#sschat Archive
#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Monday May 16, 2016
Welcome everyone to another great week of Please take a minutes to introduce yourself, & what subject you teach.
Hi Brittany from NJ private school, I teach 6th grade ancient civ
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS. Looking forward to hearing what others are doing for PD!
Hey Val from Dallas, Tx. Teach US Hist to 8th graders.
Matt Doran, Social Studies Coordinator, Columbus, OH
Hi! Jill from SC. US History, Government/Economics. It's been awhile but back for tonight. :-)
Hello Brittany, welcome! We are happy to have you.
Hi Scott Petri, High School World History teacher from Los Angeles.Cruising to the finish line. Great topic.
Hoping not to get too distracted by Power Players night on
Good evening everyone. Phil checking in from Sarasota. Currently teaching 6-8 Civics. Next year I will switch to AH.
Hey Chris great to see ya!
Hello . Syd from New Mexico. I teach Humanities at a PBL high school, Gr 11.
Hey Jackie from CT; HS social studies, library media and peer coach
Hey Doug here. Teach 7th/8th grade SS in Clifton Springs NY
Welcome Matt we are happy to have you.
Hey gang! Tim from PA - high school social studies teacher and total nerd.
Hi Got a glowing report from my sub today that is making me think of ways to reward my wonderful Ss
Welcome looking forward to chatting with you.
are you doing this evening? TOPIC: Summer PD
Tim, we are excited to chat with you!
our first question for the night: How do you recharge but still accomplish your new goals for the summer? https://t.co/sMracBx3sG
Cat from Arkansas checking in for a bit, I teach Humanities at !
A1: I take the first week, and don't leave the house. I putz about, clean, netflix, and nap. Got to recover b4 going forward.
Q1: How do you recharge? A1: Art Therapy
A1) Pacing! Have to schedule downtime as well as prof development & summer work (revision, prepping, etc.).
A1. Pursue the topics that interest me the most, focus on creative projects (not mandates), use social media for pd
A1: 1st I do NOTHING! I look for a combo of something that peaks my interest which I can then incorporate into my classes.
A1 read all of those books I have been adding to my to read bookshelf. Relax., learn, and get inspired all at same time
Chris from SoCal. Haven't checked in in awhile. Monday afternoons have been crazy. Excited to join...while I'm at the gym :-)
A1 Take a trip the weekend after school lets out. Lots of relaxing, reading, and sun
A1: starting 2nd week, I get up each day before the kids and set aside an hour for learning; maybe 2 hours on a rainy day :)
A1: I schedule vacation time, then plan professional development opportunities. I try to limit summer PD to 30 hours.
A1 For the past 3 yrs I have taught summer classes online for Ts that reaffirm my love for the profession.
A1: Learn some new wrinkle in my curriculum. Dig deeper into primary sources for example
A1 I try to knock out some of my to do list right away while I'm still in the groove.Less pressure knowing something is already done
I do something similar with my books-in-waiting.
A1 reading comic books counts, right?
A1: this year I'm traveling. Graduating on Saturday. No summer school. Taking some me time.
Sorry I am late. Melissa from Poughkeepsie
That is fantastic! Still keep schedule and routine.
A1 Plan one big trip with family. Our tweenager is heading off to overnight camp by herself this year. SNIFF.
A1: Seek out passion projects/topics first and foremost
Hi I'm Daniel Serralde from we have a free 1 day program available to School Districts and Regional ESCs in Texas
Lauren- 7th grade US history from Chicago area. Can only dip in for a bit..didn't finish all the work I had hoped to on wkend!
A1 I love attending to recharge
Sorry I'm late! Carrie from Tampa. I teach 7th civics & 8th US hist. Helping my own kid study civics now! A1: i do "crafty stuff"
A1: I think a key to be recharged in the summer is reading/viewing books/media I want to read. But I also try to do that all year.
True, but the days are long so there is still lots of time for me and fam and friends!
Great idea. . Have been keeping notes on what I did every day. Will want to go over those soon.
A1:) I love gardening and being on a tractor. Farming and teaching go hand in hand. I get so many great ideas on the Tractor.
The profession through new eyes, sounds so great!
