#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday February 11, 2016
Welcome to tonight. Tonight: Being a leader for change. Please introduce yourself and where you are from
Hi
Carl from Emerald Australia popping in between classes
Introducing chromebooks/Google classroom 2 ss on Wednesday. Need management ideas,math ideas!
Evening people! Sean here, K-8 special ed principal from NJ! Ready to get back in it with all of you!
I'm using participate for the first time right now. Let's see how I do.
I'm Jeremy from Michigan. 7th/8th grade English, author and co-director of the Chippewa River writing project.
Amy from KY- 8 grade writing teacher!
Ellen from super chilly NE OH. Ready to talk change w/ mschatters!
Lori Hartman from Michigan.
I've been digging so let us know how you like ! Ready to learn with you!
Oh, yea, and I teach 7th grade math.
Hi Jeremy! Looking forward to discussing this topic with you and everyone else!
Christie, middle school math teacher and dept chair from suburban Chicago.
Jamie from WI. MS SS and careers. 7 year survivor of ms kids!
Hey Ellen! Pretty chilly here in NJ too. Let's heat things up with tonight!
Katy from PA. Pre-Service T studying Middle Level Math/Science Education.
I am looking forward to tonight's topic. I have a lot of questions.
❄️Marlena here from a chilly NashVegas! Hi peeps! Excited to have lead us tonight!
Tom 8th Grade Social Studies Loves Park, IL
Brett, gr. 6-8 band & music from WI
Brad in Bangkok. Been in middle school my whole life!
Great to see you Marlena! Must be chilly everywhere!
Let's do this Jeremy! Great topic!
Colleen 7th SS from STL. Just stopping by for a few
Welcome Everyone!! First question coming at ya hard and fast!
Im Jenna, a preservice teacher at Grove City College studying Secondary Math education
Q1: What does it mean to be a leader of change?
Hi Ellen,
It's a muggy one this year. Can't wait for the nights to cool down a bit
love seeing a preserve evidence getting some free PD!
A1: MINDSET and willing example of change.
A1: it means being unafraid to take the first steps toward needed change and leading by example
A1 To be a leader of change means not to be afraid of trying new things and then sharing what you're doing.
A1: Noticing a need for change, creating path to change w/ stakeholders, & helping to see it thru. Take risks to improve for all!
A1 Leaders of change have different views of the future and ability to collaborate with others to make change actually happen.
A1: Standing up for something you believe in, being an example for others, and following through with your ideas.
A1: Guiding others towards change and helping them to see the value of the change.
YES! Taking risks are huge. I am a firm believer in this. We can't be afraid to fail.
A1: 2 types of leaders-transformative & sustainers. Both effect change but in different ways. https://t.co/SNLJRSTg2D
Q1: What does it mean to be a leader of change?
Well said! https://t.co/RNNPQ8EFxA
A1: Noticing a need for change, creating path to change w/ stakeholders, & helping to see it thru. Take risks to improve for all!
A1:risk failure for a worthy cause. Few change agents have followed a smooth path.
We have to believe it first!
A1 Creating and actualizing a vision where purposeful, positive change is embraced as an avenue toward improvement
Yes! Sharing with others what worked and what didn't- transparency
Yes! If you're not taking a new risk everyday, what are you doing?! Modeling risks empowers others to take risks!
So true! Being a change agent takes courage!
I think it means to inspire others to fulfill their potential, or to fulfill what they thought was beyond it.
Busy time for you. It's a regional conference. I'm checking it out for the first time. Presenting too.
Absolutely Amay. Transparency has to be a must.
A1 A leader of change shifts the feelings of loss often associated with change to feelings of growth
Hi Everyone, Alan from Melbourne, Australia Lookslike an interesting discussion! !
A1 Leaders of change do the hard work WITH others.
I really like how you describe this distinction!
Like the follow through piece here, Katy. Imperative if we are to see positive change
Hi Dave. Glad you can jump in. How do we inspire?
A1 Ldr of chg nds to be willing to fail; encourage teamwork; willing to help others succeed; positive in all actions
We definitely cannot do it without others! Important distinction! https://t.co/cth3SS6kru
A1 Leaders of change do the hard work WITH others.
