I'm Jeremy, #nt2t team member along with @shyj, @stephwurking, @seni_bl & @hturk139. I hail from Connecticut, USA. And yeah, I've temporarily changed my Twitter name to an important PSA to Americans who are eligible to vote.
My icebreaker answer: I remember talk about the Iran hostage crisis, and the first U.S. election I have memories of is from 1980. I looked for this magazine cover online because I remember seeing it as a child at the barber shop. The imagery stuck with me. #nt2t
Hello #nt2t! Hannah here, former 1st grade T now at home with baby girl and co-mod of #nt2t. I'll be in and out this morning, currently at #EdcampNoVA (talking about #schoolculture right now!).
I'm Chris from Bloomington, IN. I teach world history for a private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana Univ. I'm also on the leadership team of #sschat. Still making breakfast so will be in and out this morning. #nt2t
Good morning! I'm joining in from the Houston TX area. I'm an 8th grade English teacher and adjunct lecturer at UofH. Tutoring ESL students this morning so I'll be here intermittently. #nt2t
Welcome, Caitlin! We LOVE having preservice teachers join us, you have so much to add to this conversation! I first joined #nt2t as a preservice teacher and they are all wonderful here. :) #edumagic
I'm posting six questions and a challenge to drive our chat today. You all answer Q1 with A1, etc., and remember to include the #nt2t hashtag in every tweet! I'll post Question 1 in a minute.
Here's Question 1. Answer as openly as you're comfortable with.
Q1) In recent news, we've seen threatening behavior, hateful violence, and human suffering. How are you feeling about it? To what extent does it impact your life or work? #nt2t
Paula from Ky, grandparent and volunteer. I remember our teacher telling us Kennedy had been shot and pulling a tv into the room on a cart. We were in shock. #NT2T
A1: It all just makes me so sad. I cannot watch the news before bed because then I cannot sleep very well. We need to change this world and be kind and loving to all! #nt2t
Here's Question 1. Answer as openly as you're comfortable with.
Q1) In recent news, we've seen threatening behavior, hateful violence, and human suffering. How are you feeling about it? To what extent does it impact your life or work? #nt2t
A1) It definitely affects me personally and has led to lots of meaningful conversations w/ my children. I teach online and the students have limited interaction w/ each other so I haven't had to deal with much in the way of students reflecting this in their behavior. #nt2t
A1 : As a mom to a six month old and a future educator, it’s honestly terrifying. Im scared not only for my child but for my children in the classrooms. #nt2t
A1) I've learned there are a lot of assumptions I've made about our progress that turned out not to be true. To others it's not a surprise. I'm learning and listening. And as
a Jew I've been shaken in particular by the last week (in addition to the last two years). #nt2t
Here's Question 1. Answer as openly as you're comfortable with.
Q1) In recent news, we've seen threatening behavior, hateful violence, and human suffering. How are you feeling about it? To what extent does it impact your life or work? #nt2t
A1 - It makes me try even harder to make my kiddos understand that we all need to love and support each other regardless of differences. Another reason we are @TeamTartaro#nt2t
A1 Teachers absorb so much emotional stress during the course of a day - we take it home. We want to save everyone. We tackle horrendous current events. We are there for our students in so many ways, but have in a brave face. It’s overwhelming. #nt2t
Q2) What have you learned during these recent developments and events? Has anything that’s happened affect how you approach certain topics with kids? #nt2t
A1 - An incident occurred in my classroom a day I was home sick. I'll never forget the feeling of powerlessness sitting on my couch watching Facebook comments to find out what was happening. Every incident I see now leaves me shaken. I was terrified to take another day off. #nt2t
A2: I cannot say much as changed in my teaching. I continue to stress how important each and every one of my students is to me. We all matter and we all should take care of each other. #nt2t
Q2) What have you learned during these recent developments and events? Has anything that’s happened affect how you approach certain topics with kids? #nt2t
A2 we can’t just ignore what is happening. Our kids know what is going on and are more emotionally mature than given credit. They need a safe space to talk about these tough issues. To clear up misconceptions. I often have students say thank you for “being real” #nt2t
Ice Breaker: The earliest global event that I can remember might be the death of Princess Diana. I don't know if you consider that a global event. I'm from Nebraska. #nt2t
A2) I have become even more focused on asking students to support their positions on issues and their opinions with evidence. We also talk about bias in sources. @SHEG_Stanford has some great materials (civic online reasoning) for this. #nt2t
The first time I found myself seriously thinking that I would sacrifice my life to protect my students scared the crap out of me. It happened during a lockdown I didn't know was a drill. #nt2t
A2 and beware of toxic positivity - students need to know it’s ok to be sad, and angry... same for teachers. We don’t wallow - but “just be positive and smile” erases the humanity of ourselves and those around us. #nt2t
A2 My 15 yr old is studying about the Holocaust and reading the Book Thief. He’s shocked by Pittsburgh, that it happens on our own soil especially since we’re from there. #NT2T
