#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Let’s take a moment to introduce ourselves. Where are you from? What do you do for work? What is one “non-educational” experience you hope to have this summer? #caedchat
My name is Shawn Wisley, I’m an Assistant Principal in Selma, CA (originally from San Diego). This summer, I’m looking forward to a quick trip down to my hometown. While there, I’ll catch a Padre game, and the 4th of July parade in Coronado! #caedchat
#caedchat Nicole 5th but switching to 4th next year. I'll spend most of my time with my 4yo which is always educational. But we will go to the movies often. 😁
Howard from SF Bay Area. Getting ready to close out the school term and gear up for our last summer term (45 wk yr). Mostly electives for our middle school. Full inclusion campus since it opened. #caedchat
Hey #caedchat friends! Amanda here from Campbell, CA! TOSA returning to classroom next yr to teach 2nd 😁Have a couple small trips planned this summer & excited to co-facilitate #picademy Jersey City in a week!!
A1: My first job was at @DairyQueen. There, I learned the power of great customer service, and the rush of making people smile. Via my locally-famous Blizzard-flipping, I saw the strength of a good “hook”, too. #CAedchat
Currently watching a #SuperRegional game but will try to follow along! 4th grade teacher in LA area. I moved last summer so this summer I want to actually get things done at home. #caedchat
A1 I learned a lot about attention span being a zoo docent and the power of hands on practical learning teaching medical technique to interns while working in avian rehabilitation #CAedchat
A1: Coming from Rec Programs the work is mostly relational. I learned to respect boundries and parent's intuition about their Ss. Even if I'm seeing something, they may not be ready to deal with it. #caedchat
A1: As a musician I learned the power of collaboration, perseverance and an understanding that to make things better you need to be willing to revisit a task multiple times. #caedchat
I'm Kayla- I'm not in CA, but am participating in ed chats for a M.Ed class. I currently work as an interpreter and have worked in youth work & edu for 10+ years. I'm working on a 2nd lang Spanish license in Minneapolis. This summer I will be rollerblading with my dog! #caedchat
My first job was @McDonalds I really enjoyed it, but I learned I didn't want to be the "fry girl" - it was really hot and smelly! I learned a good leader takes care of their people. #caedchat
A1: Was lots of things before going into teaching... oh and day-to-day sub before landing my own classroom. Waiting tables gave me flexibility and adaptability I need in classroom & being publicist helped me learn communication skills for working w/peers, parents, Ss #caedchat
A1: I was heavily involved in school music programs growing up, and assisted in a community college program. The "get 'er done" mentality served me well when I started at a new school. It was much like a start up company. #caedchat
A1 Became a TKD instructor in college - ran a club - teaching groups of kids at different levels at the same time taught me a lot about classroom management #CAEdchat
A1b: I had great bosses, too! I learned from them how good training coupled with trust in those doing the work paid good dividends. They also modelled that good bosses get dirty doing work alongside employees, too. #CAedchat
What?! Share the film. We tried to launch a cell phone running Google Science Journal App - change in y-axis meters per second. used a air rocket launcher. Fail... #caedchat
A1 I learned that there can really be too much of a good thing. First job selling Frozen Lemonade at the Rose Bowl and we could eat all we want if we brought our own cup. I can’t even look at the stuff. #caedchat
A1 I learned that everyone is going to make a mistake (some REALLY big!) and it's better to own it, apologize, rectify (if possible) and take your lumps than try to hide it. #caedchat
A1: Crashing all the west coast chats tonight. I used to be a sound designer/engineer. I learned budgeting and time management skills that I never could have learned elsewhere. #CAedchat
A2 take time to observe and respect cultural differences and do Not jump to conclusions about behavior until you know what falls into a cultural norm #CAedchat
A2: There are obvious connections I made as a Spanish teacher, of course...my ACTUAL experiences at Puebla (5 de mayo) and in Colombia and Madrid made lessons come alive. And it certainly made me an advocate for kids to get out and travel, too! #CAedchat
A2: When traveling, I always take time to hear the stories of those who live where I’m visiting . Sharing our stories builds #culturalproficiency. Especially important to always remain on that journey as an educator #caedchat
A1 in high school I worked in a ceramics studio where they gave lessons. The potters who taught classes were so zen about learning, failure, iteration, experimentation, and innovation. I absorbed more of that than I realized at the time. #CAEdchat
