#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday March 3, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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Mike Domagalski - Tonight's MODERATOR
Palms Elementary Principal & Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
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Hi everyone. Bill Kryscynski, Principal of Yale Elementary.
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Craig McCalla Cornerstone Elementary in Dexter
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Hello . Chris Ming, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Marine City High . jumping on before dad duty
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Hi, everybody! MacKenzie Feldpausch, MEMSPA Professional Learning
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Tim Lyman from Waverly - Elmwood Elementary - Glad to be here tonight
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David Simpson from Central Woodlands in Forest Hills
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Hello! Joining in for a while. Adam Hartley
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Hi folks! Jon here, elementary principal from Livonia!
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Tammy Reich from Dexter MI - Creekside Intermediate School
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BAM!!! returns to after much work on dissertation - Here's a guy to follow!
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Evening Evan Robb from VA Happy to be here!
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Hi all! Michelle from Milford. Instructional Specialist K-5. Current EdS student. Always look forward to learning from you all.
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Good evening friends! Matt Severin, principal of Dowagiac Middle School in SW Mich.
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Ben, El. Principal in Spring Arbor, Michigan
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Steve Chisik Elementary Principal from Milford back again.
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Fresh from the PTA meeting!
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Verle Gilbert Principal at Hahn Intermediate Davison Community Schools
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Hi Guys! Catherine Woolman principal of Marine City Middle in East China
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Nice to see our LMCohort7 representing tonight!
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is starting now with questions. Here we go!
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Karen Young Livonia Principal
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Q1: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as thinking FUTURISTIC?
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A1: support inquiry based learning where Ss direct their learning. I have not seen a future where students don’t have to think!
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Would love to join tonight for the whole time, but I'm at P/T conferences. Will join later, if I can.
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A1 - Opening doors, walls, buildings to make our school global Using technology to open opportunities world-wide
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Thinking futuristic? Hmm. Really focusing on empowering teacher leaders and sharing leadership.
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A1determining good ideas to explore and fit with the vision for the future
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A1 Non-traditional learning spaces; looking beyond the walls of the school for learning experiences for students and staff
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A1: more a hs answer, but programming for student interest
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I think if we talk futuristic, this may be more the norm for elementary as well. Building learning based on interest
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Shifting delivery & focus in the classroom from repetition and memorization to creating and applying.
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Hadn't thought about that, but I like it. STEM has been a big development at our school...flows down to middle/ele
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Welcome sir! Always love when Admin from outside Michigan join the chat! Spread the word!!!
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a little late from Arkansas. 5th grade teacher
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A1:Beg. to begin to tell our story w/social media, some trying online portfolio collections. would love to start passion proj.
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A1: Heading to next week...hoping to get a glimpse at ideas for our future classrooms!
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QUESTION 2 is in the hopper...
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Q2: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as a MAXIMIZER?
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Make sure to connect with myself and at the group! :)
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The conference feared by principals - sub shortage for MACUL anyone
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I’ll be there, too. Looking forward to it!
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Just closing down parent teacher conferences. Mike Schulte,from Wilkerson Elementary, Warren Consolidated
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Join the group with and myself!
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Student centered classrooms. Teach in ways that involve the WHOLE student. Fast moving world needs fast moving education.
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I wish more principals made time for MACUL. Gotta get more admin to see the innovative mindset.
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A2: Develop capacity of those around us to maximize learning…that includes Ss! Create conditions for innovation!
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A1. Trying to find ways to improve students choice, engagement, and technology integration. Going form consumers to creators.
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Q2: Maximizer and 'Multiplier'. Max. the potential in others by multiplying potential.bring as many along on the journey!
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A1: I think of futuristic leaders as people that empower others to map their own future then help guide them to make it happen
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I will be there and I wrote a grant to bring 10 staff from my building! Can’t wait
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A2 The very best principals I knew made maximizing the talents of each staff member a priority, not the fixing of every weakness
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A2 Finding ways to include expert families and community members into the school day; squeezing everything out of the budget
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Can someone retweet the question
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A1: thinking transform instead of reform. Take what's required and reinventing how we facilitate student growth.
