#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Friday March 4, 2016 5:30 AM EST
! Topic: Would you rather-be a teacher leader OR an admin? In which do you feel you'd be most impactful? https://t.co/O0iIf5wRG6
Good morning! Miriam in DC/VA vocal music teacher. How is everybody this AM?
Excellent! Our district is in the process of doing the same! times!
Good morning . Brian from Mass. getting ready to be a part of . Leaving early today to begin day at the bus stop!
I don't think I could give up the thrill of teaching to become an administrator! Love being a teacher leader too much!
Goooooodddd Morning! Kathy from CT here! TGIF!
OK
My answer is easy. If I'm not in the classroom I am not a teacher and I might as well be doing a different job
Usually not nearly so many people as EST chat - but kind of nice because allows deeper conversations
Morning ! Amy from snowy MD here.
My name is Karl. I cause my students to stress so they meditate at the end of the day.
G'morning, ! https://t.co/WjqsbBHOw4
bundle up - it may be chilly!
Good morning happy Friday
Hello Mark, how have you been?
sounds like a great experience!
You should join this morning's chat-going on now!!
Hats off to all the administrators out there! I could not do your job.
I'd always rather be a teacher leader I have little interest in becoming an admin
I know for me it's teacher leader. I got into EDU. to be in the classroom, & I'm sticking with it !!!
Good morning . Happy Friday!
Good morning jennifer from snowy ohio
An easy choice today: teacher-leader. I see what my admins wrestle with and I know that's not my jam
Teacher leadership is one of the most effective ways to impact student achievement (and it's highly rewarding)
I became an admin as a way to impact a whole school of students - through great conversations w/ Ts about teaching & learning!
Good morning, ! Chantell, Tech Director from IN. We woke up to a two hour snow delay!
And you are damn good at it. https://t.co/8d8uO47JMm
I became an admin as a way to impact a whole school of students - through great conversations w/ Ts about teaching & learning!
I always thought that too Starr but recently signs just keep falling in my path & now I'm not quite so sure...
Good morning! I love being a T leader but am considering a shift to admin in a few yrs. Having both perspectives will be of value.
T-leader sounds so nice while admin sounds cold. I'd rather be the agent of positive change in my school's culture & Ss' lives.
Good morning! Oona from NJ here. TGIF!
I am currently a tech coach with some administrative purchasing duties. I much more enjoy working with Ts and Ss to create
Bless them....wouldn't want it, but appreciate the scope of what they do. Necessary.
Hey Let's welcome to our chat this morning! https://t.co/bdzLDxDlHJ
Just did! Good morning all the way from Kuwait!
me, too! (Not my kid, tho - he will be disapponted in about 27 minutes)
I think I could be a coach, or a specialist. But I just could not be a principal though.
I have the greatest respect for administration, but teacher leadership can make a big difference, working directly with Ss.
T-leader. Keep me in the classroom & working w/ fellow Ts!
Not much in the principal job description that I want to do.
Good morning everyone! Before this year I would've said teacher-leader. 100%. Now, I can see a place where being an admin may work.
Becoming an administrator depressed me until I realized I still teach. Now I teach Ts and love my job again!
This question depends upon the state you live in. Some states offer Ts opportunities to coach, to be a lead teacher.
I certainly do. I think my job is hard, I think theirs is harder.
Be sure to tag all your tweets so everyone can see you!
yes everyone has their piece of the puzzle. Love mine https://t.co/bov6W8rMEw
Bless them....wouldn't want it, but appreciate the scope of what they do. Necessary.
Agree! Hoping to learn firsthand the rewarding part. https://t.co/e2uw39Uwh4
Teacher leadership is one of the most effective ways to impact student achievement (and it's highly rewarding)
I feel my role as a teacher & later as a TL impacted students much more than if I had been an admin. https://t.co/RziM9v4qxL
THANK you! I do try my best : )
I love being admin. But couldn't be as impactful w/o T leaders
I would so much rather be a T. I tell my principal everyday I am glad I do not have his job.
to the amazing teacher leaders
Hi
Took my class to the Planetarium today. Hot train trip but so much fun.
I'm a strong proponent of admin teaching one class. You stay fresh on when grades are due, don't schedule meetings certain times
I love being a tech coach and I couldn't imagine doing anything else!
Off to catch a school bus......
Enjoy today !
Good morning ! Today is last day of Would You Rather week. Thank you for your openness and participation this week. It's been fun!
hello and happy Friday from Cleteus in VA
I am able to have much more meaningful relationships with the Ss as a T than As can have.
