#TeachersAtED Archive
Our chat is once a month on the third Tuesday at 7:00 EST. These chats are hosted by teachers working at the US Department of Education as Teaching Ambassador Fellows in order to hear from teachers on policy issues and share resources. More about our program at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html
Tuesday August 16, 2016
Las Vegas checking in! Looking forward to a chat tonight
A1: Anna Baldwin, HS English in Arlee, Montana. Great to be here at !
Jennifer Rios, Las Vegas, HS English classroom teacher
Q1: Ginger Tedder, Starkville High School (Mississippi), assistant principal. Looking forward to '16-'17.
A1: Stacey Johnston HS teacher and Teaching Ambassador Fellow.
A1: Melody Arabo, 3rd grade teacher in Walled Lake, MI and Teacher Ambassador Fellow. Welcome everyone!
hi, Ginger. Glad you could join!
Welcome to , ! Glad to have you!
A1: Kyle Anderson, Las Vegas, NV learning strategist & technology coordinator
Welcome to the chat! Thanks for joining us. :)
A1: Sean McComb, English and Prof. Learning in Balt. Co. Maryland.
A2: This year my theme for 10th grade is "Get outta the cave!" Starting with some Plato - super excited!
Hi Ginger! Great to see you on here!
A2: Starting a new role teaching teachers about the glories of and
Hey, Love the Twitter chat. Growing PLNs important. Always leave inspired.
A1: Amanda Barney, Washington Teaching Ambassador Fellow, Washington, DC; English teacher, Mattituck, NY
A2: Will be out of classroom 4 1st time in 12 yrs; most looking forward 2 supporting great Ts across nation in work
A1: Monifa McKnight here! MCPS Director, Secondary Leadership Development Programs & USDOE Campus Principal Ambassador Fellow
A1: Alicia Outing, new to Cambridge, MA, 1st grade dual language teacher - looking forward to
A2: I can't wait to be back around the energy of Ss & colleagus. Starting up a leadership focused mentoring program too!
A2: Already miss classroom a TON...no other place can capture the hope and potential of a great school on first day of year!
A2) I havent set up my class yet, looking forward to students co-creating this space
A1. Craig Statucki, Las Vegas, NV, Community Partnership Coordinator
Heather Gauck Resource K-4 Michigan
A2:I 💜meeting my new students as well as implementing new ideas into my classroom.
Welcome Heather! Glad you could make it!
Hello, friend and new TAF. So excited for you. Cheering you on from Mississippi.
coordinating PD, assisting teachers with apps, , other forms of
A2. Getting to see the students and to work face-to-face with colleagues
Robert checking in from LosAngeles. First day with the kids! Middle school English.
A2: I can't wait to see the kids and their giant first day smiles!
Welcome Robert! Happy first day!
A2: meeting the new kids!
welcome to the chat. Hope the first day went well!
A2: I am stepping out of the classroom for the first time in 17 years.
A2 getting Ss excited to learn through the use of technology - giving a voice to those Ss who usually find school frustrating
NEw to this chat. Middle school teacher in Toronto. Whats the hashtag stang for?
A2 I always look forward to turning reluctant readers into enthusiastic, insightful readers. Great books inspire & transform!
Just make sure that the tech doesnt become a novelty that could eventually reproduce the same frustrations
I love my MS rock star teachers! Hugs to you all
first time in 11 for me, weird feeling
A2: Looking forward to working w other Fellows like
A2: Back already in MS. Love the life kids & teachers bring to school. Building relationships and lifelong learning abound.
Q3: What is most important procedure or expectation to establish in your classroom on the first day? https://t.co/tAU78jHG7J
new relationships are the best part of each year....great chances to learn each year!
Hi Heather! Thank you for joining us! teachers are awesome
A3: Success is our only option together!
Amazing. So many just grab it and think a simple iPad is going to solve everything
A3: First day priorities include ensuring that students expect to learn, expect to be respected, and expect to have fun.
Look forward to following you and seeing how it goes.
A2: new students and a new school for me this year, and excited to focus on pedagogy that's and
A3:Building community is my first priority.For me content comes easier after we have community and trust.
A3: Have to make sure Ss know that they are free to share ideas and to "be wrong." Best learning often comes in those moments!
a2) Preach. Always needed. Same boat with the school students and critical/RELEVANT focus.
A3 I just always want my students to try even when things seem too difficult.
A3: Most important expectation is that SS will be cared for and supported, that I'll be responsive to their needs & interests
A3: Thank goodness THIS guy wasn't labeled a failure at first and chose to grow from experience! https://t.co/sjM0xkJeV2
A3: Right from the start, I hope my students feel respected, heard, excited.
