#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.
Thursday June 9, 2016
MOnday's our last day with kids - T's go through the 23rd
Ive been thinking a lot lately about School Culture and how it actually changes.
Good morning Tomorrow is our last day with the kids...where did the year go?!
Good morning everyone! Happy Thursday! Good to see everyone!
Good morning! Nicole, rdg. Spec. from NJ
We still have a week and a day.
Ts finish on 24th. Excited to leave for on the 25th.
I have my end of year evaluation today so I have been looking at my year in positives, focuses and next steps for the past few days.
I am starting to reflect on next year. What will that look like? What can I do differently.
Me too - at the moment our Ts are working so closely together & there's such a team spirit - don't want to lose that
Its funny how few of us are left here as the year ends.
for me the question of, Did me new less talk more teaching method work this year ?
today is our last day with the kids
I journal nightly and I've really been focusing on how I can improve next year.Much reflection is happening. https://t.co/yDkzjOgnT5
I've also been thinking about the culture or climate of schools and how they are slow to grow but quick to evaporate.
Ill admit that i was in a funk for a lot of the year. I let things get to me. Ive got to push past it.
Gone in the snap of your fingers! :)
I don't mind so much-we call them the "June Days"-Shorts/casual attire-time 2 clean room-picnics-bonding w/collegues
the few the heart, the sleep deprived !!
Me too! The more I reflect on culture, the more I realize it's the keystone to successful schools. https://t.co/fkeu5iC2H0
Ive been thinking a lot lately about School Culture and how it actually changes.
Me too. I am going to read Unshakeable this summer and see if that helps me.
What capacity needs to be built to bring my school to next level?
Good morning! Sleepy morning in Virginia. Looking forward to the day!
I've been there - not easy.
My standard year end question: How do we make it better for next year?
I work 12 months so it's really sad for me. I miss my friends.
Well, it is a bit early for those whose alarms aren't set. I wouldn't have woken up without mine!
The next few days can be the toughest. I am trying to get through them.
I think the answer to a lot of these questions is to build more/ better leaders. How is the real question.
I will not have my assistant full time next year; lots of ?? for how that will work. We made a great team for 15 yrs.
So very true! https://t.co/YO6VsSX9OR
I think the answer to a lot of these questions is to build more/ better leaders. How is the real question.
Does go all summer? I'm still up at this time.
We're shaking up our weekly PD in several ways. The planning has me so psyched I can barely sleep Feel like I'm 23 again!
My reflective Q...What will next year bring for my Ss and me as I transition into a gr. 1 classroom (first time) after 16 years?
I'm reflecting on my last 20yrs in the classroom as I prepare to switch over to an instructional coaching position next year
How do we make it better leads to discussions & from there some goals & action plans
The "funk" is an important part of the process. It can help us see what's important & determine next steps.
I'm with you Manny. Trying to stay upbeat but it's tough.
Morning. Dave from ma checking in
Keep your workouts over the summer! You will need the energy! lol . You will be fabulous!
That's great! (and hopefully contagious!) https://t.co/EnqNyYV5jp
We're shaking up our weekly PD in several ways. The planning has me so psyched I can barely sleep Feel like I'm 23 again!
I know. it really got me this year. I cannot let it happen next year.
That is a great way to look at it!
That's exciting! What prompted the change?
Same here. We had a great chat about it last night on . I want to help turn my school's around.
I do too and I was just thinking that. https://t.co/T9XTLoYnyq
I work 12 months so it's really sad for me. I miss my friends.
Morning Kimberly! How is the week so far?
TY! Very excited but also feeling a bit melancholy about leaving the classroom...
morning Connie - are your getting your caffeine ?
One must remain upbeat and positive with children. The opposite is not an option.
I've been thinking about what PD we could offer that Ts would be excited about and how I can help in individual classrooms
I've been thinking about what PD we could offer that Ts would be excited about and how I can help in individual classrooms
relentless forward progress, even in June ! 0
I'm lucky to have the most amazing group of Ts - curious, life long learners who are on board for anything
Thanks Veronica! It will be an exciting change!