I also learned to plan all travel around the best food experiences! Puebla = tacos árabes, Colombia = sancocho, buñuelos, arepas, bandeja paisa, Madrid = jamón serrano #CAEdchat
A2: I teach ESL. My travel experiences, though limited to the country of my heritage, remind me how vulnerable it feels when you can't find the right word in your non-dominant language. #caedchat
A2: Regardless of which country you’re in or what language is spoken, every parent wants what’s best for his/her kid. I love that the Masai greet one another by asking, “How are the children?” #CAedchat
A2: As a future Spanish teacher I am with @mrwisley living/working in Venezuela & Argentina were huge, but the biggest thing I learned is what is it to be out of my comfort zone and how to embrace the unknown. Go with the flow, and listen to peoples' stories! #CAedchat
A2b: But I’ve also learned the lesson of keeping my eyes open LOCALLY, too. I recently had the chance to break a Ramadan fast at the mosque in Selma because I showed interest to a parent and received an invitation. #RamadanMubarak#CAedchat
A2: Traveling also broadens our understanding of our connectivity to one another and the more we learn the more we can influence others tofeel@connected too. It also can make us grateful for the blessings in our own home #caedchat
#CAEdchat people...you are KILLING IT tonight! I'm definitely confirming that I need a co-moderator when I do this! It's hard to keep up...all I can manage are likes...I'll come back and comment tomorrow! These are great answers!!!
A2 travel has given me an understanding for both how similar we all can be and an appreciation for the differences that can enrich us all. It’s taught me gratefulness, humility, and made me more mindfully the different experiences each individual brings to the table #caedchat
A3 I love science/history/gaming/books I geek out in class all the time about stuff, the kids have told me it makes things way more interesting #CAedchat
A3 My background/interest in media is very helpful in the classroom. I love to create videos with students. Great learning experience for all! #caedchat
A3 I like a lot of the same movies/TV that my Ss like. Easy to have good discussions. I once connected with a very withdrawn new student with autism through our mutual love of @DoctorWho_BBCA#caedchat
A3: My “thing” is food. I connect with EVERYONE through the power of food. I show love when I prepare a special dish. I show care when I recognize someone’s birthday with a treat. I help build community by throwing a tailgate party for the school team’s opening day. #CAedchat
A3: music, photography, singing, guitar- at various times I’ve found ways to share these with students in class if applicable or in between classes #caedchat
A3: I love science. My students could tell I loved science. What I love about science is the idea of questioning things. I loved helping Ss develop new frames for seeing the world. #caedchat
A3b: As a teacher, my “thing” was making FUN a huge priority. It’s amazing what students will do for a teacher they like. And how much more effort they’re put in to learning a subject they perceive as enjoyable! #CAedchat
A2: understanding the frustration of being treated like you’re stupid just because you don’t know the language. Not just a good educational understanding but an important lesson for life
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A3: When I was a teacher I helped many students experience classical music for the first time, I always sang silly songs that help students learn concepts and content. I have purchased and loaned many musical instruments to students over the years #theartsmakeyousmart#caedchat
I mean I do things other than teaching. For example, sometimes I write about teaching, or talk about teaching. On rare occasions I go to a movie. #CAedchat
I know I'm the one who crafted the question from the perspective of sharing OUR passions, but I think it's equally important to consider the STUDENT'S passions! "Theirs to ours, ours to theirs" #CAEdchat#quantumlearning
A3: I'm amused that I used skills that were not mine but my dad's. He loved plants and film We both loved to cook. i've used this a lot in making memorable experiences for Ss. #caedchat
A3 I’m crazy geeky so I love gaming, science, comics etc. Ss seem to enjoy that we can talk about things that interest them and connect their learning to things that interest them. They are often impressed by my vast knowledge of cartoons and now my killer floss.😂 #caedchat
@mrwisley I also love food, but with all the allergies, rules & regs I find it a hard one to legitimately bring into the classroom, which really bums me out! I also really love dancing/music, especially latin dancing, so thats a great one for my spanish classroom! #caedchat
My experience with McDonalds
as my 1st job - was my 10 cent pay increase after 6 months. #CAedchat
I’m no longer in that position and can give others advice re: interviews + jobs.