A1: I cannot even bring myself to watch the news any more. It is so sad that everything I hear is just negative towards one another. There isn't any kindness any more, or if there is you don't hear of those stories. #nt2t
A2) As a parent I remind myself to stress to my kids that they're safe. But I haven't figured out how to navigate the violent anti-Semitism because it's targeting who I am. #nt2t
Q2) What have you learned during these recent developments and events? Has anything that’s happened affect how you approach certain topics with kids? #nt2t
My students felt the same in the early 2000s when we watched a PBS Frontline program about the Rwandan genocide. It was juxtaposed with the opening of the @HolocaustMuseum "Never again" didn't seem to apply to everyone. :( #nt2t
A2 My 15 yr old is studying about the Holocaust and reading the Book Thief. He’s shocked by Pittsburgh, that it happens on our own soil especially since we’re from there. #NT2T
A2 My 15 yr old is studying about the Holocaust and reading the Book Thief. He’s shocked by Pittsburgh, that it happens on our own soil especially since we’re from there. #NT2T
Q3) Which recent events or issues would you consider the most crucial to talk about with students in school? How does that differ depending on your student population and location in the world? #nt2t
I don't know if I've necessarily changed how I taught things. I teach in a very rural area and used to teach in the inner city, so the issues have allowed me to have conversations with my students on what other students might be going through in a different part of the US. #nt2t
A1: I cannot even bring myself to watch the news any more. It is so sad that everything I hear is just negative towards one another. There isn't any kindness any more, or if there is you don't hear of those stories. #nt2t
A3 it also depends who you are. As a straight white Christian male, I am given more of a pass to discuss some issues. I am not seen as having an agenda if I am talking about LGTBQ+ Rights, women’s rights, racism, etc. it is an often overlooked part of white male privilege #nt2t
A2: I don't know if I've necessarily changed how I taught things. I teach in a very rural area and used to teach in the inner city, it has allowed me to have conversations about what other students might be going through. #nt2t
A3I think it is good for kids to reflect on things that are happening all over the world,but think it hits home more when it is personal or something close to home. I stress that we are all important and that this world would be a boring place if we were all the same. #nt2t
Q3) Which recent events or issues would you consider the most crucial to talk about with students in school? How does that differ depending on your student population and location in the world? #nt2t
A3: I think the most crucial is the way the parties are treating each other. I don't care what side of the aisle you are on, being down right rude and disrespectful to another because of their opinion is just RUDE. Teaching kindness and respect. #nt2t
A3 For me as a Parent it’s not so much a specific event as learning to deal with where you are and how to treat the people in your class, on your bus.. You can’t control the world but you can control your actions. That’s where it starts. #NT2T
A1: I belive that the past events have changed the way students feel at a place where they are supposed to feel safe. As a future educator it worries me that yet students have one more thing to worry about. #nt2t
A3 ) I’m pursuing to teach math 4th-8th , I would only approach hot topics woth my students when the questions arise and ask them first if its okay to discuss, any topic that’s appropriate to talk about, I will do so. #nt2t
Thank you @JeremyDBond for a vital discussion topic! I am getting car sick - on the road to Hershey Park as we need some time to reconnect as a family. Have a great day! #nt2t
I know. It bothers me so much, but I either read the paper (we get it 2 days past the time it happened) Or I allow myself 15min in the morning to catch up with a news station. #Nt2t
Q4) Building on your previous answers: Whatever your role, how have you addressed these events or issues beyond just learning and talking about them? #nt2t
A3 For me as a Parent it’s not so much a specific event as learning to deal with where you are and how to treat the people in your class, on your bus.. You can’t control the world but you can control your actions. That’s where it starts. #NT2T
A2) The incident regarding the caravan have really make me think about how we treat other people. It makes me put more priority on teaching them how to treat other people. #nt2t
A3) Just want to add that although there's so much happening here in the U.S., we have the hunger crisis in Yemen, Brazil electing a new far-right president... all interconnected. As student populations become more diverse, our perspective must be global. #nt2t
Q3) Which recent events or issues would you consider the most crucial to talk about with students in school? How does that differ depending on your student population and location in the world? #nt2t
A2: as future educator I belive that now, we have to constantly be on the look out for strange things happening around us. It's a matter of not feeling safe anywhere you are. #nt2t
A4 - I have encouraged sts to get involved by contacting authorities or by proposing discussions on social media to instill awareness and deeper understanding. #nt2t
Q4) Building on your previous answers: Whatever your role, how have you addressed these events or issues beyond just learning and talking about them? #nt2t