Great experience! Love self driven learning
A1: I teach 2 college courses between May and Sept as well.
A1 Ultimately a curric related trip would be my ideal way to recharge, Rome?Greece, anyone? Would love to see what I teach firsthand
Thanks! It has been a busy year! Nice to be back at .
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. Coming in a bit late
Yep. It's good to hang out with adults instead of 14 yr olds every once in a while
Rome is AMAZING! Going there next summer. Even as a US History teacher, I find something to inc in my classes
Agreed! Teaching "Learning Through Technology" during the 1st summer session ! Also applied for a fellowship
A1 As Oregon Geo Alliance co-coordinator we have intl travel institutes. Take Ts. Great for recharge. Also, hiking&camping in Oregon
A1: I'm taking a road trip through South Dakota & Wyoming to see historical sites this summer!
that sounds like an amazing trip!
Obviously not the same, but I have seen things I can incorporate into my ancient civ class in trips to Phila/AH
It took an act of Congress... Via : Congress Approves Arlington Cemetery Burials For Female WWII Pilots https://t.co/P4lWhc5XcM
Jacqueline, from NJ, joining the chat a bit late this evening.
My last trip was a bit ambitious. Or expensive. Got denied but gonna try again next summer. https://t.co/6j0JMynBbD
Fewer trips for us for a while; facing college tuition next year, and then for the next six! expeditions anyone? :)
Fewer trips for us for a while; facing college tuition next year, and then for the next six! expeditions anyone? :)
I think the new "perspective" helps. That and the gelato ;-)
I'm really excited about it, get to check a few more states off my list!
Q2: What cool idea/structure/tool are you looking forward to learning more about this summer? https://t.co/j9Qk0I391o
A1 Looking for book recs on classroom organization to start off next year more streamlined.
A2. Will be the summer of Google Apps. Working on Google Trainer Cert.
A2: I have been struggling with and want to do more research/learning.
A2) Going to some ed tech focused workshops this summer & probably TPS Level 2 workshop.
A2 Want to learn how to incorporate tech more into my interactive notebooks w/o losing the cutting/coloring
A2 Trying to become comfortable w/ periscope as a social studies instructional tool
Does anyone have an interest in doing a book club this summer, perhaps a book on PBL?
A2: Looking at flipping my classes more, now that we've gone 1:1.
A2 My class is switching from iPads to Chromebooks. Time to jump into Google World. Also want to try
A2: as before mentioned, primary sources, like to hit the Great Depression in NC harder
A2: SO excited: going to mountain view for all about geography tools and apps!
A2 really putting myself out there - presenting at San Diego and Phila comicon and applying to present at soc studies conference
Man that is on my list too. So many test.
A2: I always love interdisciplinary & PBL. I'm on a field trip kick lately. I need more ideas for creative content based trips.
But my five week seminar in NYC was amazing. Studying immigrant identity thru food culture. Best experience all paid
A2: I really want 2 incorporate OneNote and more socratic seminars
Me, too! Let's start a study group :)
A2 Making my classroom paperless. Ss have tablets. We are using so playing with as well
That is what I struggle with too. Balancing paperless classroom with the power of physical learning.
A2: excited to integrate more discussion models. Getting better at choosing the right EQs just gotta get more engaging discussion
No doubt! Got through the tests this spring...50 hours of facilitating PD on Google Apps next year.
I would love to join this.
Have you seen Max Brooks present yet? He was grt at . You preach the same gospel
Love nearpod. Just need 2B careful not to overdo. I have a few (I think?) R public. But easy to make yr own
Please don't go completely paperless - as a reading specialist, the connection of pen to paper interaction can't be replaced
Liz World & AP GOv HS T joining in late from CA- last Mon of reg year. Finals start tomorrow!
I am always trying to challenge myself to do this more.
A2: I'm presenting on Twitter as a PLN at . Also attending a few classes, including one on PBL.
I'll be 1:1 next year too. Kids won't be taking devices home & I have problems w/ wifi at times. Ideas always welcome!
Hi Everyone, sorry I'm a little late. I'll catch up.
A2: I would like to learn more about "livebinder," does anyone currently use it on the chat tonight?
