The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Chris from Allegan. #michED One celebration. AP Calc students are just about ready for the AP test. They know their stuff and they are getting used to everything test related.
A1: #miched While the salary would be nice, I get frustrated with the idea of "taking my talents" somewhere else. I like building a community and growing a school.
A1: Sponsors would be giving teachers the best tech tools to use in the classrooms #miched Top of the line MAC Pros for everyone ... Sponsor logos on our clothing and buses ... Students would love going to school to see the latest and greatest
YES, we would no want to get traded or worry about going on the free agent market! #michED Schools are about community (but so were sports teams just a few years back)
A1: Also wonder how the students walking out to protest inaction on gun violence would be represented on TeacherCenter? #miched Would we get the mute button on Around the WaterCooler?
A1) The premise of the question is fun! What we really need is a nation that recognizes us as professionals who have dedicated our life to public service and to their kids. We don't need red carpets, glitz, or glam. We need competitive salaries and the respect of society #michED
What about when the school isn't performing well #michED Would the school have mass absences wanting for better coaching and trades for a better staff? Things that make you go Hmm....
Agreed... The idea cool to think of but what teachers want is respect for our craft and students to desire to learn.... Like many in our society love to be entertained by sports #miched
A lot of good responses to the first question, especially dealing with the ramifications of teacher movement from school to school and other downfalls. #michED
A1: While the community support and salary would be nice, it would be an added stressor to constantly be in the spotlight and people waiting for us to make mistakes. #miched
A2: I had to be out of the classroom for 2 days & most Ss were super excited I was back. #warmsmyheart ... Extra treats in the lounge are nice too! 😉 #miched
A2: Received a few letters of appreciation from former students.... always great to hear how you impacted another's life #miched It is the small thank you's that mean the most
A1: if teachers were treated like sports stars, i think school would be fun and more extrinsically lucrative. @Joe_Sanfelippo holds press conferences for new hires as a small step in that direction. #miched
A2: We had a staff member out with an emergency last week. Without missing a beat, another T and I stepped up to make sure lesson plans were ready for the class. I feel appreciated b/c I know in my school the same would be done for me if I needed it. #miched
A2) Several individual comments from students this week about how much they enjoy the class and are learning. I don't think any of them realized it was teacher appreciation week... which made those conversations even more rewarding #miched
I get into games for free. I get "Hey Mr. Conrad" (or Mr. CalculusMan from my calc kids) while in town. Kids of my students are starting to enter my school system. I'd say I already get the home team discount! =) #miched
We have teachers at different levels that do it as writing activities during the weeks leading up to teacher appreciation week. (Try to get letters to everyone) #michED But yes I have been teaching 17 years and do get a few from graduates too
A2: When asked what questions Ss had after I’d been out for 2 days, one Ss typed into @Socrative “thanks for always caring and being a great teacher”. #miched
A2: little things from colleagues this week has been nice. Comments like "without you" and "you've pushed me, thank you" are much appreciated. But since I'm out of the classroom, this week isn't about me! Try to support and assist staff as much as possible! #miched
A2 Every moment I get to serve others makes me feel appreciated: Bike to School, Art Show Judge, Teaching Teachers in WV, Seeing educators take something new and make it there own #grateful#miched
The problem is we wait until this one week. I attempt to drop a note to at least one teacher a week. I have a great staff that is kid centered. #michED
Yeah, for sure. We'd have to be selective in our "endorsements," much like we need to be selective in the tools and lessons we bring into the classroom. #michED
A3: Whenever I talk with teachers and colleagues at work, I strive to "listen to understand." Others feel appreciated when you can demonstrate that you know their concerns. #michED
But are the sports teams selective? @NFL does Play 60 for active lifestyle but excepts ads from fast food places #michED yes us educators try to be selective and responsible.....