Yup! There has to be collaboration, not a dictatorship.
Hey Arturo! Good to see you here tonight!
Thanks for joining us Arturo.
Important for us to know which we are so we can maximize our effect!
Agree, Anthony. We must all be engaged with examining strategies that contribute to our improvement
A1 Being focused most of all on Ss and seeing "Leader" as a verb, not a noun. Urge by example, relevant, dynamic instruction
A1 Change agents foster a shared purpose of change to move to collective action
dictatorship creates change in schools alright. Just not the kind they were hoping!
I love this...a leader as a verb. That is powerful!
A1) modeling it and then teaching students to constantly strive to improve and find a better more productive method.
YES! And recognizing that the definition of leader is fluid, as is our role and responsibilities! https://t.co/e5rMGFo0ED
A1 Being focused most of all on Ss and seeing "Leader" as a verb, not a noun. Urge by example, relevant, dynamic instruction
Everyone is rocking it out! Keep it up. Question #2 in just a few.
Right, Ellen. Shared purpose is necessary if we all are to take ownership of continuous progress
A1 Develop relevant curriculum collaboratively - with Ts, Ps and Ss. Use pedagogies that resonate with individual Ss
Q2: What makes a great leader of change at any level, whether teacher, principal, etc.
relevant seems to be a key word in creating effective change IMO. Answer the "why change?" First.
Absolutley! Leaders cannot be precious about their ideas. It is all about what is best for Ss
We can all be writers. We all have the power to impact meaningful change.
A2 concern for the wellness of an organization and its constituents, not personal upward mobility. Selfless, humble, kind.
A2: Great change leaders must be open to anything & everything! Keep mind open to all possibilities & challenge norms of your org!
Chelsea from NY (Long Island) A2 -resilience
A2: Willingness to listen, courage to advise, and the tact to instruct
A2: In order to be a great leader of change, you need to have a Growth Mindset and be willing to learn as well
A2: Ldr that is transparent, supportive, empathetic, & a visionary. https://t.co/dyxp2E85MT
Q2: What makes a great leader of change at any level, whether teacher, principal, etc.
A2: flexible, open, approachable, listener, risk taker
A2 So good to see the recognition that ALL Ts have a leadership role! A beginning Ts has a leadership role and powerfully impacts Ss
A2 In MS its not being afraid to try (and sometimes fail) and try something else and sharing with others results
A2: Willingness to listen (not just hear) concerns, questions, comments from others when making decisions.
Couldn't agree more. Sadly, politics & personal ambitions of schools prevent this from happening enough.
A2: We must be willing to build up others as leaders and help them utilize other's strengths.
A2 Providing differentiated support necessary to be successful through the change
Listening is a lost art! Such a critical trait of a great leader!
Thanks for sharing this Brad!
A2: Trusted advisors. No one leads change alone.
A2 I really like that this ? validates that change can happen @ any level- just needs some1 to see it through; gr8 ldrs persevere.
A2 A school climate that is collegial allows for leaders of change to emerge
Why change? We only need to ask if we live in the same world of 20, 50, 100 years ago. If we do, no change is needed
A2 looking for "bright spots." Figuring out what works and how to duplicate it without invalidating others.
Yes! "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." https://t.co/BgvX18OUlS
A2: We must be willing to build up others as leaders and help them utilize other's strengths.
I think sometimes we miss promoting the brotherhood of Ts in our own buildings too.
Yes. We have to be purposeful in our reception of other perspectives and use them to improve the change process
A2: willingness to listen to innovative ideas and support them even if they fail initially
I have been out of the loop for about a year with Prego and baby, love seeing all the new names! This is awesome!
and recognizing that the differentiation of support extends to ALL stakeholders of a school, not just one arm!
I agree and sometimes I feel like we have more leaders who just are afraid to step up too.
Question #3 coming up soon!
Fear is real in a high stakes world of accountability based on a 1-size-fits-all test and other factors.
A2 Relationships brings top-down and bottom-up decision making together
A2: Being teachable. The moment we stop learning or think we have all the answers we've regressed.
A2 Even without the world changes that a leader must meet, every Ss is different. We lead precious individuals not automatons
When we stop learning or trying to learn, we cease to be effective in our practice and efforts. Never stop learning!