And showing Ss that as the T, you will be wrong at times and that is fine because it means you are trying/learning
Yes! Real learning requires trust...otherwise Ss won't be willing to follow where the teacher leads!
A3: 1. Mistakes happen.Learn from them;do not repeat them. 2. Take responsibility for your education because it's forever.
a3: great question. Expectation that everyone's experience is valid and we need to cultivate a classroom together
A3: build community, emphasizing how important they are to their own success
A3: classroom community where everyone has lots to give (teach) and everyone has lots to get (learn)
A3 I must be the firm leader. I'm a fair, fascinating facilitator too, but I provide a soothing structure, security &stability
absolutely! Real learning and growth comes with some discomfort.
Agreed! Too often Ts focus on rules and they should focus on &
Right. It is not "failure" it is practice.Validating being wrong encourages students to persevere in their learning
Love #2. Education is a key to being able to have ownership of future...don't let others decide. https://t.co/ns4N8cVVSk
A3: 1. Mistakes happen.Learn from them;do not repeat them. 2. Take responsibility for your education because it's forever.
Heather is a master of using tech to enhance students' learning. She will be great to watch!
A3. Be respectful of everyone in the classroom because everyone is going to have a chance to fail and then succeed
Best of luck with your new adventure! I hope you have a fabulous year!
agreed. Too often we focus on "failure" when it should instead be viewed as chance to grow and learn.
Since outright failure is rare, I focus on how struggles, stumbles, & setbacks are common means to growth & success.
Q4: What is something you learned this summer that will guide or shape your work this school year? https://t.co/j1R40MruXi
Right. Stumbles, setbacks are aka growth and practice https://t.co/FZDB5TpKCk
Since outright failure is rare, I focus on how struggles, stumbles, & setbacks are common means to growth & success.
A4: My experience at an Aspen Inst. workshop helped me renew my commitment to work toward equity. https://t.co/oGs4PwVqm7
A4: Great book "End of Average" helping me more clearly see need for individualized learning AND assessment measures.
A4: My new principal gave me the opp to come in 3 weeks early to jump on preparing for my new gig https://t.co/PKD9txuiB4
Q4: What is something you learned this summer that will guide or shape your work this school year? https://t.co/j1R40MruXi
A4 I am working on perfecting the use of digital portfolios to track Ss progress & connect with families
A4-"Re-Learned" to always try new, innovative ideas & use you network for support/help whenever u can https://t.co/41Frf3fTR3
Q4: What is something you learned this summer that will guide or shape your work this school year? https://t.co/j1R40MruXi
A4:The intro to work at the Dept of Ed has been exciting and eye-opening. I will have a whole new perspective this year.
fantastic idea. Great reminder that teachers don't just "take the summer off"....we prepare for the next year.
A4: I picked up a few Google skills and the AP reading is always good for writing tips
It has really given me a head start to prepare for a job completely different from teaching HS Social Studies
The Google skills will ALWAYS come in handy
Fact that we r labeling death of his girlfriend a failure means we haven't defined the term very well.
Another year of being an even better AP teacher-- I know you'll rock this one like always 😊.
which AP course do you read? I read AP U.S. Gov for , and it is great prep for each new year!
A4 I'm increasingly convinced all Ss need EQUAL development with social, emotional, soulful & academic learning. Whole child
A1 Corey Carter. Health science teacher at NAHS.
This summer I have learned how policy impacts practice down to the teacher level
A4: Prepared for new admin role. Approaching new yr. w/goal of never forgetting my teacher roots & supporting TLs.
fair point on that one. Good reminder to read digital content carefully. My apologies!
Agreed. That's why I love & our employability skills.
Too many admin forget that they were Ts once, the good ones still have that compassion and teacher drive
A5: Supporting educators on how to navigate reflective & provoking conversations around race & equity in ed
No need to apologize. But I do think that we too often use the term failure when we mean setback.
We need more admin that are Instructional Leaders!
We need to get more comfortable talking about uncomfortable things, especially race and equality!!
I want an invite to your party!
Learning about all of the initiatives and how I can help further the work of equity and excellence.
another great point. "Failure" is a term we should remove from education...no kid is ever a "failure."
Q5: What is a new instructional strategy or practice that you are hoping to implement this year? https://t.co/WLCSdaksit
congrats on the new role! So glad to have your perspective in a new leadership position!
Teacher Leadership is having a transformative impact on the profession!
Social issues that are social reality for so many of our Ss!
Kids are always learning, as are all of us. We need to change our mindset.
A1: Brittany Viesca, Las Vegas, first year middle school librarian former Hs English teacher
Always frame context through my teacher lens. What's best for Ss first, then Ts. Teacher voice MUST be heard.
