#miched Archive
The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Wednesday June 8, 2016
Separate, unequal: A teacher's perspective in DPS classroom https://t.co/QDTdYqRiLo via worth reflecting as our chat begins
Good evening everyone, and welcome to the chat! Ben Rimes will be moderating this evening!
Heather Gauck from GRPS tuning in.
Welcome to the chat! We're reflecting on the school year, but first please introduce yourself and tell us where you're from.
Good evening friends. Kit from Sarnia, ON. Edtech for Port Huron Schools. Feeling reflective.
RJ from Novi - Good Evening
Kaarin Averill tweeting for Oakland University School of Ed checking in to
you are always reflective!
Rachelle from St. Clair along the beautiful River. Proud part of as Secondary Supervisor of Instruction & PD.
Yes! This is quite the week! Fun times yesterday :-)
Hey . I'm Patrick. I teach 2nd grade in DC but I'm a recent Michigan State College of ED grad.
I'm not sure I'm ready to reflect yet. A lot left to accomplish over the last couple weeks of this school year!
Mike, second grade, Chelsea. 4.5 left!
Go Green! I am an MSU grad before going to OU and working therre :)
Joe from St Joe, but upon reflection I work at Berrien RESA
Hi ! Multi-tasking from Ann Arbor tonight! HS T, curr. coordinator & Nat'l teaching fellow
Cool fact! is the 4th largest educator chat in the states!
It was exciting to see you accomplish your vision of goes to Lansing - Well done, sir. And Kudos to all who helped!
Hi everyone Rich from Canton GA originally Rockwood Mi. I am just observing tonight, drinking in the inspiration.
Education omnibus budget passed Senate about 15 min ago. Being debated on House floor now. Vote coming soon.
Hello all! Shamika from Southfield here.
It's where the cool kids are! Educators rock. https://t.co/69c8yRqQQ5
Cool fact! is the 4th largest educator chat in the states!
So much fun yesterday & also productive! https://t.co/kKDnzs6P9p
It was exciting to see you accomplish your vision of goes to Lansing - Well done, sir. And Kudos to all who helped!
Q1: Let's start with the students. How do you prepare to say goodbye to students after nine months together?
A1- Since I share my Ss with the gen ed class.. these last few days are crazy and I never feel like I get to do a proper goodbye..
Welcome Andy and ! Two really great guys :)
A1: When I was in the classroom, graduation meant I would accept their FB friend requests!
A1. Utilize a reflective thinking routine to honor the learning and then help them look forward to the next challenge.
I always enjoyed putting together a memory video using Animoto. Parents and Ss really enjoyed this. Enjoyed the process of making it
. As a former specials teacher, I know what it's like to not have the big final goodbye with students.
A1 Freshman English...we're usually ready to part by the end!
A1. A good reflective routine would be "I used to think, and now I think..."
. is there a particular reflective practice that you've used with students, or have seen be effective?
A1 I was always a big fan of a confidential survey about my teaching and having each S share a great thing from their year:)
Remember, please feel free to jump in and answer questions at any time, and remember to use the hashtag.
House has adopted the education omnibus conference report. The bill now heads to Gov Snyder.
You get most of them back in three months anyway. gives and takes. https://t.co/wKYoW62zPd
. As a former specials teacher, I know what it's like to not have the big final goodbye with students.
A1 I try to plan a few special fun activities. Let the kids create memory books, take pics, make videos etc.
Does anyone extend their goodbyes with meetings over the summer? My third grade teacher invited groups of kids over for tea :)
A1: Well, I'm going to first cry at home. lol. Furthermore, we're going to do some reflecting to really show the growth.
A1. I always encouraged student surveys and it is very brave of the Teacher to survey both Ss and parents
Social media connections mostly. https://t.co/B38yNZhL9B
Does anyone extend their goodbyes with meetings over the summer? My third grade teacher invited groups of kids over for tea :)
Interested in your reflection activity. What will you do?
Memory bbook is a great idea
A1 Really, though, at HS the end is so crazy with finals. Usually too many don't get a proper goodbye
A1: I will be following my 8th graders to the high school, so a short intermission rather than a goodbye!
Some of us get a bit misty-eyed, and that's okay :)
A1 on the way out the door they need to give either a hug, handshake or high five...usually I get a hug.
A1: My son’s teacher puts together a cute video of pics. This year she used Google Pictures.
participating in a webinar!
A1: I send out weekly emails to my students. My last email is my goodbye. I've been with my Seniors 4 years 😢.
Today was my final session of the elem. tech class I co-founded 16 years ago. Going STEM next year. Got kinda choked up.
