Hello #MEMSPAchat . Chris Ming - Middle School Principal jumping on the chat for a bit tonight. Hoping my eyes really aren't seeing snow falling right now.
Hello #MEMSPAchat . Chris Ming - Middle School Principal jumping on the chat for a bit tonight. Hoping my eyes really aren't seeing snow falling right now.
A1: In NY State, the teaching profession is villainized by the media and STEM careers in the business sector are being sought after by loads of graduates. #memspachat
A1 Less applicants going into Field of Education, a shortage of Student Interns and less subs available. Why? Burn out being shared w/ young prospects. #MEMSPAchat
A1: The teacher shortage is the trickle-down effect of teachers are viewed, valued, and supported in our current climate. It makes the profession less-appealing to many #MEMSPAchat
A1 Less applicants going into Field of Education, a shortage of Student Interns and less subs available. Why? Burn out being shared w/ young prospects. #MEMSPAchat
A1: As a society we have devalued and attacked public school teachers! They are heroes in our society. When we take away salary/benefits...why would people want to teach? #memspachat
Contacting your legistlators is a start. They need to know what we are seeing on the front line and that what they say and do and enact has a real (negative) impact on the future of MI ss #MEMSPAchat
A1. Fear the massive drop in education programs will have a massive and long lasting affect. New Ts can't/don't want to handle the stress for the low starting pay. Along with the negative public image about Ts & education. #MEMSPAchat
Contacting your legistlators is a start. They need to know what we are seeing on the front line and that what they say and do and enact has a real (negative) impact on the future of MI ss #MEMSPAchat
Agreed, but they also need to listen. Too often when you talk to your elected officials they want to convince you of THEIR views. They need to be responsive to ours #MEMSPAchat
A2:It is so difficult...and like young teachers you have no idea what you are walking into...Truly walking into. It stresses personal life, marriages, family...But it is so worth it!
Q2. I think we need to do the same for principals that we should be doing for teachers...hire good people and then get out of their way. Let them do their thing. They will rock it if you give them that freedom. #MEMSPAchat
Q2. I think we need to do the same for principals that we should be doing for teachers...hire good people and then get out of their way. Let them do their thing. They will rock it if you give them that freedom. #MEMSPAchat
#memspachat A1. Not only are the beginning years incredibly demanding, many new districts have frozen salaries. College grads can make more $$, for less work in other professions.
A2: Over worked, underpaid, under appreciated, other opportunity making similar/more money by with less responsibility or demanding work... #MEMSPAchat
A1: Incentives have been taken away i.e. retirement, no more buying years, insurance is not as attractive. Used to make pay not as meaningful, but now important #MEMSPAchat
A2 Sooo many hats to wear. Great admiration for Ps in smaller districts where job is so full it's hard to feel success. Work-Life Balance is tough #MEMSPAchat
A2: They are leaving because of the astronomical amount pressure that is being put upon them from the State and the stakeholders and not receiving the necessary support. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Principals want to help ts and ss learn, why they get into the position. Now, we are being asked to do so many things that take away from the fundamental purpose of our position. Lonely and difficult job #MEMSPAchat
A2: Principals leave because of stress, complexities of the job, and lack of efficacy that their work can make a difference. Joining @MEMSPA can combat all of this! #memspachat
A2: I’m pretty biased in my answer, but there is political dunking going on at all levels across the nation and when support becomes a competition, school leaders often feel pressure from the top down and bottom up. #memspachat
A2: I️ think a lot of principals become disconnected with the vision of the board and/or the administration. It’s not what they got into the profession for and find their philosophies out of alignment #MEMSPAchat
A2: Lack of gratitude and authentic appreciation for the work. We have to speak about our profession in a positive light, support each other, and work efficiently.
#MEMSPAchat
A2) also, as admin, start to mentor and support our teacher leaders as they consider "next steps" @HarvestLearning was instrumental in my leap from the classroom to admin #MEMSPAChat
A2: We are also forces at times to fight against programs and initiatives we know will fail because they are top down...It's draining to constantly fight #memspachat
It is amazing that in a position surrounded by people all day, everyday that this job can be painfully lonely. That is one reason this #MEMSPAchat is so important!