Yes, want 2 help Ss stay organized with what is on paper, what is on iPad.
I'm looking forward to using your material from CCSS- thanks again for sharing!
A2: I'll be going to D.C. to get on board with so I can run a Student Reporting Lab
My Ss like but 2 much of 1 thing didnt work. made a huge difference. Esp. Present mode https://t.co/EK8m9sUG2t
A2 My class is switching from iPads to Chromebooks. Time to jump into Google World. Also want to try
Still learning. I've been using Google Forms for doc analysis and . Wifi hiccuping is an issue.
Bravo! The test I hear are the worst. You have the hard part don.
I'm in the same boat; the 1st yr with tablets. Loved having them available but I cld have done more w/ them https://t.co/5Dwigx5YiC
A2 Making my classroom paperless. Ss have tablets. We are using so playing with as well
A2) I will be working with to streamline my teaching and attempt to go fully paperless.
Went paperless this year with GAFE and Chromebooks.
Cool. I'll look for them. I may be teaching USH for the 1st time in 7 yrs nxt yr. Time to brushup
RT A2: I would like to learn more about "livebinder," does anyone currently use it on the chat tonight?
Any feedback would be gr8 tried it too. Writing an article on it. Gonna submit for https://t.co/vbxNPmjqcc
I'm looking forward to using your material from CCSS- thanks again for sharing!
we have been 1tox for a while...it is amazing.
. uses you might want to drop him a line.
Seek him out. I have seen him twice. He is funny & inspirational.
A3: I look to , or or online webinars through .
Not analysis but I can see how that might work. , Ideas on this one?
Tough spot. We got ours mid-yearish. Tough to jump right in
A2: I'm really interested in going away from grades and looking at enhancing learning through tech.
A3. Edutopia for articles, Edx for courses, lots of good history podcasts as well.
A3:
Conferences:
https://t.co/ZWNcEYv4UC
Google certification online tutorials great for training
EdCamp
YouTube Tutorials!
Yes! I've zaptioned every US history video. So helpful for AP preview. https://t.co/3ZTGLvw54d
My students love Zaption (course is online and asynchronous).
A3 Twitter- & Also going to institute this summer to get Ss crafting better Qs.
LOL Think I've used about all the world history ones. :) Ss love
A3: Blessed to be going to the this summer!
Where do you get most of your History podcasts? I love 15 minute History &
A3: for APSI every summer, attending APUSH in July.
We are a one to one district - the kids cheer when I tell them to put away laptops - don't just use one tool/method. Just my opinion
A3) EdCamps, Twitter and YouTube videos are my go to for any type of learning.
A3: I get a lot of training via my buddies - district and school nerds like me and
A3 I teach & host a radio show in Cali. I go to a) twitter chats and b) groups like NAME, URBAN AFFAIRS ASSOC., SOC. ST. T ORGS.
There are some awesome history podcasts & podcasts about teaching history.
A3 we have an amazing teacher center which puts on great classes. Did grant last year which was awesome
That's a good list. Can't go wrong with https://t.co/ndqlH3LUWK
A3. Edutopia for articles, Edx for courses, lots of good history podcasts as well.
A3 for OR Ts C-GEO has great summer institutes. I'm plugging my group :). This summer doing TPS thru Geo lens& Iberia trip for Ts
A2: Waiting to get my hands on Microsoft Classroom can't wait to see the wonders it brings. Also want to spend more time with
I dislike grades very much! I JUST had this convo. with a friend!
Once they figure out they have to work the novelty is gone.
Twitter is the best out there
A3: I still Am a fan of conferences. Face to face is so inspiring. #@NCSSNetwork
A3B Also, national conference is in summer great Geo PD!
I love Edcamps, Google Hangouts, Twitter and just chatting with colleagues online.
A3 Looking fwd to the History Teacher Summer Institute in DC & working on C3
A3b) Podcasts are huge and are a few favorites anyone know of a SS podcast?
Check out (Ben Franklin's World) (The Way of Improvement),
I am hopeful it will be a good change. and I am an Apple diehard, but iPads too diff.
Grades are a distraction and an exercise in compliance. Focus should be on learning.
