#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
A1 In Aust its all about winding down. We are looking down the barrel of our long school holidays. But seriously, end of year presentation days etc #whatisschool
A1: With me still being a student, Definitely the impending break is on my mind. However, I still really want to succeed and get through. #whatisschool
A1) We have a school wide prayer service every day during Advent. Today we celebrated St. Nicholas Day. We are also doing service projects. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm Lots of personal logistics to remember, too.
A1: Matt from Perth (in late). Today’s our last day. Just some tidying up to do. A little marking over the next few days and then a mighty big rest…#whatisschool
A1: I am preparing for finals as I am still a student, but I am looking forward to going home to all the Christmas festivities. As a teacher at this time, I would probably be preparing for the end of the semester. #whatisschool
A1: A push to get more observations done on newer or struggling teachers; planning for hosting family for Christmas; arranging for my anniversary; and buying/wrapping presents. #whatisschool
A1 I’m preparing for the time immediately after the break so that I hit the ground running in January. Ts and Ss are too busy now for classroom visits and PD. #whatisschool
A1) for me next two weeks is full of baking and making, birthday cake for my daughter , making Christmas cookies and cards. Professionally, this first year into teaching for me has been an exploratory phase finding out where I fit in, what I really enjoy working on #whatisschool
It’s going to be a strong finish. Reflect on the year with my Design staff this morning. Celebrate our successes. Have some lunch together and let the team rest and refresh. #whatisschool
A2) I'm struggling to get enough sleep. It's hard to set aside work. I know I need to. Some days I'm better at it than others. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A2) My “cyber room” is my safe haven, it helps me to forget about those personal problems, working w/students, learning w/them brings me so much #joy, something to look forward to #whatisschool
Our Advent prayer service today was about accepting the changes to our schedule. December is one special event after another. Hard to stay on target. Hope exams go great for you! #whatisschool
A2: When we are juggling too many pies or our minds are everywhere, pies get dropped. Things go awry. I want to do less, but better. Imagine that! #whatisschool
A1.For me the next two weeks are all about Christmas.We have music rehearsals daily.I love music and spend much time passing it on to my pupils.Musuc and nativity plays are the curriculum #whatisschool
A2: Creating, believing in and sticking to a schedule mames it possible to continue realizing success. Keep moving at work, communicate with family, and disconnect to be present when the break comes. #whatisschool
I really enjoyed this first year working at a relief capacity, worked with various grade level, various specialisation/classroom level. I do now have narrowed down the area I would love to work on #whatisschool . Hopefully will be ready for opportunities next year #whatisschool
If you ask my students they would be saying "You have us doing so much." ... we have stuff to get done, but we have time for a field trip ... breaks everything up. #whatisschool
I remember my first Christmas on Twitter being envious of my Australian friends who had such a long rest after Christmas:) #whatisschool I had a pen pal from Perth when I was in HS.
A2 It’s about balance for me. As school gets busier with professional, social & emotional demands I get picky about what I take on. Sanity instead of overload #whatisschool
Katie, are you at the same Grove City College as @ClaireDiMuccio1? If you are you're both down the road from my alma mater Westminster. Great to meet you. #whatisschool
I would never throw poo where others can see, but I am not against letting my feelings be known via text message to my Admin. Some things need to be handled in private. #whatisschool
A3) Tough one... my Ss, my own children definitely, and my moments of solitude, out in nature, being observant, being present... that’s where my mind begins to wonder & grow, making connections #whatisschool
A3 In school, we have a mentoring program. Ts have their personal mentors who they can talk to. I also get support from my fellow Ts inside the faculty room. #SupportSystem is very important. #whatisschool CHOCK ENCABO here from the Philippines.