One of the best things about Sept. You get to start fresh no matter what! https://t.co/4iWfdrLO0O
My standard year end question: How do we make it better for next year?
My principal who has only been here since Sept told us he is moving on! Another new principal for me next year.
That's great! Congratulations!
I think about this continually. How do we affect change? What can one person do? https://t.co/sZebfnsX5s
Ive been thinking a lot lately about School Culture and how it actually changes.
Big one: How to ensure testing is done accurately and in a way that minimizes negative impact on instructional time.
I am reading Unshakeable this summer..hoping to get some ideas!
20 years in the classroom-have been a mentor for 6 or so-realized that I have a positive impact on my fellow T's
Good morning! Stacey from NJ.
Thx! I find the more honest we are w/ things (incl. our emotions) the more effective we were.
One of the biggest things Ts always complain about is "lack of time" for anything new. Any PD to address that.
When we started our school we made a list of all the things admin did that we hated. We keep the list posted as a reminder
Sorry to hear that. That would be stressfl for me. Bet all those yrs tog. Will help the prt time thing work https://t.co/XVXbjkp0GP
I will not have my assistant full time next year; lots of ?? for how that will work. We made a great team for 15 yrs.
How can I help as a Media Specialist to turn around the negative climate at my school?
Just starting to kick in! Ready to tackle today with a smile on my face!
How are you today?
You are my inspiration! Thanks for the support! 😊
Administration turnover stinks.
Yeah, thinking of that and how to incorporate hit more into what I do rather than separate test prep.
Tough when there is rapid change. Opportunity, at the same time.
I've been there. So tough when you're in it. Most cultures resist change. Great that your school is starting
It has been a rough few years, after having the same principal for most of my career.
Reflecting on self assessment & parent communication for next year.
Thanks! It's already looking to be an action packed year!
We go right to the end of June.
I have decided to change schools after 14.5 years. Wondering what the community, Ss, Ps, staff and Ts will be like.
Reflective question ... How can we improve our approach to middle school behavior ...
Year one in the books. How to keep the momentum going thru the summer.
I cannot wait to hear your adventures! Are you going to blog?
So exciting! Would love to hear more!
Today is my last teaching day for the year. Reflecting on what worked, what didn't, and what never happened despite best intentions
I've been thinking a lot about middle school and whether I'm ready to graduate from 4th and 5th to 6th, 7th, 8th. .
I've been thinking about how I can encourage staff to use Twitter & ways to get Ts to participate in my summer learning challenge.
How do we remain focused despite the "noise"?
That's true. When there's "funk" I have to realign my focus to what's important & how I can change. https://t.co/sAe8ntDBXS
The "funk" is an important part of the process. It can help us see what's important & determine next steps.
Yes! This will be my 7th in 8 years..
Kind of cool that we're going through a reverse experience! 😊😊😊
So sorry to hear that Susie. I've lost a great teammate - I adapted but still miss her each & every day....
Great thoughts this morning. Keep the positivity going all day!
Also been thinking of how to improve school climate for next year.
Surround yourself with the like minded and Forge ahead. No time for negativity. We've got your back
Yes! Can't expect Ts to embrace new things if we don't give them learning time.
Million dollar question! https://t.co/rQvpOD4a9p
Reflective question ... How can we improve our approach to middle school behavior ...
Congrats on the shift in roles! Instructional coaching is great!
It's been that way for me ever since I was a little girl so it doesn't really bother me too much.
there is a far difference between making plans and implementing. Right now I have good solid plans.
Good Morning, ! I've been reflecting on ways to continue to grow leaders in my building- both Ts and Ss & what tasks I can delegate!
I like a culture where it is OK to be "real." Pretending things are OK when they're not can be devastating for kids.