Thanks. Trying to keep up with the chat. I appreciate the correction.
Q3: How are you being a leader of change in your district?
Never Leslie! Glad you can jump in.
very true but some things are worth keeping and some aren't. Socratic method is great and old. SBGrading is great and new
A3: I'm trying to constantly learn and grow my PLC on Twitter! :)
Not at all! Welcome Leslie!
A3: through providing research, articles, knowledge to promote inquiry
Yes! Leadership that is rich with open dialogue is the only one that will allow learning to flourish https://t.co/QUYQir8Ptp
A2 Relationships brings top-down and bottom-up decision making together
A3 being a witness to the good can be powerful in leading change
I know right,Colleen? No worries. I don't take it personally.
Checking in a little late tonight for ! Katrina, student teacher from Michigan!
A3: By serving & leading stakeholders w love. Creating environment of love allows for max risk-taking, comfort & school improvement!
Ldrship starts and ends math relationships that are authentic & transparent!
Glad you can be here Katrina! Thanks for joining us.
Creating space for my T's to celebrate their passion. Preserve sacred time for planning and team meetings.
A1 get out of your office/room, connect and share. https://t.co/zAdviz8Ql4
Q3: How are you being a leader of change in your district?
A3 Really practicing listening to others
Glad to join! This is my first !
A3 Sharing resources, ideas and trying to build up my fellow Ts in the building. Don't always succeed- but I try.
A3 +: I'm also trying to have thoughtful discussions in our math dept about current practices/best practices so we can improve.
Absolutley! It's like a garage clear out. You get rid of irrelevant junk, keep what is still useful
A3: I am always trying to learn new things, do more research and be open others and others ideas, listen and promote others
A3 Most recently, we brought standards-based assessing/grading (no letter or %) to MS. How to guide -> https://t.co/ycalYxd7U0
A3:joining a student centered conversation movement instead of teacher centered conversations.
A3: Trying to learn how to be a better leader by reading more resources. Trying to listen more. Use strengths of others.
And as long as you keep trying, you will be successful! Rome wasn't built in a day, keep it up!
A3 I foster relationships & communication, encourage & support innovation. And I have a principal that supports me
A3: By not being afraid to challenge any decision that's not best 4 kids! We must be 4 Ss! https://t.co/8BKf4ByKi2
Q3: How are you being a leader of change in your district?
Getting consensus on distinguishing what's what is the hard part!
Yes, we have to be willing to always learn.
Yessss! Change doesn't occur behind closed doors!
An essential mindset shift that needs to occur! Need to change view from a few Ts to whole school shared vision!
A3: Trying things that scare people - Periscoping, Google Hangouts, Passion Projects, Innovation & Tinker Time for Ts.
A3:Risking change.Change brings more work,but not always more Ss development (Guskey,2002). We change because we believe in better.
Agreed! Don't be afraid to speak up if you feel your students aren't being served! https://t.co/FJy9OWi5jQ
A3: By not being afraid to challenge any decision that's not best 4 kids! We must be 4 Ss! https://t.co/8BKf4ByKi2
Q3: How are you being a leader of change in your district?
A3 continuing to learn and grow
Yes, I love this. I get frustrated with others who see this as not teaching. Ss need to be reached.
Exactly where our PLNs come in handy! provide me w/ resources & ideas to serve better!
A3: Researching best practices and constantly asking questions to learn from the experiences of those around me
Takes courage but I never had a problem sleeping at night b/c if decisions I made!
Exactly! If it's not in the best interest of our kids, why are we doing it? https://t.co/iQ60pTRQIe
A3: By not being afraid to challenge any decision that's not best 4 kids! We must be 4 Ss! https://t.co/8BKf4ByKi2
Q3: How are you being a leader of change in your district?
Indeed, and the PLN always comes through.
and I'm no pro. Focusing on the T over the S is easy to do! It just doesn't make me feel as good.
This is true. Maybe the 5 whys are useful here? Tradition can blur vision. There must be more than historical value.
It's what makes us uncomfortable & is difficult that allows us to grow & be better for our students! Keep pushing!
