#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Adam, Tech Coach, Central CA. Favorite thing in free time includes playing with my daughters, playing/watching soccer, drinking red wine with @kat_goyette#tosachat
A1: I think it's important to say yes to the some of the things you're thankful for. I plan to say yes to some of the activities my kids like that i usually say no to. #tosachat
Hello #TOSAchat! Ann here... Tech TOSA in Fullerton, CA. I love to #slowstroll at the beach and look for teeny, tiny shells...then enjoy some #hammocktime!
A1: It’s hard to be thankful when you are saying “no” and it’s much easier to be positive when you can see your many “yeses” to life. I can’t seem to separate the two. #TOSAchat
A.1 I try to bring as much positivity as possible into my Ed Tech trainings with a ton of patience and understanding is all levels of learning. #tosachat
A1: It’s hard to be thankful when you are saying “no” and it’s much easier to be positive when you can see your many “yeses” to life. I can’t seem to separate the two. #TOSAchat
A1: I think to be thankful is to be positive. When you stop and reflect on the good things you have and good people you are around you can’t help but have a positive outlook #tosachat
A1 By saying yes to doing the things you are most thankful for for others. Example I'm thankful for volunteers in my class so I volunteer in my son's class. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
A1: Positivity beats the alternative. This time of year, we often hit a wall. Positivity is something I choose otherwise those I lead will succumb and students lose out. #tosachat
A1 By saying yes to doing the things you are most thankful for for others. Example I'm thankful for volunteers in my class so I volunteer in my son's class. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
It's funny. You know there was a time when there were so many people here, I was just blown away. Now I know many of you and it just blows me away that this is the tribe I count on to help me get better. A reason we should have corndog turkey @iamkidpresident agrees #tosachat
A1: Despite some recent setbacks personally and professionally, I remind myself to be thankful for what I have in life instead of what I am missing. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
Ah, yes, Tweetdeck...that cool tool when I actually do this from my Chromebook rather than my phone. I miss TweetDeck. #GratitudeSnaps#TOSAChat#thankful
A2: I didn’t want to be the head of bargaining for my Teacher’s local (before I became an admin #EdtechDarkSide) but I served my teachers well and turned out to be good at it and really like it.
#tosachat
A2. This TOSA position has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. Miss having my own class, but I feel that I can impact even more students and I get to help make great teachers even better. #tosachat#waytoomanycharacters
A2 #TOSAchat the fear of the unknown when I was leaving the classroom... I LOVE my job as a TOSA and get to help so many people in this role. #BetterTogether
A2: I thought that I wasn’t going to be an administrator until much later in my career. An opportunity to go to school was too good to pass up, and now I have a dream EdTech leadership position! #tosachat
a2 yes, leaving my site, i love and miss my team, my kids, my community I taught in, but Ive learned and grown so much on this last 5 year journey. #tosachat
Heck yeah it does! It’s always tough though when you have a bit of a rough audience. Sometimes I feel like Rodney Dangerfield and jokes fall flat #tosachat
A2: 15 months ago I took plunge to start applying to present at conferences. Scared at first, but is a total rush. Love working with educators. #tosachat
A2: I was reluctant to say yes to becoming a conference presenter but it has opened so many doors for me & helped me meet so many amazing educators! #TOSAchat
A2 Taking the TOSA position. I was hesitant to leave the job security of the classroom and take on a brand new position for my school - even though I was so excited. So glad I did! #tosachat
A.2-I would have to say that presenting outside the friendly confines of my district has taken some getting used to especially when you are surrounded by such amazing innovators at a conference #tosachat
Yes! It’s the exponential impact you can have on others. It’s why I chose to go into leadership. As a classroom T, I helped 120 kids. As a leader, I can help 900 Ts who help 18,000 Ss. #tosachat
A2: When I went in for the interview at @MorenoValleyUSD I thought I was interviewing for Middle School. I interviewed for HS and still there. I did get a rejection letter after signing the contract. LOL! #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @MorenoValleyUSD
Q How might you deal with this scenario: A group of Ts working really hard, trying to their best, but speeding time in all the wrong areas and not impacting Ss learning.
How might I bring that to light? Focus convo on Ss learning?
