Hello #engagechat from Barbara; just retired my pubic-school team jersey and am venturing into the world of consulting, mentoring, coaching and writing. So many doors opening right now!
A1: A change agent is someone who doesn't always realize that they have amazing ideas but gets others to rally behind them in support of something important #EngageChat
A1: A change agent is someone who doesn't always realize that they have amazing ideas but gets others to rally behind them in support of something important #EngageChat
Good Evening All and Congrats to @daviswelcome on 3 years of awesome #engagechat discussions!! Its been a while since Ive "engaged" but glad I am able to join in for this milestone.
A1: Being a change agent means that you’re ALWAYS thinking critically about systems and trying to see patterns so that you can make your classroom/school/district a better place #engagechat
A change agent is an active participant in both inspiring others and leading the charge. They are not merely saying “I have to do that” but are doing that. They get involved and consistently write, speak and act. #engagechat
A1 It means that you are actively involved in working toward a goal, have a vision, want to make changes to improve, be more effective, invested in the work/struggles that go with effecting changes and transformations #engagechat
A1: I believe it's in the word. You are an agent through which change happens. So, you play a part in making change happen. I would hope that this change is for the better and also considers the good of others, and not just self. #engagechat
A change agent is an active participant in both inspiring others and leading the charge. They are not merely saying “I have to do that” but are doing that. They get involved and consistently write, speak and act. #engagechat
A1 Change agents are leaders not only can see the current status of the organization but they have a vision for what the organization can become. They constantly work to inspire, mobilize, and support team members to achieve the new vision #engagechat
#engagechat A1 I believe that a change agent recognizes the need for the "ship" to take a different direction and does not hesitate to orchestrate taking an alternate path that can lead to realizing a vision.
A1. The ability to implement systemic and sustained change for long term growth. The agent is able to provide guidance and support throughout this process #engagechat
A1 It means that you are actively involved in working toward a goal, have a vision, want to make changes to improve, be more effective, invested in the work/struggles that go with effecting changes and transformations #engagechat
A1: Great question. To be a change agent means you get to facilitate (make easy) to process of stretching and growing, of blooming where we're planted, of going places you may NOT want to go but you go anyway, to model change, to make it okay, good even! #engagechat
A1 Change agents are leaders not only can see the current status of the organization but they have a vision for what the organization can become. They constantly work to inspire, mobilize, and support team members to achieve the new vision #engagechat
A1 #engagechat An agent of change helps strengthen the foundation so others may rise from the shadows and feel sturdy and safe to pick up the torch and join the cause. They are both quiet agitators and boisterous engagers who see the path and forge it for others.
A1: Great question. To be a change agent means you get to facilitate (make easy) to process of stretching and growing, of blooming where we're planted, of going places you may NOT want to go but you go anyway, to model change, to make it okay, good even! #engagechat
A1: Being a change agent means not only having a vision but also working with tour team to come up with actionable steps to accomplish tour goals. You also can’t be frustrated by naysayers if the goal is worthwhile #engagechat
Being a change agent means being able to infiltrate the stunted mainstream system with the practices/policies that lead to exemplary student achievement. #engagechat
Sorry!! I'm here!!
A1: To be an agent of change one must first realize that something is not working/can be done better, then do whatever it takes within you to make that happen. #engagechat
A1 #engagechat I see agents of change as often those who lead from the edges and inspire simply by doing. When agents are genuine and forthright- their actions are effortless because they just want to do the best they can for others with out accolades- merely inner joy
A2: I honestly don't know. I love change. When change is necessary and we refuse it, the consequences can be brutal. We wait until the situation is dire before we try to change it, and then it's usually too late. Be proactive. Change it before it gets bad. #EngageChat
A2- There can be comfort in familiarity and routine. Change can be scary and that's what people might really mean when they say, "It's how we've always done it." #engagechat
A1 #engagechat I see agents of change as often those who lead from the edges and inspire simply by doing. When agents are genuine and forthright- their actions are effortless because they just want to do the best they can for others with out accolades- merely inner joy
Maybe, they are comfortable with how things have always been done. Or, they don't see a need. I don't believe in change for the sake of change (like someone already mentioned), but if it's necessary and beneficial. #engagechat
A2: Status quo is pretty easy and comfortable mostly; change can be scary and uncomfortable.
But if we never change and grow, we'll never have anything new to offer.