You can't be an effective principal in your office.
couldn't agree more! Pave the way!! https://t.co/JeKEkYlQhk
A3: Trying things that scare people - Periscoping, Google Hangouts, Passion Projects, Innovation & Tinker Time for Ts.
Q4: Why do you think it is hard for some educators to accept change?
Forgive me if I have followed you back yet if you followed me tonight. I will get to it, promise.
A3 Thru chats + Read PD + support colleagues + district & bldg ldr tms
A4: it puts them out of there comfort zone in a state of vulnerability and it is difficult
A4: The "we've always done it this way" mindset is hard to overcome. Risk-averse educators must be walked gently thru the process!
A lot of time I hear that it’s fear, but honestly, it boils down to passion & work-ethic
A4: It's hard to change and the known is easy, but not always best.
A4 Change is hard! Guidance and LOTS of support is needed.
A4: some educators want to just do things the way they have always done because it is "easy"
Wow this is amazing Q and something we face every day! , excited to read the As https://t.co/MFgrWMdz9i
Q4: Why do you think it is hard for some educators to accept change?
A4 Many feel defeated- high stakes testing, another complete curriculum overhaul by the state, etc. Why make the effort?
A4: Some see changing as admitting that what they did before was wrong. Noone wants to think they they're wrong.
A4: Testing frenzy has created culture of fear 4 Ts/Ss! Have to change that & allow Ts/Ss to fail w/grace! https://t.co/DVDkQDoA6w
Q4: Why do you think it is hard for some educators to accept change?
A4: Ts are supposed to have all the answers for Ss. Hard to acknowledge to ourselves that we don't know everything & need to change!
A4:It's incredibly easy to get "stuck" in what's comfortable or familiar. Change is neither, & it requires additional time & effort.
A4 Also Ts are uneasy about change b/c it happens so often in edu.
A4 + : The "this too shall pass" mindset. Why change if it's just going to change again next year?
A4 There are a great deal of unknowns connected with change. Unknowns make some uncomfortable.
A4
• Some think they've seen it, done it before.
• It's hard work.
• They will actually have to change a mindset and practice.
it is also hard when there isn't commitment by the majority
A4: change IS hard, but necessary
Yes, and I know that some educators don't want to put in that extra time. If we want success, we have to do it.
if we stuck to easy, learning would plateau or decline
Such a valid point! With all of the change in schools, how do we know what is effective and what is not? https://t.co/lCrzdgL6Rt
A4 Also Ts are uneasy about change b/c it happens so often in edu.
Work ethic and willingness to put in the time are huge. Thanks for sharing
Some even reject change that is easier and less work. They become blind to it. https://t.co/zkwkue0QU8
A4
• Some think they've seen it, done it before.
• It's hard work.
• They will actually have to change a mindset and practice.
A4 Previous change implemented poorly,the potential for growth is unclear,feelings of uncertainty,mandated change is often resisted
Yes sir! Which is why change must start with early-adapters in school & allow them to lead change movements!
Agreed. It is up to leaders to make change believable and doable (in small steps, if needed). https://t.co/1wPdjP2iBF
A4 There are a great deal of unknowns connected with change. Unknowns make some uncomfortable.
and clarifying what is wrong and what needs to improve is important
A4: Change means you must put yourself in a position of not fully knowing something. It takes courage to change!
let the teachers decide- those in the trenches- let students decide- not politicians....
A4 fear of (perceived) amnt of time change will take; instead need 2 focus on positive results for Ss & likely time saved for Ts
Yes! It prevents Ts from trying something innovative
Could not agree more! Every change movement I have been a part of has been led by Ts & Ss. Their input is invaluable!
this is pervasive. good point
And that is where teaching is at right now...innovation.
Exactly! Schools should be hotbed of innovation & creativity for Ss & Ts.
This is true.We are charged 2 provide rationale, encouragement, & a listening ear during these times 2 help our people
This has been a great chat so far. Can't wait to go back through the archive. Question 5 is on the way!
A4 it's the unknown, uncertainty of will it fail? A leader believes we don't have to be sick to get better!
A4:there is so much of it fromoutside influences(politicians) it can be hard to see the benefit Change by T's is easy to buy into.
and that's why action research in the classrooms/sharing results is crucial!
