#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 Iโm George Garcia, STEAM TOSA from Santa Clara, California. I have so many favorite emojis its hard to pick one. I like this one ๐ because I am always in awe of the people I surround myself with so I appreciate and celebrate them. #TOSAChat
Hello ๐๐ผ #TOSAchat!
Ann here, stoked for our #emoji chat! I canโt ๐ ๐ปโโ๏ธ pick just 1๏ธโฃ FAVORITE emoji!!! Thatโs impossible! ๐คฃ
My most used emojis are probably ๐๐ผ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฆ and ๐ถ!
Q1: I was happy when I was able to inspire and support 2 Ts to start a daily newscast for their school. I was๐๐ฒ๐as 1 afternoon we put together the concept and the next day we were rolling. Over the week Ts and Ss took ownership of the newscast to make it even better. #TOSAchat
A1 I was able to reconnect with former students this pass weekend and I am still riding that wave. ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐๐พ๐ ๐#tosachat@TosaChat
Hi all! Nick here, instructional tech coordinator from contra costa county. Just checked. My most used emoji is... ๐ I use it to show gratitude. Feels So much more communicative than typing โthxโ. #tosachat
A1. Today's Monday, so fewer happy moments this week, than say, Friday. But today I did my first round of kinder ๐ค time, and that never fails to make me ๐#tosachat
A1๏ธโฃ
#TOSAchat
Many moments made me smile this week, all from digital collabs w my team prepping for some new big @Flipgrid events!
Coming ๐ all. the. things! ๐
๐Webinar tomorrow
๐ฎ#MatheMAGIC โจ
๐ฆV I B E S๐
๐บ#GridPals
๐#FlipgridBusTour ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ๐
๐ค#MixTapes
A1. Today was our first Tech Coordinator meeting and it was awesome. 70 some odd teachers all there to get their #edtech on and I get the privileges I help lead it. #TOSAChat
A 1 this past week, we rolled out YOU CUBES ๐ฆ #PYLUSD took a gamble and rolled with my idea for personalized PD. Itโs been a labor of โค๏ธ #TosaChat
A1: my daughter said her first word this week. It isnโt work related but it totally made me so happy. So excited to see another side of her come out. #tosachat
This past week I worked with @Jacksonator3 to plan a #supermuch blended lesson to model for our PD day and Iโm SO ๐ to deliver it in a few weeks!#TOSAChat
A1: Last week I issued my first suspension in the middle of the week. The end of the week ended great at the meeting w/ the parents and identifying next steps. ๐ฃ #TOSAchat
One of my favorite times from the year was when I did a room transformation for a ๐ฌ leader PD day. We a celebration ๐ theme with ๐ถ and ๐ and ๐ cider. #TOSAChat
A1: One of my favorite moments was watching 5th graders using @littleBits to create their own inventions. Loved seeing all the problem solving and collaboration among these amazing students. ๐ #TOSAchat
A1: This week I was able to give back to a youth league baseball player and allow him time to practice with my college team. The joy and excitement that the little boy had was touching to watch. I love teaching anyway I can! #TOSAChat
A2: I am juggling a lot of exciting and challenging projects right now. I have been thinking a lot about how to maximize efficiency to make sure that everything I work on creates most impact for those who I serve. I feel so fortunate to be "richly scheduled" right now. #tosachat
A2๏ธโฃ
#TOSAchat
Asking ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธlots of โโโ about
๐ (to me) @MicrosoftEDU tools...
Iโve been crazy ๐impressed ๐ w @MicrosoftTeams ๐ฆ and @OneNoteEDU ๐ ... giving me all the #brainZINGS ๐ง โก๏ธ!!!