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Myself as a maximizer? I see myself as an advocate and supporter. I always encourage risk taking and trying new things.
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Love this!My personal goal in this journey! https://t.co/lKTCvFwHeS
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A2 The very best principals I knew made maximizing the talents of each staff member a priority, not the fixing of every weakness
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We have to be coaches of staff!
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I LOVE this! Staff strengths are so important!
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Great job, David! We need more leaders doing this.
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developing capacity in others has to be a priority if we want growth!
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A2 Effective principals build the capacity of their team members!
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A2: I'm trying to maximize our staff meeting times by "flipping" them & creating mini PDs led by teachers
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A2- The MAXIMIZER comes when all staff members think of themselves as leaders and empowered.
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RETWEETED:
Q2: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principal as a MAXIMIZER?
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A2: As Sam Berns would tell us "focus on the things we can do and not so much on the things we can't do"
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My success depends on my team! I am vulnerable about sharing control for the greater good of the team...kids first
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A2-when we build relationships and work to move S and T forward individually based on their needs and focus
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A2: I use the resources I have and continuously look for new, updated ways to teach students.
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A2 Maximizers take advantage of people's strengths, known and unknown.
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A2: Not seeing the questions. Shared leadership brings everyone to the carpet.
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QUESTION 3 is coming up on ...
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A2: Mediocre isn't enough. DO MORE!
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Q3: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as being STRATEGIC?
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A2 Please list questions as Q1, Q2, Ect
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A3: Making every decision through an intentional lens of how will it support the shared vision of innovation!
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My immediate reaction on being strategic is...trying to put people in positions to succeed. Knowing each persons "next" step.
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A3: everything is intentional and with purpose.
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A3: Good Leaders are the Gatekeeper of the Vision (fav quote)-you have to be systems thinker
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A3 Looking long range when planning and hiring staff, creating varied networks of support around the shared vision
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A3:Knowing the vision, creating a culture to bring everyone to the vision. flexible along the way
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Yes! Nicely stated David!
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A3 Effective principals look at strategy from a long view, building a plan and giving the plan multiple years to develop
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With the help of Leadership Matters, I have found myself being much more intentional in my actions.
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I am bailing early. I've been battling the flu in the house this week and am heading to bed myself. Have a great week!
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Well said about multiple years. So often a new idea or “thing” is introduced…exhausts staff!
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A2: Maximizers recognize strengths and then provide autonomy and support to capitalize and expand on it.
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A3: leaders need to be intentional in what they do. Actions and plans need to be interconnected an in line w/ school's mission
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A3: Action research. Constant feedback. Closing gaps.
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A3
Yes! Change is always a process not an event!
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A3: Planning with the future in mind.
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Great thinking on the feedback aspect…so important for our work!
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Making intentional personnel decisions is essential to any strategic plan https://t.co/ZAD367BdBr
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A3 Looking long range when planning and hiring staff, creating varied networks of support around the shared vision
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A3 Principals who embrace, cultivate, & deepen good systems. Thinking of how well principals have lifted our
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A3 Yes! We teach students for their future on our past!
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Great collaboration going on at right now!
Keep up the great work
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Can someone retweet the remaining questions
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QUESTION 4 is coming up in 1 minute on .
Spread the word and join in now. Keep collaborating and connecting!
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A3: Everything we do has to be strategic! Lead them, even when you don't think they are watching!
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Q4: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as a constant/consistent LEARNER?
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Allyson from Zeeland checking in late
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A3: I think we've been strategic by riding out the NCLB foolishness & ALWAYS doing what's best for kids. Things are realigning
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A4 Participating in chats, blogs, constantly reading new research and truly listening to colleagues and reflecting
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Sorry, had to help with some math HW. What did I miss???? Where we at???
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A4: life-long education is essential for leaders that want to make intentional decisions that impact short & long term goals
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A3: Pulling together answers-Strategic leaders plan the long term while using feedback loops incl data to take steps forward.