A3: I catered a breakfast for the staff in the building where I spend most of my time. It was very well received! I also try to always be encouraging whenever possible throughout the year. #michED
A3) Honestly.. I don't do it enough this year. When I was in leadership I used to hand-write letters to a co-worker a month to highlight the ways they've inspired or encouraged me. I haven't done it for the last two year. Guess I know what I'm doing after #miched.
They aren't. But some have been banned. I remember the giant Marlboro logos at the Silverdome. Due to the nature of our industry. I do think we would have to be more careful. #michED
A3: Been slacking with this one on my end. .... I try and find cool things staff does with Ss and share it out on our social media. Let them know their extra efforts are noticed & appreciated! #miched
One other teacher (@corytimmer & I) are behind our social media accounts. It’s so fun to post about the different things happening in our building! ...Now to get all the staff to follow our accounts! #miched
At @BVPrep one year we had "buckets" in the teachers' lounge where we were encouraged to write short, positive notes to fellow teachers, just 1 or 2 a week, but it added up. It was a great practice. #miched
Q4: It's Teacher Appreciation Week! If you were given the ability to honor and show appreciation for another role in your district, what role would that be? #michED
A4: I always see para-professionals that go above and beyond the call of duty to help students and create positive environments. They deserve their own day :) #michED
A4: Our custodial staff often goes unrecognized. It seems every year there are fewer and fewer working in our building and yet everything gets done and done well. I know my room will be ready for tomorrow. 100% every day! #miched
A4: The bus drivers. I don’t even know who the bus drivers are for my district. But I do know that they have to deal with ten times the craziness teachers do WHILE trying to keep them all safe on the roads. #michED
A4: secretaries! We do honor them, but they deserve so much more. The heartbeat if the building. Cleaning staff and maintenance as well. They keep it clean and in working order. Can't forget about the folks that keep everyone feed either! Oh, and transportation! #miched
A4) I would honor and recognize our building security team. We've a had a difficult week, and there haven't been too many easy ones. They deserve more respect than they get. #miched
A4: So many un-sung heroes in schools: From the Custodians that keep everything clean, bus drivers that get the students to school on time to the Para's that help out in 1000's of ways #michED everyone makes schools work
A4: The bus drivers. I don’t even know who the bus drivers are for my district. But I do know that they have to deal with ten times the craziness teachers do WHILE trying to keep them all safe on the roads. #michED
A4: Custodians are so valuable in schools! They literally keep the school building running smoothly, working behind the scenes w/out fanfare. The best ones connect with kids in a great way too! @Creekside_MS has been fortunate to have both! #miched
A4 I would change it to educator week and denote EVERY role in our schools as worthy of honor: ParaProfessionsls, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Custodians, Administrative Assistants, Principals, Guest Teachers, Central Office Folks, and BOE members...it takes the whole crew:) #miched
Let's have Educator Month with a spotlight on each of the roles throughout the month. Let's end with local awards for Outstanding people in each of the roles. #miched
A5: I appreciate the ah-ha moments on Ss faces, I appreciate the Ss that works hard & sees how that pays off, I appreciate the parents that support & push their child and don’t hold their hand. #miched
I just received an invitation to a dinner from a student that I taught in 8th grade for their senior recognition dinner this month. It's the impact that I can have when pushing students to do their best! It's intrinsic! #miched
A5: I also appreciate the ability to start over every year! I love trying something new & getting rid of things have gone wrong. Not many other jobs get a fresh start every Sept! #miched
A5) Maybe it's a bit selfish, but the BIG reason I teach is because I know I did something positive and meaningful EVERY SINGLE DAY. In 12 years I've never has a wasted day. I teach because it makes me feel good to be productive. Enriching kids lives is a side-effect😋 #miched
A5: I just received an invitation to a dinner from a student that I taught in 8th grade for their senior recognition dinner this month. It's the impact that I can have when pushing students to do their best! It's intrinsic! #miched
A5: I see my role as teaching people to ride bikes. I can help. I can push. I can give you training wheels. Ultimately, every time, the student pulls away from my support and rides on their own. Complete satisfaction. #miched
