Ben Brazeau
Tech Integrator former Social Studies teacher
Green Bay Wis
best event- seeing the excitement of my own kids at Christmas for what they had and then seeing them donate food, supplies to others. #sstlap
A1 Listening can be very overrated.. listening makes people feel appreciated and valued. Just listening to parents, students, and co-workers. Silence speaks louder than words. #sstlap
A1: I constantly give fist bumps to Ss when they make break through and of course my XP point system for going farther in the classroom. Fellow Ts, I make things for them on how awesome they are. #sstlap
Break was quiet. It was nice not having grad school homework. Things are a little crazy but I'm taking a different approach to the year in 2018!. #disrupt#sstlap
A1 Wish I had more good examples- need to do more- but have sent letters home with ss sharing how awesome they are- share the good things Ts are doing with admins, our TI team - celebrate efforts #sstlap
A 1 : I love to show appreciation! I enjoy doing things to build staff morale & improve campus climate! I also started The Kindness Club at my school 4 years ago ~ we do random acts of kindness & spread joy across campus...💕#sstlap
A1: we greet each other every morning, I talk w/& ask Ss about their lives & interests, share cool achievements w/everyone, we also have our goals posted in the room #sstlap
A1 Just ran a #OneWord2018 session with Ss I don’t know, with #TEDx components and @actionhappiness components. Created a super positive vibe. Hoping to create purpose and connection.#sstlap
A1 Listening can be very underrated.. listening makes people feel appreciated and valued. Just listening to parents, students, and co-workers. Silence speaks louder than words. #sstlap
#sstlap A1 As our tech coach, I want to assist teachers by taking their ideas and turning it into technology lessons. Ts have enough on their plate today. Want to ease their burden.
A2: I always start each lesson with an inspiration quote and then tie it back into the lesson. I'm also doing the new "weekly goal" for my classes and writing a mini journal on how to keep on track for those positive goals #sstlap
A1. A simple compliment can change a person's entire day. For Ss, Welcoming them w/a smile, listening and sharing their stories, Talking with them and finding out what their interests may lie. #sstlap
That’s a big part of our district & routine! We always start every day greeting each other by name! Great way to make everyone feel safe & welcome #sstlap
A2: Trying new things in class. I’ve never been the “project” kind of guy, but with the 7th graders this year I’ve experimented a lot with it. Big Big Big change for me... #sstlap
A2 Show the students the opportunities they are missing to learn from their mistakes. A huge pet peeve I have is when I ask students to explain their thinking and they erase their work. Highlight and learn from mistakes- mistakes are helpful. #sstlap
A2: A willingness to try new things and model stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks. Taking on being an experience designer vs. a content expert #sstlap
A2 By embracing step 1 of growth mindset, failure is inevitable and essential if we hope grow. For students I try to emphasize the mentality that embraces the idea of "not yet" and we keep pushing until success.
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A2: I take a step back and remind myself that everyone moves at their own pace. I replaced negativity and look at other ways to reach kids like GIF instruction to give a visual. #sstlap
#sstlap a2 take a risk ...mistakes r only the first attempts in learning ...learn and grow from ur mistakes to make a world a better place..the only fail is not 2 try
A2 Sharing what they already can do to then show it's a small step to complete the next task.
Personally- letting students see that I'm learning right with them. Not being afraid of my own mistakes
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A2. I will work 1:1 with the Ss who doesn't believe in themselves. Slowly as we are working together, getting them to say,"I can do it." Then they begin to grow their wings and fly! #sstlap
Can only pop into #sstlap for a few minutes, but ai just can’t resist the boost I always get from this awesome crew! Amy Presley - HS History in Oklahoma.
