I am Tim Ervin and I am from Texas and I work as a Special Education Teacher at the school for the Deaf. I am currently getting my Masters from John Hopkins University. #EDpiper
It started out great today with a visit to McClatchey Elementary in Midlothian ISD. Thanks, @courtney_c_carp for the great tour. We learned so much! #edpiper
Glad you could stop in! My little one has thankfully been asleep for an hour! Fingers crossed he stays that way for at least the next 45 minutes. #edpiper
I think it can be one of the most valuable tools in this profession. A group of my teachers from @CastlemanCreek were just discussing this today. #EDpiper
A1: Our district has done peer observations and learning walks over the last 2 school years. Really gives Ts a perspective on what's going on in other classrooms. #edpiper
A1 We tried pineapple chart but had trouble with initiative. TY Ts in triads and observe each other at least 1x a 6 weeks. They meet & give feedback and write action plans. It's a work in progress. #edpiper
The ability to do peer walks is one of my favorite things about our vertical schedule! When we are vertical our teachers can go visit their horizontal team! #EDpiper
A1 Hoping we can arrange some peer observations/learning walks with our Ts and new friends @DrJohnsonEDU and @CastlemanCreek later this spring. #edpiper
A1. I am a lead teacher for our team and our principal encourages us to observe other teachers in our department and out in our community. I learn great things from the teachers I observe that are in the same field of work that I am in. Becuse our field is so specific. #EDpiper
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A1: As a mentor teacher @MisdProud we use peer observations to help our new Ts WATCH their peers and WIN teaching strategies that benefit all Ss.
A1 Hoping we can arrange some peer observations/learning walks with our Ts and new friends @DrJohnsonEDU and @CastlemanCreek later this spring. #edpiper
A1 we have done these for all of our Ts this year to go a grade above and a grade below and discuss right after. Biggest impact is the take away. #EDpiper
A1: I have seen and done peer observations both as an administrator and a teacher and I believe they are an extremely powerful learning tool. It’s great to see the professionals within your school work their magic, always a powerful experience! #edpiper
The feedback from the observation can be two times the value when this happens. Even reflection w/o an admin present is such a great means of PD. We are learning together. #EDpiper
A1 we have done these for all of our Ts this year to go a grade above and a grade below and discuss right after. Biggest impact is the take away. #EDpiper
I would say it the opposite way as well...having vets view a new Ts can be informative...what new practices do they see that they are willing to try? #EDpiper
In reply to
@WinkelerD, @sdawson4th, @TrueNorthCG, @MisdProud
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A1: As a mentor teacher @MisdProud we use peer observations to help our new Ts WATCH their peers and WIN teaching strategies that benefit all Ss.
I think it also makes a difference between a younger admin and a veteran admin. New admin still thinks like a T and see things differently than a veteran admin. #edpiper
#edpiper A1: Visited 34 classrooms this year. Many are looking for feedback and anxious for affirmation. Best part is connecting Ts that are exploring the same ideas.
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A2: In my classroom I prefer to “feedforward” instead of always just giving “feedback.” Ts also tend to feel more comfortable w/focusing on what we can do better in the future as opposed to what’s happened in the past.
It's amazing what others say when they observe their peers (reflectively). It is definitely a great way to bring PD right to the forefront of your building without any price tag attached. #EDpiper
A1: I have seen and done peer observations both as an administrator and a teacher and I believe they are an extremely powerful learning tool. It’s great to see the professionals within your school work their magic, always a powerful experience! #edpiper
A3: not very experienced with this, but as a coach, we look for noticings and wonderings through a lens such as: anchor charts, or student writing folders, or evidence of student choice, etc #EDpiper
We have a 90 minute PLC Tues-Fri...we utilize all of our aides and specials teachers to conduct shortened rotations during the morning...This means one day a week your specials time is diff, but worth it. #EDpiper
We are just getting started. I hope our school culture is one that will take on this new challenge. It is a non-threatening way to help encourage others in this field while enhancing their practice. #EDpiper
We really struggled with teachers writing their names/lessons down, even though they were doing amazing things. I would love to hear how you create this buy in.