A5: Hoping to implement more instruction using mentor texts. See Writing with Mentors by &
A5 starting the road towards National Board Certification tomorrow! A daunting task!
A5) More leadership/owernership in Ss hands. Co-teaching w students; let students teach lessons/concepts
A5-Empowering Ts to connect education w/ real world community around them-it's more than 4 walls! https://t.co/koPFVk0Y0o
Q5: What is a new instructional strategy or practice that you are hoping to implement this year? https://t.co/WLCSdaksit
Hey!!! Can't stay long but wanted to say hey to & . Love you guys & your !
Best advice for the year...."Students first." Everything should be viewed through that lens. https://t.co/IyiyzpZvSY
Always frame context through my teacher lens. What's best for Ss first, then Ts. Teacher voice MUST be heard.
A5: 1 thing I want to see more is fusion of w/ . Technology can do more to help level equity gaps.
A5: Created appointments in Google Calendar to help meet Ts on THEIR schedule and address THEIR needs https://t.co/3h41jc3S3Q
Q5: What is a new instructional strategy or practice that you are hoping to implement this year? https://t.co/WLCSdaksit
A5: dual language immersion!
A5 I'm not using the words "feedback" or "conference" anymore. My Ss & I will have interactive conversations about their work.
A5 Restorative Practices, Mindfulness, better tracking of IEP goal progress.. Excitement and FUN!
A5: using response groups for all major writing; offering students more choices and control when possible
Agreed but I we're over-promoting "failure." Failure is not good. We try to avoid it.
Q5: What is a new instructional strategy or practice that you are hoping to implement this year? https://t.co/AYvJQJTZk8 "
Student-centered discussion strategy QCQ. Each student brings a quote, comment, and question about a preassigned reading.
Helping teachers make more of their time will always have great returns for kids! https://t.co/P3JoCuxNNY
A5: Created appointments in Google Calendar to help meet Ts on THEIR schedule and address THEIR needs https://t.co/3h41jc3S3Q
Q5: What is a new instructional strategy or practice that you are hoping to implement this year? https://t.co/WLCSdaksit
You're partying with us right now!
Choice and control to Ss is a great move. So much better than the teacher on the stage 24/7.
A5. I plan on building positive relationships with all my Ss as fast as I can
A5: Continuing our work on positive school culture and fostering change through teacher leadership.
I tend to agree with this sentiment more than the "It's ok to fail" sentiment.
"sage on the stage" is exhausting...and a terrible way to teach skills like collaborate, creativity.
Wait... u r there too???? 😭😭😭 I'm not cool anymore.
A6: Be accessible,listen& embrace them! When parents&educators show the same love for the child magic happens!
A5 Watching the progression of Innovation Classroom PD website actual develop project from Boston! So excited!
This year I will unpack the ESSA regs specifically the sections on teacher leadership.
If Ss know you care about them they will work harder to succeed
favorite teacher quote..."Students don't care who much you know until they know much you care."
I have the same goal this year for my 3rd graders. It's never too early to start connecting to the real world.
Collab w Ts in my new role as librarian - I'm excited to support Ts w goals and broadening minds https://t.co/Wv2kBFJI2F
Q6:How do you build effective communication and relationships with parents from the start of the year? https://t.co/HtVWJhU0sk
That I deeply care about and respect my Ss & I'm so excited to teach. I am always 😁😄🤗 the first week https://t.co/DZ9cCYlg0q
Q3: What is most important procedure or expectation to establish in your classroom on the first day? https://t.co/tAU78jHG7J
Collaboration between professionals always leads to better student outcomes. Thanks for leading! https://t.co/Yy39A96pZu
Collab w Ts in my new role as librarian - I'm excited to support Ts w goals and broadening minds https://t.co/Wv2kBFJI2F
Agreed! Worked w/ 12 middle schools last year w/ events. Expanding & adding elem schools this year.
A6: In addition to monthly parent emails, I want to create more opportunities for parents to visit our class this year.
A6: 1st contact home must be positive, not punitive/negative. Parents need to know T is on their child's team; wants the best
A7: Elevating the work of educators&being relentless in advocating for the needs of all children! Relentless
A6: Communication w/ home must be consistent and ongoing. Weekly email newsletters are simple and effective tools to use.
Everything bc I'm a baby librarian! Also working on Level 1 GAFE certification so I can spread Ggl 💚 https://t.co/IVpzRhxY5k
Q4: What is something you learned this summer that will guide or shape your work this school year? https://t.co/j1R40MruXi
A6: Reach out to parents with positives so our first/only interaction isn't a negative one.