#tosachat
A2: I was never reluctant, but I didn't see myself working in education. Now I'm glad I kept saying YES to the opportunities that lead me here #TOSAchat
When you see a structure I don't agree w/ I ask the teacher to explain the pros of it to me. Then I say I'm going to play devil's advocate w/ opposing structure. List pros & cons of each. There's always video taping too. #TOSAchat
I agree. I’ve been in retail - at The Apple Store. Fun experience. Still need to get into food service at some point. Almost did some bar tending #tosachat
In reply to
@beardsleyteach, @EdTechEddie, @TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe
I’m right there with you. I have so much built up anxiety speaking in large crowds, but ultimately I know when I present then others have a chance to learn and impact their students. At the end of the day it’s all about making an impact #tosachat
Hard to answer that one without specifics, I know I tend to focus on the lesson planning instead of the grading for example. I would have the Ts battleplan together to come up with ideas on how to focus Ss learning. #tosachat
True true. What if they are satisfied with their answers though? Like they think they are doing great things, but it's not translating to learning. #tosachat
A3: Go with your gut. If something seems off, don’t be afraid to ask. Asking for clarification or purpose is NOT being a nay-sayer—if your culture makes it seem like those are negativity, That’s toxic culture. Questions lead to better ideas. #BetterTogether#tosachat
A2: Tablets. 6 mos before my 1st workshop, I wondered why I'd need one. 2 wks after it, I brought one. And never looked back, only forward. #TOSAchat#edtechfamily#thankful
A3: Part of this answer is knowing your own strengths. When something doesn't fit your strengths be honest about your abilities and prioritize. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
A3: That’s a tough one because I naturally want to help. I quickly learned that I have to set boundaries because if not then I overwhelm myself with additional projects that I can’t handle. Sometimes you have to say no to not let others down if you really can’t do it #tosachat
A3. As a Tech TOSA it is very easy to become tech support. I am still trying to figure out how to get people to see the Instructional part of the title. #tosachat
A3: Say yes to what is best for students, not always easy. Yes men and women say yes to everything, but aren't leading. Leading requires no sometimes which isn't comfortable. #TOSAchat
A3: I struggle with feeling the need to say yes #peoplepleaser but I'm getting better! If I can't justify the Yes to myself, I try to still show understanding & empathy. #TOSAchat
A.3 This is a tough one because in a small district like ours, it’s easy to fall into answering yes for everything but try to always keep the focus on learning and growth for our teachers #tosachat
#A3 I think that this is something that develops with time and experience. When you are learning the ropes, saying yes is a good thing to build experiences. Eventually you develop a sense of when to say yes, and when to pass. #TOSAchat
Is there a group that is on it you could pair them with to have them share their game plan with (both sharing with each other) so that they might “catch it” or be able to hear some of those questions or comments from other Ts? #Tosachat
Hard to not give too much away, but yes I get that too. We've tried that, went back to classroom and either consistency or implmentation or both were off, but Ts thought they rocked it #tosachat
can you bring it back to goals for Ss learning? look at some type of data and allow them to come to their own conclusions, with you guiding them to that realization #tosachat
A3 #TOSAchat I incorporate a debrief protocol to help people share their emotional experiences during meetings/learning opportunities. It's never-ending work to create the environment in which we can do the best work of our lives
A3: I would say be realistic with what you want out of your career. Are you saying yes to help or you being taken advantage of? Step back and look at the whole picture. Decide what is best for you to be at your best as a T. #Tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
A3: I use the strategy outlined in the book The Best Yes. She has this question for discernment of a “best yes”: Could this fit physically, financially, spiritually, and emotionally? I also like her approach with the “small no.” #TOSAchat
If I was way off base and needed direction from a coach then I would hope that we could have a conversation without a confrontation which I have seen time to time at department meetings. #tosachat