I think that's how you get them on the pineapple board...strengthen their self-esteem so they know they have great things to share...encourage them to build others. #EDpiper
A3 We focus our peer observations on a different TTESS dimension each grading period. It helps teachers think more deeply about that particular area. #edpiper
#edpiper A3: The active verb following the word "students" in this sentence: In this class, students ____________ . Also, voice ratio S/T. (Are students active and are they expressing ideas.) Also, when answering Qs, is T interested in ideas or merely "right answers?"
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A2: In my classroom I prefer to “feedforward” instead of always just giving “feedback.” Ts also tend to feel more comfortable w/focusing on what we can do better in the future as opposed to what’s happened in the past.
A3: We also hope to use walkthroughs across grade levels (k-4) to build vertical alignment and work on common goals together...many teachers working on small groups can tour together to gather info #EDpiper
That is a great idea. Help set the scene for the observation so they aren't always coming in blind. Gives them a sense of the actual lesson than just a "snapshot". #edpiper
A4: need to work on this...so far: quick email, sticky note, catch them at lunch/conference period...looking for effective ideas to include in coaching cycles #EDpiper
#edpiper#MISDProud
A3: I’m looking to see who’s leading the learning? Who’s motivated to learn more? Who’s suggesting different ways to show what they know.....and is the the T doing mostly the facilitating?
Failure is always okay, even during an observation. It's what you learn that will count. Coachability and having a great vision forward attitude are great qualities to have. Having an open mind to being observed is a sign of a great school culture. #EDpiper
A4: We've always left it open for the Ts to connect w/ea other in the way they felt most comfortable...there's a real trust factor here that has to be considered #EDpiper
Hoping it catches on! No note-taking is required, no post-observation conference, no write-up. Just a https://t.co/UeyhBeuHof can stay for five minutes or a whole class period.
Teachers can team up to cover each other’s classes. #edpiper
We really struggled with teachers writing their names/lessons down, even though they were doing amazing things. I would love to hear how you create this buy in.
A4 When our teachers are on the walks they always want to leave feedback! It is usually all positive. There is so much power in having peers build each other up. #EDpiper
I believe it depends on what the observation was for in the first place. Was it to gather data, to provide feedback, or to mentor the observer? #edpiper
Coaching feedback goes quite a bit deeper...peer to peer observations are the beginning and then coaches come in and refine the conversation...at least that's what I envision #EDpiper
I could not agree more. I have planned and great lesson and it went off track, but I was able to make it into a great lesson and I received great feedback from that. #EDpiper
Failure is always okay, even during an observation. It's what you learn that will count. Coachability and having a great vision forward attitude are great qualities to have. Having an open mind to being observed is a sign of a great school culture. #EDpiper
Hoping it catches on! No note-taking is required, no post-observation conference, no write-up. Just a https://t.co/UeyhBeuHof can stay for five minutes or a whole class period.
Teachers can team up to cover each other’s classes. #edpiper
We really struggled with teachers writing their names/lessons down, even though they were doing amazing things. I would love to hear how you create this buy in.