A6 I quick note home with my phones ext. and ask the to sign up for remind 101
A6: Detailed communication lets parent feel engaged/invested in class. Class website is easy tool! https://t.co/ACQv97LLuj
A6: Try to build w/ parents using for regular comm. and positive phone calls home, email dist. list.
A6: I send batch emails through the grade book program; a welcome email and periodic updates feel more personal (but quick)
Librarian/teacher coteaching - I don't think my Ts are used to it & w our class sizes we def need it! https://t.co/5qj6CZvkeD
Q5: What is a new instructional strategy or practice that you are hoping to implement this year? https://t.co/WLCSdaksit
So many great opportunities to introduce ourselves with those first notes!
A6 It's my mission to help parents & teachers become allies in education thru common goals &strategies https://t.co/GXZYAOjGNL
All teacher leaders are cool, no matter where you lead from!
Q6: Make opportunities to engage Ps.Approach in the community, at events.Be available & accessible. Call 3 a night is my goal.
A6 feel like a broken record but use to connect with families.
A6-I always found inviting parents to see the projects Ss worked on was powerful + use as judges https://t.co/BrwQhegfBT
Q6:How do you build effective communication and relationships with parents from the start of the year? https://t.co/HtVWJhU0sk
great idea. Classrooms can benefit from more parent and community engagement.
positive contact is a great way to start
A6: Have used as great tool to get time sensitive info to parents of students or athletes.
A6 Trying to translate school communication into several home languages.
I just bragged on you and your amazing transformation to super-librarian!
Love this idea. Parents and students have to feel included and invited to class. https://t.co/dB1lXWKeKi
A6 Trying to translate school communication into several home languages.
Google Translate works very well, and allows you to send translated messages as well
didn't realize that Remind made translations. Great info!
A6 provide Google form to gather info with preferred method for communication. Communicate with an intro
A6: amping up online/digital communications but also making sure that no one is left out
great chatting with everyone tonight. I have to pick my boys up from football... will this chat be a repeating one?
A6: The in-person/out-in-the-community approach is the most effective way to build relationships.
yes! Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7-8 PM EST. Thanks for joining. Hope football is going well!
Phone calls, texts with class dojo, open house, encourage two way conversations
A7: To begin work on the Google Certified Trainer program to better myself and my colleagues https://t.co/S6vcS2HJ64
hard to reach all P, sending home a note will reach most Hard to communicate with 165 +
A7: My is to build meaningful relationships with all students, not always easy in a HS!
A7 OK I can get one more answer in... to try to focus on a few best practices and do them well!
A7 Do the best I can to reach all Ss
not always easy, but always necessary. Relationships are the first component of learning!
A7: Don't sweat the small stuff. Try not to stab anyone with a sharp pencil. Inspire.
A7 develop relationships,provide project learning and lots of choice. Remember kids are people, not just data.
See you on the third Tuesday of each month! Spread the word. :)
that's a pretty solid list of three things!
Bummed to have missed Thanks for the invite ! Looking forward to future chats!
A7-Instead of asking Ss What do you want to do when you grow up? Ask What problem do you want to solve?
A7: My : recommitting to
Kids before content. Love before all.
A7: I would like to bring in more social issues/real world relevant readings and projects to complement my Eng curriculum.
good reminder that purpose of teaching is to elevate kids...content is just a tool to that end!
A7: Keep my leadership student centered. Make time for my people; they matter most. Failures =opportunities to grow.
Just saw the hashtag - going to check it out later this evening! How's DC?
My is to focus only on the positives. There are so many great moments in every day.
GREAT point. Data is made up of people...can't forget the faces behind the facts and figures.
Set up laptop w Ggl form to orientations to make team of P volunteers - so far 0 Ps. Any ideas? https://t.co/Vj1KCV8y88
Q6:How do you build effective communication and relationships with parents from the start of the year? https://t.co/HtVWJhU0sk
A7 I'll do everything in my power to capture my Ss' hearts, spirits, minds, & manners- consistently & equally. Not giving up!
A7: 2nd is at frustrating times, remember Truman's advice:
Never step on a fresh turd on a hot day.
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7-8 pm ET!
A7 To show up everyday that I am able and to forgive myself for the days that I am not
A7. My school year resolution: learn more policy that will translate into productive practice in the classroom
Honestly? Leave by 4pm! (Contract day ends @ 3:30) Same one every year for 6 years -maybe this year! https://t.co/q8pWNBmjWy
That's right before our - great night for chatting!
love that. Policy not tied to practice is completely missing the point..educators must make connection.
Set up a Calendar reminder! I look forward to this one again! Thanks for the heads up
Join the conversation. Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7-8 pm ET!