I do love some Microsoft. Any ideas on when the classroom is coming?
A3: why twitter of course & the great chats out there. Also I always look to attend useful conferences, edcamps, and classes.
AGREE! Hope to see some of you all at in Dec! https://t.co/5oe74mHzJ0
A3: I still Am a fan of conferences. Face to face is so inspiring. #@NCSSNetwork
I'm gonna dive into C3 this summer too. The 1000 page CA Soc stud. Framework is a little much. https://t.co/1ZY0FPXfPd
A3 Looking fwd to the History Teacher Summer Institute in DC & working on C3
A3:My PD is and & brick and mortar PD has been overall poor within my district
A3 I watched lota of other teachers' youtube videos when preparing my interactive notebooks last summer, helped seeing real examples
A3: is the Keynote speaker at the Innovation Institute this summer. It provides great training.
is great for world history teachers.
WOW- I did the Geo last summer- it was GREAT. So many great tools and lesson ideas!
Already registered and hotel ready to go.
Agreed. I also plan to give some thought to this over summer.
A4 That’s easy. I love the edcamp social studies from a few years ago in Philly. Really showed me the value of
nominated for a dissertation award. Let's see if that gets me to https://t.co/VvNjJWOfHa
AGREE! Hope to see some of you all at in Dec! https://t.co/5oe74mHzJ0
A3: I still Am a fan of conferences. Face to face is so inspiring. #@NCSSNetwork
A4:Best training- curriculum design for the district, b/c had to think about every word from the standards & how it was being met.
I love , hoping to get one started at my school next year.
A4: for sure --- loved in particular.... met a few years back at this great PD!
A4: The best PD I ever had is a toss up between ISTE and EdCampSS. The connections with colleagues are so valuable.
A4 Every year at CUFA/NCSS natl conf. Not only the great presentations, but the hallway, dinner meetings/conversations inspire me!
Man I wish our district would let us explore that.
A4: Teaching Primary Sources and Belfer Conference
A4: Really loved the rdg/wrtg project.Great presentation of material & the structures were amazing for non-fiction text/writing.
A4: the Critical Reading and Writing. My background is in Eng but this made exp & historical thinking seamless.
A4 besides edcamps and - has to be historical travel - go tot go to Normandy a few years back https://t.co/2AllmlcVsd
A3: Best PD ever has been through - PBL done well w/ sustained support.
Q4: changed how I viewed instruction in my early career. It helped me see thematically.
A4: because it is teacher driven. I get the PD I want, not what the district wants to give me.
A4) Loved the unconference at NCSS the last two years. Looking forward to upcoming one in December!
A4: camp21 PD. It introduced me to so much ed tech including using Twitter. This has forever transformed my teaching!
Be a Pirate and just do it. Experiment and see how it goes. That's what I have done in the past. Broke the No Cell policy.
A4: Really enjoy and learn from workshops!
Q4: also, the chats I engage in stretch my thinking and help me see what might be right in front of me that I'm missing.
A4 another hist travel - drive around South for CRM and CW many moons ago https://t.co/GWWTg7yh6X best way to embrace content
You need to adapt your diss into an article for the Social Studies Review. Add it to your list.
A4 Hard,but TAH esp has challegened me outside my comfort zone & family of Ts & NCSS edcamps- love the chance to discuss F2F
I wish we could do another EdcampSS. We had such a great experience putting that together. Anyone game?
A4: I agree with those saying travel. It never fails to see something and go "Gotta use that in my classroom!"
A4 hands down -Penn Literacy! My Ss were amazed at the exciting changes -if in Philly area... everyone is reading tchr
A4: good growth mindset PD does the heart/mind good. enjoy my own colleagues leading PD too. Love authentic. Admin needs PD too
Maybe we could do a combined English, Social Studies and Ed Tech Edcamp.
A4: Visiting historical sites
A4: Edcamps seem to be the clear winner! I have been lucky to attend 2 this year!
F2F for sure. The last one we did was in 2012 in Philadelphia.
A4 Seeing Teo Ruiz & Steve Aron speak at UCLA made me want to be a better History T. Eric Foner rocks too.