A4: We devote one faculty meeting per a grading period for our triads to meet, discuss their observations of each other, and write action plans based on that feedback. #edpiper
A4: We provide a Google Form that is given to us. A copy of the answers on the form are usually sent back to the mentee and we schedule a follow up meeting to go over the walkthrough results with them. #EDpiper
A4 When our teachers are on the walks they always want to leave feedback! It is usually all positive. There is so much power in having peers build each other up. #EDpiper
A5 Teachers get to learn from each other and support each other as life-long learners. They get to see all the amazing things happening in classrooms and be inspired. #edpiper
A5: I agree with what @DrJohnsonEDU said, it shows a positive learning culture on campus when T’s are willing to be observed and help each other learn and grow, that’s what it’s all about, getting better! #edpiper
I know as a teacher, I would get excited about my lessons and want to share it with people! Having peers visit your “home” feeds a teacher’s soul! #edpiper
Anyone using video coaching yet for peer to peer observations? Programs such as @edthena or @SibmeApp allow a Ts to record self and share with others. #EDpiper
A5 I feel it is a less stressful situation with a peer observer. Willing to make some mistakes. I think the feedback I receive from a peer really gives new ideas and the suggestions are easily implemented. No that the feedback I get from my admin is not applicable. #EDpiper
Our @Region12 math coach has been working with a group of our teachers to do virtual coaching and it's been a great experience so far. Not sure what program they use. #EDpiper
In reply to
@Owl_b_TorresEdu, @edthena, @SibmeApp, @Region12
A5: learning from and collaborating with peers is crucial to student success (the reason we are teachers). Getting over the fear of others watching you is tricky-I’ve been reading some of David Rock’s work on the “Scarf Model” to establish good relationships #EDpiper
R5: some of the best ideas I have from doing a quick walk through have come from choir/band teachers. Monitoring and classroom management, engagement, etc. something every T should do. #edpiper
Today a teacher told me that 4-5 of our campus Ts are getting together to discuss ways to grow our school through PD. Plus our second grade teachers leading their own Google PD this week. It feels so good to see these things happening. Observations to follow @fasanij#EDpiper
R6: it’s not an evaluative walk through. I want to learn from you and I want to share what I have seen. I always write a thank you note when I’m done. #edpiper
Will check these out for sure. We've used our @goswivl which helps tremendously. It's amazing what video coaching can do, even when watching yourself. #EDpiper
Anyone using video coaching yet for peer to peer observations? Programs such as @edthena or @SibmeApp allow a Ts to record self and share with others. #EDpiper
A6 Let everyone know how they will get feedback. When we started we set up google docs for everyone, some noticed them some didn't. When we added feedback some didn't know to check. #EDpiper
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A5: As educators we want our Ss to have a growth mindset so we need to lead by example and be life long learners ourselves with open minds! The more classrooms we can visit and learn from- the better!!
R6: it’s not an evaluative walk through. I want to learn from you and I want to share what I have seen. I always write a thank you note when I’m done. #edpiper
A4: I com. via @eduphoria strive online. However I feel the best feedback comes from the follow up chat after.I ❤️ informal chats in the hall/lounge! I usually have a ton of follow up Q because I am only in rooms for a short time. #EDpiper HOW DO YOU ASK FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS?
If any of our Ts are reading this, I hope you'll feel good about peer observations. When you feel like you want to see what's going on down the way, just go for it! I am 100% behind us all learning from one another. #EDpiper
I ask them in a relaxed environment and tone. I typically try and investigate what was going on before and after the observation to gain a full perspective and connect the dots. I typically ask "what would you change?" #edpiper
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A6: Watching other great Ts can only inspire us to be better Ts ourselves! If you drop by and observe a T- send them a quick e-mail or give them a Twitter shout out to make their day! We rise by lifting others!
@TrueNorthCG#edpiper
A5: As educators we want our Ss to have a growth mindset so we need to lead by example and be life long learners ourselves with open minds! The more classrooms we can visit and learn from- the better!!
With discussion with Ts after obs, ask questions that are not accusatory but sour convo about why things were done, how things were done, and if things would be changed next time. #EDpiper
#edpiper A6: Make class visits benign. An opportunity for praise and affirmation. Wait until other Ts are ready to ask you what you saw that might possibly need a different approach before venturing that direction. You want them to associate a class visit with a "positive."
I am a seeker by nature and it’s so exciting to be learning via #twitterchats at #EDpiper with teachers from all over AND some who are literally in my own backyard! @DrJohnsonEDU@TrueNorthCG welcome to the neighborhood!