A1 Listening can be very overrated.. listening makes people feel appreciated and valued. Just listening to parents, students, and co-workers. Silence speaks louder than words. #sstlap
Yeah! They see you trying for them and you being transparent in that you are human too! Project planning is difficult, keep trying! Reach out to some staff and ask for suggestions! You got this!!! #sstlap
A3: It has to start with empathy. Empathy in our buildings towards one another between staff and students. Our Media Club team is working on creating a kindness segment to represent what's on CNN student news. #sstlap
A3 Often this is a struggle for me because the adversity that my Ss are going for is so far above and beyond any adversity I had when I was their age. However, I empathize and adopt a mentality of explanations not excuse. I try to show that adversity is a chance to grow #sstlap
A3: We talk about modern social/political issues and I try (hard) to show all sides so they see there is much difference in the world outside of their thoughts. They will eventually have to work in this world someday! #sstlap
A2&3: Being really honest about my experiences with Grad school & going for this next degree has really resulted in some “street cred” with my HS Ss. They get that I’ve got a purpose & aren’t going to waste their time with busy work; but stretch them too #sstlap
Another call out! I say, "We dont quit!" The students reply, "We've got GRIT!" Whole Brain Teaching strategy that students have begun calling out to me when I misstep. #sstlap
Yes! Our school is big on the 7 Norms of Collaboration.. pausing and paraphrasing are the two I'm working on! I love to talk.. but notice how huge those two norms can be! #sstlap
A3) Try to model handling frustration with grace and patience. Also remember that Ss are learning - they need multiple opportunities, not one and done. #sstlap
It's scary/sad to think about what many of our kids have to deal with and on a daily basis. Some days its hard to find that line to help them through and to overcome and to not just enable and coddle them. #sstlap
A3. Working with Ss, we need to model behavior at times for them and feelings as well. When we work with Ss, we encourage them to make good choices and to think how others may feel as well! #sstlap
A1 - sending home positive notes about something special a child did that day. sharing small moments that I notice throughout the day with the whole class, makes students feel good about themselves and acknowledged. Also, spotlighting their work makes them feel confident! #sstlap
A3 Tough one! Teenagers are really trying to make their own space. Suggestions, being available to talk, firm consequences when choices break the rule. Rules have to be established and fair. They do come around #sstlap
Helping students navigate their feelings with adversity.. explaining that they are allowed to feel the way they do. Breaking down situations into smaller chunks to process, and coming up with tools and strategies to make good choices.. taking into account others! #sstlap
I think it's an important change that educators are on the forefront of. Adults being willing and able to apologize quickly and honestly when mistakes are made
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A bit crazy, but I’m one who thrives just at the edge of feeling crazed 😆 My new crop for my Sem course has come prepared. Going to have to work to meet their #tlap expectations! #sstlap
From a secondary perspective - the first step is ensuring that students take ownership of their actions so that they can then reflect on whether they made a good choice or not and readdress if necessary #sstlap
A3 I try to model it for them by being up front when I am trying something new and I will admit if something I did was a disaster and the steps we will take to make things right. #sstlap
Yeah! They see you trying for them and you being transparent in that you are human too! Project planning is difficult, keep trying! Reach out to some staff and ask for suggestions! You got this!!! #sstlap
I think it's an important change that educators are on the forefront of. Adults being willing and able to apologize quickly and honestly when mistakes are made
#sstlap
A4 I have always overanalyzed and played it safe and missed out on so much as a result. I think i'm done with that way of life. i plan to start saying yes #sstlap
yes- be there cheerleader - I started meeting with staff to share the great things that ss are doing - was a powerful experience learning about ss in new ways #sstlap
A3.2 I also think it is important to recognize that when Ss make poor choices or negative decisions that it is an opportunity to learn and not the end of the world. Every moment is a teachable moment! #sstlap
A4) Throwing away my (literally) award-winning curriculum to try to meet my very different learners this year. Doing nothing is already failing to might as well give it a shot. #sstlap
A4 I took a risk applied for a job, got denied & then was accepted. My old job lets me know regularly that they miss me. Somedays that is hard. Yet I see what they are doing without me and I know they are fine and I have goals that I'm working towards.
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A4: #sstlap I’ve chased my dreams but do play it safe. This year I am trying out greater student led discourse that gives me less control...but more joy to delight in and more learning to reflect on!
A4) I tend to be a "follow the safe path" person but my current position definitely pushes me outside my usual comfort zone (teaching online asynchronously w/ rolling enrollment). #sstlap
Stated new job after 16 years in a same position was safe ...taking this journey was scary and not safe ....so glad I took the risk I asked my ss to do everyday! #sstlap
#sstlap A4 Chased my dreams. Always wanted to bring speakers into my classes to share their stories with my Ss. In 2013, Mark Goodman & Alan Hunter said yes! We have grown. There have been rejections! Never be afraid to chase down an idea!
A4 If I'm not taking risks and trying new things for my Ss, I'm failing them. They need me look at education differently to reach them. I'm willing to take risks with technology, tools, and collaborating non-stop with genED teachers to help Ss reach curriculum. #sstlap
A4: I've always taken risks, for goals of what was best for my Ss and also what I believe would be peaks I want to reach myself. When they haven't worked well, it has detailed various reactions. It is about learning from your mistakes. #sstlap
A4 took a risk this yr accepting a Kindergarten position, but am loving it!! I have been asking for multiple observations so I can get tips to continually improve my instruction & engagement w/Ss #sstlap
A4: I feel in between playing it safe and taking risks. I have big plans for the rest of this school year...Lip Sync Battle, Ss beautifying our campus, 3D printing, Ss led conferencing. It'll be worth my effort! #sstlap
A4 I have always been interested in teaching at the high school level, this year I took that leap after 7 years of teaching middle school. It has definitely been a challenge but also a fun opportunity. I am trying to play it less safe because #Yolo#sstlap
A4 I definitely was playing it safe at the beginning of this year. There is a big push in our building to teach the same way as your grade level counterpart, but I've decided I need to continue to take risks on my own to find out what is best for my Ss #sstlap
A3 #sstlap for K students; model, model, model! My paraprofessional and I have also acted out conversations together to demonstrate appropriate behaviors, responses, how to manage/express emotions, and what to say to one another. It helps to talk it out and demonstrate!