A1 I handed out popsicles, website logins to use in the summer and they got to pick 4 prizes out of the prize box! Hugs on Friday~
A1: When I was IB coor, we had a reception for the DP Ss. Highlighted their research, work & got to share their awesomeness
Turning the classroom into a museum. Hanging photos from the ceiling of memories through the year. Where I was where I am
statements and drawings so that students can reflect on themselves. Allowing student stop give one another pos. feedback
A1: I sit my kiddos in a circle as a family and look them each in the eyes and tell them what I will always remember about them.
Q2: So let's switch to the adults. Which goals did you manage to achieve this year? How do you know?
A1: I teach year-round so no goodbye, but constant weekly reflection on goals, status, progress & future
Beautiful way to send off your Ss! https://t.co/0IQAuPeKAQ
A1: I sit my kiddos in a circle as a family and look them each in the eyes and tell them what I will always remember about them.
Grace (my 3rd graders) is a hot mess every last school day. Cries all day at school.
A2. In a perfect world the T eval process focuses on this and allows for reflection re achieved goals and continued goals.
A2: giant data collection of over 200+ Ts on for ! Starting to be invited to the table as a current T!
What if we were as connected with our adult learners as these k12 teacher are with theirs? Check out .
A2: I know I made connections with the adults because of the kind things they wrote in my end of year survey. That's success to me.
A2 I used my technology in a more focused way. My Ss got good at using a few apps, instead of ok at a lot of different ones.
A2: Well...it was my first year of teaching and I didn't want to quit. So I made it through the year!!! haha
A2. Regardless of formal T eval, T's should have goals for the year and then reflect and act accordingly w/ no judgement
A2 I purchased w/ pledgecents & implemented Dash & Dot robot during lunch time club. That was a small goal & got a $500 grant too
A2: Many of my goals are still a work in progress. But I do see progress.
A2: I wanted my students to grow an entire grade level, wrestle with real life, controversial events, and to make learning fun.
A2: New district. New team. Set out to make sure folks knew our Edtech team was here to help. Thank you card today was a good sign.
I survived my first year! Really, I connected with students who don't necessarily have anyone at home.
The House votes to adopt the conference report w/the FY ‘17 school aid budget. The bill now heads to .
The House votes to adopt the conference report w/the FY ‘17 school aid budget. The bill now heads to .
I love that Danelle shares what she learned from mentoring! Proof of reflective practice. https://t.co/GezEnIHDkR
I cry every year when I do it. It was an idea I got from the young teacher I mentored one year.
good point! I would definitely agree with that!
A2: I focused more on putting the needs of others ahead of my own pet projects and solutions this year.
A2: Created more meaningful adult conversations around student achievement. I know b/c we were uncomfortable.
Congrats on your first year! It's a tough one but SO memorable!
And still managed to Lansing. You are an inspiration. The community is better because of your dedication.
A2: We had another successful all day 4th grade Tech Day!
Hi - Don - MS Principal NY - Sorry I'm late
A2 Like I was able to implement but at the HS level, board elected, just kept learning.
Ooohhh, you went there. Yes, reflective practice can (should?) be uncomfortable. Requires a good culture and climate
A2 I pushed into classes 8 hrs a week to include sped Ss w/ their class for full class ipad lessons. AWESOME~ increase frm last yr
Thank you!! It was a rollercoaster but we did some great work.
A2 I managed not to engage the trolls who use the hashtag to attack our profession;)
I also attended my fors MACUL conference:)
A2: And because it was SO awesome we had many teachers give it a try also! https://t.co/k8G3c7ARpB
A2: We had another successful all day 4th grade Tech Day!
A2: And because it was SO awesome we had many teachers give it a try also! https://t.co/J5niyYzySf
A2: We had another successful all day 4th grade Tech Day!
These educators are always learning, unlearning, & relearning The secret to success in https://t.co/Yy92SfpoiN
Q2: So let's switch to the adults. Which goals did you manage to achieve this year? How do you know?
A2 - Took a step forward with our SW MI Mini Maker Faire last week, became more comfortable in front of adult learners
A2 wishing all of you a peaceful end to this school year! I am proud to keep in touch with this dedicated group of educators.
A2. I am hearing a lot of you who took risks and implemented instruction not done before. Hats off to you!
And to the building leaders providing a climate where risk takers are rewarded https://t.co/CfgZYo18HR
A2. I am hearing a lot of you who took risks and implemented instruction not done before. Hats off to you!
It is a switch isn't it? Many people don't understand teaching with adults is very different
So meaningful. I did the same thing as a classroom teacher. https://t.co/rL8wpRNbuK
A1: I sit my kiddos in a circle as a family and look them each in the eyes and tell them what I will always remember about them.
We're happy you've remained an active part of the community Joanna!
A2 Goal of making PD website for educators...took all year- finally was awarded $40,000 frm Mark Zuckerberg's foundation. Wrk begins
Achieving goals is always great, but what about those that you may still struggle with?
A2: Focused on climate/culture. I know it worked when I got gifts from exchange student's mom for making son feel like family.