Instructional coaching is so exciting. Good luck. I'm sure you'll love it.
you are friend, change is scary, but good ! You're ready to expand ! You got this https://t.co/TqEll0D2LP
I've been thinking a lot about middle school and whether I'm ready to graduate from 4th and 5th to 6th, 7th, 8th. .
yes! I second this question... https://t.co/DRwPCsHAE3
Reflective question ... How can we improve our approach to middle school behavior ...
Did you find that into the year your perspectives on any of those things changed?? https://t.co/pkw92c1uEC
When we started our school we made a list of all the things admin did that we hated. We keep the list posted as a reminder
Reflective Q for me: How can I best leverage tech tools with my new grade 1 students next year?
Busy, but good! Last day w/kids was Tues., so we are now in cleaning & moving mode. How is yours? Near the end?
wouldn't it be nice if we could eliminate the idea of test prep?
I know there feeling, but it was our Super. 10 years and now two for 2 it looks like.
We'll have to continue to share our experiences-help/lift eachother up when we need it!
I loved when I worked year round. What track are you?
You two should go on the road! lol
Eager to try a problem wall that a Master Eng student is developing for next year. Focus on problem solving and design skills
I so agree - honestly looking at our emotions is an important step in making changes
Are you done with school?
An anxious time I'm sure but a new opportunity for both of you! https://t.co/MfCeCia6Oa
I will not have my assistant full time next year; lots of ?? for how that will work. We made a great team for 15 yrs.
positivity is important and we must model that ... They shouldn't hear us being negative about the school
Next Friday is last day w/kids. A couple conferences right after that&then 2 weeks vacation
Truth! It's what we do during
Good morning ! Nice to see all the reflection questions...I'll be there in a few weeks, but now it's just "how to wrap the course?"
I ask this everyday. This year has been so challenging in my school. Disrespect (for self/place/others) now has an odor
I'll be blogging about this - will share if you like
I'm going to try...maybe even with my kids! 😊
I love middle school. No two days are alike! The Ss can amaze and confound you at the same time. https://t.co/mO5OMAwUyf
I've been thinking a lot about middle school and whether I'm ready to graduate from 4th and 5th to 6th, 7th, 8th. .
I am excited that my district is trying to make it possible to have some PD afternoons (2 hrs) where we can meet w/like positions.
So you're a year round early bird! I am looking forward to sleeping past 5! https://t.co/KcRNuC61TB
Does go all summer? I'm still up at this time.
Recent random Qs: Did I make an impact?
Reflecting on the new Strategic Plan for positive changes in our district to impact the Ss Exciting time for
easy.... and history goes on and on, there be more next year !!! https://t.co/cTrDGiSlNV
Good morning ! Nice to see all the reflection questions...I'll be there in a few weeks, but now it's just "how to wrap the course?"
I think it will be a great experience 4 me, my fellow T's & our administration.
We operate as a team - Love them all!
I'm reflecting on S growth and how to support those students whose growth is lower and provide for all other Ss too.
Ok folks my coffee is done brewing. gotta run.
What is the most exciting thing you're planning for the PD shakeup? https://t.co/FUqWNQq4Wb
We're shaking up our weekly PD in several ways. The planning has me so psyched I can barely sleep Feel like I'm 23 again!
I thought about getting that book. Now I will.
excited to hear your thoughts on student self assessment!
great question! .. and the answer is ??
What will I stop, start, continue but tweak... what can I decide... what can I have Ss input on to decide https://t.co/wlp8x9Zulo
My standard year end question: How do we make it better for next year?
dealing with a lot of "meanness" toward each other ... Nasty comments ... Rudeness ... Not always overt
Lucky kids!! That is an exciting transition. https://t.co/r2WQb10LTh
My reflective Q...What will next year bring for my Ss and me as I transition into a gr. 1 classroom (first time) after 16 years?
More than giving them the time (which sometimes they have lots of 😉) packing it with practical purpose matters.
I'm good. I'm taking today off from subbing to really hit the applications hard. Still looking for a good job
I'm intrigued! This sounds very cool!