It is hard. Ts are under a lot of pressure & are time poor. Even so, we have to keep checking our compass https://t.co/69Wmcfkf8s
A4:It's incredibly easy to get "stuck" in what's comfortable or familiar. Change is neither, & it requires additional time & effort.
Q5: How do we nurture and develop more leaders in our districts?
Awesome questions Jeremy! ✨👌🏾✨
Thank you ma'am. I appreciate it.
we need to share areas of success when we explore options
A5: By recognizing that job of a leader is to create leaders. Lead by example & set the tone for others! Lead well & they will come!
A5: we need to seek them out and empower them to take a leap
Agree, Laura, and the ability to connect a vision of improvement to the changes we make
A5: By giving opportunities and saying YES, allowing for the risk taking of leadership
A5 I don't know. I find many buried under work/family & hesitant to really step out there
A5: Provide opportunities for Ts to lead and share their expertise with others.
A5 Develop more leaders? Give opportunity AND support for others (Ts & Ss) to share real responsibility.
True. Ts get jaded if it's politically driven. That is why Ss focus is the critical change driver https://t.co/mOTXmU8q1f
A4 + : The "this too shall pass" mindset. Why change if it's just going to change again next year?
A5 have leadership (dpt chair/team ldr) on a rotation, more voices are heard, instead of the same...validate innovation & new ideas
Which is why it is so important to give them a reason & purpose to step out & step up! https://t.co/vdxNLcB7LX
A5 I don't know. I find many buried under work/family & hesitant to really step out there
A5: Delegate and share the leadership roles so all can get experience
Yes, and we have to find their strengths and convince them they have something to offer.
It is human nature to resist change. Ps do a lot of stuff they don't feel like for their kids. Ts must too https://t.co/Gmpi4yigrT
A4
• Some think they've seen it, done it before.
• It's hard work.
• They will actually have to change a mindset and practice.
A5: Encourage to take the leap, provide the opportunity, guide through the process, and celebrate their success
A5 I try to encourage leadership via encouragement, recommending sources/PLN's like Twitter/ organiz. & sharing what I try
A5 throw bureaucracy out the door, create a shared vision, create conditions & opps for others to take a lead
What happens if those rotated voices still don't speak out or are negative in their thinking?
A5) Look for positives. Encourage and give people confidence, be friendly and give friendly advice
Which means we have to invest time to build relationships so we know what they can offer! Build that human capital!
A5:create opportunities. Sounds simple but once someone sees their role in leadership they might like it!
A5: Great Q. Mindful mentoring?! Support/Trust to be innovative
A4 There will be more willing partners to lead in a culture where relationship building and trust are established.
thanks! 😊 often times, “leaders” stay and fall in a trap of not wanting to change
I am learning more and more that the relationship part is crucial.
A4: Teachers like routines and feel theirs are effective so they resist change: ALSO it is work: lessons aren't in the file cabinet
It does make it harder, but in the end we are the leader in our own classroom :)
Providing the opportunity to lead is essential! We may even have to manufacture that opportunity to encourage that leap!
Question six coming in fast!
A5: Invite all to keep learning. There are excellent resources and people willing to collaborate or teach.
A5 There will be more willing partners to lead in a culture where relationship building and trust are established.
YES relationships make the world go around: SO vital in schools and to make change happen
Agree, Todd. Saying YES is a key piece in allowing our people to have opportunities to increase leadership potential
I learned that the hard way, by working with admins who had no clue about the importance of relationships.
So important to give the opportunity but equally critical to provide support to new ldrs as they stretch their wings.
I like it! More voices. Same ppl talk to much sometimes anyway!
Yikes, I hope it is better for you now. My admin is great about this.
Encourage them to seek out leadership positions and help them prepare.
culture shift needs to happen, we r in the midst of this, went through “School Culture Rewind” & decided 2b honest
SO true, if teachers are willing to step up: NO only blocks progress and pushes Ts down
I got out of those environments & am creating my own environment based on relationships & love!
A5 Networking with other energised educators, using forums such as to do so, empowers and encourages new leaders to step forward.
A5 Opportunity to lead & training to do so.
Q6 :How do we bring others on board with the changes that are needed?
