It’s possible to overestimate the effect of tech in the classroom while underestimating the power of relationships. #SundayMorning#SundayFunday#sunchat
Morning! John Meehan from @OConnellHS in Arlington Va. Instructional Coach and English teacher. @gatesed Teacher Advisory Council alum. @ASCD Emerging Leader 2017. #ObserveMe#SunChat
I think it would be a great way to get feedback on your coaching. Could you make a G site to embed your Form on? Or maybe leave little businesses cards w/QR code to the form after you help? #sunchat
I think it would be a great way to get feedback on your coaching. Could you make a G site to embed your Form on? Or maybe leave little businesses cards w/QR code to the form after you help? #sunchat
A1: Allowing other teachers to come in and give you feedback helps you to grow! BUT allowing them to see what you doing might help them also. It’s a two way street. :) #sunchat
Teachers are each other’s greatest resource! We can learn so much from visiting other classrooms. It helps a school culture become a true learning community! #observeme#sunchat
Good thinking...I think where I'm getting stuck is that I rarely am in the same place twice, so consistency is hard. These ideas might help. #sunchat#observeme
A1: #ObserveMe also takes away the “fear” of being observed. It’s just to help each other, give feed back, and learn together. It’s a beautiful experience. #sunchat
True! And each situation is different, but as a teacher I can tell you.. If I meet with a coach once, I’m able to tell whether or not their good at their job. If they leave and I feel deflated- it’s bad! #sunchat
A1. Just think of the educators who have never had another person, besides admin, share their perceptions of the learning that is occurring in their classrooms. Time for a change! #sunchat
Open door atmosphere means increased idea sharing and shared accountability. Modeling “learning something new every day.” #GrowthMindset for our students. Practice what we preach. #sunchat#observeme
A1: #observeme allows Ts to specifically focus on areas that they want to work on or receive feedback for how they’re doing. It’s intended to help strengthen your practice! #sunchat
A1 It is important to learn from others, to grow with feedback. Collaboration makes us better. Having colleagues observe my practice let’s me reflect and helps me exchange ideas and consider other points of view and learning. #sunchat#observeme
the bad thing about "accountability" is that it leads to checking off district mandates where they forget about true growth and student needs. #sunchat
A1 As a parent I appreciate offers to come in to observe so I can reinforce at home. One T said, I’m doing the same thing wether you’re here or not. #sunchat
A1: if you teach the same your entire career it is a disservice to your Ss. Being observed and observing others allows you to integrate new ideas. #sunchat
A1 #ObserveMe allows for Ts to select their focus-perhaps positive strokes on what does well, build confidence in other areas, and gain ideas from others. Also seeing others in action can promote self-reflection #sunchat
A1: teachers are the greatest resource of professional learning! We learn and grow from one another. We are always sharing & borrowing ideas, lessons, activities from one another. Without this, we are a desolate island. #sunchat
I have people in my classroom all the time and I think the most I have learned about teaching was through being observed by other teachers and them stepping in to co-teach and model suggestions for me. #sunchat
YES! This is one aspect that hasn't been talked about as often as teachers observing other teachers. It would be SO VERY valuable to gain timely feedback from others. #sunchat
We're an Office 365 district, so I used MS Forms to create feedback forms as a coach. I made the first one as a coaching request form with my menu of services, 1 for when I model teach, & 1 for when we co-plan. It was a great way to get feedback and plan what's next. #sunchat
You have to tread carefully. When I "coach" on edtech, I do not make lists of Ts who attend (its voluntary) b/c I don't want them held to a knowledge level.
I don't mind being given feedback & judged on what I teach though.
#sunchat
That is hard and relationships are so important for coaching. I am thinking you can use a tool like @goswivl and start w/2 or 3 Ts including you #sunchat
A2: Admin and Ts have to be on the same page, completely. There must be trust and no fear of gotcha. Growth is about the process, not the paperwork #sunchat
We have a nice Admin "observation" form ... nice and digital ... i don't even look at them anymore. Figure if it was important my Admin would tell me. #sunchat
A1: at our campus, it has helped to deprivatize the learning.Ts thrive on the feedback & make adjustments as needed to better improve their craft of teaching. It is a great way to get feedback from peers.I have used #observeme to help me in my role as literacy coach. #sunchat
A2 #observeme gives valuable feedback to improve practice and reflect. However, it needs to be done with kindness & respect. We are not there to tear people down but build them up. We are a family and community working together to help kids. Let’s remember that. #sunchat
#sunchat A2 the most obvious con too me is opening yourself up to criticism - not everyone gives constructive criticism that's followed up with ideas or suggestions to improve.