Learning new tech tools for work has me ๐คฏ๐ก๐ค and totally inspired! ๐
A2. Trying to build the mindset for teachers to #pushallthebuttons and not be afraid to break their tech. When kids are reluctant to push buttons and try, it reflects an environment that stifled tech use. #TOSAChat
5th graders had a hard time heariing announcements when the principal did them outside so we record them every morning and send to teacher emails. 1 take 5 minutes to record and send. QUick and easy. #tosachat#touchcast
A2: Honestly, the thing that has me thinking the most is this twitter chat. This is my first one ever and I'm curious to learn new things from other professionals. I just don't know if it is for me. #TOSAChat
A2: I am always ๐ค about ๐ฌ curriculum. However I am also currently working on a podcast๐where ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ซs in the district can share their best practices. Often ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ซs donโt get a platform to share with others in the district and others donโt get a chance to learn. #TOSAChat
Hey Cole. Thanks for being here. Twitter has definitely become a beacon for me. I get tons of inspiration but my to do list also grows from listening to others. Have a lot of respect for educators that share here on Twitter. #TOSAchat
Q2: Makerspaces in elementary has consumed most of my time recently. Most of all how to design them, purchase materials, and make them sustainable. I've created a toolkit that is in it's early development. Check it out folks https://t.co/Mazxagr7Cc I'd love feedback. #TOSAChat
A2: Continuing to look at how I can continue to grow and learn... really needing to better connect w/ my edu-peeps. I think I'm back on a need for better balance. ๐ค is a regularly used emoji as well. ๐ #tosachat
A1: One moment from this week that I โค๏ธd was sitting in a meeting with the Leadership Team and really understanding their why. It was an aha moment that will help me with with others do much better. ๐ก#TOSAchat
A3: I have been leaning on two things to deal with challenges in work and life. Exercising daily and reading "real" books daily. Getting my wiggles out and a little escapism go a long ways! #tosachat
My https://t.co/xqbdok4U91 is in my email signature as well. Always allow ppl the opportunity to give anonymous feedback. Including their name is optional but helpful for me to follow up #TOSAchat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @TeachingTechNix, @TechTomBUSD, @EdTechAri
It is for me... but they are SO INTUITIVE that itโs clicking quickly! After 17 years on Apple the iOS, its been a change for sure... a good change! Works perfectly on my MacBook Pro too! Iโm impressed. ๐ค๐ #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @MicrosoftEDU, @MicrosoftTeams, @OneNoteEDU, @jessxbo
It is for me... but they are SO INTUITIVE that itโs clicking quickly! After 17 years on Apple then GSuite on iOS, its been a change for sure... a good change! Works perfectly on my MacBook Pro & iPhone too! Iโm impressed. ๐ค๐ #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @MicrosoftEDU, @MicrosoftTeams, @OneNoteEDU, @jessxbo
A2: Iโm also qโing Chromebook feasibility with regard to printing. Seems to have chafed for the better for some but not all. Iโd like to go all in across staff and students. #TOSAchat
I hope you stay with it Cory. The relationships you build is amazing. I am very close to people I have never met in person but have made HUGE impacts to me professionally. #TOSAChat ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐
A2 Something I'm thinking about are ways to help those who stay on the outside of PD and/or tech. How to best invite in. I was inspired by last week's #TOSAchat and now want to start a podcast and interview some. Hoping modeling together can inspire. ๐
After years on the Mac, Iโm using a Chromebooks exclusively - not by choice though. Wish I had a Mac still. #TOSAchat Iโm on my iPad Pro mostly though
In reply to
@annkozma723, @MicrosoftEDU, @MicrosoftTeams, @OneNoteEDU, @jessxbo
A3: It is hard not to be thankful ๐when I have such a great team. I rely on them to keep me from going ๐คชand keep sharing my experiences with them. #TOSAchat
Q3: When I have tough moments or I donโt think things have gone the right way, I just trust that this is all part of a bigger picture. I figure if I am doing things for the right reasons I will have success in the end. #TOSAchat
Q3 (continued): Some discussions are difficult, sometimes people will struggle, but someone has to drive growth and help teachers grow. Being a TOSA is tough but the rewards are worth it. #tosalife#tosachat
A3:๐ท๐ฅ๐ป๐บ๐ธ๐นjust kidding ๐๐๐ I keep a folder e-thank you messages. Reflect on a way I can improve. ๐ผ๐ปbaby steps start the path. #tosachat
Love it!! As soon as my form is built, thatโs going to happen. I donโt like asking Ts to do โone more thingโ but I think itโs going to inform the PD cycles that Iโm working on this year. #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @TeachingTechNix, @TechTomBUSD, @EdTechAri
A3: Personally, in difficult moments I like to focus on the positive things. I also find it helpful to ask for help and when I'm really struggling I like to workout because, it helps me clear my head and not stress out. #TOSAChat
A3: Trying to take time for myself weekly. But what I really, really want and need to do is run more, again. My self-care needs reprioritizing, for sure. #tosachat
A3๏ธโฃ
#TOSAchat
Iโve out the ๐ช by 6๏ธโฃ:3๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ for an early โ๏ธ walk ๐๐ most days now & loving ๐ it!
Make movement a priority ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
Take lots of deep breaths ๐น
Look at the ๐ w glittering eyes ๐คฉ
Love deep ๐ laugh often ๐
Remember, weโve got it pretty good.