That actually sounds like an awesome idea. At one school I was at, we did that but took mid term break of 2 extra days each term. Was a fantastic set up. #whatisschool
A3: My family, my routine, and most recently my MM group w/@alienearbud. I also focus on perspective and gratitude by watching and emphasizing with those around me who work harder and have less. Then I soldier on...#whatisschool
That spark when you discover something new, something you all wonder about. Happened to me today. Love that we're in sync. Great to see you! Go @Phillies! #whatisschool
It works well! They encourage me in my faith, and help me through. My professors also inspire me because they are so passionate about what they do. #whatisschool
Mostly done through reflection of class structure and dynamics and needs. Its important to tailor to the students needs and not just using a one size fits all approach #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @shawnmphess, @ClareyKatie, @DennisDill
A3: Definitely my family, friends, and prayer keep me going at times like this. Sometimes Christmas is joyous and for others it can be a sad and difficult time. #whatisschool
I love that you both joined us tonight. I learned about the value of Twitter 16 years after I started teaching. You're starting out with this resource:) #whatisschool
A3) for me I derive my strength from refelecting on my work and growth over the last decade. From a Stay at home mom after a break of 10 years with uncertain future to finding my passions, finding my why, reaching where I am now, I see a very optimistic future #whatisschool
A4: You need to make some tough decisions. Focus on what is really important to you personally & professionally. The rest will sort itself out. #whatisschool
A4: I think if you keep your head on straight and focus on the important things, you can accomplish anything you want to before the holiday craziness. #whatisschool
A4: Know what is really important to you and act on it by saying no. When interests compete...schedule the most important first so when there isn't room...there isn't room. #whatisschool
Would love to continue but need to prep I'll catch up next time. Thanks Ellen @deem_ellen and Mark @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool have a great evening everyone
A4 Do what is most important first ... not everything you have to do has to be done at the same time. ... and be ok with letting something go. #whatisschool
My school iPad is temporarily out of commission. I've been surprised at how I'm not missing it. I'm reading real books more in the last two days:) #whatisschool
Thanks everyone. First time to join and i am so happy to learn from all of you. Class time on this side of the world so I have to go now and be a rockstar in my classroom. #whatisschool
As a pre service teacher, reflecting on my pracs this year has certainly helped my growth and development as a future teacher and through feedback identify areas of growth before my next practicum #whatisschool#pstchat
A5: Understand how emotion affects what we do. Help one another to see the end in sight. Its tough for staff, students and exec. Go easy on one another. #whatisschool
A5) I need to get better sleep and make sure my voice is heard on Twitter more often. We need to keep encouraging each other. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@mrkempnz
A5: Although I am not a teacher yet, I think that as teachers we need to keep on talking about the kids and what they need from us, so that we remember what we are really doing it for. #whatisschool
A5: Realize everyone is in it together, step back, and support for anything needed. A 5 minute break, 5 minutes extra on lunch, time to breathe and refocus...be there for each other. #whatisschool
A5: I think it is really important for teachers to have strong relationships with one another. Teachers can remind each other that we are here for the students, and that no one is alone. #whatisschool
A5: It is always amazing to me how a simply friendly comment can make all the difference. Compliment a colleague. Say something nice to someone for no reason at all. Give someone an apple for no reason at all. Just be nice. #whatisschool
A5) ‘Tis the season of giving, give of yourself, your time, your talents, share resources, support, encourage, a simple “let join classes for this lesson” is a great opportunity to learn from one another #whatisschool
I am a senior in college about to graduate this spring to be a Special Education teacher. I have been following your questions and answers and I have found them very beneficial! Thanks so much! @profgbradley#whatisschool
Things that has helped me over the last decade - passionate learning, enjoying the process without worrying about or having expectations of outcome, hardwork, perseverance, intrinsic motivation,determination, empathy , looking beyond ourselves, thinking about others #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @aesportsstar, @DennisDill, @kathyiwanicki, @laurie_azzi, @DrCSJones
Things that has helped me over the last decade - passionate learning, enjoying the process without worrying about or having expectations of outcome, hardwork, perseverance, intrinsic motivation,determination, empathy , looking beyond ourselves, thinking about others #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @aesportsstar, @DennisDill, @kathyiwanicki, @laurie_azzi, @DrCSJones
Right back at you my friend. I'm truly touched by your kind words. I love that we're teaching the young ones together. Helps to know you get it. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ChrisQuinn64, @superchockster, @ShiftParadigm
A6a: Make a concerted effort to celebrate our successes publicly. Today. I’ve just completed 10 years of teaching. That’s a lot of different people walking through my classroom. Looking forward to more! #whatisschool
A6b: One of my staff has just completed her first year of teaching. She is a gun. Has been amazing. One of the best new teachers I know. Has taught me so much!! #whatisschool
Thanks @ShiftParadigm and @deem_ellen for #whatisschool You guys have taught me much and helped me to focus on the big stuff. Catch you all soon! Rest up. Stay safe.
Helping me over the past decade is seeing the tangible results of my decisions to focus on family (changed jobs), purpose, perseverence, growth, + character. Deciding what will make me a better person w/a positive legacy, taking action, + sticking to it. #whatisschool
As this #whatisschool chat comes to a close, please join me in giving a SPECIAL SHOUTOUT THANKS to the best co-moderator in the twitterverse -> Ellen @deem_ellen
As this #whatisschool chat comes to a close, please join me in giving a SPECIAL SHOUTOUT THANKS to the best co-moderator in the twitterverse -> Ellen @deem_ellen
Please give @ShiftParadigm a shout out for helping us overcome obstacles daily. His light helps all of us grow. #whatisschool We have a great coach:) @mrkempnz
Thanks #whatisschool for reminding me that I'm not alone in my calling, and that I have more support than I can count. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year to you all:) @ShiftParadigm@mrkempnz