In reply to
@Dale_Chu, @mrwisley, @DairyQueen, @McDonalds
A3: I used to bring in my carpentry experience in teaching math concepts. Ss used to love it when they would estimate and then measure using real measuring tapes, We would also graph linear equations on the floor. #CAedchat
A1: when I worked in radio and television I learned to work under stress and time pressure, to respect other people’s approach to work without letting their stress become mine
#caedchat
A3: I used to bring in my carpentry experience in teaching math concepts. Ss used to love it when they would estimate and then measure using real measuring tapes, We would also graph linear equations on the floor. #CAedchat
A3 - I also love to LEARN (go figure), so I an genuinely really interested in the kids teaching me about what they are passionate about! I love learning all about new stuff, especially when it's important to them and that goes a really long way! #caedchat
A3 I try to be up on what the "cool kids" are doing and current memes. My Ss are always surprised when I know what they're talking about! So much harder now that my son is in college and not keeping me cool! #caedchat
------------> Q4 is set. Keep watch for @mrwisley#caedchat He's having trouble keeping up because he got in a side #foodwar with @alicekeeler about pork (like she stands a chance!)
A1: From my first job in high school, I learned a true love of books. I was a library page & spent hours in the stacks. I learned how much I could learn from books & how much there was to learn. #libraries#CAedchat
A3: i love hand lettering and sketchnoting. This year my Ss and I participated next #sketch50 they were so excited to get the daily prompt. I also use this to create charts in class #CAedchat
A4 yes! I worked with kids at the avian rehab clinic and extensively at the zoo, I am also a mother. All work with kids is a learning experience and is used when relevant in the class #CAedchat
I learned how I can have other things on my mind while working — I’ve been working on my Language Acquisition Theory + editing my book — (I have a Seminary background).
🤔while teaching 1stGr. #CAedchat
In reply to
@Dale_Chu, @mrwisley, @DairyQueen, @McDonalds
My background in youth work taught me to LISTEN and FIRST & FOREMOST CONNECT with young people. If you can develop real relationships/authentic friendships the learning comes.... #caedchat
A4: Yes, you find out A LOT about how school engages them and how does not. Sometimes who engages them and who does not. A benefit of living in the community you serve #caedchat
A2: (A) Traveling in China the people who spoke English talked with us teachers like old childhood classmates we hadn’t seen in years: Are you married? Do you have children? How’s your health? The conversations were real. #CAedchat
A4: I’ll just say quickly that being a parent ABSOLUTELY changed my teaching (and now my work as an assistant principal). The experience simply cannot be denied. But I think others will cover that, so look for my A4b! #CAedchat
California is my home, but in our effort to be tolerant & polite, we are very superficial in most conversations. Being more real & direct in one-on-one conversations with kids is far more valuable & meaningful. #caedchat
A4b: Working with a church youth group taught me that school simply isn’t everything to kids. Sometimes we forget that our students have busy lives full of so many things that matter deeply to them...school is just 1. An important 1, but other things matter deeply, too! #CAedchat
A4: As both a father and grandfather (and uncle), I have learned to re-experience childhood and the wonder of discovery. It never gets stale! I learned to bring #inquiry & #discovery into my classes. #CAedchat
A1: Was lots of things before going into teaching... oh and day-to-day sub before landing my own classroom. Waiting tables gave me flexibility and adaptability I need in classroom & being publicist helped me learn communication skills for working w/peers, parents, Ss #caedchat
I’m blocked by Mr. Wisely.
I’m eating dinner with you all while I’m #CAedchat - ing.