A2: Admin and Ts have to be on the same page, completely. There must be trust and no fear of gotcha. Growth is about the process, not the paperwork #sunchat
we have had "coaches" and Admin come through with "coaching forms" ... most were "great job" ... that is not feedback ... I WANT suggestions no matter how good you think I am. #sunchat
A2 I’ve seen T’s who started out uncomfortable with another adult in the room come out of their shells and look forward to it. Teaching can be lonely. #sunchat
It's a win win situation for both the observer and the person being observed to learn from each other! I honestly can't think of any cons of collaborating in this way, as long as it's through positive and constructive feedback. #sunchat
Wondering how this could change? Invite them personally? Offer chocolate? Explain concept during a staff meeting? YOU ROCK for posting it and trying. #sunchat
Pros: vulnerability transforms into trust. Inspiration spreads like wildfire. Cons: takes significant time to disaggregate the notion that “observe” = “evaluate.” Overcoming natural T fear of “gotchas.” #sunchat#observeme
A1: It’s always beneficial to have another set of eyes look at something we care about. That’s how we grow. It’s especially effective when it’s a judgement free environment. Makes suggestions easier to accept and apply. #sunchat
A2. The pro’s are that they narrow GE scope & focus on being great at a couple of things vs being so-so at many things. It opens the door for adult learning esp in the area of getting constructive feedback. #sunchat
A2: when I️ was MS principal, I️ asked Ts to choose 2 Ts a month to observe. We used KYs CHETL to have items to look for specifically. We wanted them to look for Talents & ideas to take back to their classroom & implement. This was not evaluative in anyway. #sunchat
A2 Pro- T selects the focus areas, are able to see a variety of people, are able to self- reflect whether observing or being observed. Cons - wishing we had more T taking advantage of this opportunity #sunchat
A2. The are logistical cons: finding coverage to observe fellow teachers, fear of judgment...but the PROS so outweigh them. Has to start with a community built on trust and a shared mission. #sunchat
A2: when I️ was MS principal, I️ asked Ts to choose 2 Ts a month to observe. We used KYs CHETL to have items to look for specifically. We wanted them to look for Talents & ideas to take back to their classroom & implement. This was not evaluative in anyway. #sunchat
Big time. Some goals are aspirational like “30% teacher talk vs 70% student talk.” But posting that for all to see on ANY given day holds me accountable when designing lessons. #sunchat#observeme
Great point...I had the same principal for ten years, and every feedback was "great job!" ...that didn't help me grow nearly as much as visiting other classrooms/having teachers visit mine. #sunchat
Pro: Good to get unofficial feedback.
Con: Someone can make it official. Other Ts don't know what you want (signs aren't as clear as you think they are); Ts don't want to interrupt a class; Ts don't have TIME; Ts need a reason to improve themselves
#sunchat
giving quality feedback is tough, but if I have to give quality feedback to each one of my students on their work, my Admin/Coaches should model that behavior in their feedback. #sunchat
A2. It allows us to go from the 20,000 foot view to a handful of growth goals. Sustain the great and develop that which remains that way there’s never a finish line #sunchat
A2:Ts making time to go observe others.We found that some Ts hadn't received one #observeme feedback from their peers, so they were not able to take advantage & make adjustments. Our leadership team decided to tie in an incentive to encourage Ts to observe one another #sunchat
A2 I’ve seen T’s who started out uncomfortable with another adult in the room come out of their shells and look forward to it. Teaching can be lonely. #sunchat
A2: It is important for lead learners of schools to have transparent goals as well. They can receive feedback from staff, families, and kids...even the community. #sunchat#observeme
Kudos to you for recording your class. Lots of Ts have trouble w it, even though it's a great tool. Will you have others sit with you to review as #ObserveMe exercise?
#sunchat
So sad that the walls between gen ed and highly specialized sp ed have existed for far too long. Much worse in some States than others. You can strive to remove those walls by inviting them in! #sunchat
A2 ...is this a con? If T knows in advance that they're going to be observed, they'll often do a "dog and pony show" -- not really representing their day-to-day classroom. I know I see a lot of that. #SunChat#observeme
The fact that I can always get better is why I love teaching. I get sad when I see teachers who don’t want to grow. How do we help those types? #sunchat
A1: I joined the #ObserveMe movement a couple of weeks ago. I think getting feedback from my colleagues is so valuable! They might see something I didn’t or have an idea I didn’t think of! #SunChat
A2: I think the only way there could be negative issues with #observeme is if there were individuals who used it for judgement and gossip, and it wasn’t addressed by the building lead learner. #sunchat
Great point...I had the same principal for ten years, and every feedback was "great job!" ...that didn't help me grow nearly as much as visiting other classrooms/having teachers visit mine. #sunchat
A2 ...is this a con? If T knows in advance that they're going to be observed, they'll often do a "dog and pony show" -- not really representing their day-to-day classroom. I know I see a lot of that. #SunChat#observeme
A2: The most important pro of #observeme is that it can change the culture of a school into one of learning for everyone! Everyone will grow and the scores will soar! #sunchat
A2: It helps the buildings culture and climate. Sharing ideas and communicating with tour peers is vital for a school’s success. Promotes buy in. #sunchat
We introduced it a a staff mtg and used MS Forms. We had them focus on 2 things to help them - student engagement, checking for understanding, and the third was asking for feedback on anything they wanted to focus on. Personal to them #sunchat
A3: now that I️ know a bit more about it, I️ will share it with other KY admins & Ts! We must stop being silos & grow together. #kyadmin#observeme#sunchat
Which is too bad! Most of the time I like the authentic better than the “show.” I do love being invited in for classes - like when T are excited and want to share! #sunchat
A3. Perhaps begins with something simple like - Walls that Talk? "What message do the items on my classroom walls share with students? Do items on walls extend learning?" Non-threatening approach. #sunchat
I meant if you were showing it to your PLC. IF you're going outside your bldg (blog) be sure it's edited to not show or identify any Ss. In self-analysis, how wide do we have to go?
