#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
I am Ashley Tilley and have been with AMSTI-UM as a Math, Science, &Technology Specialistfor 3 years after leaving as a veteran elementary classroom teacher. #aledchat
Welcome to #ALEdChat...please introduce yourself, where you work, and how long you have been in education
Blake Busbin from Auburn High & I am in my 11th year as a teacher
Q1) What do you believe are the largest factors contributing to low teacher satisfaction? (NOTE: not trying to be negative, but seeking to diagnose the problem) #aledchat
Welcome to #ALEdChat...please introduce yourself, where you work, and how long you have been in education
Blake Busbin from Auburn High & I am in my 11th year as a teacher
The feedback I hear from teachers is the standardized testing becomes āthe thingā and they fell like they are unable to use best practices/pedagogy to teach. #UMedTech#aledchat
A1: There some to be more and more put on a teachers plate these days with less support from home in some cases. This is true with academics and discipline. We have continue to find ways to streamline requirements and support our people. #ALedchat
Q1) What do you believe are the largest factors contributing to low teacher satisfaction? (NOTE: not trying to be negative, but seeking to diagnose the problem) #aledchat
A1: It is easy to become overwhelmed as a teacher. The bar is continually rising. Most do the best they know how and can become frustrated when the 100% they give doesnāt yield the same outcome. #keepadjusting#keepgrowing#dontgiveup#ALEdChat
A1) Satisfaction is subjective- teaching is not a perfect formula- there is not a āperfectā way everyday for every lesson and every situation (ie dealing with parents, grading, student drama)#aledchat
Amy Fineburg, Curriculum Specialist, @JEFCOED...
A1- not believing they are making a difference and differential accountability of students and teachers. Everyone wants to feel like they are accomplishing something and playing on a level field. #ALEdChat
A1: Lack of respect from those outside the profession, lack of autonomy, over-use of standardized testing, changes that reflect lack of value (lack of funding, retirement changes, etc.) #ALedchat
Q1) What do you believe are the largest factors contributing to low teacher satisfaction? (NOTE: not trying to be negative, but seeking to diagnose the problem) #aledchat
Amy Fineburg, Curriculum Specialist, @JEFCOED...
A1- not believing they are making a difference and differential accountability of students and teachers. Everyone wants to feel like they are accomplishing something and playing on a level field. #ALEdChat
A1) Satisfaction is subjective- teaching is not a perfect formula- there is not a āperfectā way everyday for every lesson and every situation (ie dealing with parents, grading, student drama)#aledchat
Amy Fineburg, Curriculum Specialist, @JEFCOED...
A1- not believing they are making a difference and differential accountability of students and teachers. Everyone wants to feel like they are accomplishing something and playing on a level field. #ALEdChat
A2: With any profession there are both- as a leader, we have to build our teachers up and support them. We have to find ways to reward their successes and hard work. These cannot go unnoticed or teachers will feel undervalued. Peers can do this as well. #ALedchat
A2: I see burnout as a teacher working with little to no results. I see demoralization as taking away choices from a teacher that makes him/her feel as if they couldnāt make the best decision for themselves... boiling down hard work to a test score. #UMedTech#ED577UM#ALedchat
Burnout can be a pretty common occurrence in education. Those with a passion give and give and become frustrated with never reaching their goals. They still believe in education and the need to make a difference. #ALEdChat
A2- burnout can be fixed by changing internal explanations about success and failure and external factors like workload and incentives. Demoralization results from broken relationships, which are harder to repair. #ALEdChat
A2: Thought provoking question. Burnout: The love and passion was once there but has faded. Demoraliztion: unsatisfied with the realties of the profession. #aledchat
