#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Hello! my name is Mat, I am current an Adult Studies student getting his licensure for Physical Education and I am afraid of snakes #tosachat#aedu209trlls
A1: I currently have a fear that I will not complete enough student observation hours on time, I plan on sharing this with my counselor in order to maybe help get a schedule of some sort to keep me on track. #tosachat#aedu209trolls
A1. I am in a new position and I fear the disconnection you get moving from a school site to a district position. My partner @CarrieNorthcott has helped me with this transition. @TosaChat#tosachat
A1: I have a fear of not following through and/or getting some large goals accmplished. I am lucky enough to have a team to share my thoughts with @Msbpatel@MissUrsy on the regular. #tosachat#PSUSDfam
A2: I believe that journaling can be a great way to get organized and see what lies ahead. It is also a good way to look at what past mistakes you had and how to improve upon them. #tosachat#aedu209trolls
My fear is that I am not getting through to my students about the important stuff - not the standards but the importance of empathy, compassion and activism #tosachat
A1: My fear is that I am not getting through to my students about the important stuff - not the standards but the importance of empathy, compassion and activism #tosachat
A1: I have a fear of disappointment at work. @EdTechEddie knows this all to well about me. He gets the pleasure of dealing with me stressing out over little things at work. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723, @EdTechEddie
A1 I always fear letting my teachers down. If I don't stay up on all the things and make sure I know all the stuff...maybe I won't be able to share something I should have and I'll have missed a need. #tosachat
A1: I fear not providing enough of the correct support for ALL Teachers & making sure they feel valued & appreciated! I’m assigned to new teachers but many others need help & have NO MENTOR! #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A3: tackling something new is a great way to help spark new creativity and outside thinking. it can lead to a great snowball effect of giving confidence to tackle even more new things! #tosachat#aedu209trolls
That is so hard to do in the time that we have to accomplish all of our goals. I am sure that your are doing great. The fact that this is on your radar is amazing. #tosachat
Hi, #tosachat. I have lots of fears, but the biggest for me has always been not being effective in my work. It is quite possibly irrational, but it’s still there.
A2: I haven't shared fears at work. Often I worry that I'm trying to balance multiple positions and if I am able to do them all well. Am I setting an example for others? #TOSAchat
A1: just not being good enough, having enough time, and meeting the needs of #allstudents#ToSAchat#impostersyndrome or alternately wanting too much too fast and needing to wait upon students’ timing
A1. I am in a new position and I fear the disconnection you get moving from a school site to a district position. My partner @CarrieNorthcott has helped me with this transition. @TosaChat#tosachat
#tosachat I hear you on that. I miss the most awesome part of teaching students...teaching students. So Resource Teacher, TOSA, Coordinator, or Specialist we have to create ways to get back in there & connect to that experience as much as possible. Coaching gives opportunity.
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @CarrieNorthcott, @TosaChat
A4: It's the same mentality as dress for success! You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you do good. Shifting perspective allows a new light to be cast on a situation which can provide many new and unthought of outcomes. #tosachat#aedu209trolls
Thanks:) it just seems more important than ever right now but so hard to do for students. We talked about recent events today and it’s just so hard to get the historical context along with everything else... sigh #Tosachat
Intro: My name is Rayshell Fambrough. My passion is showing people how their power is amplified through technology! I think we change lives as teachers and that’s what makes our jobs SO RAD and so purpose filled! My title is Educational Technology Specialist #Tosachat
A2. I journal to help me clarify my thoughts, remember details, and express feelings I may not be ready to share. It is a good strategy for self reflection in a year also. See where you have been and how far you have grown. @TosaChat#tosachat
A1 I guess my biggest fear is not doing enough to pave the way for change. I feel like things are going backwards and I don't know what to do about it. #TOSACHAT
A1: My fear at work is the same fear I always have there..... adult ego getting in the way of me, and everyone for that matter, making cool things happen for kids! #tosachat
A2 I don’t journal, but I spend an hour each week reflecting with my EdTech partner @KelliVanV . We reflect on the good, bad, and ugly so that we can improve our practice and help more people. @TosaChat#tosachat
A6: I think a great way to help someone move past their fear is to be there with them step by step. Thinks are a lot less terrifying when you have someone to pick you up when you fall and to congratulate you on an achievement #aedu209trolls#tosachat
A1: A fear I have is that I’m not serving the school in the way they need. As a new admin, I’ve been working on building community, improving communication, & increasing collaboration. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A2: Another fear is how new attempts will be perceived by Ts. I like to do things digitally. I was challenged here to get my blog started and I still haven't. I let the fear of it not being perfect get in the way. Hoping journaling the process can help me open up. #TOSAchat