#engagechat
A2 It can be uncomfortable, fear of making a mistake, and also if you are not the one making the change, that can be scary, especially if not given an opp to be involved in the WHY behind it #engagechat
A2 During change, some have a fear of the unknown - they may also be unclear about their role during change. As leaders, we are responsible to communicate, encourage, and affirm team members during change to allay these concerns #engagechat
A2: Change is difficult for anyone, especially when it involves discomfort. But in a school, we must do and be our best for the kids. We must help them be the best they can be. Thus a leader must help their people through change and work together toward a common goal #engagechat
Change requires a faith & trust in the nature of things. Believing in the unknown and looking into uncertainty can be scary for many people. Especially when we are comfortable in our present circumstances. #EngageChat
A2 Fear of change is a result of fear of the unknown, being comfortable with what is going on, not being communicated with or involved enough. #engagechat
A2 During change, some have a fear of the unknown - they may also be unclear about their role during change. As leaders, we are responsible to communicate, encourage, and affirm team members during change to allay these concerns #engagechat
#engagechat A2: they are comfortable with how things have always been done. Or, they don't see a need. I don't believe in change for the sake of change (like someone already mentioned), but if it's necessary and beneficial.
Prof Susan finally returning to the wonderful Twitterverse of edchats. New job duties & some health issues kept me away for the last year+.
In IL. Will read thru to catch up here. #engagechat
A2 It can be uncomfortable, fear of making a mistake, and also if you are not the one making the change, that can be scary, especially if not given an opp to be involved in the WHY behind it #engagechat
A1 #engagechat to be an agent of change means to be a visionary and acting for the future not reacting to the future. I’m in a field where meds do not work. I open my mind to alternative treatments: stem cell treatment, PEMF, neurostimulation. It means being on the forefront
A2: Change is difficult for anyone, especially when it involves discomfort. But in a school, we must do and be our best for the kids. We must help them be the best they can be. Thus a leader must help their people through change and work together toward a common goal #engagechat
#engagechat People often get stuck in ruts and then they furnish their ruts. Change means that you will have to step into the unknown where failure might be lurking. The misconception about failure as a landing strip and not a launchpad stifles growth.
After making enough serious mistakes in life, I no longer fear change because I realize that the worst case scenario is still usually not that bad #EngageChat
A2: I could never figure the formula to changing entrenched attitudes and behavior on the part of staff; what I did learn it was not in setting a course to try and please everyone. #engagechat
A2 #engagechat A well forged path feels safe, even if does not bring joy- it brings stability. Feeling unbalanced can deepen a stance so firmly even a positive change gets delayed or avoided. The confidence to leap is personal & we have to let go of our fear to splash forward.
#engagechat People often get stuck in ruts and then they furnish their ruts. Change means that you will have to step into the unknown where failure might be lurking. The misconception about failure as a landing strip and not a launchpad stifles growth.
A2 #engagechat fear of the unknown and comfort with the tried & tested holds many people back from being innovative especially in my field. Being older & wiser, old modalities are stale. When we don’t embrace the future we get left behind. Europe is far more advanced in medicine
Anytime we encounter something new or unfamiliar, its anxiety producing and our body lets us know. Change agents recognize the inevitability of change, see the glass as half full, and seek to harness all that change can offer. #engagechat
#EngageChat. A2: Fear of the unknown / perception that work you are proud of is being disregarded. Leaders’ must lead with excitement but also weaving the best of the ‘old’ with the new to acknowledge peoples’ best.
A2: Hi #EngageChat! Akilah, from VA. Dropping in late. Some people have a hard time embracing change because it's a new path that hasn't been paved for them-change can change you: that can be scary and beautiful
Agree. We must be cognizant about investing in our team and build trusting relationships. When change occurs, open dialogue is a necessity, so that the team can navigate new terrain successfully @abney_heather#engagechat
I think fear of the unknown comes from a fear of being unable to reverse a change. If we believe that we can un-change something at any time... it's easier to let go of that fear. Now not EVERYTHING can be un-changed but still. #EngageChat
A2: Hi #EngageChat! Akilah, from VA. Dropping in late. Some people have a hard time embracing change because it's a new path that hasn't been paved for them-change can change you: that can be scary and beautiful
It may not be character flaws most of the time, but genuine fears or concerns. Also, there are things going on in people's lives that we know nothing about. Change causes stress, and some people may feel like they don't have the energy for that right now. #engagechat
A2b: Principals not attuned to leading in a culture of change make the mistake of seeking external innovations & taking on too many projects which can lead to negativity & resistance #engagechat
I believe that some organizations (& individuals) are adverse to sustainable, data-driven change because it threatens and highlights the ineffectiveness of the detached bureaucracy & thinly veiled quasi-monopoly on education. It also puts pressure on them to improve. #engagechat
A2 #engagechat very true. When I introduce new modalities my many fear the unknown. But then how can you improve if you don’t try something new and #innovative
buy-in. I believe there needs to be a collaborative approach in making change happen so that others are on board. This includes staff and the school community. #engagechat
A3: New leaders must get to know their people. Relationships and personal connections are the most important thing to establish. This builds trust. Trust allows you to move forward #engagechat
A3 New leaders shouldn't implement change for change's sake. Change should be purposeful, have a clear "why", and be the result of team input and collaborative decision making #engagechat
A2: #engagechat buy-in. I believe there needs to be a collaborative approach in making change happen so that others are on board. This includes staff and the school community.