Administrative turnover is so hard. It takes a toll on staff moral and staff cohesiveness.
Starting in Aug with breakout Edu groups as a way to look at our philosophy - great team building & innovation
Good Morning. A: reflecting on what PD this summer would be the most beneficial.
I am resisting the urge with this one...trying to just focus on current Ss https://t.co/jv3GA3EIiE
My standard year end question: How do we make it better for next year?
I have been beatng that drum since CCSS came in. You can't test prep CCSS. Just align & teach well! https://t.co/NZn9B5acaM
wouldn't it be nice if we could eliminate the idea of test prep?
I've been missing everyone this week.
Kids' last day is Wed. Staff's last day is Friday. Need to have my beautiful office packed by next week! 😳
Love this PLN-if I need support, I get it-if I need 2 B challenged, I am-If I need a giggle, I get it...
Enjoy and have a great day!
How can we create our tech PD to be personalized, powerful, engaging?Would love to brainstorm w/others https://t.co/wbB9wdUSYH
Great questions everyone. Have a fantastic Thursday!
Will you be in a 1:1 district?
PD that doesn't waste time is critical or Ts will not be happy!
Yes! Please share your blog link! Would love to read!
And all the changes that come with each. Sometimes good, sometimes not, but the adjustment period takes a toll
Reach out to share with everyone - no cliques - people become negative when they don't feel like part of the team
Have an awesome day, Friends!
Oh! Thanks for the title! I need some inspiration and motivation.
Yes - but they need to be open minded too. School policy should dictate that cynicism ain't an option.
What resources can I use besides school spring and school websites to help me find a job teaching my beloved middle schoolers?
. I'm excited but nervous at the same time. One if the best things ab my position-there are so many learning opportunities!
Not as much as I hoped. Culture is a strong thing to bend.
Good morning, Michala! Hope your year is ending on a positive note!
I just sent out a survey for staff this AM on that very subject. Letting them choose the focus
Her thesis project @ UofW. Piloting it w ESQ. I am so EXCITED for her... and me! More info in July. :)
One of the best places (people) I've found to grow (with) professionally! ROCKS!
great! Enjoy every minute of it
I did venture out of my comfort zone and do things I had in the back of my mind for years, so yes, some impact made
I'm wondering if all 350 people who signed up for the PD at my school will show up today! Should be a great day!
excellent ! https://t.co/LqLUnXNj6J
I did venture out of my comfort zone and do things I had in the back of my mind for years, so yes, some impact made
Enjoy the conferences, but more importantly, enjoy your vacation!
No...but I hope I can work at that in our school. Any suggestions? Any sources for tech resources?
Tweetdeck has been glitchy for me all morning :-(
Sorry if I missed anyones tweets this AM!
My BIG question continues to be the same...will I get a job soon?! 🙏🙊
It's like trying to move a glacier. Little steps.
My office is moving to another floor. Closer to the kids, but I'll have to pack again next yr for renovations
Amen Chris!
Together We're Better!
https://t.co/x8jy8BgRJt
One of the best places (people) I've found to grow (with) professionally! ROCKS!
We wanted to create escape the room activities, then shared his box & it was perfect https://t.co/Jf0vUWzNJx
Starting in Aug with breakout Edu groups as a way to look at our philosophy - great team building & innovation
I need to turn that into an "I Can..." Statement and ban the cynicism!
Realizing and recognizing the "funk" is half the battle. Part of natural ebb and flow of teaching some years https://t.co/pxqG7S7l8g
The "funk" is an important part of the process. It can help us see what's important & determine next steps.
I'd love to hear more and see if I could link in with you in some way.
It really does.. Not looking forward to another adjustment period.
Have a great day everyone. Thanks for letting me sneak in late without a hall pass!
Have a great day, friends!!
Do you have something like applitrack? It's what many districts use in NJ.
All good here! I've been testing since May 19th which is a bit much. I have 4 more days unless there are more makeups!
Looks like one more thing to reflect on.