Q2. I think we need to do the same for principals that we should be doing for teachers...hire good people and then get out of their way. Let them do their thing. They will rock it if you give them that freedom. #MEMSPAchat
A3: Great mentor teachers. Job emnedded PD, model lessons, opportunity to collaborate. Understanding principals who challenge and support. As @debbiemcfalone says a warm demander
A3: Ts need a solid mentoring program, time to collaborate with their grade level, opportunities to observe good teaching, and a clear district, curriculum path. #MEMSPAChat
It’s important to provide emotional support. This work is rigorous and forever changing. Ts need to know they have a safe place to be vulnerable, open, and honest. My office 🚪 is always open #MEMSPAchat
Q3. Teachers need a safe place to fail. They need to be connected with others who will push their learning and aid in their growth. They need to feel supported and reminded to find balance outside of work. Again, this is for principals too. :) #MEMSPAchat
A3 Voice & choice. Freedom to fail forward. Differentiated professional learning and coaching. Opportunities to collaborate & examine practice. #MEMSPAchat
A2. The feeling of like no matter how much time and effort you put in, it will never be enough. There is ALWAYS something/someone else who wants or needs more time and effort. #MEMSPAchat
A3: Teachers need to know that they are identity-in-the-making each day...they can mess up...practice...and shatter teacher myths of what perfection is. @aaron_hogan says it best! #memspachat
A3: Administrators that are up to date with educational trends and embrace educational technology that enhances Ss learning. So many Admins re not up to date and cannot be there to support them or allow them to take risks. #MEMSPAchat@sigad_macul
A3: Teachers need to be encouraged to try new things and supported through their successes and failures. They need to be valued as professionals. #MEMSPAchat
A3: They need to feel valued, appreciated, and respected. T’s need to own the shared vision of the school. They need ownership and choice in their PD. T’s need time to plan, reflect, and learn from their colleagues #MEMSPAchat
There is a principal in my district who is using Get Out of Fail Free cards. I love this idea to tangibly remind staff that they can..and will fail...and that it is OKAY. #MEMSPAchat
A3 constant coaching, relevant PD, a network of collaborative people, leaders that push the envelope, a mindset that moves with the cheese 🧀 #MEMSPAchat
A3: A clear and implementable curriculum, knowledge and practice of teaching strategies, opportunities to collaborate-data dives, problem solve, provide resources-$, time, opportunities to observe each other, let them teach! #memspachat . #loving280characters!
A3: Ts need to feel they are making progress, having an impact and that what they do is worth more than the sum of the test scores they produce. #memspachat
A3: Ts need to feel safe and supported; celebrated for their successes and valued for the contribution they make daily to the future of our ss #memspachat
Yes. They are holding our most precious thing...seriously, my kid's teachers see her more than I do most days. They deserve the world for loving my babies and helping me raise them. They deserve it all....safety, respect, comfort, balance, joy, money, etc.... #MEMSPAchat
A3: Agency, appreciation, growth mindset, collaboration are also critically important for principals.
Worry that principals don't receive the supports they need to be successful as instructional leaders.
#MEMSPAchat
A3. Trust and opportunity to work and learn together. An understanding that they are doing the best they can. Trying our best to overwhelm them with too much to fast. #MEMSPAchat
A4 Principal must never become the sole source of "leadership", success comes in sharing the work and amplifying the shared success of the team #MEMSPAchat
A3 Teachers need to be reassured they have the support of Ps to approach lessons in their creative ways as long as the standard is taught with fidelity. #MEMSPAchat
A4: Following through and supporting the entire staff. Also, it's reciprocal... A supporting staff and enable a principal to succeed! Full circle. Must build that capacity! #MEMSPAchat
A4: Principal who is responsive to Ss, Ts, Parents. Develops relationships with them. Removes barriers for their Ts. Supports, supports, supports! #MEMSPAchat
Q2 An Australian survey of Prin’s showed stress, workload, bullying, violence, etc as being well above most other occupations. It’s a tough job! #MEMSPAchathttps://t.co/FnJEmsgD0d
Side note...anyone else feel like they are able to say SO MUCH MORE with the new Twitter limits??!! These new limits are AWESOME for Twitter chats! #MEMSPAchat
A4: a teaching staff in the work for the right reasons. Parents who believe in and are supportive of the school. Administration that clearly defines expectations and provides support. Oh, and those amazing smiling faces we see each day!!!#MEMSPAchat
A4: Growth mindset, being reflective, district support, collaborative people around them, sense of humor, compassion, a mentor to turn to, and a drive to make school a safe place for ALL Ss. #MEMSPAchat
A4: We need support, encouragement, and coaching/feedback from those who lead us. We need trust, valued success, and patience. We need leaders who will do whatever it takes for us!