I love the admin side bc I like thinking about bigger picture & making change happen, but I don't like feeling removed from Sts
I just left the classroom for admin mid-Jan. It's definitely different, but I'm shaping tech 4 our whole district from all sides now
Agreed! Nothing like having a great admin
way too much paper work as a Ts, as and Admin, forget about it !!!
I'm with you, Kathy - that takes a special sort of mettle, almost a corporate mindset at times from my observations
Today's ? as a poll:Would you rather be.. In which situation do you think you are/would be more impactful?
I quite enjoy my roll as tech coach/integrator. Not sure about moving to admin. Though I have learned to never say never.
I think we're in the same boat!
Not sure I could leave the classroom. Had the opportunity last year and decided against it.
Also, it is hard to coach teachers in Technology when I'm not using it in the classroom daily & can't provide specifics for them
You don't have to be an A to be a leader. Ts can be leaders as well.
While admin is "an honor I dream not of," I also believe that sadly change agents in ed may have to leave classroom teaching
Love this idea! Given vol. of demands on all of us in ed - regardless of position - not sure it's practical https://t.co/8WnzzLxew6
I'm a strong proponent of admin teaching one class. You stay fresh on when grades are due, don't schedule meetings certain times
administrators are teachers, too : )
I th If you ever want to swap stories Brian feel free to DM me. Lots to think about when transitioning..
Thank you community for the warm welcome this morning! Happy Friday!
I found the gif button for twitter on my phone and thought of you. It's not on my computer. lol
Admins just have so many uncontrollable moving parts and have to have a deft hand. Takes a special person
If Ts want to be the change and to make it possible for others, it might mean having to step out of what's preferred & comfortable
Yes! It is just a very hard job. https://t.co/NQACbn5EEA
Admins just have so many uncontrollable moving parts and have to have a deft hand. Takes a special person
This has been my middle ground! I co-teach a class w/ another T to get my classroom time and try new tech https://t.co/1SFiZfOv4X
I'm a strong proponent of admin teaching one class. You stay fresh on when grades are due, don't schedule meetings certain times
Is that the model in your district ? https://t.co/fUxgN0wCtu
I'm a strong proponent of admin teaching one class. You stay fresh on when grades are due, don't schedule meetings certain times
As an admin, I love the opportunity I have to help Ts grow into leadership positions
leadership from within the ranks can raise the bar, morale & level of peer communication (+ it's a great model for Ss)
teacher leader gives you the opportunity to instill core values, lifetime use and more positive peer relationships
Great group. Always. Hope to see you again.
I was thinking something similar. I wish this were more standard practice.
I once had a principal who totally admitted she made a better admin than a classroom teacher. Honesty = the best policy!
Today's poll. https://t.co/HhlHhdQczd
Today's ? as a poll:Would you rather be.. In which situation do you think you are/would be more impactful?
In this country they are not. I personally could not face school without some students to call my own But that's me
well said !! https://t.co/crL4rnlnZH
teacher leader gives you the opportunity to instill core values, lifetime use and more positive peer relationships
yeah but he's used to it - I work about 30 min north of us so it's pretty common
Interesting idea Oona. My P has actually taught my class before but does not have a dedicated class of his own.
Both admin. and teacher leadership teams are needed in collaborative efforts to make learning meaningful and impactful for Ss.
Oh! You mentioned the dirty "c" word *shivers* :)
Good morning & happy Friday! I'd rather b a TL. I could never do admin! I'll take Ss drama over Ts drama any day! Lol.
My tech integration coordinator and I are looking at this for future. Thinking a tech writing class 4 S tech team!
Life is good right now! How about you Cynthia?
That's also the key; if Ts see MORE admin making differences & being the change, then we'll see more Ts take the leap
I was like what?! What is going on at 5:30. then I read the comment lol
Admin make decisions about daily interactions...how little or how much. I have seen many different styles. https://t.co/oSNQiZ5Ypl
I am able to have much more meaningful relationships with the Ss as a T than As can have.
Teacher-Leader, a lot less political and you keep your influence to both students and other teachers. https://t.co/S8JslwaJjb
! Topic: Would you rather-be a teacher leader OR an admin? In which do you feel you'd be most impactful? https://t.co/O0iIf5wRG6
Q to all: In your schools are Instructional Coaches T's in your school or are they brought in from the outside or district office?
It's funny that this question is today! I have my principal cert but I'm submitting my app for Math Lead Teacher at my school today!
I have really enjoyed the topics this week!
And they should take the TOUGH classes! :-) Builds morale!
oh, you better believe I hesitated when I typed it!
