#Ntchat Archive
New Teacher Chat was created to provide weekly mentoring and focus on the needs of new, new to the profession and pre-service teachers. The chat is supportive and practitioner focused.
Wednesday December 16, 2015
puts you in an new & creative world with amazing people all focused on kids and innovation. https://t.co/m5wSGQsJr5
The feeling is mutual. Thanks for making my experience awesome!
Howard from Bay Area here. Full Inclusion private campus. Science and tech.
We’re a small, but mighty chat...dedicated to being practitioner focused and supportive to new teachers! https://t.co/YdjDV3utqy
Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are and where you’re from! Thanks
Anthony from MashUp Math here. I am a 2nd year flipped math teacher from Denver, CO.
Lisa Dabbs Founder from So Cal. Consultant, blogger, speaker, author, former principal. My message-
Clint, HS English educator from Bettendorf, IA checking in to .
Gretchen!! Like your media post image you post!
New Twitter chatters: format is Q1: “question here”. You replay with A1: "your response". Don't forget to include :)
Question 1 will be up on deck in 3,2,1
Q1: Which part(s) of a teacher’s responsibilities do you think are most demanding/time consuming? https://t.co/qv4XoNWilh
A1: Planning/prepping and grading for sure!
A1: Grading can be very time consuming. Tho, think new Ts spend most time planning. Paperwork is killer too https://t.co/e7a9yaL0ZD
Q1: Which part(s) of a teacher’s responsibilities do you think are most demanding/time consuming? https://t.co/qv4XoNWilh
I work with pre-service teachers on campus and in the field, preparing them for the profession 😊 thanks for hosting this chat!
Absolutely! Such a huge commitment!
A1: Being teacher, counselor, nurse all at the same time ~ Also catching up on grading and planning.. esp. for this time of year!
A1: The constant demand of student needs is a killer. They all need you. All the time.
Hi everyone, I'm Temani. 8th grade ELA - Atlanta, GA.
Welcome! Been leading this since May 2010!
Yes...it is truly unlike any other profession in that regard.
A1: Also, for NTs, I think it's exhausting figuring out what's really a priority and what isn't. Trying to balance.
True! Student neediness can be draining.
So true! https://t.co/heM6LPo3dl
A1: Being teacher, counselor, nurse all at the same time ~ Also catching up on grading and planning.. esp. for this time of year!
A1: findings effective resources that work for each individual, their learners and their district goals
Yes...this is what support for them is so vital. https://t.co/iTiHZmpU7E
A1: Also, for NTs, I think it's exhausting figuring out what's really a priority and what isn't. Trying to balance.
A1: Building positive relations with the home. Boundaries w/ work & family is close 2nd. https://t.co/wwMMhhX8Us
Q1: Which part(s) of a teacher’s responsibilities do you think are most demanding/time consuming? https://t.co/qv4XoNWilh
Yes!! I so agree with this! This is hard for veteran teachers, too! https://t.co/r8l1G4ZauF
A1: Also, for NTs, I think it's exhausting figuring out what's really a priority and what isn't. Trying to balance.
Very true! Especially if curriculum is a bulging file cabinet! https://t.co/Vs8jhqqFQ5
A1: Also, for NTs, I think it's exhausting figuring out what's really a priority and what isn't. Trying to balance.
A1: NTs also spend a lot of time being frustrated...they expect to be as good as seasoned Ts right away. It's tiring.
A1: Definitely grading. So time-consuming. Over the years, I've learned to narrow my focus to help maintain my sanity. Lol
A1: I would add that working with parents can be a HUGE stessor for a new T!
A1: paperwork! I was hired to teach not to be a clerical worker. We must think about necessity and impact
Planning takes long time for New Ts. You have to think EVERYTHING through--& by everything I mean everything-It's all new!
Valid point here! https://t.co/xKrI5PPRVu
A1: NTs also spend a lot of time being frustrated...they expect to be as good as seasoned Ts right away. It's tiring.
Absolutely! Especially if you have a mentor trying to "mold you in their image" https://t.co/7zVbnUScHE
A1: findings effective resources that work for each individual, their learners and their district goals
Such good responses for Q1! Lets see how we find solutions...