A5) I feel like I give really good personalized feedback. Ss have let me know how much they appreciate that. Not sure that's always case in online courses. #sstlap
A5: I have just loved working with tech in the classroom, but more of having Ss interactive in the lessons and projects and having them reflect to the entire class on what they learn and what they think we could do next time. #sstlap
A5 #sstlap -student led class meetings -inclusive environment where diverse learners are welcomed and encouraged -a Ss telling me I graded her paper incorrectly because “she has never done well” (she rocked it!)
A5: we ran a Google Hangout with classes around our district, presented to (gulp!) 4th graders, and I was able to dress up as our school mascot and Santa! #sstlap
A5) Rented out a movie theater for a class viewing of a memory video. Had my kids do a Renaissance puppet show. Made a bunch of History Mystery investigations. #sstlap
A5 One of my big wins this year was successfully having my Ss participate in a virtual Constitutional Convention using @Flipgrid with Ss from a different middle school! It was really awesome and most of my students said they loved it! #sstlap
A5 Being a #BT1 , I've seen myself grow and learn more than I thought possible from my colleagues and school community! I love hearing from parents that their child didn't like school before, but now loves being at @HortonsCreekES ! Education is for all students. #sstlap
Q4 #sstlap really chased after my dreams over the last year! Def have a tendency to play it safe though. As a first year teacher, (on my third month of teaching) I’m a little hesistant to take risks BUT work alongside such incredible educators that I know I can #momauguinproud
A5 I have consistently met with my students each week formally to discuss issues outside of school and focus on growth (I have small classes as an ESL teachers). The reason I do what I do is all to make my students have an opportunity for success. #sstlap
A5: 1 of my favorite revolves around the gingerbread man. We would vote between 2 different versions, find out which had more then read that 1 first & compare the stories. Ss loved it & kept asking to do it again!! #sstlap
A5 (cont): I love what I do for the relationships and those so rewarding AHA moments and evem for the challenge of making each student better...socially, academically, emotionally, comedically. #sstlap
Stumbled across this chat for the first time so I’m jumping in late. I’m Rebecca from Central Florida. In my first year teaching 6th grade World History & Adv Am History after 13 years in elementary grades. Love the SS life. #sstlap
#sstlap A5 Skype/Hangout trips to Sweden, Russia and Canada this year. Israel in a few weeks. Also Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Texas. Not all of our Ss will leave Indiana. Gives them the opportunity to meet and share with others.
A5 did some green screen videos for kinders but they were fascinated by the "magic" so I made an extra video to show them the behind the scenes. They watched that more then they watched themselves!
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that is so awesome- need to get more teachers connected- worked with ESL class connecting to Ireland- was awesome to learn about their cultures #sstlap
A5 Hosting 15 Germans students every other year, having native speakers come to class, going to German events outside of school so Ss can experience real language as much as possible. #sstlap
A5: Most days I am convinced that I have the best job! I get to work with teachers and help them grow while at the same time empowering our learners to lead efforts in our building. #sstlap
A6) Have Ss rank & select historical theme/essential ? to use as their lens for studying the past. I love reading so try to keep a discussion board post updated w/ what I'm reading at any given time. #sstlap
#sstlap A5 Also having people visit and share their stories with our Ss. Brad Long, Buddy from Hoosiers and Philo Barnhart, creator of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
A4 I definitely was playing it safe at the beginning of this year. There is a big push in our building to teach the same way as your grade level counterpart, but I've decided I need to continue to take risks on my own to find out what is best for my Ss #sstlap
A6 I love to show students my humanity and I let my guard down and try to be vulnerable as much as possible. I try to bring this out in my students too, it really helps to build community and helps students to explore their passions in a safe place. #sstlap
A6: I tell my Ss what I like & my interests. I’ll also say “I love this book! This is my favorite game!” I give them choice too to incorporate their interests #sstlap
agree- and have also had to ask- where am I coming short- missing opportunities to impact ts and ss and need to change course in those areas - #sstlap tough job--
A6 I struggled more with this question than I would like to admit. My passion IS education. I try and give my students choices to show their learning and skills. This could be an area I can improve.. letting them explore their passion. #newgoal#sstlap
A6: I get the awesome opportunity to help learners design their own experiences in our internship class, student tech team, challenge learning opp. (student communications team, genius hour projects, student led tutoring program, media club) #sstlap#toomanypassions
A5 #sstlap took over my now K class at about a month 1/2 into the year-I did my best to foster a positive classroom environment as their new teacher. My students care for one another so much, ask/wonder where one is, and really cheer eachother on. Their smiling faces say it all
all those sound like amazing experiences-- love to hear more about them- always looking for new ideas to share with ts to help them expand their skills #sstlap
A5) Rented out a movie theater for a class viewing of a memory video. Had my kids do a Renaissance puppet show. Made a bunch of History Mystery investigations. #sstlap
Hey! I'm Bethany Petty, high school Social Studies teacher & educational technology instructor, blogger, & author from MO jumping in SUPER late!
