"Welcome to EdTechAfterDark! Our community was born out of discussions for a rich EdChat type gathering for those of us who are thinking about the digital edu-landscape long after the sun has gone down. For us night owls, when the clock strikes 10PM EST, you’ll find us on Twitter over at #edtechafterdark. All are welcome! Our discussions range from our philosophies about EdTech, digital best practices, and simply sharing our stories." --www.edtechafterdark.com
A1 IMO anger when not properly managed / handled can lead to bitterness ... when used as a change agent, anger can lead to positive outcomes #EdTechAfterDark
A1: Anger can be a fire beneath a backside, it can act as a motivator; however, in my mind, bitterness is anger without actionable solutions... #EdTechAfterDark
Anger can be legitimized. We can be angered by many things and often those are outside forces that cause us to be angry but bitterness comes from within. It’s an inability to let go or an unwillingness to change a situation. #EdTechAfterDark
I wonder whether a big difference is what you allow the emotion to do to you. I love Pema Chodron on this. Strikes me that anger has potential to be used for good but bitterness is hopeless, futile anger that cedes control to others/circumstances. #EdTechAfterDark
A1 #edtechafterdark Anger is a response, it is a defense mechanism, it can be temporary or lingering but it dampens quicker. Bitterness is more ingrained, it is based on envy or jealousy. It tends to linger longer, altering our relationships. Anger is easier to identify & conquer
Love this. Both anger and bitterness are secondary emotions, but anger is triggered from without; bitterness is triggered from within... #EdTechAfterDark
Anger can be legitimized. We can be angered by many things and often those are outside forces that cause us to be angry but bitterness comes from within. It’s an inability to let go or an unwillingness to change a situation. #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark To me anger is frustration and stress channeled into an emotion. But, I can see it, feel it and use mindfulness strategies to alleviate it. Bitterness takes more work- it feels more personal
A2 #edtechafterdark A strict adherence to grades- solution- base education on growth NOT grades, progress NOT a snapshot of learning
Standardized testing- focus less on comparing schools and more on making every school great, providing opportunities for every student to learn
A2 While I 💜 the support from parents, I don’t think there is good support FOR parents ... we need to teach them the difference btw punishment & discipline training ... to provide acceptable, reasonable consequences for children’s choices #EdTechAfterDark
A2 The thing that makes me angry is the inconsistency. They research what’s best for at risk students (support) and then cut funds which cuts support 😡😡#EdTechAfterDark
A2: why do people vote for new stadiums instead of new schools? Why are standardized tests still given? Why is the school day still the same length as 40 years ago when I was in K? Why aren’t we doing more for kids to set up their futures? #edtechafterdark
A2 #edtechafterdark A strict adherence to grades- solution- base education on growth NOT grades, progress NOT a snapshot of learning
Standardized testing- focus less on comparing schools and more on making every school great, providing opportunities for every student to learn
#edtechafterdark Education will improve exponentially if we spend more time collaborating and innovating as educators and less time on trying to outdo one another- if we see each other as allies, as comrades in arms- we can change the course of education for the better
I think this is source of enormous anger: Ts and Ps know what 👧🏾👦🏻need but many policies - not just testing but even pacing guides, faddish initiatives, and clumsy eval - keep them from delivering it. Transforms what is love/passion/joy to stress and anger. #EdTechAfterDark
A2 Judgement before relationships...Too often Ss and peers are judged without attempting to make a meaningful connection to them...Ss in low income areas and communities know this game very well #EdTechAfterDark
Yes. We got a spanking new one- very very expensive new one here in Katy. But also 9 new schools. Maybe more of a focus on academics rather than sports? #edtechafterdark
A2: students of color are disproportionally punished in school, which means their education is threatened by those of us in charge of providing it. https://t.co/IDALwoEx84#EdTechAfterDark
A2: Corporate education enrages me. The very fact that a select group of people are profiting from “accountability” measures creates a clear and undeniable ethical dilemma...their livelyhood depends on the measures’ necessity. #edtechafterdark
The truth is that tenure often enables apathy. Though I understand that tenure has its place, I am frustrated and disappointed that it protects bad teachers. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: lots of talk about things like creativity (and other stuff) - but not enough implementation.
Change is IMPOSSIBLE it seems.
Boards and supt leadership in a straight jacket to succeed in ways that matter little.
Argh!