Let's skip to =>Q3: What are strategies new teachers can adopt in/out of the classroom to reduce fatigue? https://t.co/noWQUVu0Ze
A3: Set boundaries! They may need to be flexible, but you have to start somewhere to find balance. https://t.co/8FVamJigEq
Let's skip to =>Q3: What are strategies new teachers can adopt in/out of the classroom to reduce fatigue? https://t.co/noWQUVu0Ze
A3: The biggest advice is ask for help. Many districts have great support, but you gotta be willing to ask for it.
A2: Time at home to decompress! It's important to remember that sometimes, it's okay to leave school at school for a night!
grading & translating those grades into meaningful Communications of Learning (report cards) for parents and Ss
A3: Time at home to decompress! It's important to remember that sometimes, it's okay to leave school at school for a night!
A3: Plan time for rest and not thinking about anything school related.
A3+: Find support in like minded Ts and those you trust to challenge you in a loving manner. and in-house peeps.
A3: Also, find 1 or 2 Ts who are great at their job and have good attitudes. Good breeds good. Hang out w/ppl you want to be like.
I love that you shared that!
A3: 1. Employ good question/collaboration strategies. Get kids working in groups on meaty questions.
A3: I would recommend meditation, 4-7-8 breathing, yoga (if you like it) and walking! These can be done at school & home. :)
A3: Coffee. Just kidding! Find balance. Sounds easy right? Place nonnegotiable limits on your work life and STICK TO THEM.
A3: I also always advise our NTs to focus on 1 thing at a time. Can't master it all at once.
A2: High stress points- lack of time to get what is required done
Exactly! https://t.co/Z127YJGeNM
A3: Coffee. Just kidding! Find balance. Sounds easy right? Place nonnegotiable limits on your work life and STICK TO THEM.
A3: 2. Don't overassign. Assign no more than u can reasonably grade. E.g. stay away from assigning large essays. They teach little.
2 new Ts at my school stay late and plan together--have laughs, pizza, bounce ideas off each other.
Join tomorrow night 9pm EST. TEACHER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015. of Ss brainstorming a poem. Pls RT! https://t.co/oLKFaU8XNx
A3: Timers work wonders for NTs...I will "organize" for 15 minutes. Then I WILL move on to grades...then 20 min later to planning
I'm down with the pizza aspect of it!
A3: visit other classrooms and ask what works. It may translate for you. And engage your Ss as your mentors with new tools!
Q3: Allow yourself a break from educ- a second to a min to an hour etc. Disconnect so you can fill up your reserves and be your best
And that's the value of collab., pizza, and a good laugh to relieve stress! Good Ts in convo can be great!! https://t.co/DxnYl11Qmr
2 new Ts at my school stay late and plan together--have laughs, pizza, bounce ideas off each other.
A3: Collaborating & asking questions can save NTs a whole heck of a lot of time/stress. In my 1st year, I struggled to ask for help.
Love it! That is a relationship that will have so many wonderful returns! Personally and professionally. https://t.co/r5a4T6NmzH
Yes! Asking for help...I share that all the time. :)
A3: build competency in something before taking on a bunch of new initiatives or gadgets or apps. It can be overwhelming
Thought I was the only one who felt this way about essay assignments. It's the process that's important. https://t.co/BW5mToZTcp
A3: 2. Don't overassign. Assign no more than u can reasonably grade. E.g. stay away from assigning large essays. They teach little.
Very true, I used to be afraid to ask too many Qs bc I didn't want to look like I didn't know what I was doing.
Easier said then done for some of us!
A3: be a critical thinker. With so many new things, you need to understand purpose, use and benefit before taking on a new whatever
The shorter the essay, the better feedback u can provide.
Yes...hold back on all the tech. Be discerning...take it easy. :)
definitely agree with this.
A7 Twitter is an unbelievable resource for connecting with other educators. Check out who’s active on
Awesome support, all! Let's try another Q!
A3: Don't shy away from multiple choice (just don't overly rely on it). MC is quick, efficient way to garner feedback.