A3- Listen first, change later. If stakeholders feel like they have not been consulted/heard/valued, all the championing of the new-whatever-it-may-be will not matter. #engagechat
A2 We can’t be scared of change. We need to challenge others to change their mindset and push themselves to do more, expect more, and reflect more. #engagechat
A3 A new leader needs to focus on making connections with their staff and getting them to buy into their vision for the school #Engagechat It's like you're a salesman for your vision
A3: Think first. Think during. Think after. Think with others. And then let it happen and give it some time to bloom. If you don't like it... try again. #EngageChat
#engagechat Survey the staff for "no this won't work ideas". Then, put a solutions team together to help the staff work through those challenging beliefs. My admin does a great job of allowing us to have input on taking down our educational "Goliaths".
A3: New leaders must get to know their people. Relationships and personal connections are the most important thing to establish. This builds trust. Trust allows you to move forward #engagechat
A2: Comfort zone = emotional well being. Change tends to invade that comfort space. People want to change but if there’s nothing substantive behind the change they can’t and won’t accept the change. Sell the vision. #EngageChat
#engagechat A3: buy-in. I believe there needs to be a collaborative approach in making change happen so that others are on board. This includes staff and the school community.
A3 New leaders shouldn't implement change for change's sake. Change should be purposeful, have a clear "why", and be the result of team input and collaborative decision making #engagechat
A3: Context is important because one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to changing a school. That said, a new leader must first and foremost listen to understand. By doing so, he/she sows the seeds of trust – a good first step if the goal is to advance change. #engagechat
A2 - change can be hard for some people because there is the fear of the unknown AND a fear of failure. However, with good research, a well-laid plan and a supportive team we should be willing to try something new! #engagechat
A3- Listen first, change later. If stakeholders feel like they have not been consulted/heard/valued, all the championing of the new-whatever-it-may-be will not matter. #engagechat
A3: Go slow to go fast. Invite join-in. Encourage dialogue. Listen to understand. Empathize. Keep the door opened. Ask for feedback. Stop to reflect. A LOT! Adapt. A LOT. Adjust even more. Be bold and courage, but hold tender hearts close. #engagechat
A3- Listen first, change later. If stakeholders feel like they have not been consulted/heard/valued, all the championing of the new-whatever-it-may-be will not matter. #engagechat
A3:
1. Foster trust through community-based activities.
2. Learn and Listen to the challenges impacting the community.
3. Communicating in-person versus an impersonal approach. I rather you say, “Hello 🙋🏻♀️” in person rather than email. #engagechat
A3 A new leader needs to focus on making connections with their staff and getting them to buy into their vision for the school #Engagechat It's like you're a salesman for your vision
A3.2 Ask a million questions...sometimes we have to understand that new things are new because we don't know anything about them...the answers are there...we just need to ask the right questions #engagechat
Right, Chad. Astute leaders know that strengthening trust among team members is essential to building and sustaining momentum and reaching collective, long-term goals @chadw675#engagechat
When a new leader enters the building, taking the time to get know people help ease the transition. Let teachers know you have the best interests of students & teachers at the forefront. That change is coming, but in incrementsas to not rattle the foundation #engagechat
New leaders should strive to make their presence not only seen but felt each day through their strength of conviction. Additionally, I love the idea of providing consistent individual attention for Ss, & creating a culture of intimacy by comparing everything to family #engagechat
A3: As an educator beginning my administrative journey July 1st-I'm answering this through a new lens: You implement change one relationship, conversation, and action at a time: empathy & equity lens at all times
Teachers are territorial- when our positive school culture feels in jeopardy- we entrench and protect- a new leader needs to recognize the strengths of the faculty & students and highlight them. Then help to bring a cohesion with new ideas and strategies #engagechat
A3: As an educator beginning my administrative journey July 1st-I'm answering this through a new lens: You implement change one relationship, conversation, and action at a time: empathy & equity lens at all times
A4: Having a propensity to change and a growth mindset means you are a perpetual learner, and that you aren’t satisfied with your status quo. Change is tough, but when needed, change is worth the effort #engagechat
A4: As a teacher who will be moving to a different district in the fall, I think you have to be open-minded to change, be willing to make that change, and learn from a whole different group of faculty. #engagechat If you aren't, you may not realize your full potential.