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A4: Modeling our own learning, reading, blogging, going to Conference, asking questions of others, writing dissertation!
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A3: Matching practices with desired outcomes. Put plans into action. Set goals and deadlines. Reflect, evaluate, and refine.
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A4: Goal for the year = read professionally and reflect constantly and engage others in conversations on educational practice
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Q4:Always lrng,modeling with book clubs,before school PD. Principals involved w/co-leading PD with staff. thank you !!
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A4: I learn something new every day! From reading blogs, attending conferences, connecting with inspiring educators
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A4. new ideas,research and tech mean we have more faster and to be a good maximizer +stay strategic we continue learning
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A4. Doing ever week gives me good ideas to follow up on. Lots of articles, books, blogs, etc.
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A4 Modeling learning by sharing strategies, websites, ideas, and books.
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A4 -Principals must be models of learners and be comfortable to show vulnerability when learning.
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A4: constantly researching and looking for new ideas. Not being stuck in the rut of yesterday when traveling to the future.
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Qs coming from tonight. Thanks, Michelle!
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A4: When I think of a learner I picture someone with evolving belief systems not someone who is plagued by confirmation bias.
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A4 constantly seeking advice/guidance from mentors, having personal learning goals, sharing what I've learned w/others
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Vulnerability and an openness to new ideas. https://t.co/kWs299Dn6c
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A4 -Principals must be models of learners and be comfortable to show vulnerability when learning.
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And... Joining late tonight- great to connect with everyone!
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A4 A good leader understands we r all learners & "flattens" the culture so all Ss, Ts, support, & admin see themselves as such.
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A4: Always learning! This year 5D+ and COT are in the front row!
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Can someone retweet question
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Learning never stops. Choosing to blog, read books, attend conferences, podcast and connect has made me truly love learning.
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well this newbie should be putting A not a Q! Forgive me! I'm actively participating, not asking the questions!
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Late but lurking!! Stephanie, principal .
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That is my mission everyday. I seek out learning every single day! https://t.co/LPCPnrbS0S
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A4: I learn something new every day! From reading blogs, attending conferences, connecting with inspiring educators
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QUESTION 5 coming up in 30 seconds on ...
Get ready!
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I see them when I look on the home page, but not this page.
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A4: sometimes forget to take a break from learning...books, Twitter, Voxer, blogs, articles, dreaming https://t.co/rtFuQAYhnM
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Awesome! Question 4: Q4: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as a constant/consistent LEARNER?
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Q5: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals obtaining INPUT and using INPUT productively?
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A4: Maintain curiosity of new things and quest for knowledge to constantly improve own practices and support Ts in their dev.
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A4: Can't forget to show learning through MEMSPA chat and MEMSPA PD!
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A5 Surveys, open discussions, forums and then taking the time to reflect individually and with peers on what you heard
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A5 I would love to see us garner far more input from our kids...at every level
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A4: if our team is moving forward, questioning status quo, changing things up to meet needs of students - we are LEARNERS
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A5: I think you can gain input from as would say being “high level” with awareness. Looking and listening!
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A5: You can't develop leaders if you don't give them a chance to lead!
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A5. Principals' Advisory Team--talk committee that gives feedback and opinion. PSAT-same with Ss. https://t.co/Et7fidvhQe
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Q5: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals obtaining INPUT and using INPUT productively?
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A5 Critical to really listen to concerns, perspectives and ideas of others. "Seek first to understand" still holds true
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A5:My principal has been using thinking routines for input, then taking time as a staff to reflect & set goals, very effective!
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A5: Leadership Matters gives great Principal surveys to gain feedback from staff
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Come learn with at on Friday 12:30-1:30 pm in the MACUL showcase. We would love to meet everyone!
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Agree, just got great feedback from parents, staff and STs. Looking forward to planning with staff! https://t.co/c6mjrkyeZu
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A5 Surveys, open discussions, forums and then taking the time to reflect individually and with peers on what you heard
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Thinking routines are great at getting all voices to the table!