#edtechafterdark
A very punitive or heavily criminalized school culture. People (students, teachers, administrators) will meet your expectations if you genuinely believe they can, let them know that, and acknowledge all of the beautiful things they are already doing. #EdTechAfterDark
A2 those that work in EDU but care nothing about the KIDS they serve. Yearly reviews and plans for success for ALL employees from T’s to janitors. Kids first #edtechafterdark
A2: what’s wrong- everything is backwards and upside down:
Credit over creativity
Grades over grit
Perfection over process
In my district - the fault is at the top. What about yours?
#edtechafterdark
A3 We determine our values and stances in times of peace so that when we find ourselves in the midst of the storm, we do not lose our way. 🤩 #EdTechAfterDark
A3: anger cannot be the driver when making a decision that could affect Ss and the school. Important to have a process before making final decision. Talk to colleagues, reflect, revise and then reach a conclusion. #edtechafterdark
#edtechafterdark I say "Hello anger, lets talk" rather than "I am angry" this puts anger in isolation, a conquerable emotion. Then literally (I am weird I know) I talk to anger, reason with it, ask it questions- this is how I come to terms with its grasp & release it, free myself
Keep the focus on what is important(students) and remember that all actions must be placed in the context of reaching school/district goals for improving student learning and needs. #EdTechAfterDark
A3: this is a challenge I face situation by situation if I’m honest, but I try to remember that no matter how angry I am, my job is to educate. If my anger stops me from doing that, then it’s time to step back and refocus. #EdTechAfterDark
A3 It has to be about the reaction...if we become volatile, then we run the risk of being unable to bridge that gap...if we are angry but react in a way that stresses change calmy yet directly, our passion comes through #EdTechAfterDark
I was listening to the radio tonight and @JohnTesh mentioned Sisu a Finnish word for Perseverance - Not sure if this is the book - https://t.co/QbtAp4UgBq I think It's something to think about.
What really is not just enraging but tragic is the degree to which that punitive culture is a reflection of culture of broader communities. There are parents of all SES and background in GA who passionately ADVOCATE to perpetuate that culture. It feels safe. 😢 #EdTechAfterDark
A3: sometimes they are. And sometimes anger is a force for change. Destruction maybe too.
For me - I use breathing and mindfulness to temper the anger and frustration. And input from trusted colleagues.
Also data can help
#edtechafterdark
A3b: imagine what advice we’d give a student who is angry. Need to calm, discuss and revisit when cooler head prevails. Often we forget the advice we give our Ss #edtechafterdark
A3b: imagine what advice we’d give a student who is angry. Need to calm, discuss and revisit when cooler head prevails. Often we forget the advice we give our Ss #edtechafterdark
I love the non judgmental part of meditation/yoga practice. I don't have to feel bad because I have negative emotions. Key is interrogating WHY I feel angry and taking actions aimed at root causes if they are external to me. Starts with self-appraisal. #EdTechAfterDark
Judgement happens at some level because there are too many students in a class, too much to do, too little time, stereotypes, or the inability to code switch (adults - not kids? #edtechafterdark
A4: it depends on who it is directed at. Myself, could be awhile. A St, over it quick. Colleague, try to move on...unless @alexstubenbort ,then a brief second. #EdTechAfterDark
A4: my anger has an indefinite shelf life, but it’s similar to keeping twinkies in your pantry—just because it’s good forever doesn’t mean you should keep ingesting it. #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark I used to wallow in anger- I had difficulty relaxing/ letting things go. But through mindfulness I have learned to respond not react & be calm. I let things go quickly. Meditation helps a lot. Also, I set intentions & I have a mantra I repeat when stressed.