I I believe 2 have most positive impact on Ss we need both. Positive teacher leaders & strong administration. It's not an either/or
Co-teaching has been ideal. It is flexible and if I need to be out for a conference or meeting it's ok
Crazy the timing of some things isn't it Janene? always seems to hit the mark for me as well!
really? I think careers and needs change so if the time is right, go for it
Our district has school-based Math & ELA coaches. I am the tech coach for the district so I float.
. That is AWESOME! I always let my super & principal know they are welcome to come in and co-teach whenever they want.
I can't type fast on iPad. iPhone is too small
yes just like in the classroom good role models needed ! https://t.co/TPsENlP0SC
That's also the key; if Ts see MORE admin making differences & being the change, then we'll see more Ts take the leap
No instructional coaches in our school (independent school) so peers become each other's instructional coaches.
I regret the losing the close ties to Ss, but when I help T create lesson they are excited about https://t.co/9xC75xYHE6
I'd like more tiers of T leadership. Release Ts from 1 class load 2 write curriculum, serve on PD/mentoring/tech committees, coach
The longer I studied in my admin program, the less I wanted it. Maybe one day, but I have so much to still learn as a teacher first!
Agreed Cleteus! And, IMO, it's imperative that T leaders & admin have a strong working relationship. https://t.co/9FW3oi8Gnt
I I believe 2 have most positive impact on Ss we need both. Positive teacher leaders & strong administration. It's not an either/or
I am also partial bias because I teach! But hey that is what I love!
after lots of soul-searching and a few yrs. under my belt, I'm glad I made the switch. 👌🏼
Morning Definitely teacher leader than admin (have been asked for A.P.) so that I can Have ALL 600 Ss in 7th & 8th :)
They are Ts. Most have been hired from within. Others are from the outside. But all have been in the classroom.
Definitely would rather stay in the classroom. Maybe a Lead Teacher?Just want to have a little more experience under my belt first
to all the amazing teacher leaders and education changers
We have the most incredible mix of both admin. and teacher leaders who are part of our community...so necessary in schools too! 😊
Not having a class is a definite obstacle when trying to use new tech
For some T's, changing schools is the move to make -- for others, changing roles. Career fulfillment!
My Ts are now my Ss. My job is to provide opps to stretch them and also give them space to create that enviro for their Ss.
Former Ts assigned by dist office. Frequently, HS Ts will be assigned to ES or math Ts assigned as reading coach.
People R starting 2 tell me I'm blind if I don't see the writing on the wall. Not sure if I'm in denial or just scared?
I agree. I would much rather help, guide, & teach. I know my own strngth/wknss, and would not be a good admin.
Would you prefer if you could be school based?
Mostly Ts from our school or within the county
I agree to an extent. As a T I get to spend far more time with the Ss than As can, especially in a HS setting.
I have found other ways to connect w/Ss. I was anxious about not having my own Ss but now they're all mine! https://t.co/4q5vpXg06R
Not sure I could leave the classroom. Had the opportunity last year and decided against it.
I'm with you. How many opportunities to Ts get to work w/ ADULTS? Then, suddenly, you're their boss? Kinda weird, no?
I'd love to be in the classroom - my school grew too fast & I had to change roles. My lesson: Careful what u with for!
fair enough. I still see that as my defining role. If not, I sure wouldn't be doing it either.
Me neither, my mouth would get me in too much trouble.
have a great Friday everyone! Make the kids matter the most!
Which do you think is more effective: T's w/in your school or county based?
could be a bit of both, but follow your heart either way you'd be awesome https://t.co/yt92oBbpeP
People R starting 2 tell me I'm blind if I don't see the writing on the wall. Not sure if I'm in denial or just scared?
Ooops "wish for" :) https://t.co/sTIKDD44Hc
I'd love to be in the classroom - my school grew too fast & I had to change roles. My lesson: Careful what u with for!
I would like more "hybrids". Think what teachers could create with a week in the classroom with no students and no top-down agenda
That wasn't meant as a criticism of administrators. Just saying I wouldn't enjoy the role
This is the 1st year we've had my job so we're still learning. Ideal world = every school would have their own tech coach.
You are right. Some teachers don't always realize how many others are watching them bc of their natural leadership.
So Crazy! but I'm glad this question is today. I love for helping me to reflect everyday.
I have had 6 principals in 8 years. All VERY different. Some were Ts at heart, some not. I couldn't do their job.
We do train the T- then that T goes back to building and trains others. PD comes from in house mostly https://t.co/vt8B9vr8OJ
Q to all: In your schools are Instructional Coaches T's in your school or are they brought in from the outside or district office?