I had one of those days today! It helps to go to the gym and ๐๐ผโโ๏ธour the bad feelings. I have also been working on ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ (meditation) and learning to mentally let things go after they have been resolved. Itโs hard for me #WorkinProgress#TOSAChat
A3: Year 1 as a teacher, I took all the emotion home. Now, year 17 cannot be healthy and do it. I laugh often (mostly at myself) and have to remember it's probably not about me. ๐ฉ #TOSAchat
A3 I have tons of pictures of all the people that make me ๐๐. I look at those to give me focus. Take a deep breath and keep pushing forward #TOSAChat@TosaChat
A4: A week flies by and I wonder where it went. I think this week I am really going to focus on slowing down and trying to be more present in my moments. It is so hard when you are jumping from one thing to the next to remember to take a moment to breathe. #tosachat
A3: After a difficult moment I always give myself a moment to vent then joke around with my awesome team @EdTechEddie and @MissUrsy. They always make me ๐. Life is good when your tribe is always there for you!๐#TOSAChat
Really important. When are ou exercising๐๏ธ and reading? I struggle at times to fit those in but I know they help in so many other aspects of life. #TOSAchat
I try to stay on the โ๏ธside of life and I look for the silver lining in everything. Thereโs something to be learned in every tough situation. I also๐ถโโ๏ธthe ๐ถ and ๐ to podcasts (or ๐๐ปโโ๏ธwhen Iโm not injured). And I vent to @theedtechdoctor when necessary #tosachat
A3: I absolutely appreciate @voxer groups that have helped me vent, reflect, & process. I used to journal. I really need to get back into journaling. #TOSAchat
A4๏ธโฃ
#TOSAchat
My ๐ฆ work space is becoming a reality SโฐโฐN thanks to some reclaimed wood & a cool kid ๐ from Huntington Beach w some epic woodworking skills ๐จ๐ง!
Stay tuned ๐ #newhomeoffice ๐๐ผ
A4: ๐คI have been looking for a consistent work flow. As @msbpatel would say, " Tons of ideas๐ก but not so much follow through." How do I balance all the ideas but still focus enough to get something out there. #tosachat
When I have to research something during the work day that will take a while I print what I need, read it as I take a walk. I take voice to text notes on my phone to a google doc and process it back in the office. Exercise, sunshine, and focused work =trifecta. #TOSAChat
Q4: My ๐ฆ is finding a forum for teachers to share the awesomeness that is occurring in their classes when I know theyโre busy and donโt want to seem like theyโre bragging. Iโm thinking of an afternoon quick meet-up like Edcamp style, but Iโd love suggestions. #TOSAchat
#TOSACHAT A4: Finding time to share. So much awesome going on right now, but am spending so much time DOING that I feel like documenting and sharing arenโt enough of a priority!
A4 trying to stay positive and meet the needs of many with a shoestring budget. Tech will make life more efficient...#preachingtothechoir wish Ts would share with Ts more #tosachat
I have had this issue, too. I started mindfulness exercises using the @calm app, and it has really helped me gain focus. Highly recommendโ and their premium subscription is free for ๐จโ๐ซ! 10 min feels hard to give up but it has been worth it. #tosachat
A4. My unicorn is to catch up. There's so much that I've been struggling to get to, but my time is limited. I hate not being finished with my list. I focus on people first, and then the rest. #tosachat
A4: My TOSA๐ฆwould have to be "extra hours in the day" for sure. I keep searching for them and can't find them. โฐ Imacting change and connecting to people is not instantaneous. I have lots of ๐ก and wear lots of ๐ฉ but must stay present while thinking big picture. #TOSAchat
A4) ๐ค I am searching for ๐คthat will ๐๐ง๐ผand ๐ฑ๐ปโโ๏ธto ๐ก๐๐คฝโโ๏ธ๐จ๐ธetc, so I can do #tosachat uninterrupted ๐ค Gotta go but will ๐ later. What movie is this? ๐ง๐ผ๐ฑ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐จ๐ถ๐ผ? Ha ha!