Anger should be shelved when it has no purpose. Being angry over something that cannot be changed is wasted energy. Being angry as a fuel for meaningful change is purposeful. #EdTechAfterDark
A4: in education, we start anew daily so we should arrive w/ fresh perspective. Like Ss, we all bring baggage to school daily. They need us to set ours aside so we can be there for them. #edtechafterdark
A4 WOW! Difficult question ... wisdom says to “not let the sun go down on your wrath” ... we may need to try daily to solve our Anger so that it cannot be replaced with Bitterness ?!?! #EdTechAfterDark
A4 Unresolved anger eventually turns into bitterness...See it where peers go an entire year without speaking to each other when they are right next door...get a good night's sleep and then make it a point to have a conversation #EdTechAfterDark
A4: I think that's a better approach than the similarly worded, “Get mad, then get even.” Unfortunately, our zero-sum politics today seems to favor the latter. How to move on? For starters, practice more empathy and kindness. #EdTechAfterDark
This reminds me of the Serenity Prayer that is framed in my office: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference”
#EdTechAfterDark
Anger should be shelved when it has no purpose. Being angry over something that cannot be changed is wasted energy. Being angry as a fuel for meaningful change is purposeful. #EdTechAfterDark
Yes. We all feel anger, jealousy and doubt it is about recognizing and personal interventions no judgement just acceptance as temporary emotions #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark I think going to a Buddhist Temple and feeling the calm and joy has made me stronger- I love led meditation and guidance it is beautiful and very life changing
I would also add curiosity. Sometimes anger can be so all consuming we become blind to the humanity of those who are object of our anger. At what point do we become part of the problem? #EdTechAfterDark
A2: We are stressing our Ss w/ the amount of standardized tests required. We place so much emphasis on testing, that it takes away from instructional time. If we focus more on instruction and less on testing we will see the growth & the success in our kiddos. #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark Anger needs to be transformed into action. We can not sit in the teachers lounge and complain- we MUST bring about positive change through intentional and purposeful listening and mindful, meaningful relationship building- collaboration brings positive change
A5 Focus on grading practices & mgmt practices in our classrooms that directly, negatively impact learning ... we can provide the best environment for our students so that ALL sts want to attend and do learn #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark We can not let our students stir in us anger and resentment- they are children, it is not personal when they misbehave- we MUST listen to them and identify the cause of the misbehavior and build trust and help them self-advocate & self-regulate
I think many people in edu respect what they think they are than what everyone sees that they are...they hold on to issues because it's always the other Ts, Ss, or Admins fault...that is just to much work to much drama to hang on to...be humble, forgive, move on #EdTechAfterDark
A:3 As I’ve grown professionally, I have learned to channel that anger to challenge & motivate me to be an advocate, a voice for our students & families who normally may not have a voice. I’ve learned to use diplomacy in my approach. #EdTechAfterDark
Anger should fuel action, not reaction. We need to find the root of our anger, address the issues causing our frustration, and not resort to personal attacks. Not every error is intentional and no solution comes through unrestrained emotion. #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark As educators we need to model positive collaboration- show the world how its done. How listening and paying attention, working the problem, sharing ideas and innovations, putting students first always- this is how change happens- this is making the world better
A5: make each day the best experience possible for the Ss. We want them to be excited to return the next day and to tell their Ps how awesome school is #edtechafterdark
#edtechafterdark Wake up every day and set positive intentions. Recognize potential in every situation that is for the betterment of students, colleagues, ourselves. Remember why we became teachers- embrace the struggle because we love it. Find joy in what we do- every day.
Or that they worked hard (with a purpose), learned something new, it doesn't always have to be exciting ... there should be happiness and joy every day. Even if it's in the learning process and not the outcome #edtechafterdark
#edtechafterdark Education is hopeful. It is overflowing with positive, innovative, inspiring individuals who every day bring change and progress to the field. Teaching is a profession not of the angry or the bitter but the optimistic and encouraging- the supportive and generous
Our profession matters! And the vast majority of educators work tireless to improve our students’ lives! I mean, it is summer and look where we are! #EdTechAfterDark
Yes which is why it can be so difficult to turn around a toxic culture. When that anger begins to spread like contagion it can morph easily into generalized misery and inertia rather than productive fuel. #EdTechAfterDark
In reply to
@mrterborg, @RonAllan4, @alexstubenbort
A6: It had been fun to be involved with so many forward thinking peers in the last few years. Enter 36th year in Ed, it has reinvigorated me...don't tell Alex #EdTechAfterDark
A6 Over the last year I’ve become connected with so many positive,smart, talented, truly caring educators on Twitter. So happy there are thousands of positive people 😀#EdTechAfterDark
A6 I’m taking advantage of a fresh start at a new school with a wonderful principal @SparanoBHS ... our district has many schools with many diff ldrsp styles & cultures ... excited to start anew #EdTechAfterDark
A6 #edtechafterdark I am proud to be an educator for even when we go unappreciated, unnoticed, undervalued- we are also for our students role-models and heroes. We change lives, we alter outlooks, we model personal responsibility & this- this is why our turbulent world will be ok
A6 It's not about who's right or wrong in matters of education rather than coming together to improve someone's life...I believe and know that there are great people in edu making a difference...especially the peeps in this chat! #EdTechAfterDark
Thats the hope. That they would first practice it in their own lives. Then they would build school cultures that invite teachers into mindful practic so #SEL is not only content we teach while we turn around and stab each other in faculty mtgs. It is lived out. #EdTechAfterDark