A4 May I make a plea for the old-fashioned just read a book about something you teach approach? More at https://t.co/Vu13LBtPvH
Humanities meetsTech EdCamp! https://t.co/KWQzpagaeN
Maybe we could do a combined English, Social Studies and Ed Tech Edcamp.
A4: is also at the top of my list, I just received my eMINTS Certified Educator Certificate! https://t.co/BShI67UymE
Gotta put the baby to bed. Great as always ! Keep your powder dry .
A4 I have never been to an edcamp - tried to get me to go once. I need to get out more
Reading good history/biography is super helpful. My to-read list is soooo long. :(
We need an issue about cross curricular projects. & using fiction in soc. Sci. I know u can add to that! https://t.co/MgMLQ12JNX
You need to adapt your diss into an article for the Social Studies Review. Add it to your list.
Q5 is here...what about online learning...what is needed to make professional learning online successful? https://t.co/3jrwKZZYBq
Yes! I'm so there. Just say the word and I would put the work in to make it happen.
has a great book. Love James Percoco's work too. Give your Ss passion 4 the past
A4: completing in depth photo essays and blog writing has been best PD for me. Out meeting and learning from others. Best ever.
A5: Interest in the topic, application to my life, and learner autonomy.
Mine too! Hamilton craze has me thinking about picking up Chernow's bio that inspired the musical...
A5: it has to be relevant and meaningful. I find myself having too many "squirrel" moments when online.
A5 A 2nd social media outlet as backup or follow up, back up plan & reflection, reflection, reflection...and follow up
Bruce Lesh rocks. Forgot that my summer to-do list includes writing some "Leshian" inspired lessons!
Let's make it happen! https://t.co/6g2iU6Oftf
Yes! I'm so there. Just say the word and I would put the work in to make it happen.
a5 Relevant and interest in topic. Also like the opportunity to collaborate and share lesson ideas.
A5: It would be great if online PD was somehow consolidated. It's all over the place right now --hard for some teachers to access.
A5: Whether online or brick&mortar; PD is good when I translate it into teaching, learning & assessment; no application-> no value
Ha ha ha! Me, too. So many shiny links to follow. ;)
A5 Like any I should be able to walk away with something I can use in my classroom the next day
A5: Online learning needs to be synchronous although asynchronous works too. I learn better when I can bounce around ideas.
YES! Plus I've been working on my EdS online and as the kids say
A5: on-line PD best when interactive. Relevant. Design & workflow needs to be easy too. Just sayin
I thought Grease was the word? :)
Online PD allows me to differentiate for myself; seek what helps me fill my gaps, pursue my interests
Will definitely have to check that out! Read E. Palmer's book on speaking last summer. Was awesome.
When I saw speak this Fall, he had groupies! If only I had looks & brains
DM me ur emails and we can start the conversation. Anyone else want to join in our planning for an edcamp?
A5: Motivation for the T to want to grow. Accountability-make sure Ts implement what they learned & provide artifact to show growth!
Man, me too...leaning then I'm on Facebook and Tweeting.
A5: I think T's just have to focus on one area at a time, so many online PD opportunities
Exactly. Ironically I find I can "focus" when I work on my papers and read at ...lol!
Wait... I thought I was participating in online PD right now. What do you mean I don't earn in service credit for this chat...
A5: Personalized PD that allows me to collaborate using or w/ fellow educators would work well for me.
A5: Relevant. I just finished M.Ed. Instructional Technology & I was able to use what I learned in the classroom.
Yeah!!! https://t.co/n6YgnRJPzh
DM me ur emails and we can start the conversation. Anyone else want to join in our planning for an edcamp?
A5 perseverance - tried a MOOC last year, just couldn't keep up - my fault, not the MOOC
Funny you mention it...message me and I can get ya a certificate.
gets us UWyo grad credit or state licensure credit hours in
A6: Growth Mindset, and Teach Like a Pirate..really looking forward to reading all of the suggestions on here.
A6: If the books aren't for my EdS classes, it's hard to find time to read prof books.
Have to run. Thanks for another great !
same here, it helps if they are in the summer or asynchronous
A6) Make Just One Change & several books on teaching world history.
My admin allows me to use as PD! I also use it as a TESS Artifact!
