3: My Outlook calendar is my lifeline. Shared with all teaching staff to keep on same page. Also maintain prioritized ToDo list.
A3: I heavily rely on my calendar & reminders. I also make lists on Google Docs b/c it shares across devices & keeps me organized.
OMG ... they have systems for this!? https://t.co/a1pYHc9N0j
Q3: What type of time management mechanism or system do you utilize to maximize the 24 hours that you have each day?
A3 And I write myself post it note reminders and leave on my desk for morning reminders
A-3 Google Calendar. Shared with multiple people. Plug in all routine times first then look to see when everything else can fit.
A3: We have a well established family routine that allows for balance.
Google calendar all the way!
A3: Google calendar and my to-do list.
Honestly you should read Time Management Magic by . It is really good. Practical.
A3: Google Keep is a nice tool to manage personal & professional
Funny thing, when you share your Google Calendar with others...They freakin' fill it up for you lol. https://t.co/mEdDPgj2hO
A-3 Google Calendar. Shared with multiple people. Plug in all routine times first then look to see when everything else can fit.
Good stuff Beth...LOL! https://t.co/bspGWEOmvN
A2: Sometimes the balance means everyone eats walking tacos and our kids do their homework in the gym bleachers.
The problem is that I tend to be undisciplined in certain areas...need an accountability partner to keep me on track.
A3 I live by Google Calendar otherwise I would forget. Wife and I share work calendars with each other. Our girls have routines
I have the lists as well. What needs done today, what needs done this week, etc.
A3 my google calendar is shared with staff and if family time is built in that time is not up for discussion.
A2 I waited until my kids went to college before going into Admin. Its tuff to say family first and have to be gone all the time.
accountablity is huge. Just went that direction for my IC TIP goal for this year.
A3: I'm a list person and feel accomplished when things are crossed off. Often forget the "me" time -new 16-17 yr goal!
A-3: Prioritize the calendar with balance in mind!
I am lost without my calendar. Check it every night to review what is coming up. So helpful
I agree. I do well for awhile, but I seem to lose the rhythm when life gets a little crazy. Stick to the system.
A3: Use Google Calendar for school, for family, and to keep track of everything in between.
A-3b Closing Keynote at SAI was all about scheduling time for yourself. "Ever seen a burn out person give it their best?"
A3: Let's be honest. My management system is !
Probably going to have to check out , Beth.
I understand. Empty nester now, but it was so imp when boys were growing up
This is a safe space, and we are happy that you came clean! https://t.co/5kc1dpTeYb
A3: Let's be honest. My management system is !
Q4: Making time for yourself is key to an appropriate life fit. What do you do to enjoy and make time for yourself?
A3: Changing things up this year & intentionally scheduling time to spend with our parents, grandparents. They are too overlooked.
keeping it at the forefront will allow you to be successful at that - good to plan for that craziness!
I have a Ts who aren't comfortable with Twitter, use Keep to capture the experience & submit it for grad credit
It's all about balance and priorities.
A5 when you leave school, leave it...at least a couple of hours, a glass of wine helps too! 🍷
A4: I make time to read each day if at all possible. Exercising in the morning is so beneficial and need to get back to it.
A4: I come home each day for lunch and I take two hunting trips a year with my dad and son to "get away."
A4. Enjoy biking and running, chance to collect my thoughts and not be interrupted.
A4 I have established a routine of working out early in the morning. I have found that this puts me in the right frame
A4: My commute to and from school is my time. No phone calls, no list-making. Just me and audiobooks or podcasts. Time to relax.
A4: Saturday mornings are often fall date times - then watch college FB!
A4: A religious slant...I've found if you make sure the "first fruits" go to God, He will multiply the rest of your day...
A-4: Grab the clubs and head for the golf course!
A4 It is really important for me to "take a night off". As ELA tchr, there's always writing to read and comment on.
Have to get my morning workout it also...just not the same without it. https://t.co/xsQ26UduYa
A4: I make time to read each day if at all possible. Exercising in the morning is so beneficial and need to get back to it.
Good for you, Tim. This is so beneficial and where I need to be.
A4: Set my alarm for 5:00am on a Sunday so I can catch some Pokeman at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
A3: I am an avid reader and use it to unwind - getting to gym is also a great stress reliever!