A2 I managed not to engage the trolls who use the hashtag to attack our profession;)
I also attended my first MACUL conference:)
Q3: Which goals did you struggle with this year? Why?
A2: Goals should make us uncomfortable. It's hard moving forward at times especially when I'm so comfortable where I am at.
the way it should be done, imo. too many and they are just activities, not learning tools
I just get SO excited for
So...you want a book???? I'm limited to 140 characters ;-) https://t.co/JHZr0j686D
Achieving goals is always great, but what about those that you may still struggle with?
I have a whole list of goals already for next year....don't we all?
A3 A CONSTANT struggle to figure out how to fine tune & use tech to best meet my Ss needs. I always feel like I don't do enough...
This includes independent and instructional?
A3. Meaningful Teacher eval was always a struggle when I was an admin. Never felt I got it "right" to both value and challenge T's
A3: Curriculum adoption process was stalled. Many reasons, but have to focus on making the process move forward next year
A3: Goals surrounding examining/changing grading practice were difficult to make significant progress on.
A3 I wanted to open my classroom to parents, come anytime you want, I struggled wrapping my head around it. I'm doing it next year!
A3 for management issues -- Talk it out --- -- Find if I get in there -- as principal -- I'm not helping
A3 - Parent Engagement....I need to emphasize it more, put more resources behind it, and make it happen!
A3 Wanted to make more progress around SBL/SBG
A3: Taking care of myself. Ensuring that I'm sleeping, eating and getting out like a 23 year old should.
A3: With a new job this year I am just lucky to be keeping my head above water. Hope to be more focused next year!
A3: Balancing my own personal beliefs of education w/ those above me & education as a whole.
A3 I wanted to get most of my Parents signed up for SeeSaw. There is always next year!
A3: I'm going to attend more Twitter chats! This is the best professional learning network around!!
YES IT IS! https://t.co/ZauTVFYZGU
A3: I'm going to attend more Twitter chats! This is the best professional learning network around!!
YES IT IS! https://t.co/dC9w0rhU2V
A3: I'm going to attend more Twitter chats! This is the best professional learning network around!!
have a principal doing great work in this area. You should connect with Used Grading Smarter Not Harder
A3 Blogging, both myself and my students...my personal blog got hacked and I have not taken the time to fix it up.
I struggled with implementing more formative assessments. Never enough time in an hour. Also with one-on-one contact time.
A3: saying enough "no", I said yes to some amazing opps but I went a little crazy in the process!
and I had this discussion. Summer is for getting the blogs back active https://t.co/Fvq4Wdqi5m
A3 Blogging, both myself and my students...my personal blog got hacked and I have not taken the time to fix it up.
A3 YUP --- need to blog more,,,
Yes. It's hard when it's looked at as a "good" thing that teachers work an absurd amount of hours and have no balance
It's discipline that I am working on. I am adding activities to my schedule that require ME time.
A3: I still struggle with service-leadership and "this needs to get done now" directives. Sometimes I get off balance with those.
I 2nd this. A big part of my heart is still . My thoughts are often with these warriors. https://t.co/vhcFe8Uiay
A2 wishing all of you a peaceful end to this school year! I am proud to keep in touch with this dedicated group of educators.
A3: Finding a balance between work life and home life. Very hard at times to turn off.
I realized that no one suffers as much as me when I don't have MY time!
It sounds like work/life balance is a struggle for many. I can empathize with that.
YES. YES. YES.
and my husband. He suffers too. :)
https://t.co/POrTYI3ZCY
I realized that no one suffers as much as me when I don't have MY time!
A3: Great feedback from trusted leader "You're a creative genius but paperwork disaster." Must get that in order.
YES!!!!! It has a great effect on you in addition to your relationships.
Q4: Let's shift back to students. Is there a specific challenge for a student that you watched or were able to help them overcome?
As the person who often gives "this needs to be done now," directives, I apologize!
A3b: Mantra to grow into "A leader has to be easy to follow." -
tried "mindfulness: app "Calm" --- liked --- didn't stick with ugh... next year!!
A3: Asking permission first instead of just asking for forgiveness later. Trusting my gut.
I would call this a constant success! Keep on fine tuning. When you stop, its time to get out. https://t.co/57nxqsARse
A3 A CONSTANT struggle to figure out how to fine tune & use tech to best meet my Ss needs. I always feel like I don't do enough...
A3. For leaders out there struggling with balance OU has a Mindfulness for Leaders workshop one day 6/21 https://t.co/0b9sJzCJan
I hear ya! Paperwork is my nemesis as well. https://t.co/VOOzEuFy4i
A3: Great feedback from trusted leader "You're a creative genius but paperwork disaster." Must get that in order.
I had a s whose parents were going through divorce. He totally shut down first semester. He passed 2nd with a little extra push!
