We can’t be quiet. We can’t be fragile. We have to get uncomfortable. We have to make space for conversations about race.
Dear White Teachers 👇
https://t.co/590I6SqyPG
Dropping in to say hello #txed peeps! Ashley May - Houston, TX Oh how I've missed you all these past few weeks. Happy to be present during the live chat this evening.
A1: We continuously seek to be better than we were the day before, we stretch ourselves to feel what our students feel every day: the joy and challenge of learning something new! #txed
A1: Don’t ask your teachers to go out on a limb unless you are willing to go out there with them! Did a @canvas Discussion book study with them after their training yesterday with @MrsMurrayAg07#txed#bealearnertoo
A1: It means never giving up, laughing in the face of failure, learning from our mistakes, refusing to take no for an answer..all the ways that we find a way to make "it" happen day in & day out. Never being complacent, reading, studying, expoloring, etc. #txed
A1b: My Teacher @AbbyKettler and CITS @MrsMurrayAg07 challenged me to try twitter chats...I was scared..and now LOVE them! Not great at them...but trying hard to keep up! #txed
A1: To me, being a lifelong learner means never settling for where we are. There are always things to learn. I want to get every bit of knowledge I can because...well, because I can. #txed
It means that every day, you are looking for ways of bettering yourself. It's not always about book smarts, but learning to interact with your environment. It's also understanding how you impact the world around you. #txed
A2: The most dangerous thing we can do as educators is continue doing something just because that's how it's always been done. We have to learn, grow, & do better so that our Ss can BE better. #Txed
A2 kids and brains are changing... we have to keep up... I don’t want a surgeon doing a 20 yr old procedure if there is a better way that won’t hurt as bad and has a better outcome! #TXed
A1b: My Teacher @AbbyKettler and CITS @MrsMurrayAg07 challenged me to try twitter chats...I was scared..and now LOVE them! Not great at them...but trying hard to keep up! #txed
A2: A2: In a session today at the SBEC/SBOE round table, one of the keynote speakers shared, we've learned more about brain/learning research in the last three years than we've learned in the last 300 years. It's imperative we keep growing w/ the times. #TXed
A1 A lifelong learner keeps their spark. Is curious. Sees the word as limitless. Has goals. Questions everything. Tests boundaries. Moves forward. Craves growth.#txed
A2: because always doing the same thing the same way is BORING! It's so important to try new things...even if they don't work, it's a learning experience. Plus, you need to keep "growing dendrites!" #txed
A2 Education and life continuously changes. We can’t be still. Our mind needs to stay sharp and we must sharpen our craft to be the best we can be. #txed
A2: times are changing, ads are changing. We need to grow and learn with our Ss to understand them & build relationships It’s never OK to do the same thing over & over becuz if comfort. #txed
A2-Because next year will be totally different than this year. In fact, next month will be different than this month, next week will be different from this week, and tomorrow will be different from today. #TXed
A2: times are changing daily, our students are changing daily.. to expect our students best we need to continue to learn & grow to give them our best as their educator! #TXed
A2: Knowledge is the primary source of value in our world today & the ability to devote to lifelong learning is the key to success as an educator. #txed
A2: times are changing, Ss are changing. We need to grow and learn with our Ss to understand them & build relationships. It’s never OK to do the same thing over & over out of comfort. #txed#txed
A2: if you don't keep learning, you'll get run over. Or you'll just never go anywhere besides where you are. As a leader we have to model continuous improvement for our staff and students. #TXed
A2: In order to function effectively day-to-day amidst a rapidly changing world, we need to learn new things. Period. A lifetime of learning can keep both the body and mind in shape. #FitLit#TxEd
A2: The way the world changes, if you don't try to keep up it will pass you by. Relevance is important in any position. I want to be in the know. #txed
A2: The most dangerous thing we can do as educators is continue doing something just because that's how it's always been done. We have to learn, grow, & do better so that our Ss can BE better. #Txed
A2: Can you imagine if at a certain point we just decided to quit growing as a person and/or educator? Like, that's it, nothing more. Frightening. What if that would have been decided 15 years ago? Look at everything that would be missed now. #TXed
A2: times are changing daily, our students are changing daily.. to expect our students best we need to continue to learn & grow to give them our best as their educator! #TXed
A2b: Society and culture is changing too. Our youth are having such different experiences at different ages than we did and even kids 5-10 years ago. We have different problems, issues, hot topics, technology. I feel it's our responsibility as professionals to keep up. #TXed
Because if you are not, you're becoming obsolete. I tell me staff, I don't participate in chats, read blogs, etc, to lead, I do it to not get left behind. Dinosaurs didn't tweet and look what happened to them. #txed
A2: Growth is key to reaching our students. We can't keep teaching like we are in the 1st Industrial Revolution when it's the 4th. https://t.co/stHf0o6Mqe#txed
A2: A2: In a session today at the SBEC/SBOE round table, one of the keynote speakers shared, we've learned more about brain/learning research in the last three years than we've learned in the last 300 years. It's imperative we keep growing w/ the times. #TXed
A2: I think that when you are an educator it becomes part of the person you are, so one is so much a part of the other. So, since education and kids change so much it's critical to keep learning to keep them engaged.