Preach!!! NTs get so overloaded w/ tech demands that they lose out on the fundamentals of working with Ss
Side Note: 2nd grdr was stinker at school today. Only TV is what dad picks. Chose DragonTales. He's actually into it
I see the abundance of newness being a huge stressor for new teachers. Finding a passion & area of interest is vital
Or have a specific lens u use when looking at a longer essay-transitions, evidence, full circle intro/outro https://t.co/aD1IbGKYSw
The shorter the essay, the better feedback u can provide.
And if you have it, embrace Google Forms ~ The Flubaroo add-on grades multiple choice for you! https://t.co/V55X79Vsm4
A3: Don't shy away from multiple choice (just don't overly rely on it). MC is quick, efficient way to garner feedback.
A4: Balance comes with making time for balance. schedule sacred personal time and hold yourself to it
I SO agree with you! Must seek your passion in the midst of the journey.
A4: In my 2nd year of teaching, I made a rule to never bring work home. I stay late 2-3 times per week, but I never work at home.
Great point! https://t.co/k9AkN6euuc
A4: Balance comes with making time for balance. schedule sacred personal time and hold yourself to it
A4: There's some value in blending both; have personal time, yes, but bring yourself and your other passions into the classroom!
A4: Balance comes from planning. If you don't plan your time, everything then becomes important & spontaneous, which can end badly.
A4: It gets better but school will own you for a while. It's ok. Embrace it, and push through. You'll make it,
A4: Set clear boundaries on time, use time at school effectively, work out a manageable schedule, learn 2 say no!
I really think this is important. Develop this at the begging and stick to it.
I see that w/ new Ts. If I talk w/them f2f, just stop by and check-in, they'll ask Qs, otherwise no. I gotta BE there
I want to be like you when I grow up. I'm in my fourth year and I still work at home. 😔
So far so good for me this year (excluding parent phone calls)
Haha, when I finally leave the building my car is usually the last one in the lot
A4: (con't) Ex: I work Marvel Superheroes into anything I can! Brings joy to stressful times! https://t.co/anX8FHGfl8
A4: There's some value in blending both; have personal time, yes, but bring yourself and your other passions into the classroom!
I didn't have that during my 1st yr--wd've been nice! I think I was only new T in bldg.
A4: Be sure to keep up with friends, family and hobbies. Don't cast them aside. Let them enhance your work. :)
kudos to you! It's amazing how much Ts crave admin & peer acknowledgement/support
What helped me was using inquiry- based learning with real- time grading. My lessons engaged more & I took home less.
I try to focus on ideas during brainstorming & grammar specifics during drafting. Can still feel overwhelming.
are you in . Great conversation. Check out the archives if not. Just lurked in and wish I could have been there.
I remember that aha, Brandy! Engagement, relevance, purpose...stu-centered learning is what it's all about. https://t.co/xPeEDYX0aY
What helped me was using inquiry- based learning with real- time grading. My lessons engaged more & I took home less.
Awesome chat everyone! So many good ideas and insights! I followed as many as I could :)
GRADING! Some Ts graded everything, some not as much. Principal said...1 academic/week was ok. Helped me.
The in-class flip has changed my existence. Still work @ home, but not as much. I save in areas like copying too.
A5: GROWTH. MINDSET! Huge for our school this year; embrace imperfections & learn, not stress, from them! Value in the struggle!
Checking out of . Great to hear everyone's thoughts. Don't forget to follow a new friend and grow that PLN. Happy holidays!
I allowed my students to choose their graded assignments. This built purpose and motivation for them.
A5: If u value your purpose, STUDENTS, then you're less likely to hit the wall. Remember who u r there for. https://t.co/nbiDzoM6mo
Well Said! Make mistakes, learn from them, and keep on rolling!
5: Surround yourself with positive, inspired Ts. I had to get out of my building mentally to remain sane and I did it (twitter)
Also, I only assigned, meaningful things for grades. Win- win for everyone!
A5: Have a mindset of success and believe in yourself as an instructor...your abilities and talents!
A5: Stay positive and talk to people who "get it" -- like all of us ;)
Ours is 2. I'm better w/ sticking to 2. Then comes the dreaded "is this a graded activity" question.