#sunchat
A2: It helps the building’s culture and climate. Sharing ideas and communicating with your peers is vital for a school’s success. Promotes buy in. #sunchat#sunchat
A3: Our tribe spent last school year reading about #observeme, and thinking about how it might look in our school culture. We did not rush into it. Teachers need time to process and buy in to the WHY behind the expectation. Then it can become part of how we roll! #sunchat
Ironically: if you have 180 different “dog and pony shows” at the Ready throughout the year that you know play well for audiences... you might just be an awesome teacher 🤓 #observeme#sunchat
An outside observer shouldn't see the same thing every time. The experience is more likely to make an impact when it's new to everyone involved. #spiritchat#sunchat
A2: Creating memories is not about doing the same thing every year. Experiences create memories. More to the point, they create new learnings. #SpiritChat
A3: Start by being the one to initiate the observations and explain to the teachers why your there. Taking a leadership role with admins approval at your next faculty meeting. #sunchat
A2: I think a pro of #ObserveMe would be taking pressure off of administration to observe everyone. We are in a profession where we help each other out and this is another component to build the profession! #sunchat
A2: It helps the building’s culture and climate. Sharing ideas and communicating with your peers is vital for a school’s success. Promotes buy in. #sunchat
YEs! Yes! YES! Wish there were more Supt and Admin in this chat to they could begin to understand the tremendous value. I will keep "beating this drum" as this is a shift that needs to take place. #sunchat
If you can get those teachers who wield social capital (not necessarily your superstar Ts, but those people you want to sit next to in staff meetings etc), then the rest will follow. Tons of research out there that supports this. #sunchat
#sunchat A3 is a tough one. Currently, morale is really low... Tried sharing the book "Make It Stick" recently with admin and several teachers an NOT ONE PERSON would even reciprocate the conversation - very discouraging.I can't imagine what the response would be to this...
A3 talk to other Ts and admin and help make a plan to get the school on board. In the meantime, open up your classroom and be the "guinea pig" #sunchat
A2 I think that last part is so important -- what I happen to prefer as a teacher or student isn't necessarily how all Ts or Ss want it. As long as it's pedagogically sound, there should be freedom to teach how THEY teach, not just to entertain me. #sunchat
A2: Creating memories is not about doing the same thing every year. Experiences create memories. More to the point, they create new learnings. #SpiritChat
A3. So as to not sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher I think you have to utilize those courageous leaders and let them help facilitate the adventure. I also think you have eliminate any thought of negative outcomes. Growth only process #sunchat
I think you could get teachers more open to being observed by starting with their team members or people they are comfortable with at school. They can have those constructive conversations and see the benefit, then will probably feel more comfortable with administrators. #sunchat
Right now it’s posted electronically for my tribe, and through social media for families and community. I will be posting through our building as well! #observeme#sunchat
A3: Start with a small, cross curriculum sample group. Have them share their experiences with the staff. Then use their feedback to tweak the school-wide rollout. #sunchat
True - then this would be the PERFECT time for the two educators to sit down and talk, share ideas, increase perspectives, develop stronger relationship! #Sunchat
A3: Anatomy of an @OConnellHS#ObserveMe door sign:
1. 🍍 says “visitors welcome!”