#MEMSPAchat
A4: A sounding board for struggles and successes. Someone to bounce ideas off of and engage in professional dialogue. Someone who challenges you #memspachat
A4. Great coworkers and team members to help and support. The ability to roll with things, passion for the kids and purpose, ability to work with team. #MEMSPAchat
A5: First I️ think you are just much more confident and effective in the work. Sometimes there is no substitute for experience. Also, after a couple years you know if the work is or isn’t for you #MEMSPAchat
A5: #MEMSPAchat I think it does get better...I found the more experience I gained the more I relied on others to lead...I learned to delegate and have more FUN at school
A5: I’m in year twelve and due to layoffs and job changes I’ve only been in 1 position past 3 years. I’m in year 1 for the 5th time. I’ll get back to you in 3 years. #memspachat
A5: But also hard to maintain momentum. Have to be careful not to become too comfortable. Find new energy everyday to keep it interesting and forward thinking to meet needs of Ts, Ss, and staff. #MEMSPAchat
A5: The first few years are filled with learning pains. If there is a true growth mindset they will learn as they grow and increase in ability and confidence #MEMSPAchat
A5: the first 3 years are hard, but success in this job only happens when you continue to challenge yourself and find innovative ways to overcome new obstacles #MEMSPAchat
A5: Agree with the 3 yr point, but also believe principals need continuous collaboration, networking & prof. learning. I'm blessed to work w/ highly reflective principals who continually advocate for students. Great dialogue at our meetings. #MEMSPAchat
A5: I think after 3 years you know what questions to ask, where to place your efforts, and you should have a good relationship with your Ss, Ts, and community. Confidence is a mighty thing. #MEMSPAChat
A5: I agree because they have developed a strong PLN and have the supports around them to survive. Being a part of MEMSPA is a start to developing a strong PLN. #MEMSPAchat
A5: The first few years are filled with learning pains. If there is a true growth mindset they will learn as they grow and increase in ability and confidence #MEMSPAchat
A5: What are we doing to support/mentor them and to provide professional learning from the start? Most likely if they made it to year three, they had a mentor or built a PLN through their local ISD or MEMSPA! #memspachat
A5. Year one-ignorance is bliss, Year two-start to put things in motion, year three-you know your Ts, Ss, parents, expectations. if you can survive all of that, things start to fall in place. Every year has its challenges, but knowing your team makes it better. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Year 3 is simply a spot to "settle in." Continued success only occurs when we can maintain focus, hold true to our beliefs, sustain a growth mindset, and continue to support our team. Constantly connect to your WHY and PASSION.
#MEMSPAchat
A5) what supports do we, as admin district, county, and state teams need to put in place to care for our new admins? I remember how awesome @chieflearner06 was supporting me at my 1st memspa conference!! More of that! #MEMSPAChat
A5) what supports do we, as admin district, county, and state teams need to put in place to care for our new admins? I remember how awesome @chieflearner06 was supporting me at my 1st memspa conference!! More of that! #MEMSPAChat
A5: The first few years are filled with learning pains. If there is a true growth mindset they will learn as they grow and increase in ability and confidence #MEMSPAchat
A5: I’m in year twelve and due to layoffs and job changes I’ve only been in 1 position past 3 years. I’m in year 1 for the 5th time. I’ll get back to you in 3 years. #memspachat
Back to A4: realizing that you have to keep it all in the right perspective. Like when this guy says “Dad will you read me a book?” Night #memspachat , little man calls
A6. Mentoring is a great and proven support. I'm lucky to be in a great district full of people who I can always call on to help with a question, issue, vent, or celebrate. #MEMSPAchat
Q6: So important, but we need to do a better job of preparing both Ts & Admin to be mentors. We need training to be great mentors. Next on my bucket list. :) #MEMSPAchat
A6 Being the lone admin in a building can feel very isolating at times. Mentorship and support for one another is essential. Grateful for my admin colleagues...
#memspachat
A6 Mentors should be both within the organization and external. Sometimes internal mentors can cloud the mindset with cultural challenges. Find an outside support as well. All about perspective. #sisdchat#memspachat
A6: As a @naesp Mentor and trainer, we have to remember that mentoring is not only a critical component of principal success but is a skill that learned with intention and purpose, not years of service in the role. #memspachat
A5: Learning about new staff, procedures/systems, culture, & expectations takes time...and patience. We all need to extend grace to one another during this process. #memspachat
A6: Mentoring allows for both parties to reflect, learn, and support...if you're open to it. Mentoring can "humanize" the work / job and put things into perspective.