That is exactly what it's like! Firmly rooted, and used to doing things their way. Nice but tough crowd
just telaxing a bit with Ss.Can't take things too seriously/personally in MS.have to laugh and enjoy roller coaster ride
Inclusivity is so important to a positive culture. Everyone matters. All voices heard.
So true, Kathy. Lots of that happening across our district for next year.
It's tough...& you never know how it will affect school culture.
Personal Q: how do I fit it all in 24 hours?
Aw man. I was going to jump in on the EST chat today. But got caught across campus in a downpour
Shouldn't let small children watch the horror! https://t.co/sXvwl8WVq9
I actually have. I watched Tuesday's game with son on the couch. Brutal
I feel a snarky riddle coming on...
You remain in my thoughts and prayers!
as long as you are aware, I think it's the best you can do. Working with a group of adults can be maddening.
That's what we have here in MD. They do not use this in MA though https://t.co/oEXnghL9FO
Do you have something like applitrack? It's what many districts use in NJ.
If you actually need tech for your class (maybe iPads 4 that age) try something like or
Indeed. The more passionate your approach to the PD agenda the more it will stick into the audience's memory.
Big picture Q: how do we better serve students who live in poverty? We HAVE to do better.
It is - unfortunately, it's all to easy to exclude Ts without even realizing it. Must be very aware....
I'm off for my third cup gang. Make it a great Thursday and finish strong (those of you ending soon) https://t.co/Sni0u7XkfB
Its amazing to me how dif the culture is in our school from one division to the next ES, MS, HS
When is it time to move on? From ideas, projects, responsibilities, etc? Also, how do I get to where I seem to be going?
Thanks for the lead! Is there some kind of process involved? Can I access support in Canada?
True for us too - something we're working hard on improving
ditto! I feel your pain. And the answer is a hopeful yes!
learning to deal with adults as I finish year 2 of admin.... Not easy
Nothing wrong with repeatedly asking that. I love that we get a 'do over' every year. https://t.co/LhX505lJZe
My standard year end question: How do we make it better for next year?
You have a great PLN-try or I am sure you will get support!
I've worked K-12 and each level is SO different
I'm not 100% positive about Canada but I don't see why not-site links on their twitter page
Hahaha - I so agree! Adults are much harder than kids...
Do my best to help bring pos Silly music intros for my sessions, request slow claps as I enter etc.
dang fingers not typing well today. Sorry for the typos. ☕️☕️
Hope everyone has an amazing day today!
I have been reflecting on how do I combine good ideas and change. Not change on paper, but institutional change.
How about you? When is your last day?
I would absolutely LOVE your help!!! It would be great to have your support!
Enjoying the last day of school here in . I'll be in NC on Sat!
Adulting in a world of children and teens is difficult. Admin would be a nightmare for me. I'm too blunt. https://t.co/KPg5LrcJQw
learning to deal with adults as I finish year 2 of admin.... Not easy
Nicely done Ryan. Enjoy the break!
It is so much fun! 23 yrs and counting. You will laugh every day. https://t.co/xSJvYoiE2Z
I've been thinking a lot about middle school and whether I'm ready to graduate from 4th and 5th to 6th, 7th, 8th. .
I taught 7th grade for 3 yrs and it was challenging, fun and rewarding. I wouldn't give up that experience ever
That's great, supportive news! Thank you!
I taught 4/5 and now I teach 6th and I love it! Different, but similar in many ways! Teaching MS is a lot of fun.
Agree! Discipline is "different", but you'll never be bored! And you'll laugh a lot! (And cry as much..)
Absolutely! I also believe that individuals need to learn how to live through things that are unpleasant/upsetting.
My reflective question for next year -How can I be even more receptive to what my students will teach me?
When we talk about & we have to talk about everything, all the emotions. Think some ppl miss that.
Photos coming soon of last night's poetry coffeehouse! It was phenomenal! 👍🏼❤️🎉☕️☕️. So proud of my 8th graders!