I know. It bothers me so much, but I either read the paper (we get it 2 days past the time it happened) Or I allow myself 15min in the morning to catch up with a news station. #Nt2t
A4: My role as a Stu. Co. leader has allowed me to do a #BeKind week at our school. Hoping that if we can just get across to the students to treat one another kind, no matter what they look like, who they choose to dress like, or their political stance, we can be better. #nt2t
I love this. As much as we try and try to change the world it may be impossiblebut we can change the way our students think, act and most definitely their actions #nt2t
A4 - I connect it to our campus Choose Kind initiative. I remind my students constantly that you do not have to personally like a person or agree with them to show them respect. #nt2t
Q4) I try to conceptualize and contextualize to grasp things I have difficulties understanding. Also utilizing my moral compass as a component for righteousness. #nt2t
A5: I always tell my students and friends and family...if you don't vote you can't complain. I think in any situation if you aren't happy with something YOU have to make a stand and try to make a difference. If you don't at least do your part and vote, then shut-up. #sorry#nt2t
A4) As for Pittsburgh, we attended a vigil as a family, I attended Shabbat services (which I don't normally do) that honored the victims... and as for that and everything else going on, I've given $ to campaigns, I'm canvassing tomorrow and VOTING on Tuesday. #nt2t
Q4) Building on your previous answers: Whatever your role, how have you addressed these events or issues beyond just learning and talking about them? #nt2t
A1 My greatest work-related frustration is our self-centeredness in the US. We forget the rest of the world is experiencing the same issues often at a larger volume & more intensely & often because of us. Suffering here should be applied in a global context. #nt2t
A3: I would talkbto my students about the importance of respecting everyone's origin, culture, and beliefs. With the political climate that has been created and the increase of the immigrant population, I believe that is crucial for new generations to re-learn these values.#nt2t
It's also important to remember that as much as we want to reach every student, if we can reach and change the mindset of just one student for the better, we've accomplished something. #nt2t
A6: Make America Kind Again. I'm a big advocate for the #goldenrule if you can't do that then just keep your mouth shut. No one wants to hear negative comments or really anything negative, ever. Be a positive leader for all those around you. #nt2t
Q5) Focusing on the U.S. and next week's midterm election: How do you explain to students the importance of voting and staying engaged? Are there reasons not to vote that are valid to you? #nt2t
Glad you're here, Lillian.
I so agree. i also understand the challenge of taking it all in, even if one intended to, because of the political chaos closer to home. It helps to know what chaos is manufactured and where to focus our attention. #nt2t
A4 : I feel that when I do have act upon certain issues and discussionI will ask for all of my students opinions not go based off of mime. But then again, I haven’t exercised that strategy. #nt2t
A4: My role as a youth leader have allow me to be a role model. I show them the importance of being kind to one another and hope that they would be kind to other people too. #nt2t
It's important to listen to one another. The "they go low, we go high" didn't entirely work either. It's a tough balance... standing up for values isn't always pretty. #nt2t
A5 There have been times I have not voted in local elections. Were my reasons valid? Sure, to me at the time they were. It's not so much though that we explain OUR position as it is to understand the position of others & discuss. THAT creates engagement. #nt2t
A5 - I wear my I voted sticker proudly and encourage students to ask me about voting. I don't share who or what I vote for, but I tell them that I vote in every single election, no matter how small. #nt2t
A5 : We cant stress enough how importantit is that “every vote counts”. Most dont understand that if they dont vote, whatever comes next is part of a result of an action that they didnt make. Their future is determined by others. #nt2t
A4 I attended our districts first Happiness Advantage training for parents yesterday. It’s very solution oriented and specific about ways to work from the inside out on being grateful. #NT2T
A5. I don't vote in primaries since we must declare a party. Reinforces the idea we are a two party only system. Plus the parties have already selected who we are to pick. #nt2t
It's important to stand up for rights, and it's most effective from a place of love. I heard a rabbi quote MLK Jr. last night in a service that honored the Pittsburgh victims. ("Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.") It's also important to recognize anger. #nt2t
A6: Make America Kind Again. I'm a big advocate for the #goldenrule if you can't do that then just keep your mouth shut. No one wants to hear negative comments or really anything negative, ever. Be a positive leader for all those around you. #nt2t
Glad I could be here. Yes, it can be overwhelming. It's important that we not lose focus on the bigger picture. That doesn't mean taking everything in it means understanding the pieces. For me, there is a coagulation happening to intentionally confuse us. #nt2t
Q6) If you had to campaign to do whatever it is you do now, either your occupation or another role that's important to you, what would your campaign slogan be?