A2 - this is a good question and it is hard to differentiate from at times. It is important to tell the diffeybecause when one is burned out they are done but a teacher that is demoralized can be built back up if the effort is made #ALEdChat
A2: With any profession there are both- as a leader, we have to build our teachers up and support them. We have to find ways to reward their successes and hard work. These cannot go unnoticed or teachers will feel undervalued. Peers can do this as well. #ALedchat
A2) Teacher burnout is continued demoralization- peers must watch the amount of times demoralization occurs and talk with them about it. PS- use your vacation days :-) #aledchat
A2) When using phrase "teacher burnout," we often place the blame on ourselves making us look like the failures...In reality, must also consider weight of outside forces, thus demoralization (language matters) #aledchat
A2) I think often times we lose really good teachers because they are "burned out," but really they are just demoralized. We need to do more to support our teachers during their first few years of teaching. #aledchat#umedtech
A2: Demoralization is societal, burnout is specific to the individual. Dialogue /peer inquiry can help teachers or teams determine when they need to press their own reset button or ask for a breather for burnout. Issues of demoralization require collective action. #ALedchat
A1: Burnout May come from a combination of too many extra things to do with no time to do them, and a lack of respect for doing it all. A lot of time, the lack of respect is more perceived than reality. #aledchat
A2) When I think of burnout, I think of the wheels turning but no longer making progress... losing the joy, but can be reignited. Demoralization- someone/thing is stealing that passion from you. #aledchat#UMEdTech
A2 Tt burnout is when one is exhausted/ tired/ stressed, demoralization is when you've lost the desire or spirit to teach. Knowing the difference allows one to see when its time to let it go (retire), or when it's time to change careers. #ALEdChat#umedtech#edl577um
A2- definitionally, burnout means lack or loss of fuel. We can refuel. Demoralization means to quash the spirit of something. Thatās much harder to repair. Leaders must guard against both, but really guard against demoralization. #ALEdChat
A2: Well to start demoralization can lead to burnout. But I think the difference is what you can control. Burn out is an intrinsic thing that can come from lots of factors (the biggest is not having a work life balance) #aledchat
A2: I see burnout as internal and demoralizing as external. Leaders must do our best to eliminate external problems in order to build the morale of our teachers #aledchat
A2- definitionally, burnout means lack or loss of fuel. We can refuel. Demoralization means to quash the spirit of something. Thatās much harder to repair. Leaders must guard against both, but really guard against demoralization. #ALEdChat
A1: Teachers want and need affirmation for their efforts. They appreciate autonomy in the classroom, as they are experts in their field and know their students better than anyone else. #ALEDchat
Ok, got it now. A1: Sometimes it seems that the frustration of trying to fit in everything that must be accomplished becomes overwhelming and overshadows our true goal of teaching the kids. #aledchat#UMedTech
A3: As the saying goes, you get out what you put in. When you invest in others, spread joy, show passion- you create a better working environment. Be the change! #ALedchat
A3: Build a group of peers excited about continued growth in education! Grow together. Laugh together. Cry together. Also build relationships with your students. Working together increases success and decreases stress. #sameteam#sameboat#neveralone#ALEdChat
A3) I feel that collaboration with educators who are continuing to grow and move in the direction that you want to go! Make use of PLNs and digital tools that make this possible outside of the school. #UMedTech#aledchat
A3: As the saying goes, you get out what you put in. When you invest in others, spread joy, show passion- you create a better working environment. Be the change! #ALedchat