I have only taught Gr7&8, resource and self contained DD classes. 💖 intermediate!
. My class got an iPad and set of novels through donors choose.
Change is hard for some easy for others. I want to be close to the front of the pack, not running to catch up.
What do you think contributes to this? https://t.co/w9J0LStBuL
Its amazing to me how dif the culture is in our school from one division to the next ES, MS, HS
all leaders should follow the blueprints. Make sense of messages when not aligned and adapt to stay the course.
Great question... may need a little more coffee before I can formulate an intelligent answer, though :) https://t.co/UfZyjP1b5G
Big Q for me consistently revolves around and moving to flexible scheduling, passion based learning, etc
Another Q for me.. Why is "because we've always done it this way" even considered an acceptable response to anything...
laugh, cry, cheer and all in one day. Never a dull moment
let's just say... barely!
Part personalities that seek work in those divis Part leadership HS Ts tend to take things little more serious than KG Ts
you've got this! Learners of all ages are and will be inspired and empowered by you!
We often say if we could just teach and not have to deal with adults our days would be perfect
I've been thinking a lot about design thinking and change management in education.
Late in on this, but my question is "why not?" Disrupting the idea of tradition for the sake of it.
Are we truly meeting the needs of our Ss w/ our current educational model, no! Spending time thinking & reading about what's next.
I often joked that you can tell a grade level just by listening to answers at meetings.
Pretty close to true. Presented at all 3 levels last wk. Dif AMAZING
My question is: how can I inject more energy into my daily lessons? Last year I had 5 HS preps, and barely kept my head above water!
Good start. Hopefully that initiative will become school culture. Expectation.
PREACH, ! https://t.co/siQwkzpLe7
Another Q for me.. Why is "because we've always done it this way" even considered an acceptable response to anything...
After working at PreK-12 as admin I see it move from optimism to realism.
My Q: What blessings & challenges will I face 2day, & how can I learn?Lately, how can I serve 2 help self/others reach max capacity?
I fight that response constantly. Keep growing and providing new challenges.
Couldn't agree more, especially in Ed https://t.co/QXl6lbpS3o
Another Q for me.. Why is "because we've always done it this way" even considered an acceptable response to anything...
Good morning MT chatters. Steve from NJ enjoying a quiet few minutes (calm before the storm)
Where is everyone? First time in the MT chat in a while and feeling a bit lonely :)
Morning, Steve & . I'm here, just lost in my own questions!
Small Q: What should I read next? Big Qs: How might literacy intervention be more impactful? In what ways can I judo flip grades?
Sorry I'm late to the chat! Decided to sleep in today 😴
Hypothesis: People steal time (even just a little) for what matters to them.
My reflective question would be...how I do change my teaching from a Primary focus to Junior focus?
Look out, a question monkey just landed on my back: How do I know students are learning?
Morning, Caiti. Navigating change can be challenging & begets questions upon questions.
Hmm... Interesting! What if there are a lot of somethings that matter to them?
How do you know they haven't / or aren't?
Almost guaranteed, meaning something's gotta give. Which brings us to tricky territories of prioritizing & problem solving.
'If your Ss can't remember, it maybe they never learnt it. If they never learnt it, maybe, you never taught it" Dr Rich Allen
My active involvement. We impact school culture regardless. I want my impact 2 b deliberate. https://t.co/XCiK13nlOh
Morning, Keisha. I'm wondering: Is the shift a new thing, or your involvement in it?
Yes! SELteaching implications, too.
Touché (& now there are ≥ 2 Q monkeys on my back). Useful reminder to seek answer often to "What have Ss learned today?"
A really powerful question. Hmm... https://t.co/b95M8o4Ndv
I have been reflecting on how do I combine good ideas and change. Not change on paper, but institutional change.
Thank goodness. I'd be lost without my tribe! https://t.co/kPlRHe7YWn
I love it! We're chatting right through June this year in anticipation of !
Random Q: What stays, and what goes?