One of my goals for this year, !
A4 Taking Sat and doing fun things clears my head. I need that too
A-4 Sunday afternoons are time spent with family doing anything. Sunday nights are for iaedchat. Need to fit in exercise sometime.
A4 find ways to serve my spouse, gets self out of the way
Yes! This seems to always work for me as well, Gary.
A4 And of course our lake place. I think everyone needs a happy place where they can go and be themselves.
A4 what time do you wake up in morning to workout? Always too tired for night, but dread waking in morning too!
A4 Try to golf once a week. Took once and swung the clubs about 3 weeks worth in one night.
Q4 Get up at 4:30 so I have time to work on my physical and spiritual well-being.
that is awesome! It works wonders.
We got our money's worth. I thought we were trying to accumulate the most swings I thought I was winning? https://t.co/E6smYQHqzf
A4 Try to golf once a week. Took once and swung the clubs about 3 weeks worth in one night.
I was think about the amount of tweets and chats read per week...it has to be a bunch of reading
Q5 is coming right up in one minute! Great chat tonight!
It is. It's good reading, but I still need a break.
A4 quiet time just talking within the Lord in morning rejuvenates me
A4: Monthly scheduled date nights--time to unwind, laugh, and reconnect. If it's not on the calendar, it usually doesn't happen.
Weekly chats sometimes upset my balance - sometimes I try to do too many.
Me too. Had to limit myself to the 2 that inspire me the most. and
Q5: What strategies do you use to be present in the moment whether you are at home or school?
Q4 Also try to make sure I'm able to answer the question, "What did you do for fun this weekend?"
A5 I work really hard at leaving home at home and school at school.
A5: I put the phone away!
we had present she challenged us to schedule me/couple time! So important! Remember ?
A-5 Sure glad you didn't ask my wife this one!!! NEED to turn off TV for conversations and NO phone at meals time when I'm there.
A5 to me it is quite simple, disconnect/unplug & focus
A5: I try 2 hold true 2 the model of responding w/in a 24 hr window. I also have about everything I need on my phone
A5: At school: turn off comp. monitor and silence phone when people come to my office. Take email off phone at home.
A5: Easy to be present at school (home typically doesn't go there). Much more challenging the other direction.
A5: remove myself from phone and technology. Make sure I am in the moment. Each conversation is relationship
Wife and I often put the TV on a music channel and low volume so its just background.
A5 When working with Ss, computer closed. Look them in the eye. Focus on what they are saying
Stephanie, elem principal from PA. Packing my daughter for college tonight as I tweet.
A5:to be in the moment, at staff meetings get out your phone & tweet=> it's close listening & note making https://t.co/LskSN1f0bU
A5: hard to do - close laptop lid - put phone down at home
A5: I try to make sure I'm creating a balance between screen time and movement. https://t.co/KuTL0YrIYg
Q5: What strategies do you use to be present in the moment whether you are at home or school?
A5 put away the devices whether at home or school. Show the person I am talking to that I am interested in what they say
A5: Picking the best Twitter chats to participate in and only devoting that time. It could be easy to get caught up in them all.
A-5: Being honest about the challenges of the work and how important it is to work at getting better with balance!
Same! https://t.co/DtKL0fZCmb
A5: Picking the best Twitter chats to participate in and only devoting that time. It could be easy to get caught up in them all.
A5.2: this becomes harder each year. We have so many tools and ease of access. Need to be disciplined to truly connect F2F.
Yep...My phone can connect me to someone across the globe, or disconnect me with someone across the table. https://t.co/lYjJ8IHLMd
A5: hard to do - close laptop lid - put phone down at home
We're really grateful to be on this list! https://t.co/CIFws6oX4k
A5: Picking the best Twitter chats to participate in and only devoting that time. It could be easy to get caught up in them all.
Q6 is coming up in one minute!
I think we are at a point where Brant drops the mic. That was brilliant! https://t.co/5ifHZAMCLE
Yep...My phone can connect me to someone across the globe, or disconnect me with someone across the table. https://t.co/lYjJ8IHLMd
A5: hard to do - close laptop lid - put phone down at home
Mouthful said right here>>> https://t.co/uTSX55RWRV
Yep...My phone can connect me to someone across the globe, or disconnect me with someone across the table. https://t.co/lYjJ8IHLMd
A5: hard to do - close laptop lid - put phone down at home
Have a great evening. Off to put daughter to bed. Preparing for school schedule. Family time. Have a great week. Be Awesome
yes and that is something we stress to our teenage daughters as we try to model the F2F connections.