A2: I thinking blogging can be similar! Sometimes I blog in the notes on my phone & that’s the end of it! Journaling allows for a “brain dump”, reflection & call to action! #tosachat
A2: I would like to turn this idea into blogging. Each journal post can be a blog entry. If I could streamline this process then I feel like I could be killing two birds with one stone. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A3: When i think of journaling, I think of giving something away something through print. In this case, journaling can give your fear away in print. Once it is outside of you, it is sometimes easier to analyze and determine its function or even relevance. #ToSAchat
A2: Journaling will allow you to speak your truth. It's an avenue for you to say everything and get it all off your chest. For me, writing things down helps me reflect and feel better just by
acknowledging my fears. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A2) I’m honestly not much of a reflective writer, but I am a reflective thinker. When I find myself in a real fear bubble, as relates to work, education is the best way out. I talk, find trade books, think a lot while swimming, reach out again...it’s empowering #tosachat
Uggggggg well my district is going backwards for sure. TONS of nonsensical online assessments with zero time for teachers to analyze data or plan or collaborate around best practices. As a parent of a first grader I am VERY concerned. #tosachat
A2 a nice #Bujo journal helps me reflect daily, and I can review and revisit when thing worked, and maybe try and determine why they didn’t. Same with teachers, notes about what worked and what didn’t can help refine craft, be that with tech or just in our lessons #tosachat
A2: Man, this is such a great prompt. I used to journal all the time. I now do it digitally, but definitely not at the level I would like. I’m using my calendar as a journal. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A2 I blog to share ideas and resources with teachers in and outside of my district. Makes me feel like I am at least doing something to help. #TOSAchat
Oh no! I definitely have seen an uptick in assessments again as well. But in other ways we have been allowed to move forward and experiment like grading. I hope the ability to innovate continues 🤞#tosachat
A3. This year I have been very open to work with new Ts to tech. I am a model for doing something new and it makes them brave. I have been in my school district for 20 years. Many Ts have seen my evolution. @TosaChat#tosachat
Same with our district. It seems like they just want to make sure they r testing, using the benchmark assessment system we bought, and then give no real time for reflection on those assessments. #tosachat#testingtotest
It’s really not about working FOR me, but rather working WITH me. It’s definitely a privilege & pleasure serving as the site admin - learning with everyone. #TOSAChat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @iluvteaching72, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A3: It helps me stay connected to and relate to the teachers I support. If I am encouraging them to face their fears and try new things then I need to be able to do the same to model the way by facing my own fears. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
I feel this so much. And agree. I work endlessly to provide what Ts need/want, but they’re too bogged down with other stuff. They feel stuck so why learn/try something else? Trying to get them to see beyond is tough. #tosachat
Uggggggg well my district is going backwards for sure. TONS of nonsensical online assessments with zero time for teachers to analyze data or plan or collaborate around best practices. As a parent of a first grader I am VERY concerned. #tosachat
I was cleaning a file cabinet after my first few years of teaching and found an old lesson from a mentor with a very reflective note in it reminding myself to “Never teach this lesson again!” Ha ha! Threw it out l, not sure why I kept it #tosachat
A3: when I share some new things I’m trying, I model risk taking & share my fears, even after 30 years in education! Gifs, video, podcasting, blogging, #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A3: This year I started a YouTube channel where I video my weekend adventures. I needed something! I have already learned so much and it keeps me from focusing on the work related fear. It helps me to stay positive & focus on where I have control! #TOSACHAT
A3 learning something new, & having that frustration of new learning reminds us what Ts go through in our trainings. Its a reminder 2 meet everyone where they are, and progress towards learning (however slow) is still PROGRESS. Struggling makes achievements sweeter. #tosachat
Exactly! I either think in a very deep way or begin to kick along to the old meow, meow, meow, meow...Meow Mix commercial. Which brings up another fear I have, really bad songs getting stuck in my head. #tosachat
A3: Finding something new can sometimes be a catalyst. I get a renewed sense of motivation when I have new information to share with my teachers. #tosachat
A3 Tackling something new brings excitement & growth. Must remember this. I am asking my colleagues to join me on this journey, must walk the walk. Last week I helped a teacher make a video for her Japanese class. Had to find many work arounds but it was so gratifying.#TOSAchat
A3: Earlier this year, I was jazzed about rockets w/ my 8th graders, but as launch day approached, I started to get nervous. Just had to jump in, embrace success and failure equally, and let the kids do what they do...learn. #tosachat