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A4: I am the man who education forgot because he didn't grow on a perfect 18 year scale. What I know < what others bring.
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Spent time today talking w/ students about projects and learned much about them as learners https://t.co/lhs7vcLFV1
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A5 I would love to see us garner far more input from our kids...at every level
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Obtaining input as a principal? I seek feedback from families & stakeholders. Trying hard to create a community & partnership.
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A5 At every admin meeting we try to set aside an hour for principal learning and growing. Always good input there.
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. Fantastic! Send it my way:) We are ready to launch a 5-12 student survey around agency
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A5:Develop relationships w/ stakeholders, understand their perspectives. Ask for feedback/opinions regularly to inform decisions.
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A5 cultivating an open culture, constantly asking how u can serve better, opps for all to give public & anonymous feedback
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A5: Don't remember wh I read it but "If you only hear opinions that you agree with, you don't actually have an open door policy"
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We need to do this more as a team, too much "business" https://t.co/RyemqCOtBS
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A5 At every admin meeting we try to set aside an hour for principal learning and growing. Always good input there.
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Would love to learn more about Thinking Routines--
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A6. always talking to Ts and staff seeking input. The more input the more informed decisions can be made.
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Sorry..should have be A5..not A6.
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RT:
I'll be looking for you!
— Jonathon Wennstrom (…
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A5b our district does surveys for each admin w intent to grow- tough to read icky comments but crucial 4 growth
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QUESTION 6 is on deck in 1 minute on
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Guess I'm thinking FUTURISTIC with my early answer..(badum, dum) Try the veal! I'll be here next week too, your lovely, really..
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A5: Try to share my learning when it connects with T individually, so it has meaning. Try not to overwhelm but grow together
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thinking routines are a wonderful way to integrate LIM. Routines are 1 piece of it.
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A5: We are piloting three data, curriculum, instructional portals and will have input from teachers in what makes sense for us!
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Question 6 on right now is something we can all "relate" to and collaborate on for hours... Here it comes...
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Q6: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as building RELATIONSHIPS?
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A6 in order to meet each person’s (students and staff) needs, we need to start by building strong relationships.
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A5: Rec input is really about being open to input. Are you trying to convince people or find the best solution? People can tell.
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A6: Being transparent, building trust = Relationships
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A6 Greeting everyone at the door, getting to know students and staff personally, taking time to listen and showing compassion
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Jumping in super late to ! Sorry for the delay. Middle school scheduling night for our future ! https://t.co/lAPmcmeIJG
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Yahoo! So very true# https://t.co/eEVQHal2WI
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The culture of thinking creates conditions for routines to be successful!
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A6
Great! Everyone is better than anyone!
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Great convo tonight but I need to call it and get a little family time. Until we chat again...keep doing what you do so well
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Every day is about relationships first. I always want people to know that I care.
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A6: I see that as my primary job! Relationships with students, staff, parents. Help all three groups connect with one another!
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A5: For me, a lot of input is gotten through conversations with T's...with individuals, groups, etc.
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A5: Every piece of information is a gift.
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Eric, K-2 principal in Iowa. Arriving late
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A6: Being authentic in listening…demonstrate caring through doing what you say you will do. Stand up for others!
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A6: Every interaction builds or destroys relationships. Are you bringing people closer or pushing them away?
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A6 Promote relationships and promote a growth mindset for students and staff!
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A6 Strong relationships are grounded in trust which can be built by being vulnerable in doing strong work together
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A6 Relationships are the key to culture. + relationships build trust. Trust promotes risk. Risk leads to learning & innovation.
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A6: Our actions are the model for the relationships that we expect within our building
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A6. Chats have grown on me!! Staying with and regularly has given insight and peeps!! https://t.co/KwSOFEc8UC
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Q6: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as building RELATIONSHIPS?
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A5: This is essential! Awesome to see that the concept of teaming is used for admin too! https://t.co/SY7jjEedFM
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A5 At every admin meeting we try to set aside an hour for principal learning and growing. Always good input there.