#EngageChat A4: The benefits of being open to change is growth & excellence. Change is a given-having a mindset as a leader to not only embrace it but to cultivate it in your school culture as a tool for innovative ideas is transformational leadership
A4: Being open to change brings new life, every day. It's what propels us forward into exploration and development. It's what keeps us fresh and on the cutting edge. It's what grows us beyond our halls and walls to give our students an experience they won't forget. #engagechat
A positive outlook. When we accept change as an opportunity not a hindrance we can look past the apprehension and await the beauty & joy of the unexpected. We will embrace all aspects of life with a glimmer knowing anything can happen. This awareness brings calm. #engagechat
Thank you so much! I promise to tag you as I blog about the journey beginning July 1st! I admire all you do as leader! #NewBeginnings#ChangeisJoy#EngageChat
A4: Being open to change brings new life, every day. It's what propels us forward into exploration and development. It's what keeps us fresh and on the cutting edge. It's what grows us beyond our halls and walls to give our students an experience they won't forget. #engagechat
A4 Will respond here with the words of a dear mentor I was fortunate to have as a young professor.
Great educator Miss Juliette Whittaker who was the teacher who got Richard Pryor inspired:
"If you shoot for the moon, you're bound to hit a star."
#engagechat
Yes! I was just thinking that the most positive people I know are the ones that are open to change, to growth, to new experiences and adventures. #engagechat
A4 #engagechat being open to change introduces #innovation, efficiency & a new deliberate thought process. There are growing pains but your mind is a thousand times receptive in approaching a problem. It takes #leadership to be a responsible conduit for change
Being open allows us to grow & learn, which helps us to be more confident, capable, and competent. When we admit that we don't have all the answers, we are also no longer confined by our own beliefs or those of others. #engagechat
A4 #engagechat being open to change introduces #innovation, efficiency & a new deliberate thought process. There are growing pains but your mind is a thousand times receptive in approaching a problem. It takes #leadership to be a responsible conduit for change
Being open allows us to grow & learn, which helps us to be more confident, capable, and competent. When we admit that we don't have all the answers, we are also no longer confined by our own beliefs or those of others. #engagechat
A4. Coach Wortham wanted to change our football program and extend more spots on the roster to keep young men off the streets. This change paid off in so many ways. #engagechat#regionalchampions@BallCoach34
A4 #engagechat Being open to new ideas, new strategies makes us stronger. It blurs the lines of rigidity so we can blend our way of thinking with wisdom we never even knew we needed. When we look past borders, past walls and accept everything & everyone as equal we find our joy
A3a: Earn their trust by scaffolding the change process. Stay consistent in the pursuit. Then show them the scene from Field of Dreams where his wife helps him pack because he and she both dreamt about Fenway Park. #EngageChat
A4 #engagechat Being open to new ideas, new strategies makes us stronger. It blurs the lines of rigidity so we can blend our way of thinking with wisdom we never even knew we needed. When we look past borders, past walls and accept everything & everyone as equal we find our joy
A4 As you get older it seems to get harder to embrace change, but having a mindset that is open to it helps keep you engaged, relevant, and more alive. #engagechat
A4. Coach Wortham wanted to change our football program and extend more spots on the roster to keep young men off the streets. This change paid off in so many ways. #engagechat#regionalchampions@BallCoach34
#EngageChat. A3: Observe and listen to learn the culture of the school, note folks’ strengths and develop them, all while always putting responding-to-learners at the center of every decision and initiative.
A4 Great Peoria educator Miss Juliette Whittaker who was the teacher who got Richard Pryor inspired:
"If you shoot for the moon, you're bound to hit a star."