A3: as teachers, we preach growth mindset, but often don’t put ourselves in that predicament as much as we do our Ss. Sometimes the fear of trying new things shows us we can overcome it. #tosachat
True dat! Struggle helps us realize how good we have it. The best is learning something new and then being able to share that with other educators. #tosachat
It's SO frustrating. My son has two days in a computer lab and the majority of those days are taken up doing useless online assessments. We could be doing SO much cool stuff. His teacher is wonderful and willing but her hands are tied. It's utterly ridiculous. #tosachat
In reply to
@RemScience, @TechTomBUSD, @sarahjteacher
A3: (sneaking in) - I ran around the room to the song of "Let's Get Ready to Rumble Techno Version" on YouTube, fistbumped each kid, and pounded on the board for Poetry Slam 2008. My kids shared #booksnaps on their poetry. It was an experience. Took a chance and had fun #Tosachat
A3. This year I have been very open to work with new Ts to tech. I am a model for doing something new and it makes them brave. I have been in my school district for 20 years. Many Ts have seen my evolution. @TosaChat#tosachat
Yes Sarah. I really feel Ts have the hardest time showing flaws. We are not perfect! I think the desire to build community is what makes us strong. #TOSAChat
A4. Many Ts fear failing. When you lift them up, stay focused on what they ARE doing right, and keep encouraging them, they will become brave. @TosaChat#tosachat
Yeah its quite a easy task if you get to know the way around it bt becomes rocket science if you dont know how to go about it. Personally till now am still trying to get my hands on how to creat Team drives #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @iluvteaching72, @CarrieNorthcott
A4 - I am an Induction Coach this year. I work with new teachers. I have made suggestions here and there. It is refreshing to hear "Hey, that is really a good idea." Sometimes hearing you have decent ideas can help brighten your day before you get lost in the grind. #Tosachat
Failing in front of your teachers and sharing what you learned can be powerful too. If we can create a culture where taking risks is a good thing we can overcome some of that fear. #tosachat
A4: “were in this together” I help them plan it & observe the new strategies when possible! I’ve used “whisper coaching” during the lesson to support! #tosachat
A4: I've been focusing a lot on phrasing and how things are heard. Instead of "giving them something to work for" why not help Ss embrace the joy of reading/learning/exploring etc #tosachat
A1.2) I fear regret, I don’t like the feeling of looking back at a time I shoulda taken a risk and didn’t...to think, I could be doing THAT, but didn’t do something back then, so I’m not. Leaving 23 years on a district was scary, but I’m learning at lighting speed now! #tosachat
A5: My school did wellness sessions for staff today. I went to yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. Tbh, it's not my natural way, but I tried. I think a mantra or saying I can use in my head can help me start with me. Like I do when I run, I should do that when I teach. #TOSAchat
Joining late. 1st yearTOSA-instructional coach for @LGSUHSD. I think if ppl are afraid of something, and I don’t get why, then clearly I need to ask questions and learn more. If I’m supporting Ts, then it’s about helping them ask the right questions and learn together. #TOSAChat
A4: Luckily, I have @EdTechEddie and @MissUrsy that support and help me with my fears. What they do for me, I try to replicate for my teachers. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @EdTechEddie, @MissUrsy
Today I presented my project idea for next trimester to some of my Ss. They gave me honest feedback and ideas. I love how I had to be vulnerable to help empower them. #tosachat#alumROCKit#ditchbook#cuechat
A5. Your PLN will become your source of nourishment. These people will NEVER let you fail and you gain confidence in their connection. I try and connect Ts with other Ts so they have support outside of their site. @TosaChat#tosachat
I feel like it kills reading for so many kids. The kids who excel are going to read anyways. Just kicks the kids who struggle to read in the gut and reminds them how they struggle. I struggle with memorizing details and would bomb if I were to take a test. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @KarlyMoura, @RemScience, @TechTomBUSD, @sarahjteacher
A4) I’ve always encouraged people I work with to take the plunge with “scary” pedagogy by deciding if they are an “all in” full-throttle change person or a bridge builder, one smart step at a time. Let them choose their path and go with them. #tosachat
A5: A PLN can help keep me accountable and motivated. I love being able to bounce ideas of of my PLN and getting feedback and support. It is also important to reciprocate and support others. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A5: The #PLN is a place where you can vent, cry, share frustrations, and get great ideas. I have seen other people form Voxter groups (never could get into Voxer). A #PLN is a safe place to feel safe in. I cannot tell you how many times @KarlyMoura has helped me. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723, @KarlyMoura
A5 My PLN challenges me to do great things! I see all the awesomeness in this community and I want to bring it all back to my district. When I need help, my PLN is always there, supporting and encouraging! It’s an essential part of my growth and development! #tosachat
A5: Thank you @EdTechEddie for being apart of my tribe and introducing me to this amazing group of educators. @TosaChat has been a great PLN where I get inspired to be better. All good things happening here that help me grow. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @EdTechEddie, @TosaChat