2. Class period in upper right
3. Teacher name on left margin
4. Bullets w/ teacher goals
5. For shy visitors, bottom icon is a convo starter. “Ask me about the...” 🐐 #sunchat
A3: I am trying to get more staff to come #observeme. I have had one teacher come and we both tweeted about the positive outcome! I am thinking I need to go personally invite people. #sunchat
I thought you meant that. I meet w/Ts three times a week. I am starting there and think it would be huge. However, I don’t think you can have enough feedback. I have releases from Ss. I would edit the video if I didn’t. Great point! #sunchat
Hahaha -- and there have been a few of those, where every time I've gone in (sometimes just a pop in to drop things off) the teacher and class are amazing. Says a lot about the teacher. #sunchat#observeme
Q3: Model!! Teachers need to see leaders step up and out and take risk. Also, ask a couple of teachers who are doing some great things in their classrooms to take a risk and help get it started.#sunchat
A4 To have one global collaboration every week and share it. It is important to reach beyondnour four walls to learn and to seek feedback from others out there. We need to model breaking down silos and working on global goals. #observeme#sunchat
A4: Here are my goals. I have them posted in our tribe’s Smore communicator so staff always have access, and on social media for families and community. I plan to Place in several spots throughout our building as well. #sunchat#observeme
A3 #sunchat#observeme also: building an electronic directory (using a shared #GoogleSheets spreadsheet available to your entire faculty) of who is available to observe / where & when is SUPER helpful for large schools. We have 40+ classrooms open to #observeme throughout the day
A4. Lead Learner goals posted right outside my office. I often send a follow up email to people who I have talked with Thanking them for moving my learning forward and providing them with the link. #sunchat
A3: Establish the purpose for #observeme! Model by opening up your classroom! We have personalized signs outside all our classrooms w/ individualized things we want feedback on! Share the value in participating! #sunchat
A2 ...w secondary Ts, they're often so locked into their content areas -- do they see value in having say, a math T observe a history T? Science observing music? Or does that put up too many barriers? #sunchat#observeme
A3 Serve as a constant model. Be in other classrooms and have others observe me. Learn with others and be at the same level. Show vulnerability. We are not perfect examples. We are all learners working to help kids. #sunchat#observeme
That is a problem. I try to tell people that sometimes you need a fresh viewpoint. A person not in ur subject can be like your students. They can tell you if they get it #sunchat
At times I reflect on what a game changer it could have been if a teacher who was frustrated would have had a tool like this one to express his/her thoughts so we could discuss it. #sunchat
Right, that's why I thought it wouldn't be perfect under all circumstances. (Which limited number of parents are available during the day, for one.) You could set aside certain days and times. #sunchat
In reply to
@susankotch, @mrclinefhs, @Lindsey_Bohler
A4. I would like to get feedback on how I am utilizing the power of choice with my S’s and Teams. Forced growth has a limited lifespan but making people a part of the process is a whole new box of wonder #sunchat
A3: Encourage them to try something new #observeme and encourage colleagues to initiate something new and not wait on admins because Ts have voice and choice within the learning community. Break the stigmatized chain of traditional approach #sunchat
Lots to sit back and reflect on after today's #sunchat! Can't wait to get started with #observeme. Thanks for leading the conversation today, @Lindsey_Bohler
A3: The more we invite others into our rooms to #ObserveMe and give feedback, the more others are willing to invite us into their rooms for feedback! #SunChat
Thanks #sunchat for helping me learn more about #observeme! Will definitely spread the movement to break down silos! Keep up the great process of learning & growing together!
A4: Please share with me how I can improve my skills as your literacy coach;in my model teach, what did i do for stud. Engagement & checking for understanding;what additional resources can I provide to you to help you in your teaching;what can I do to assist you? #sunchat
A4: I have 3 goals right now on my #ObserveMe form outside my classroom door. 1 is about different formats & methods of teaching since I teach Sped. I strive to provide opportunities for independent practice/assessment, small group, & 1:1. #SunChat
THRILLED so many are excited about learning more/trying #ObserveMe! Outstanding lead learners you are! Taking my hat off to those who take the initiative for leading change. #sunchat
Absolutely. When working with Ts setting their #ObserveMe goals, I always ask: “what sort of evidence could an observer look for to make sure they know [x] is happening?” #sunchat
A4: Here are my goals. I have them posted in our tribe’s Smore communicator so staff always have access, and on social media for families and community. I plan to Place in several spots throughout our building as well. #sunchat#observeme
"Children construct knowledge as they act upon and interact with the world… Sharing experiences links people together, and their identities grow, develop, and change in the process.” #edchat#sunchat
Just getting started so I am hoping people will give input. I have begun sharing the concept on our school’s social media so families and community understand the purpose. #sunchat
We have a T who gave all staff a pineapple for their door. 2-3 times a month Ts send out emails inviting others in. If the sign is up, no invite needed. #pineapplechart#sunchat
Tribes are committed to one another, and also hold each other accountable. They take care of each other during struggles, and celebrate each other on a regular basis! Our hashtag @CentralCabotpK4 for the staff is #CEtribe. ❤️ #sunchat
Love this. Most people outside of the school won't be there most of the time, but they'd feel connected and valued just by seeing this. #ParentCamp#UseTech4Good#sunchat