My best event was being present with my kiddos! Time spent w/ my daughters, my hubby, and the rest of my family is the best! #sstlap
definitely- yes being on par with content is fine, but don't hold back on activities, experiences because colleagues are afraid to be vulnerable or give up control to take a risk #sstlap
I agree 100% I don't think the push is fair because we all have diff strengths. I decided I will share everything I am doing but bottom line I will do what I think is best for my own classroom.
A6. Bring in a bunch of supplies for the class and have a topic that you may be discussing. Have them build or design objects or create items that apply to this topic similar to a maker space. #sstlap
A1: I try to be optimistic & encouraging. We really never know what our Ss are bringing w/them into our classroom, & positivity can make a difference. I want my students to know that I care and believe in them! Having fun is also huge - I sing, dance, and rap on tables! #sstlap
Q6 - #sstlap I give students academic choice as much as possible! I ask them what types of activities they enjoy and try to incorporate those academically. For ex, Ss loved our STEM cup stacking activity! Going to make a math/literacy center out of it. #momauguinproud
yeah- it will be different from you, but can be a great experience as I have found the connection to student teacher can be great learning for all #sstlap
A7: Some incredible leaders within my PLN on Twitter, #edcamp, and at work. I never imagined pursuing a position of leadership. They keep me charged and help me define my purpose. #sstlap
#sstlap R7 My colleague @1988project! He joined me at North White in 2014! We believe in the same concept of primary source learning for our Ss. We both work to bring in speakers to our classes!
A7) Honestly, a lot of it is the awesome Ts I interact w/ on Twitter who share the amazing things they are doing. Pushes me to do more to try to keep up. :) #sstlap
A7: Unfortunately, learning on the fly and very lonely. #KidsDeserveIt read opened my eyes that others exist out there...just not at my school site. #cantstopwontstop#sstlap
A2: I write "FAIL = first attempt in learning" on my board & reference it frequently. Each of my classes came up with (or will come up with tomorrow) a word to focus on for the rest of the semester. I shared my #oneword2018 with them, & we chose a focus word for our class #sstlap
Q7 #sstlap it was so many of my colleagues (and my GLPs!) who inspired me and even helped me realize I was ready for my own classrm. My principal has inspired me to try so many new and exciting things this year! I couldn’t dream of working in a better, more inspiring school.
A7 @burgessdave and the #tlap crew and those i met on Twitter, conferences, and many colleagues I worked with- pushed me to reflect on what I was doing and push forward to be better #sstlap
A7 Caroline opened me up to PD outside district. @gdiazz challenged me re:pedagogy & tech. Twitter chats, CCSS & NCSS have also helped me to grow. #sstlap
A4: I chase my dreams and encourage my students to do the same. My first book is being published by @edtechteam this year, which is a HUGE dream come true! I hope I encourage my students to chase their dreams and to believe they can do what they set their minds to! #sstlap
This year I have made the time and effort to be a part of some awesome pln's. It's given me the inspiration and courage to step out of my safe zone and try new things! Not a coincidence far this has been one of my most memorable years! #sstlap#worldgeochat#ksedchat#sschat
A5: I love blogging about my experiences in my classroom and sharing ideas with other educators. This month marks my 4th year blogging about educational technology, and I feel like I have found my voice as a teacher by doing so! #sstlap
#sstlap A8 Congressman John Lewis spoke to our Ss about Selma and the March on Washington. Mike Eruzione and the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team success. To hear their stories is amazing. Can’t get that in a textbook!!
A8 My mom inspired me to go into education. She showed me how hard she had to work to get my siblings the help they needed in school.. I wanted to make that process easier for families. Any figure that services others would be a great example for Ss, every day people! #sstlap
A8 My mom inspired me to go into education. She showed me how hard she had to work to get my siblings the help they needed in school.. I wanted to make that process easier for families. Any figure that services others would be a great example for Ss, every day people! #sstlap