#engagechathttps://t.co/o43OVjfls0#engagechat
A3b: She trusted her husband but she didn’t believe in the vision until she accepted his consistency in his pursuit to do more with the baseball field than waste prime farm land. #EngageChat
A5: I have so many times I can describe but the most recent one is 9 days away when I begin my administrative journey-it was a leap that has my servant's heart ready for the new chapter! #EngageChat
A5- I changed schools this year. Although it was very hard to leave a staff, school culture, and group of kids to which I felt very attached- this new school is incredible and has positively impacted my life and my career in so many ways. #engagechat
A5: When my wife and I moved to China. Initially, and still at times, it is challenging living and working internationally. But, God has helped us and taught us so much through the experience! And, we are able to have a broader, global perspective on things. #engagechat
A4: You grow as a person and professionally. You realize the change wasn’t just “one more thing to do” but that it was necessary to bring about improvement for all stakeholders. #EngageChat
A5: Moving from my kdg. position to a PreK position within the district. The atmosphere between the two buildings was night and day! I have to say that the PreK position has been the highlight of my long career to date! #engagechat
A4: Being open to change allows you to grow in ways you could have never imagined possible. You don’t always see it at first, but in hindsight, the realization of your growth and accomplishments through that change can be monumental!
A5: I have worked in three different school districts, six different buildings, and for many different leaders...each change (made by choice) provided me with valuable perspective. I have taken bits from each person, place that I’ve been. They’ve all shaped who I am #engagechat
A5 I started the school year with a brand new AP. It was a big change and I'm so grateful for all that she brought to our team. She is awesome! #engagechat
Moving away from a negative school culture & moving cross country to a new state & school with a positive mindset a mosaic of diversity, innovations and growth. It makes all the difference. I was stifled and stunted then broke free and found my voice as an educator. #EngageChat
A5- I changed schools this year. Although it was very hard to leave a staff, school culture, and group of kids to which I felt very attached- this new school is incredible and has positively impacted my life and my career in so many ways. #engagechat
A5: When I was transferred to the building next door to work, I was scared to death. I didn't want to change and I thought I was buried! But I bought myself a ukulele and a grass skirt and went head first into my new normal. What a growth gift I got! #engagechat
A5: When my wife and I moved to China. Initially, and still at times, it is challenging living and working internationally. But, God has helped us and taught us so much through the experience! And, we are able to have a broader, global perspective on things. #engagechat
A5: Moving from my kdg. position to a PreK position within the district. The atmosphere between the two buildings was night and day! I have to say that the PreK position has been the highlight of my long career to date! #engagechat
A5: I have learned so much since becoming an Instructional Coach. Learning from veterans in the field has helped me change and become a better listener and leader. Thanks @jimknight99@jpkillion and @artofcoaching1#engagechat
A5 A positive change for me has been focusing on others growth as much as I focus on my own. I want to see all of us succeed and help all Ss reach their potential. #engagechat
@daviswelcome Thank you for tonight's chat. Heading to the basement. Severe weather in the area. I love a good thunderstorm, but need to also be safe! #engagechat
A5 #engagechat A huge change for me- putting myself out there on social media- blogging, moderating chats, now podcasting to- it was scary but finding my PLN - priceless
Brings back memories of my first trip to South Africa for research and learning to embrace a new culture, language/s and way of life. The experience made me a better person when I returned home to the states. #engagechat
A5: I have worked in three different school districts, six different buildings, and for many different leaders...each change (made by choice) provided me with valuable perspective. I have taken bits from each person, place that I’ve been. They’ve all shaped who I am #engagechat
A4 thanks #engagechat I practice this daily. I used to work as I trained but the old ways aren’t cutting it. I look to #innovative ways. It takes courage & integrity, not all peers will agree. You have to make an educated decision & see if the change is worth the risk
#engagechat A5. I think this year was a big year of change and reflection for myself. I resisted, but in the end, honest feedback made me a better person...a better educator. I'll always be grateful for this learning and guidance.
A5 I started the school year with a brand new AP. It was a big change and I'm so grateful for all that she brought to our team. She is awesome! #engagechat
#engagechat I appreciate my introduction back into twitter chatting being such a meaningful experience because of @daviswelcome . I will try not to stay away so long during this next school year.
A5: When I was in the classroom we created common notes for all chemistry classes. It was great because when kids came for tutoring that weren’t in my class, I was always able to redirect them to their notes for reference #EngageChat
Embrace change - do not leave it like a watercolor beginning to fade- brighten the colors with broad strokes of confidence and joy and you will paint one of many masterpieces #Engagechat