#MEMSPAchat
A6: Mentoring is the truest form of support. Learning from someone who has walked in your shoes and has learned along the way is critical if we want to retain new admin and Ts #memspachat
A6: Mentoring is so important. We need to train our Ts and admin to be mentors. It doesn't just happen. The first step is admitting you need one! #MEMSPAchat
There is no doubt about that...MEMSPA has always been my safe place. Knowing who to ask by building a strong network has been critical for my successes and failures #memspachat
A6: Of course, having a mentor is essential, BUT you could join Cohort 9 of Leadership Matters and build your own network of learners AND get monthly coaching and have mentors for a lifetime! Just sayin. . . #memspachat
A7: Sometimes true. It’s not all the same skills and some aren’t transferrable. The blend of working with students, staff, parents, and administration at the principal level requires some skills different than teaching, but some the same as well #MEMSPAchat
A6: Of course, having a mentor is essential, BUT you could join Cohort 9 of Leadership Matters and build your own network of learners AND get monthly coaching and have mentors for a lifetime! Just sayin. . . #memspachat
Swegles, remember you are in sales! You motivate and influence people! BTW, you would be good at selling insurance too! You are a natural brother! #memspachat
In reply to
@JWSwegles, @debbiemcfalone, @paquette_deb, @jmessenger34, @suptfreeman, @powellju3
A7: #memspachat Each case is an individual as a student or a teacher. Great teachers may not have the courage to be a great leader. It is a different skill set. You just don't know until you get those 3 years in :)
A7: sometimes true...said last week, follow your purpose and bring your passion. Not everyone’s purpose is to lead out front, but can still do so within the ranks. #memspachat
A7: Sometimes true...great athletes do not always make great coaches. However, great teachers will never lose that teacher hat...this will allow greater success opportunities as an educational leader. Skillset.
#MEMSPAchat
A7. Sometimes true. i have learned teaching and being an effective principal requires many different skills. many overlap, but the amount of use some get over others has changed. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Sometimes. True leaders will delegate and not make it about themselves. They are strong, precise, and are comfortable leading by example yet admitting their faults. #MEMSPAchat
A7: Tough one. Sometimes true - being a great teacher does not always correlate to a great leader. There is a different skill set when one is leading a building of students, adults, and families. #MEMSPAchat
A7 Sometimes true. Great teachers are the epitome of what teaching and learning looks like where as great leaders (principals) is more management & delegation, #MEMSPAchat
A7: Sometimes true... not all great teachers are vulnerable and I believe as a great leader you must be vulnerable to those you serve. You must have the ability to step aside and let others lead and not all great teachers can do that. #MEMSPAchat
A7: I am reminded of my favorite Tom Izzo quote: "A good player is a good player." A great player makes others great!" Read: "A good teacher is a good teacher. A great teacher makes others great! "A good leader is a good leader! A great leader makes others great!"#memspachat
A7: I am reminded of my favorite Tom Izzo quote: "A good player is a good player." A great player makes others great!" Read: "A good teacher is a good teacher. A great teacher makes others great! "A good leader is a good leader! A great leader makes others great!"#memspachat
A8: Look at education funding and make it appropriate. Give back to the profession and you'll see morale up, more entering the profession, higher quality candidates, and higher outcomes. #MEMSPAchat
A8: #MEMSPAchat Come visit our schools. See the passion, the love of students, the effort put into your children and my children. Come see...join us in making the world a better place!
A8. Stop attacking teachers! help restore the public trust in teachers and public schools. Funding that meets the demands they place on us. Help build better teacher prep programs to draw interest back into a noble profession. #MEMSPAchat
A8 We all strive for greatness. Stop browbeating and start praising the greatness in our schools. When people feel their efforts are appreciated and recognized additional greatness will follow! #memspachat
A8: Honor profession as the professionals that we are. The majority of Ts and all administrators have Master Degrees or better. We are continuous learners and we do this in the best interest of the children we serve. Walk in our shoes and then judge. #MEMSPAchat
A8: Students are giving and growing as learners and people. Teachers inspire, challenge, and educate regardless of present level. Leaders support, navigate, and fight for students and teachers. We need legislators genuinely support, value, and encourage all 3!
#MEMSPAchat