A3: As the saying goes, you get out what you put in. When you invest in others, spread joy, show passion- you create a better working environment. Be the change! #ALedchat
A3: Work toward balance. Find interests or hobbies outside of work. Take a break when needed. Spend time with family. Go for a walk. Read a good book. #ALedchat
A3 Ts can use personal/ vacation days & on those days take time to relax, rest & enjoy doing things that brings them peace; practicing yoga/ meditation; finding/ attending their own chosen professional development. #ALEdChat#umedtech#edl577um
A3: Don't ever feel guilty about not working 24 hours and turn off digital communication to enjoy the written word (books) that have absolutely nothing to do with education. #aledchat
A3: Investing in yourself as a teacher starts with doing things that bring you joy. Include them in your classroom routine and make sure are doing them outside of school to #aledchat
A3: teachers can invest in relationships with each other which helps. Taking advantage of fun PD opportunities is key. Buying some new flair pens always makes me smile! #itsthelittlethings#aledchat
A3- cool work by @AdamMGrant shows that givers reenergize by giving more. Seems counterintuitive, but makes sense. Finding the ways that your strengths energize you is key. #ALEdChat
A2: Based on some comments I read, I agree with burnout being the tires/stressed and need to refuel. Is it safe to say that if burnout is not addressed then one could lose that spirit? #aledchat#UMedTech
Keep reinventing yourself as a teacher. Itās hard to burnout if you continue to grow. Find something that improves yourself as a teacher and a person. Talk with other teachers and grow together. #aledchat
A3) Not normally one for exercise, but started trying to do so 4 days a week this school year & it has made a HUGE difference in my mental health #aledchat
A3) It's the old thought... you can't pour from an empty cup. What are you as a teacher, passionate about? Why did you get started in the business of teaching? Do what makes you happy- then your students will reap the benefits= better teacher satisfaction. #ALEDChat#UMEdTech
I never thought of it that way but often teacher burnout is due to school related situations we cannot control. Not an internal failure as a teacher. @ALedchat#ALedchat@UMedTech#UMedTech
In reply to
@BusbinsClassAHS, @ALedchat, @UMedTech
A3 Focus on moving forward, assess each day, learn and grow. Donāt sit, whine, or worry about things out of your control. Happy and productive career. #ALEDchat
I feel that a large contributor to teacher burnout comes in the fact that while teachers are superheroes, all students do not learn in the same way. This makes the job overwhelming as all students can learn, reaching them in their "love language" can be challenging. #ALEdChat
A3: Build relationships with coworkers who have similar philosophies as you. Discover new technologies and tools to keep the classroom fun and engaging for students and for you. #ALedchat#UMedtech
A3: I absolutely enjoy working with other groups of teachers who are learning and doing new things. Each year when I attend National Board conferences or district meetings I feel refreshed and ready for the new. #aledchat#UMedTech
My name is Jackie Flowers, Florence City Schools, Director of Instruction & Professional Learning @Florencek12#FCSLearn. I am one of the co-moderators of #ALEdChat. Sorry to be late!
Roderick Sheppard, Principal at Florence High School. I spent 6 years in the classroom and this is my 15th year in adminstration. Thank ya'll for letting me join in tonight. #ALEdChat
My name is Jackie Flowers, Florence City Schools, Director of Instruction & Professional Learning @Florencek12#FCSLearn. I am one of the co-moderators of #ALEdChat. Sorry to be late!
Q1) What do you believe are the largest factors contributing to low teacher satisfaction? (NOTE: not trying to be negative, but seeking to diagnose the problem) #aledchat
Roderick Sheppard, Principal at Florence High School. I spent 6 years in the classroom and this is my 15th year in adminstration. Thank ya'll for letting me join in tonight. #ALEdChat
My name is Jackie Flowers, Florence City Schools, Director of Instruction & Professional Learning @Florencek12#FCSLearn. I am one of the co-moderators of #ALEdChat. Sorry to be late!