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A6 LAUGH w Ts, Ss and Ps, be interested in their lives outside of the bldg, value their contributions, be present w them
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A6: Take a risk - make a home visit
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Cyndi Nickel, Elementary Principal from Walled Lake. Lurking due to my toddler's drama skills this evening.
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A6: The L's: listen, learn, laugh, love, look for strengths
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A6 RELATIONSHIPS are the foundation that must be in place before anything can be built
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A6: Get to know your people & make sure they know you have their back! Show them you are "all in"!! https://t.co/GQDRigd4cA
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A6b: Empathy and hard work side-by-side
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A6: Being visible, approachable and truly listening all go a long way to build relationships.
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I think going to PD and learning side-by-side goes with that!
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QUESTION 7 is coming up on
Time to talk TECHNOLOGY!
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A6 Relationships are foundations of success they are needed to be an effective team!
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Q7: In what ways do you see yourself and/or school principals as maximizing TECHNOLOGY?
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A7: Supporting staff/students with taking risks in meaningful integration! Using it myself and sharing my stories!
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A6) There must be relationships w/ all components of the school community and all stakeholders.
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Powerful! https://t.co/UlAQ12dhHS
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A6 Strong relationships are grounded in trust which can be built by being vulnerable in doing strong work together
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A5: We embrace and apply specific staff feedback to our actions as teachers and leaders. Survey twice a year. Intentional.
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A7. Trying to find new websites to use, or share ways others are extending/improving the classroom experience.
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A7: Through our modeling and transparency; being willing to experiment with new technologies
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A7:Beg. to get district/staff on Twitter:to celebrate & for PD. I'm using it so I can teach others. I'm blogging my EdS journey.
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A7 Learning from role models like and
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A7: We are sharing tech tips & tools at staff meetings. More to come after MACUL! Bringing grade level reps.
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A6: The three "R's" in education. Relationships, relationships, relationships! A must.
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A7 Personally taking risks in front of staff, learning new ways to integrate technology from peers
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All of you going to MACUL better be tweeting all the great ideas for those of us not able to make it!
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It's been a great chat tonight on -
Let's end with some shout outs as "Question 8", using the hashtag!
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It's been a great chat tonight on -
Let's end with some shout outs as "Question 8", using the hashtag!
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Q8: Give a shout out to a Principal (by Twitter handle) that you admire & thank them for something you’ve learned from them.
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A7 Staff is really diving into Google docs & Google classroom- using for class & staff meetings
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A7 Every building has a building wide account promoting learning and connections across the district.
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Advocate for teachers and students and utilize your teacher leaders that are tec. savvy!
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maybe a blog post or two too...
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I use tech in more meaningful ways now more than ever, thanks to my T leaders!
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A7In staff meetings we use tech when it makes pedagogical sense and analog when it doesn't.Sometimes the best tool is a dialogue
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That's great-- our Tech Instructional Leaders (TILS) share out at our staff meetings
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A8. Shout out to for teaching me how to be a part of and using tweetdeck!
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A8: and - Opportunity vs. Obligation
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A8 for showing me the power of blogs!
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A7: Fail forward yourself with technology and model use for Ts. Jump into classrooms and help Ts troubleshoot through glitches.
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A8: for being a great role model for inspiring me with her blog for leading
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A8: Shout out to for teaching my about great leadership ideas and exchanges!
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Check out https://t.co/KueY6ymZLK
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A7 Every building has a building wide account promoting learning and connections across the district.
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A7 Google Docs is amazing! Try having staff comment as a group on articles!
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A8: and - The Power of Branding
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A7: Tech must be PROVIDED & modeled! Give them the WHY and make sure expectations are clear. Tech must impact STs!
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A8: is an inspiration! txs for being so willing to help a kid out! we will ROCK it out next week at PD!You're awesome!
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A8: - purposefully and regularly reading aloud to classes
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These are Two fantastic educators!!
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Need to go! Great Chat!
Be the Change-
Under the paving stones..the beach- Paris 1968
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A7: Constantly inspired by my principals. Lucky to be where I am.