Funny isn't it, when change is constant in our lives. Look at a picture of yourself from 5,10 years ago. https://t.co/i9CYF7Nmie
It is human nature to resist change. Ps do a lot of stuff they don't feel like for their kids. Ts must too https://t.co/Gmpi4yigrT
A4
• Some think they've seen it, done it before.
• It's hard work.
• They will actually have to change a mindset and practice.
Via another chat, I started an ELA Centers shared folder for MS- feel free to use/contribute! https://t.co/P0jN1nJvTS
Question 6 may be similar to the earlier question, but perhaps it should still be asked.
A6: Buy in is important: Prove to others the change is needed: Only takes one follower to get the change moving
A6: By being real & sharing logic behind desired changes. Show them the need for change & why. They may not even know of the need!
A6) Like always, people will support change if they can see how it benefits THEIR goals
Thanks Amy for your willingness to share.
A5: As an instructional coach, I encourage Ts to share what they're doing in their classes during team and the new ideas they have.
A6: Different for Ts, just like different 4 Ss. Some u need to meet halfway; others will need more coaxing. Can't be 1 way 4 all.
A6: through building a base and encouraging, piloting, learning, sharing
A6: Best way to inspire others to lead & follow is by sharing our story including the mistakes made! https://t.co/ChZwy5t9qR
Q6 :How do we bring others on board with the changes that are needed?
A6: Show them how the change benefits the students.
A6 start with the “why”, u will gain buy-in
A6: Clarity is key. If individuals don't fully understand the proposed changes, support is unlikely. https://t.co/IO6cfu6R78
Q6 :How do we bring others on board with the changes that are needed?
Yup! I know I have to tell others in my department that mistakes I have made in the past as their leader.
SO True personal stories work for most, HOOK others in
And if your admin notices that in you, you know that you're making a difference in the lives of your Ss!
WHY is vital for change to occur. If others don't know why the change is needed it will be resisted
and get personal. People understand personal
Last question everyone...
A6 make other feel needed, value their opinions, facilitate brainstorming sessions, simply ask them what they think
Dropping that water line & being real w/ people will help drop their guard & open their minds to new possibilities!
I was told in college that if we have an idea we only need 2 ppl to move it forward. A T and an admin. True story IMO.
Q7: What are some resources that you can share with the chat about being a positive leader?
yes! Don’t be afraid to share personal mistakes!
A6: go slow to go fast...continue to build the case for chsrnge and be persistent
Absolutely! Some think ldrs aren't real people w/real challenges! We must be vulnerable to gain buy-in.
Yep I hope I'm good at that. No mistakes - no learning
and if you are a T you only need an Admin or vice versa ... YES two can make change happen
A7: Stay involved & connected w/ relevant PLN chats. Reach out to those you chat w/ on Twitter and be open about your struggles!
Important point! Every change initiative must start with "Why?" Creates buy-in from start. https://t.co/bTaDOxSyAy
A6 start with the “why”, u will gain buy-in
Not to mention it helps build those relationships that lead to trust & love! A win-win across the board!
Thank you for a very informative chat everyone. It is 1pm Friday here and I have to go!
A7: POSITIVE people ...change will occur when it is approached with a positive attitude
Thanks for joining us Alan.
A7: Deliberately grow your PLN! Tons of books & resources on Ldrship but nothing replaces human convo. https://t.co/A7xpIUkp8O
Q7: What are some resources that you can share with the chat about being a positive leader?
Thanks for joining in Alan
A7 - Both "Shifting the Monkey" and "What Gr8 Ts Do Differently" by help me to maintain my focus on what's important.
Plan chats have become my most pod. Conv. Some days!
A7: I am hearing that Todd Whitaker books are popular.
A7 committee went thru “School Culture Rewired”, then “Leader in Me” brought principles 2 staff--has REVOLUTIONIZED our building
A7 positive leaders are enthusiastic, communicate transparently, express value of others, be trustworthy, be optimistic & resilient
Thanks it's been great! I'm off to and after that!
Thank you! I love this PLN. It is one of my biggest rocks for my professional career.
Thank you for leading the positive conversation about change! Great questions! Thanks all for joining in
A7: Check out the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast w/ . Inspiring interviews w/ great leaders! Amazing resource!