A4 - by giving each other recognitionwhen we see each other doing great things! By providing the needed support system to survive in the educational society! #ALEdChat
A3) Communication is key here. If you find something that works, share it. Also, encourage teachers to try new things. It's ok to fail. #aledchat#umedtech
A4 Ts can be a listening ear; helping out when time allows; collaborating with others; sharing ideas/tips; giving cheer/smile/hug; being a friend. #ALEdChat#umedtech#edl577um
A4: Refrain from sharing in digital spaces ALL the frustrations of the professions and give the profession the respect we desire others to give it. #aledchat
A3: I think that as an educator, you must be a little selfish and realize that in order to give to someone else, you must give to yourself. This comes in the areas of health, family, spiritual well-being as well as doing things to sharpen your professional saw. #ALEdChat
A4) For Valentine's Day, teachers at AHS have cut out hearts that we are writing messages on and posting to other teachers' doors for support-great way to build each other up #aledchat
A4) Come everyday with an attitude of learning- including PD days- why waste a day? - push each other to be better- care for each other when those days don't happen- and pray for each other #aledchat
A4: Refrain from sharing in digital spaces ALL the frustrations of the professions and give the profession the respect we desire others to give it. #aledchat
A4) Genuine words of affirmation! I like to leave notes, send texts/emails or even make a point to greet a colleague on an especially challenging day with a hug and supportive words. #aledchat#UMedTech
A3: My students also help to provide a sense of satisfaction when they slip little notes saying thank you or become excited about something and share info enabling them to do something to help the class. #aledchat#UMedTech
A4: Work together to lighten the load and ensure a level of quality no one can question. Make working and learning together fun. Build up & celebrate other educatorsā donāt tolerate bullying from anyone, especially colleagues. #ALedchat
A4- I always told the kids we wanted 3 things from them: Show up. Do your work. Be nice. If we all approached work like that, weād be doing pretty well. #ALEdChat
A4) For Valentine's Day, teachers at AHS have cut out hearts that we are writing messages on and posting to other teachers' doors for support-great way to build each other up #aledchat
A4: I think the best way that educators can work together to enhance teacher satisfaction is to realize that they have the need and ability to work together to ease the work load. No one person has to go it alone. This to me is one of the ultimate goal of PLCs #ALEdChat
A4: Encourage collaborative planning especially if we teach the same subjects. We can accomplish so much together and really address ALL students need. #aledchat
Roderick Sheppard, Principal at Florence High School. I spent 6 years in the classroom and this is my 15th year in adminstration. Thank ya'll for letting me join in tonight. #ALEdChat
A4: I think the best way that educators can work together to enhance teacher satisfaction is to realize that they have the need and ability to work together to ease the work load. No one person has to go it alone. This to me is one of the ultimate goal of PLCs #ALEdChat
Small acts of kindness (letters of encouragement,sharing positive comments from students, or treats). Also, recognizing stressful moments and offering to help. #ALEdChat
A5: We try our best to be present in schools, support through resources and encouragement, and listen to the needs of our schools. We also encourage through social media/newsletters and highlight jobs well done. #ALedchat
A4: Small acts of kindness (letters of encouragement,sharing positive comments from students, or treats). Also, recognizing stressful moments and offering to help. #ALEdChat
A5: Be in the work with teachers. Donāt ask them to do anything you wonāt do alongside them. Just like we need to ask students how things are going, we should be asking the same of teachers. Be open to changing the plan based on their feedback. #ALedchat
Q1) What do you believe are the largest factors contributing to low teacher satisfaction? (NOTE: not trying to be negative, but seeking to diagnose the problem) #aledchat
A5: Administration should constantly be in the trenches (classroom) providing encouragement and areas of growth. Also, it helps admins know the daily struggles of the teachers. #ALEdChat
A4: be a listening ear and an encourager or just a shoulder to lean on... let them know you are in the trenches with them... bring them a happy.. so many things can be done to build relationships with fellow teachers . #aledchat
A2: Burnout vs. Demoralization, wow When I think of burnout, I think of someone who can be revived, that may just need some change. When I view the latter, I see the word 'Moral' in it, when a person feels defeated, repair will take someone like David Copperfield #ALEdChat