I had the same experience. Just lost interest.
need to read The Element to keep the passion going
Sometimes you just gotta unplug. I try to do too many things and wind up doing none of them well.
That's a great one! I am also content reading this summer. Just finished Innovator's Mindset: great pedagogy
A6: Rereading "Teach Like a Pirate" by I love that book.
RT Sometimes you just gotta unplug. I try to do too many things and wind up doing none of them well.
That's why they make them FREE!
A6 Creating Cultures of thinking series by Ritchhart
Joining late, Tyler from MI (APUSH, APWH, Phys Ed, WH) what is the topic tonight?
If anyone else is interested in being a part of an Edcamp planning team, DM or myself your email.
I have been co-opting your term "promance." You have a gift with words, boy genius!
Good night everyone and have a great week. Gotta get my final finished for tomorrow.
last question...for the new teacher, what would be the one suggestion you would give the new ts? https://t.co/eKVOMPMIsd
that term is a combo with - we finish each other's ... sandwiches
A6. Reading Matt Miller's Ditch that Textbook and Doris Kearn's Goodwin's The Bully Pulpit.
Hi! Trudy from Cobb County ga checking in
Thank you, Ron!! is where it all started for me way before
A6: Most Likely to Succeed, Preparing our Kids for the Innovation Era.
A7: is a must you get ready made lessons tied to standards.
A6. Reading Matt Miller's Ditch that Textbook and Doris Kearns Goodwin's Bully Pulpit
A7 participating in and then going to unconference at - no doubt about it
A7 participating in and then going to unconference at - no doubt about it
A7 If you are in CA, you can't go wrong with a seminar. They rock and usually pay teachers a stipend.
A7: Any and all PD, attend as much as you can and collaborate as much as possible!
A7 I'll throw a plug for as well - always brings the noise Thus nights
Q7: I'm going to reiterate - . It completely changed my thinking about SS Edu.
A7 - seriously - seek out those with experience in your department - don't be a stranger and be open to ideas
A7: I would also recommend for any teacher. So many great grouping strategies.
A7: Don't be afraid to jump in and do some PD.
A7 Read in yr content area!!! If you are tchg history, you need to know history. All the tchg techniques, edtech, etc. comes after.
we don't get PD credit bur we get points on our year end evaluation for being connected
agreed - changed my teaching life over 20 years ago - and they still do it so well
Special thanks for for an awesome chat!
A7. Read Bruce Lesh's Why Won't You Just Tell Us the Answer?
“Ethnic studies claimed me more than me claiming ethnic studies.” - from episode 9 coming soon.
A7: knowing content isn't the same as knowing how to teach, don't confuse the two, feed both!
A7) Take advantage of PD opportunities through your school & professional orgs. Also Twitter!
Have energy left? Please join for in 5 MINUTES to discuss 21st Century Classrooms!
Thanks . I am ready for summer to start now.
A7: I'd absolutely suggest & by
RT Thanks . I am ready for summer to start now.
Close to 20 years for me! The BLA book is still my go to when I need a fresh idea quickly.
Could ya'll hop over to my account and vote in the pinned poll? It is for the best non-Pres and my Ss have the advanced those two!
Thank you for sharing all your great information. Follow some new friends & build your network https://t.co/CriF2pkPxK
Great chat ! Hang in there...summer is almost here!
A7 Agreed. But I still maintain that you have to know WHAT your are teaching first. HOW you are teaching comes after.
Thanks for a great chat, everyone! Off to curate my tabs before putting the kids to bed & doing a bit more grading. :)
Thank you everyone for taking part. I look forward to looking into all the great ideas.
. A7). A must for new teachers as well as seasoned teachers. the un-conference.
A7: AP training was the best content PD I've had for Social Studies.
Great chatting with you, have a nice night!
Distance is not the issue. I live in Oregon but don't let that stop me from good PD.
My copy is completely beat up by now. It's all pedagogy and fantastic!
Thanks . Was planning to just pop by, but stayed for the whole thing! Appreciate the ideas and looking forward to summer.
Thanks for the great chat. Missed tonight's on summer professional development. Check out our archive https://t.co/2Y8flfxZkR