To this I would say "yes...and" and know your own limits! When you're new, sometimes saying yes to too much can leave you feeling inch deep, mile wide. #TOSAchat
A3: Say yes to what is best for students, not always easy. Yes men and women say yes to everything, but aren't leading. Leading requires no sometimes which isn't comfortable. #TOSAchat
That’s always a fine line for EdTech Coaches. Sometimes its the gateway into the classroom for future legit EdTech support. My rule is if I can’t fix it in 5 mins then let’s put in a work order. #tosachat
I’ve found that most times even if they don’t like it at the time, they understand why later and respect you for making the stand. Depends on situation of course #tosachat
True, and I am trying to get to a happy place here, cause Ss are being affected and being angry isn't a good thing, but we need to change Ss deserve it #tosachat
A4: I still say yes to IT stuff too often, hurts their data when they are tracking issues and hurts my time with Ts and Ss. Hard to say no to a T that needs something right now to teach a lesson. #weakspot#irememberhowitwas#peoplepleaser#tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
True. It is tough saying no, when you are there to support though! Ha. Which is why I try to be prepared with better suggestions to choose from #TOSAchat
A4: I say yes to lots, but when I don’t there are always real questions there; we usually get to yes, sometimes with changes. It let’s others no that when I am not saying yes there’s probably a good reason. #tosachat
A4: I'm not a people pleaser, I'm a workaholic. I've said yes too many times & it leaves me inefficient & at times. Only bite off what you can chew. #TOSAchat
A4: I find myself saying “yes” to my own private pursuits rather than ones offered at my site or district because the opportunities that interest me are intended for others and the ones that are offered to me don’t present an intriguing challenge. #TOSAchat
A4: In the beginning of my career, I would say yes every time I was asked. Now, I weigh in what I can do well with focusing on my Ss. Grading though is another issue. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
My school now is set up nicely with SMART Boards and I can do all the same cool stuff for the most part. I still have the Splashtop app on my tablet though. 😎 #game-changer #TOSAChat
A4: I feel like I say yes too often and then realize later on that I really have to balance my time to take on the new task. When I say no sometimes I feel guilty like I should do more but remember if I can’t handle it it’s best to let it go and not let the team down #tosachat
Q4: I wholeheartedly agree with you! I have done many an IT task for the sake of relationship building. The 5 minute rule is just about my new rule, too. #tosachat
That’s always a fine line for EdTech Coaches. Sometimes its the gateway into the classroom for future legit EdTech support. My rule is if I can’t fix it in 5 mins then let’s put in a work order. #tosachat
A.4 I say yes way too often which has resulted in being the account administrator for all the online ed platforms that we have purchased require a ton of support. But I enjoy it :) #tosachat
A4: I'm not a people pleaser, I'm a workaholic. I've said yes too many times & it leaves me inefficient & ineffective at times. BALANCE is key. Only bite off what you can chew. 1st chat with #280characters & loving it! #TOSAchat
A3 I'm constantly trying to achieve #balance ... but I know my limits. When I need to tap out, I do. My priorities are shifting and I now listen/process differently so that I can determine what's a YES and what's a NO. #tosachat
A4: Finding the right balance for Q4 is tough. It goes back to what @techcoachjuarez was saying about being a leader. Learn when no is appropriate #TOSAchat
Sometimes the printer issue or resetting a password is the way in…or the hook to get them started. “You know, you won’t need to use your printer with G Suite…” LOL #tosachat
A4: I also tend to say yes to too many things, even when they are legit things. It all sounds amazing and I want to do it all, but I can only juggle so many balls in the air at once. #tosachat
Anything after 5 minutes and you are just wasting your time and the Ts time. I frame it like that too. “I’m not as awesome as the tech, and your time is to precious so let’s put in a support ticket” #tosachat
A4 #TOSAchat I don't say yes just to say yes. One thing that has changed is that I don't feel bad when I say no. I'm just trying to be realistic and know what is sustainable...for me.
#tosachat A4: I have a history of saying yes waaaaaaay too often and I am working on that. It’s great to be challenged and pushed to your limits, but there’s always a risk of going too far. Balancing priorities with risk and personal growth - working on it.