A5 listen with open ears; hear suggestions & ideas & allow implementation ideas; create an environment where sharing ideas is the norm and accepted. Realize the value of Ts & support them through recognition, words of encouragement & thanking them #ALEdChat#umedtech#edl577um
A5- provide clarity of purpose and expectation. Do what you say youāre going to do. Check what you expect people to turn in. Listen. Praise. Play fair not favorites. #ALEdChat
A5) Administrator support with parents and the community, looking at faculty with a team mentality to keep the curse of comparison at bay and āseeingā the faculty -really seeing them for their strengths as well as constructively building up their weaknesses. #aledchat#UMedTech
A4: Work together to lighten the load and ensure a level of quality no one can question. Make working and learning together fun. Build up & celebrate other educatorsā donāt tolerate bullying from anyone, especially colleagues. #ALedchat
A5: A CO admins, we must celebrate & affirm that great things we are seeing. Instead of walkthrough "score cards," provide authentic feedback. Pat them on the backs for jobs well done! Post it - tweet it! Let them know you believe in their power to impact learning! #ALedchat
A5) If admin/CO can support us by trusting that we know our students and want to do what is right for them...this promotes teacher satisfaction. Trust that we are the professionals that we are. #aledchat
A5) I love to see administrators "out and about" in the halls...if I don't see an administrator for a few days in a row, I feel like I am on a deserted island #aledchat
A5 - by doing little things like leaving hand written notes after walk throughs and by having real conversation with them not just always doing all the talking! #ALEdChat
Not sure if my reply made it to Ashley, but I agree with her 100%! Sometimes we don't even realize how big of an impact the small things we do can have when someone is having a rough day. #aledchat#UMedTech
A5: Support can best be shown by 'being there now', celebrate the successes, don't just show up to react, be there to support and nurture the troops. If the little things are taken care of, the big things will take care of themselves #ALEdChat
Really love the Pineapple Chart Method! What a great way for teachers to celebrate and learn from one another! https://t.co/esLC3Q3WRG Shout out to @bwiginton for his work with this! #ALEDCHAT
A5: Our Superintendent @DrHSutherland and our CO support our staff and students throughout the year from grade level productions to staff perfect attendance lunches and so much more! #weareblessed#ALEdChat
Really love the Pineapple Chart Method! What a great way for teachers to celebrate and learn from one another! https://t.co/esLC3Q3WRG Shout out to @bwiginton for his work with this! #ALEDCHAT
This is such a great idea. I saw where parents were doing this for their children but I had not thought about doing this for other teachers. Great idea! #aledchat#UMedTech
A5) I love to see administrators "out and about" in the halls...if I don't see an administrator for a few days in a row, I feel like I am on a deserted island #aledchat
A5) I love to see administrators "out and about" in the halls...if I don't see an administrator for a few days in a row, I feel like I am on a deserted island #aledchat
@AMSTI_UM We are building in professional development opportunities based on teacher choice along with moving into next year with true PLCs. #aledchat@blairr728
A6 - keep at it! You might not always feel as if you are making a difference it you are! It might only be for one but there is that one! You are valuable to our profession and you matter! #ALEdChat
Be consistent. Run your classroom the same exact way you did at the beginning of the year. This is a great time to implement technology!! #aledchat#umedtech
A6: It is about your attitude, not the attitudes of others. Bring the joy, be the light, praise others and see the joy that you get in return. You have the power to change your environment! #ALedchat
A6: Take a step back and recognize the impact you are making. Sometimes we donāt see the forest for the trees. You make a difference. Donāt give up. #ALEdChat
A6: This time of year is so hard. Pamper yourself a bit. Find a way to incorporate your passions into lessons. Get a pedicure or go grab chips and salsa with your team after work. Find something that makes you laugh out loud! Stay the course, love your kids, breathe. #ALedchat
A5: Acknowledge-My administration stops and listens even when the day is busy. They may not have long to spend, but they make you feel that you were important enough for them to take a moment for a quick word or a wave to say hello. #aledchat#UMedTech
The light at the end of the tunnel is Spring Break, not a train. Hang in there and know that you are not alone. These kids need you and you are enough to make the difference. This too shall pass, when it does, you'll refelect & see it wasn't as bad as it seemed. #ALedchat