A4 yes! I had a couple of Ss who overcame confidence issues, shyness, and even a bit of fear. I like to think I had a role in that.
A4 I hope our system provides these opportunities every day, the opportunity to learn and the opportunity to grow
A3 saw an angry student learn strategies to learn to recognize their emotions through mindfulness.
A4 By setting up daily lunch with me.. one S was better able to cope with anger. His teacher said I saved him this year :-)
A4: Yes! But too long in 140 characters. Suffice to say my relationship w/ Ss got them to bigger goals!
A4. These are all of the small but crucial victories that never make the headlines and make teachers HEROS
A4: Building credibility as well as relationships in a new district. Ongoing process.
Find who you are as an educator. Be a rebel, break the rules, change the world! https://t.co/MEcBks2vmq
A3: Balancing my own personal beliefs of education w/ those above me & education as a whole.
A4: My wife, , is the main reason for a bunch of at-risk students graduating; tough love and persistant support.
A4: I had a student who screamed, threw his paper across the room, flipped over a desk and ran out each time he ran into an obstacle
A4: The first couple months, I think I enabled the behavior. Then, I was "too strict" but I eventually found a warm/strict balance
I'm hearing many say the act of getting some students to complete the year can be monumental for many learners.
A4: In addition to using the parent support he asks for help more often, I allow him to work with partners w/ he feels flustered
such a great way to teach perseverance, collaboration, teamwork, and much more!
A4: His stamina has increased so much. I'm super impressed! He also realizes that if he puts forth the effort HE CAN DO.
Students and more resilient than they are often given credit for.
A4 using adobe voice saw a stuttering student shine w/pride as she read for a presentation.
Yup. I had a student who actually did the opposite. Started off the year strong and slowly gave up.
Alright, let's head into the last question for the evening.
A5 student I had from PK to 5th gr suffered greatly this year from anxiety. A team of us helped and she grew tons. Excited to try HS
Helping a 2nd grader today sound out "University" to spell it empowered him So awesome https://t.co/EBRCXttxt3
Q4: Let's shift back to students. Is there a specific challenge for a student that you watched or were able to help them overcome?
Going to change it up a bit on the last question
Always inspired by who inspired Ts to mentor seniors not on track to graduate.
Q5: What one teaching practice or activity do you want to amplify for next year? How will you set yourself up for success?
A4: Told a senior u'r graduating even if I have to pull you across the stage kicking & screaming. Meant it. https://t.co/Yu81Bt1wgi
How can we prevent this? I know some things are out of our control.
A5 Need to get serious abt RtI at out school! Good start this year thnx to !
A5: I want to offer more targeted support to our multiage/split teachers. They need to see how tech can help make their lives easier.
A5 planning more project based learning with technology.
A5: More time in the buildings and classes with Ts and Ss. Relationships and instructional practice. Celebrating & feedback
A5 I am really going to concentrate on connecting w/ parents via SeeSaw and Text Now from the beginning of the year
Q5 It has to be putting the student at the center of as much as reasonably possible:) Our kids are amazing!
A5: Increase my ability and willingness to listen to student voice! Instead of assuming I know best.
Ditto :-) https://t.co/y1K7RFHs2M
A5: More time in the buildings and classes with Ts and Ss. Relationships and instructional practice. Celebrating & feedback
Yes! Too much emphasis on the few making poor choices. so many doing great things, overcoming obstacles, persevering
A5: I need to learn more about teaching kids phonics and "how to read". Any articles would be helpful. Teaching 1st next year
Building those relationships and connections to home at the beginning of the year is so crucial!
Q5: After school STEM clubs with coding,3D printing and Makerspaces! Oh, and I want to do intro to tech classes for senior citizens!
A5: VR is on my plans. Lots of focused PD for myself this summer. Want to make it work in classrooms. https://t.co/sTcXJLTmRv
A5 I want to improve a lot of areas, especially ELA. New principal so I want to continue to be a leader, and improve as a T.
A5: Incorporating more projects at the end of units. Can't forget...MORE
Love that idea Danelle! We were discussing community partnerships today and how Ss could be tech trainers for adults.
Q5: And I'm going to change the world...After Ken Robinson and his "Creative Schools" book tell me how to fix what's broken. ;)
A5 change the configuration of my classroom, ditch my T desk, be more mobile, talk less, more projects, less "busy work"
A5: I need to make myself more accessible to the teachers I support next year. Will create office hours in buildings.
Reverse Mentors? https://t.co/ehOn6sV3SA
Love that idea Danelle! We were discussing community partnerships today and how Ss could be tech trainers for adults.
A5: intentional SEL embedded & cognitive behavioral therapy training
check out on ditchin' the desk
A5: Started a monthly series called Coffee w/ the Counselors that went really well. Want to work on expanding it next school year.
I did this...and set up shop in their teachers lounges. It worked GREAT! Excellent for relationship building!