Q6: What ideas do you have relieve stress while working through challenging situations?
You too, Trevor. Have a great school year.
will be starting in 15m, stop on by
A6 I know I handle everything better when I walk every day. I'm scheduling a walk into my calendar every day
This is so important at this day in age especially. Authentic relationships still matter a whole lot.
A6 I also need to keep my support group close. Being able to talk things out with friends helps me a lot
A6: I always reach out to my team in times of need. Reaching out to PLN helps too
A6: Some of my best advice is to take care of the hard stuff on a daily basis. Difficult conversations, decisions, etc.
A-6 Deep breathing, relax posture and seek first to understand. Also remember most decisions don't have to be made that moment.
A6: chats with close Colleagues, deep breathing and working out!
Good advice! Putting off the difficult only makes it more difficult!
A6.2: Also always try to keep things in perspective and ask myself, "What's the worst that could happen?" "The best?"
A6: Challenging situation? Audiobook/podcast on my commute is replaced with loud music and my terrible singing. It's therapeutic.
A7: Kelly McGonigal has an awesome Ted talk that will really change your perspective on stress: https://t.co/D7WhUwfbZP
rocks! Love his stuff. Our support staff members read the Energy Bus as a staff book study. https://t.co/EDD2wpueBn
A7: Kelly McGonigal has an awesome Ted talk that will really change your perspective on stress: https://t.co/GIlycdX7m7
A-6: Work diligently at minimizing self induced stressors! Channel your time and energies toward positives!
A6: I try to live by faith and patience - hand in hand, but most things we stress about are minor in reality. We make them big.
A6 Sometimes the challenging situations aren't necessarily important. I need to prioritize!
A-6.2 Great friend once said, "what are the unintended consequences? If you can live with those, make the decision."
A5 . Be present . . . Be a present to others by offering a listening ear and open heart
A6 read, listen to a great podcast, connect w/ others, reach out for advice, exercise, & remember that it is about our students
just started doing this. It has made a world of difference!
We are just about ready for Q7!
Q7: What is one thought, resource, or tool that you will take back to your setting from tonight’s chat?
A6b) When in doubt, read some Calvin and Hobbes :)
Like Tim McGraw says, "Live like you were dying." Puts everything into perspective. Things we stress about prob not that importan
A7: As we enter a new school year, I need to remember to take care of my own wellness to be the best leader that I can be.
A7 I will keep scheduling myself into my calendar. Otherwise, I am not a priority in my life.
A-7 Going 2 switch 2 soft music instead of TV when with my wife. If that doesn't work singing loudly on my way to work!
A7: Leaving my phone at home during our family walks. Use that time to connect face to face.
A7: Missing my man JC...Jimmy Casas () but either way its always about the kids!!
A7: hard to pick 1! Taking care of you first ultimately impacts students in a positive way!
just shared this same idea with a colleague. This is so true.
Great idea. Simple, but powerful.
Love the way you put that, !
A7 make sure that I am connecting with wife and daughters. Put away the phone and laptop to have those F2F conversations
Thank you for joining us & sharing your thoughts on . It is always great learning with all of you.
Once again, was an awesome way to spend my Sunday evening. Great to learn from everyone :)
Thank you to co-moderators and . Bringing greatness since January 2016!
A7: focus on eye contact and make sure that I'm truly present with F2F situations.
Be sure to also follow some of the new friends you met on to continue the conversation & grow your PLN.
A7:2 also hit up my PLN for a recharge when needed. Love my PLN!
Thanks for a great tonight. Great way to get myself ready for a new year.
A-7: Balance leads to greater happiness, productivity, and your ability to lead more effectively!
See you next Sunday night for LIVE with , talking all things literacy. Until then… Be the Change!
Great chat tonight, all! Glad to be back in the swing of things!
Great chat tonight! See everyone later.
gets me ready for the week ahead! - 1 more inservice day and then the kiddos arrive!
What a fun night! I smiled, laughed / feel fantastic right now. Thank U 2 the educational leadership around this wonderful state.
