Welcome to #YCSDchat! Hopefully tonight's chat will give us the opportunity to take a breather from the stress of hurricane watches and preparation, and give us a chance to chat about what we are passionate about - teaching and learning.
I'm Karen and I will be moderating tonight's #YCSDchat. Let us know if you are joining the conversation tonight by introducing yourself and telling us one of your favorite things about being an educator.
A1: 1st year was a long time ago :-) Biggest challenge - curriculum or lack of it at the school I was teaching at: standards & textbooks/ support material. However, I had a super and experienced team: probably why I like to help new teachers to the profession. #YCSDchat
#ycsdchat A1: first year I started teaching in December. Biggest challenge was getting started in the middle of the year. I relied heavily on my teacher mentor and team members on a day to day basis.
A1: My first year of teaching I taught seniors AP Govt so managing all that curriculum/prep work and grading while only being a few years older than my students was a lot. #ycsdchat
9/11 happened during my first week of teaching middle schoolers. I was not prepared for the emotional aspects of that incident or that age group. #ycsdchat
I've had that experience too. I think it helped me become more innovative, as well as build relationships through collaboration with my collegues. #ycsdchat
A1: I remember the first student who was just so rude and disrespectful and I was floored. My first response was not the right one, but I learned that I needed to show her that I loved her and consider how I would want someone to treat my own children. #YCSDchat
Sometimes as a new teacher, you're so busy trying to get the teaching part down, you might miss opportunities to really get to know your students. #ycsdchat
Wow! I also remember how difficult that was. I was teaching 5th grade in northern VA at the time and I agree, dealing with the emotional aspects was very challenging. #ycsdchat
My first class was in a school where students had many more concerns than they should've had. They taught me fast, but they also taught me that they could all learn as long as I supported them. #YCSDchat
A2: The advice that I received was that you have to prioritize your time and remember your own family. In the beginning I took Work home and spent extra hours in lesson planning. I learned to use my planning time to plan and not socialize. #YCSDchat
A2: I remember the principal who interviewed me asked how many of my students would I expect to succeed. I was confused and answered, why wouldn't I expect that of all of them? I always make sure my students know that I believe in all of them. #YCSDchat
A2 some of the best advice I got was that you don’t have keep doing things that aren’t working. Change your procedures if they aren’t working. #ycsdchat
Reflective practice is one characteristic of a great teacher. I would love to hear how members of our group reflect on their teaching & student learning so they know when a change is needed. #ycsdchat
A3: I learn names - at registration, kindergarten round-up, open house, the cafeteria, everywhere! I have over 600 students and I try to know and correctly pronounce each name and something about each student. They appreciate the effort and connection! #ycsdchat
A3: I have created a checklist. I encourage everyone to write down what you did before school started as prep. Next year you will easily check things off and add others to this list. It is so efficient and then you don’t spend energy trying to remember everything. #YCSDchat
Gardening and knitting have become my zen! Having a hobby that lets my brain rest (or, in my case, only think about something simple or repetitive) is the only way I can get by. Well, that and a good time with good friends like @MrsHaighGMS and @Mrs_Zimmerman! #YCSDChat
In reply to
@kecagle, @MrsHaighGMS, @Mrs_Zimmerman
A4: The “lunch bunch” of teachers I eat with always laughs that our husbands may listen about our days but only other educators truly understand. My closest friends are teachers. #ycsdchat
A4- I’m not sure I could get through the year without the support of my team! They always give suggestions or a sympathetic ear when I need it. #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork#YCSDchat
A4: I love brainstorming and problem-solving with my colleagues. I especially like how we leverage each others strengths. We have the same passion and purpose for student learning. #ycsdchat
A5: If it wasn’t for collaboration I might not have made it through my first year. Two heads are better than one. My team encouraged creativity and thinking outside of the box. #YCSDchat
A6: Be proud and confident in what you are doing in your classroom and with your students. Don’t be nervous to show it off even though you are just starting. #ycsdchat