A5: What is in our mind, is what comes out of our mouths, and into our actions. What we think is everything!
Journaling can help you get out your frustrations without it affecting others
RT https://t.co/wyatf066OR A5: Have a mindset of success and believe in yourself as an instructor...your abilities and talents! …
A5: Have a mindset of success and believe in yourself as an instructor...your abilities and talents!
One of my fave quotes involves ppl who might poke holes in your boat... Surround yourself with those that help you float!
A5+ Accept that teaching can be difficult. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
Amen! your beliefs create your life experiences. See your self as successful with your students! https://t.co/d2RvAC4W3D
A5: What is in our mind, is what comes out of our mouths, and into our actions. What we think is everything!
LOVE that! https://t.co/NcF9vwxRQ5
A5+ Accept that teaching can be difficult. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
A5 cont: I read books like: The Energy Bus, and Teach Like A Pirate when I felt burn- out coming. Changed my thoughts& actions
A5: If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone. Ts have to renew & approach each day as a NEW day w/ an amazing experience ahead.
What is one healthier habit you will commit to, today, in public!! Let's share!!
A5+ If u feel stress is piling up, do something right away. Go to a mentor, connect with ur , find Ss to compliment & uplift
A5: always try to find and define what makes teaching worth it, and put your emotional energy towards that. Some yrs are harder
A6: Remembering the adage 'water off a duck's back!' ~ Not everything is personal! Think big picture and take deep breaths :)
A healthier habit is walking my dogs on a consistent basis- its a win win for us all :)
Never let your workload force you to skip exercising/going to the gym! 💪
Healthier Habit --> Continue to surround myself with positive, uplifting people. Let the naysayers naysay alone.
Healthy habit: Ask how a colleague is doing - build a supportive environment for those in need
This is how I feel about my weekly Zumba with my partner in crime, https://t.co/Ftbz0pz21p
Never let your workload force you to skip exercising/going to the gym! 💪
A5: I also did community building in the school when I was stressed. This changed my perception, and my environment
If you know a T, team or school in need of mentorship/coaching/PD let's connect!
Love that! Heard it called cornerback mentality; sometimes u get beat but u have to learn from it, move on to next play
Taking off, . Thanks for a great hour of connecting. Big thx to new followers & our host, ! Happy holidays & be awesome
I keep a jar of comments from previous students on my desk. Just reading one sometimes makes my whole day. https://t.co/XktSYW1ZL5
A5: always try to find and define what makes teaching worth it, and put your emotional energy towards that. Some yrs are harder
-- Speak positivity into situations. Drink more water to wash away toxins.
I will be meditating, walking more, eating more vegetarian style and working on a Yoga practice in 2016!
Thanks for the great chat tonight - see you in the New Year!
That's a wrap friends! A HUGE heart felt Thank You to all of you for stopping by tonight!
Wish they would incorporate these kinds of health strategies into PD sessions.
What is your takeaway from the chat? Grab some good ideas that were shared and add them to your teaching bag of tricks!
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here, tonight at New Teacher Chat to continue the convo!
That there is a super community out there for new teachers! Love it. https://t.co/95RuPhmC4w
What is your takeaway from the chat? Grab some good ideas that were shared and add them to your teaching bag of tricks!
Are you on Facebook? Give a LIKE to our New Teacher Chat FB page! https://t.co/8ohJ9DmX Share it with your FB buddies!
Takeaway-- Ask a colleague how they are doing! Thanks
Thanks for a great chat, ! ~ Lots of good advice to share with my mentee. :)
Need a holiday gift? My book Standing in the Gap: Empowering New T's Through Connected...is on Amazon! https://t.co/Ra1mQLapsk
Thank you for being an awesome facilitator. Thank you participants for helping create this experience.
Join us on January 6th for 2016!
Remember is New Teacher chat...1st/3rd Weds eves on your local twitter station :) Connecting New/Pre-service teachers & veterans. :)
BIG shout-out to my Co-mod who is a HUGE support to me!
Takeaway - Go talk to new Ts more frequently. Go visit randomly to say hello and see if help might be needed.