I know, I've seen those tweet games like where your slogan is whatever your last text says. Try something new! #nt2t
A4 I attended our districts first Happiness Advantage training for parents yesterday. It’s very solution oriented and specific about ways to work from the inside out on being grateful. #NT2T
A5: I highly already encourage students to vote!! Your vote is your voice. Although sometimes it might seem like one vote does not matter, it really does!Your vote can be the difference. In this midterm election a lot of young voters have been encouraged to vote in TX! #nt2t
A5 A close friend @juliepile is running for school board. My 15 yr old has gotten involved by recording some great folks endorsing her. It’s personal and a great learning experience for us both. #NT2T
Add to that Khasoggi's mysterious killing I'm Turkey, the immigration crisis in Europe and the Exodus of Venezuelans and Nicaraguans hoping to cross the Mexico/US border. #nt2t
A3) Just want to add that although there's so much happening here in the U.S., we have the hunger crisis in Yemen, Brazil electing a new far-right president... all interconnected. As student populations become more diverse, our perspective must be global. #nt2t
Q3) Which recent events or issues would you consider the most crucial to talk about with students in school? How does that differ depending on your student population and location in the world? #nt2t
I can't understand when someone says violence is wrong, how bad 1 side is then tell me they can't do w/out chocolate in favor of saving an enslavedchild. Stand against arm sales in favor of saving starving children. We can't save everyone, We can be consistent when we try. #nt2t
A5: I tell them that it is very importance to vote because it is one way that you can shape this country. It is important to vote but also being engage and knowing who you are voting for. Voting blindly show that you don't really care. Make the change that you want to see. #nt2t
Sorry to have missed what I'm sure was an amazing conversation at #nt2t this morning. Thanks to @JeremyDBond for moderating, I know he is passionate about the topic and led it well!
A5) It was recently explained to me that voting "is the ticket price for living in this country" -- that the system breaks unless we participate. I believe that's true. Some don't vote because of the broken system, but that disengagement is the heart of it. #nt2t
Q5) Focusing on the U.S. and next week's midterm election: How do you explain to students the importance of voting and staying engaged? Are there reasons not to vote that are valid to you? #nt2t
Add to that Khasoggi's mysterious killing I'm Turkey, the immigration crisis in Europe and the Exodus of Venezuelans and Nicaraguans hoping to cross the Mexico/US border. #nt2t
A3) Just want to add that although there's so much happening here in the U.S., we have the hunger crisis in Yemen, Brazil electing a new far-right president... all interconnected. As student populations become more diverse, our perspective must be global. #nt2t
Q3) Which recent events or issues would you consider the most crucial to talk about with students in school? How does that differ depending on your student population and location in the world? #nt2t
Sorry to have missed what I'm sure was an amazing conversation at #nt2t this morning. Thanks to @JeremyDBond for moderating, I know he is passionate about the topic and led it well!
A6 : being a mom / student / wife can be a hassle. Therefore I would advocate a campaign that focuses on “moms”. Post-partum depression is real and its not spoken of. Check up on your friends/family who are new moms , visit them and help out. #nt2t
A5: Many Ss dont understand our political sys & that they are allowing others to decide abt/for them when they dont vote. Ive seen fake elections in the clsrm help explain tht. Choosing the right time to emphasize & explain it is imprtnt too #nt2t
A3 My experience working with small groups of students offering relativity is important. No particular event is most crucial, but the connection is. So tying child abuse to children suffering from war could be a conversation. #nt2t
Challenge) Over the next week, tweet a positive message to those who are worried about anything in the news, are anxious about the election results (either before or after the election), or feel disengaged or powerless. Include the #nt2t hashtag in your post.
HS Ss can work at the polls on election day, depending on state regulations. I've had students do this in the past and they have found it a very valuable experience. #nt2t
A5: Many Ss dont understand our political sys & that they are allowing others to decide abt/for them when they dont vote. Ive seen fake elections in the clsrm help explain tht. Choosing the right time to emphasize & explain it is imprtnt too #nt2t
A4 It's great to see your inspiration. Understanding who a person is beyond who we see on the outside is a good way to enforce your efforts. You are amazing in your leadership. #nt2t
Even if we keep chatting a bit after the hour is through, I want to take the opportunity now to thank everyone for participating. The news never stops, so please be safe out there! #nt2t
HS Ss can work at the polls on election day, depending on state regulations. I've had students do this in the past and they have found it a very valuable experience. #nt2t
A5: Many Ss dont understand our political sys & that they are allowing others to decide abt/for them when they dont vote. Ive seen fake elections in the clsrm help explain tht. Choosing the right time to emphasize & explain it is imprtnt too #nt2t
A5 - The elections this year was poised to have a record number of people actually voting. That didn't happen in a country like Brazil where the vote is mandatory but people can annul, abstain or justify their will not to vote. #nt2t
A4 I assisted a university student on his project to develop a panel discussion with local candidates. We all learned - not just about the candidates, but how to encourage & respect. Be curious. #nt2t