Awwwwww. Thatโs a blessing. Working with people you click with is a plus. Nice when people have your back and vice versa. Makes you feel victorious ๐ช๐พโ๐พ๐๐พ#TOSACHAT
In reply to
@Msbpatel, @TosaChat, @EdTechEddie, @MissUrsy
I know Iโm late! But wanted to throw this out for A)2. How to expand the learning environment outside of my classroom. Iโm in a funk and need inspiration!#tosachat
Thats a practical outlook. I feel the same many times throughout the week. I have so much I want to accomplish but not enough โฑ๏ธ. Trying my best to prioritize
and keep enjoying the ride ๐ข#TOSAchat
A5๏ธโฃ
#TOSAchat
I think I did ๐๐ผ w ๐ฃ communication last week... focusing ๐ on maximizing digital discussions w @MicrosoftTeams as I work remotely. Lots of ๐ป typing, ๐ง listening, and ๐ค video discussions w teammates! My Communication Goal:
Listen๐๐ผ and learn ๐ง โก๏ธ๐ค
I used to love the email app Sortd but then they started charging and I tried to copy the categories they provide within my labels on gmail. It's just not the same. #TOSAChat
Hi, Robert! This is a great group to connect with! Would love to chat about expanding the learning environment! Breaking down classroom walls is one of my (many) passions! #tosachat
A4: My TOSA๐ฆwould have to be "extra hours in the day" for sure. I keep searching for them and can't find them. โฐ Imacting change and connecting to people is not instantaneous. I have lots of ๐ก and wear lots of ๐ฉ but must stay present while thinking big picture. #TOSAchat
A5 Since I am still fair new I โtake it inโ more than I contribute. I am like a sponge soaking it in. I would like to do a better job of checking in with my schools. #TOSACHAT
A5: I do pretty responding digitally however I want to get out to sites more this year. I think if I am present at sites at arranges times Ts will be more willing to ask questions and reach out. #TOSAChat
A5 I relied on AutoCrat, calendar invites, #flipgrid, Google Hangout...working on modeling academic register from our 5 instructional routines training #TOSAchat
A5. There's one thing I'm a rock star ๐คat is communication. I'd love to get ahead of the game, and share more information ahead of time. ๐ถ๐ฃ #tosachat
A5: Getting better at communicating again. With colleagues, with parents, and returning to Twitter chats will help me communicate with peers outside my school. #tosachat#wheresmsrnow
We made little cards and dropped off at sites so folks knew all the ways they could get in touch with us... https://t.co/eYDKAAER7Y was another way I tried to support Ts remotely... #tosachat
A5: was just ๐ค about this. Someone I respect dearly who passed away last year had the ability, with her numerous tasks, to still make you feel like the only 1๏ธโฃ in the room. I want to learn from her. Listen, Breathe, Reach out, Be Timely, Clear Expectations. #TOSAchat
A5: Communication is a great way to build relationships. I always try to respond quickly to โ and I'm making sure to always follow up with an ๐ง after a meet up this year. Follow through is ๐ #TOSAChat
I feel I did well last week. I messaged Admin team my thoughts, shared at meetings, connected with colleagues to build bridges. Always ways to grow and reach beyond my circle in order to cast a wider net. Goals. #TOSAchat
I use the free version of You Can Book Me and it has ๐ฅ me a couple of times where Iโve been booked for an hour at one school and had to be at another across town at the start of the next hour. But I love it. #tosachat
I met with our new Ts last week to help them catch up on what we have already learned and implemented regarding NGSS. Meeting with them also allowed me to hear exactly what they need so I can support hem this year. #TOSAChat
A6 I emailed and called Ts last week to check in. I celebrate all the Ts willingly to collaborate with them. I would love to offer support for those that are still in the fence. #TosaChat@TosaChat
A6 Our school year is just rolling. Not too many requests yet. Set up online courses, bootcamps, book studies. Weekly tech tips and #Flipgrid district dialogue. Need to get basics training on calendar. #TOSAchat
A6: I am getting out to school sites and meeting individuals needs. Teachers have been using https://t.co/BPLhlZOtlG and I love it. My goal is now to hit all my dept. heads and create some personalized PD for all content. #Goals#tosachat
A6๏ธโฃ
#TOSAchat
Epic convos ๐ค๐๐ค
Digital resources ๐ฑ๐๐ก
Help w workflows & ideas ๐๐๐
Celebrating when folks think outside the box ๐ฆ and try new things! ๐
Lots of digital celebrations via hashtags, tweets & social! ๐๐ปโจ๐บ๐ผ
A5: was just ๐ค about this. Someone I respect dearly who passed away last year had the ability, with her numerous tasks, to still make you feel like the only 1๏ธโฃ in the room. I want to learn from her. Listen, Breathe, Reach out, Be Timely, Clear Expectations. #TOSAchat
I was in classrooms last week supporting @Seesaw and Google Classroom, mostly. So much to celebrate, esp a reluctant T who is now on board despite continued frustrations. Need to work on the feedback still (mentioned earlier) #tosachat
A6: Understanding the why is so important to teachers. My job is to help them connect to it so they can grow. I'm celebrating feeling inspired and useful and helping a few teachers find their why. I want to improve working with the awesome @MrOrreBiology. Go Team! #TOSAchat
A6. Last week was a short one- I had a parent event on Wednesday morning (that was sparsely attended) but was able to work with some teachers to introduce our new zSpace lab to their students. #tosachat
Q6: Last wk was full of great ๐จ with teachers. I tried to take the โณto really ๐to what they had to say and what they needed. It seemed very beneficial and I need to keep working at it. #tosachat
A6: We are supporting each other in grade level meetings, but doing a great job of connecting throughout the week. Sharing findings, asking for tips w/ curriculum tools online, supporting teaching methods, and getting creative with new ideas. #tosachat#NotaTOSA#wheresmsrnow