A5: With a PLN you can find someone doing the very thing you are scared of. A good partner, or even just good resources and reassurances can be all it takes to get over the hurdle. I’m trying to get our Ts to see the value of PLN, but it’s “another THING” - a hurdle #TOSAChat
A5. Your PLN will become your source of nourishment. These people will NEVER let you fail and you gain confidence in their connection. I try and connect Ts with other Ts so they have support outside of their site. @TosaChat#tosachat
A2. I remember journalling on social engineer attacks and how its impact had made to be very cautious of my digital information and one reader recommended some digital citizen books that could help me conquer my fear. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A5: I've been trying to reach out more especially recently. The more I connect, the more positive I feel. Getting ideas of how to navigate different situations is especially helpful. I feel energized. I feel community which allows me to feel less alone. #tosachat
Q5: Digital connections can help with risk taking. Finding others on twitter is low stakes and high inspiration. Connecting with peers creating a collaborative unit, project, creates an inspiring growth filled environment. Must model this while helping them connect. #TOSAchat
A5: participating in twitter chats, inspires & educates me! I feel the empathy from others & we can problem solve together! Referees collaborate! Great coaches do too! #tosachat
A4: With Tech striking fear in teachers, I must model a #growthmindset and helpful spirit. Really trying to teach people how to fish rather than spoon feed. #TOSAchat
A5: I rely heavily on my twitter peeps PLN. I am a silo at work as far as being the only tech TOSA. I find "my people, my tribe" here on twitter. Everyone is always so willing to help when you make the all call! #TOSAchat
So, I brought in Estes rockets that they built. Engines were added immediately prior to launch. We lost two rockets, one to a neighboring yard and one two a tree in a walnut orchard. 😳 #tosachat
A4: Thinking positively doesn’t mean always agreeing or believing without evidence. It does mean that you agree to finding what you have control of or power to influence and using that power/control to build others! Doing so makes everyone better I suppose.... #TOSACHAT
A5) The PLN is where you reflect, recharge, and know there are others out there who share your inner passion for all things (in my case) Ed Tech and and who don’t judge you for your geeky gifs. #tosachat
A6 Finding what fears our Ts have and helping them overcome it a little bit at a time. If they are afraid of tech, allowing support when they are using it and lots of scaffolding so the tech doesn't overwhelm them. @TosaChat#tosachat
A6 like in scary movies, having a hand to hold makes everything better! I schedule time for me to be in classes while teachers are trying new things. Just that little extra bit of help is usually enough to push pst their fear and jump into something new #tosachat
A6: Sharing you experiences in regards to dealing with fears, letting them know it's okay to have fears and being a support system for them as they work on moving past their fears. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @nzefeldt, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @EdTechAri, @EdTechEddie, @cogswell_ben, @TeachingTechNix, @KarlyMoura, @edtechchamp, @annkozma723
A5: a PLN are the people that give you a hug and say welcome while everyone else is(metaphorically of course) pointing at you and calling you a weirdo! It’s invaluable space to find belonging, to be questioned, and to start reaching outside of your comfort zone. #TOSACHAT
A6: 1 step at a time. I find that a lot of Ts are perfectionists and don’t want to look bad or fail. I like to slow things down and let them go at a pace that is good for them and help understand that it doesn’t have to be perfect right away, or at all. #tosachat
A3: I think it is important to practice what we preach and be that lead learner. If we don't grasp for the unknown, what message are we sending. #TOSAchat
A6 Naming a fear helps conquer it, We don’t think clearly when emotions are in the way. Acknowledge the fear and then you can begin to think about it more rationally #tosachat
A6. I remember @Jyoung1219 saying that he embraced not knowing an answer and would ask the teacher to help find the answer together. I know I butchered that, but its something that I keep in the back of my mind. #tosachat
A6: Depends in the type of fear.... but I think it starts w/ validating the emotion! Then explore the thinking that is leading to the emotion. Can we change that thinking? If not we may need to change our approach... simple... well simple if you agree to its complexity #TOSACHAT
A6: I wish all Ts got the green light to have 1 thing in the room that hey are passionate about. It really helps creatively - IMO. This year it’s my fish tank and room setup. #tosachat
A6: help them get tenure lol #tosachat build “confidence & competence” strategic coaching, listening, listening, listening 👂🏼👀👁✍🏼👏cheering, one thing at a time 👣
A6: Be honest about your own fears to start and have empathy for others who are afraid of trying new things. Some people in general do not want to be pushed. Be ready to listen and help out if invited. Also, if someone asks for help find the time to help. #TOSAchat
A6 Finding what fears our Ts have and helping them overcome it a little bit at a time. If they are afraid of tech, allowing support when they are using it and lots of scaffolding so the tech doesn't overwhelm them. @TosaChat#tosachat