A4: pt2 I fight hard battles when necessary. Best for Ss always front and center, but deep-rooted confrontation issues creep in from time to time. #TOSAchat
UGH, confrontation. Why do some people have no qualms with it while others have to practice over & over ahead of time what theyre going to say (me). #TOSAchat
I wish I would have known about this before I made weekend plans for January 20th. I will keep my eyes out for the next @iacue tech fair. Thanks Sonal for sharing! #tosachat
In reply to
@TrPatel20, @EdTechEddie, @techcoachjuarez, @IACUE, @IACUE
I’ve finally reached that turning point too where I feel less bad. There is still a part of me that wishes to help, but being realistic is important. Not perfect at this but getting better #tosachat
same. I recently discovered my 2nd Grade teacher said (on my oId report cards) that I struggled with this back in the 80s too! Is it a bad thing? Or is it who we are? #tosachat
In reply to
@Simonometry, @HowardKiyuna, @kmartintahoe
A5: Before saying yet to major projects: Do I LOVE this idea? Do I have the time to commit to it. Stretching yourself to thin isn’t fair to anyone.
#BeTrueToTheWork#tosachat
A5 Same as A4. How much family time will I have to sacrifice. Work will always be here but Jake will only be little for so long. Gotta be really worth it. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
#TOSAchat A5: (in no particular order) Do I believe in this? Is it good for students? Is it good for teachers. Do I have the time and how does it fit with exisiting commitments? Will this help me grow in some way?
A.5 I Is this something that I can do in a reasonable amount of time with everything else on my plate? This does not apply if asked by my boss of course #tosachat
A5: Since the baby, I look at my time available. I always ask myself the following question: Can I be a good father, husband, and great teacher if I take on this responsiblity? #Tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
Hmmmm I think it's who we are but as we get older and hopefully wiser we being to step back and let some things go for the sake of our sanity. #tosachat
In reply to
@annkozma723, @Simonometry, @HowardKiyuna, @kmartintahoe
Seriously?! Some people seek it out. Not me! I want things smoothe and cool. I have rehearsed certain conversations like lines for a stage play. #TOSAChat
A5cont: Honestly, I don't know that I've been in a professional situation where yes or no on a project was even a choice for me...yet #Year1TOSA#TOSAchat
I will do that Sonal. I made plans a month ago for the family day on the 20th of January. This is the third event that has come up in the last two weeks to intice me to change my mind. LOL! #tosachat
In reply to
@TrPatel20, @EdTechEddie, @techcoachjuarez, @IACUE
A5 I have to consider what is on my plate. Last year is was my Admin Credential, this year it's other side projects... my work priorities dictate what else can get added on... #tosachat
A5: I think about the impact that it will have on Ts and Ss in the classroom (from a district perspective). I think about time investment vs. impact. I also think about how enjoyable it will be too. I like to get my passion behind projects so it’s not another thing #tosachat
A6 #tosachat Be committed to learning to manage my emotions; consistently work to create the culture in which we (my team & I) can do the best work of our lives. Besides that, meditate and journal every morning
A6: I think moving forward, if my knee-jerk reaction is No, I want to stop myself and make sure I ponder Yes first to make sure that's really what I want. And vice versa. #TOSAchat
A6: Keep coming to #tosachat. This chat has been a great resource and therapy for all TOSA related probs. I would also like to keep reflecting through writing and blogging.
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
A6: I think it’s important to have an open mind. One of the major roles of a Coach is to try to install a positive “yes” mindset with Ts. Learning and trying new things requires risk, an open mind, and a willingness to say yes and give it a try #tosachat
A6: Keep coming to #tosachat. This chat has been a great resource and therapy for all TOSA related probs. I would also like to keep reflecting through writing and blogging.
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
A6: Try to ride the negativity wave and stay positive. If I feel that I am slipping into the negativity wave then say yes to the PLN to shake me back to reality. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe
A6: Working to be best mom, daughter, teacher I can. Take care of me, make good choices. Say YES to awesome and gratitude. What seems a no is really a YES to something more. #balance#TeacherMom#TOSAchat
A.6 I think the best way to grow as a TOSA and as a resource for your district is to always remember what it means to be a classroom teacher. #tosachat
.A4: I used to. Fortunately I’ve learned to check my workload now. My typical response to say no with saying no is: I’d love but I may not be the best person to help at the moment. #Tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe
A5: No big projects this year. I'm sweating details and refining (& helping some new staff). Trying to answer the big questions. Musicians call it woodshedding. #tosachat