I’m also not fasting during Ramadan due to health issues. I have a background as a PreMed student - so I’ve been able to work with some 🤔people + am a zombie. 🧟♀️
A4 I taught for 15 years before I became a mom, I feel like teaching informs my parenting quite a bit. However, while I feel I’ve been good at connecting with my Ss and appreciating their unique experiences, I don’t think I applied the same principals with parents. 1/ #caedchat
And no only do they have things that matter.... but they may have something huge on their mind that you have no clue about..I try to assume the best in everyone/always give them space and respect their stories #caedchat
Yes, it was. Some days on that trip I felt more ‘at home’ than I did in California. At the time, I was young & confused by that feeling, since that time I’ve learned how lucky I was to have experienced it. #CAEdchat
A4: My BA was in child development & stayed in that field 13 yrs. I never wanted to be in a school. I always envisioned a non-school-school. Getting to start teaching in a new school trying to do things different, was a perfect fit for me. #caedchat
#caedchat A2: biggest thing I’ve learned from #edutravel: almost every district thinks they are TOTALLY unique and almost every single one operates the exact same way and feels stuck. 🤔
------------> Q5 is up next. Look for @mrwisley ‘s tweet! #caedchat And apologies for the quick pace of these last 3 questions...Shawn really needs to food-feud on his own time!
A4 when my son became a student at my school I learned a lot more about what the student and parent experience was like at my site. It helped me advocate for better communication options for parents. #CAEdchat
A5: Discipline, time management, and communication. I remember begging my teachers to excuse me for orchestra practice before big concerts and it was an important lesson in all of the above. #CAedchat
A4 On the flip side, teaching for almost a decade before having kids taught me a lot about what I want for my own kids school experience. If I weren’t a teacher I think I’d be focused on grades. Now, not so much. #caedchat
We had a large outdoor theater where they had concerts. One of my first jobs was working there - I worked as an usher. I ushered in #College too + became the Afternoon Activities Chair for College Ss activities. I intro’d myself as a 🤓mentor to a Young Adult😦😧😮😳
#CAedchat
A3: I don’t talk about this much, but I love Art and it impacts my teaching in all subjects. Most of my projects, homework, or tests have my students drawing or coloring. Also, I’ve real ocean paintings & models of sailing ships hanging in my room! #caedchat
A5: As the slowest on my HS water polo team, I learned that members bring different strengths to the table (pool). If they had left me off the team because I was slow...would've missed my 50 goals (I was CRAFTY!) What lesser-celebrated gifts do your team members bring? #CAedchat
A5: Playing high school football taught me the value of cooperation and teamwork. It also taught me grit, perseverance and appreciating how to learn from failure. There was plenty of failure to learn from ;-) #CAedchat
#caedchat A4 Seeing kids in sports, at camp, heck even in electives taught me a LOT about the subtle, institutionalized oppression inherent in a traditional classroom and it’s effect on a human child.
My BA was 👩🏻🎓Social Science. The major isn’t offered anymore. I never did much with it. I decided to write my first book 📖 based on that 🎓+ my Seminary background. #CAedchat
A5: Yes it is far more empowering to be on teams that are rowing in the same direction with a common purpose and goal. Navigating new paths and forging new ideas is so rewarding when done with people who love what you do and do what you love #caedchat
A5 from my gamer life, you need to level up if you’re going to succeed and look everywhere, the thing you need most may be somewhere you least expect it. There’s treasure in unlikely places. #caedchat
A6: I'm an ESL teacher who doesn't enjoy novels but The Kite Runner changed my life. Written by an ELL. Taught it to my beginner ELLs who speak Tajik which is similar to Dari. Film was haunting. Read in 8 languages. They said it was the first book they ever finished. #caedchat
Last yrs plant unit - I’ve wanted to grow this plant since I was a young child. My parents would visit family in Hawaii. I’d run to every hillside to look for it. #caedchat
A6 the game myst pulled me heavily into immersive environments at an early age, I’d say it influenced me heavily by being the motivator for creating RPG worlds which I now use in class #CAedchat
A4: Being a parent absolutely changed me as a teacher. I had such a better sense of my role in the child’s life & I gained perspective about the little things. I became much better at knowing when to bend the rules, as well. #caedchat
A6: George Orwell's "1984" had a profound effect on my teaching of high school English. It became a way to explore the "double-think" and the role of "big brother" in our society. #CAedchat
Yes movie: The Butler, Books: @stevefarber The Radical Leap Greater than Yourself recently Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy and of course for me The Bible. All point to my core belief #Loveistheanswer#caedchat
Thank you to everyone who joined the chat tonight and shared your thoughts. You are what makes #caedchat great! We’re off next Sunday for Father’s Day, so see you June 24th!