We never know everything and should always be curious. Growing helps us expand our understandings of the world around us & try to keep up with all of the changes happening ea day. As a T it is important because the needs of the S have changed so we have to keep up! #txed
A2: The way the world changes, if you don't try to keep up it will pass you by. Relevance is important in any position. I want to be in the know. #txed
A3: I like the concept of reading WIDELY! I've enjoyed my new learning on #gamification through #xplap and today just got @PeterMDeWit's newest, Collaborative Leadership to focus on the 6 influences I can improve upon as a leader. #txed
Q2 doing the same thing will not reach all learners, every year we have new obstacles to face and the only way to keep up is to continue to be a life long leaner and always reflect on your practice. #txed
A2- As a person it allows you the ability to keep learning and not become stagnant. As an educator you should strive to be a lifelong learner, so that you can continue to be challenge and challenge those you are blessed to cross paths with etc. #TXed
The ratings are out! And I'm the only candidate in this race be rated favorably by Texans for Public Education over the Republican incumbent and school board challengers!
#txed A3 Reading opens the gateway to greatness. While reading #tlap I thought to myself, "I could've wrote this book." Well, I did write a book! Will be signing the contract later this spring. Hopefully Fall publish date.
A3: I also think it's important to read Kid/YA Lit often and widely! Got this amazing list of children's literature for celebrating Black History month from @BCBooksAuthors#txed
A3 Self proclaimed book nerd 🤓... I read just about anything someone I admire recommends... What Great Principals Do Differently, Art of Coaching, 5 Dsyfunctions of a Team, Crash Course, Fountas/Pinnell Guided Reading, Student Centered Coaching #TXed
A3: if we stay in our comfort zone we will never grow. Be willing to read new things and #failfoward by taking a risk & trying new things. You might find you like something new! #txed
A3: I think you have to choose what you read wisely, and make sure that it is research based. Also there are plenty of great ideas, but unless you put them into practice, then you're just reading for pleasure. #txed
A3: Oh my, I don't have enough time or space to talk about how reading improves my LIFE! Seriously, all areas. Just finished Invisible Influence by @j1berger, reading The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis now, on deck is Student Voice by @mikelubelfeld, @npolyak, @MCUSDSupe#TXed
A3 Reading widely and often keeps our mind sharp and gives us different perspectives that we might not have had before. It can challenge our paradigm! Love #4OCF#TLAP#InnovatorsMindset What Great Teachers Do Differently ...#txed
A3a: When I read professional books, I'm fired up and ready to try new things. I'm constantly running experiments in my head & looking for ways to try to implement what I'm learning on campuses & with students.(cont.) #txed
A3b: When I read for pleasure, I'm inspired. I feel rested, refreshed and ready to take on the world. Both are equally important in finding/maintaining a work/life balance. Favorite all time is still @TheHungerGames#Txed#bookNerd#maytheoddsbeeverinyourfavor
Q3: I love the adventure of reading...another place, another time, characters look how I imagine them...What better way is there to experience the world and all of its beauty without having to go through security? Current fave: The Nightingale #txed
A3 Reading allows us to relax, be inspired, and move forward. Words on the pages make an impact and a difference to others. I love all things from DBC publishing. #txed
A3- Reading enhancing your ability to learn and discover innovative practices that will undovetedly assist with closing achievements gaps, and at times assist with mechanism to support teachers/parents. #TXed
A3 Reading brings me back down, much like running , keeps me focused , makes me smile, clears my head ... as a reader/writer , I can better coach students on how to be readers and writers , and in turn hopefully better influence the amazing teachers I work alongside daily #TXed
A3: The best people in their respective field all have one thing in common: They take time to read.
I'm currently reading: The Best Class You Never Taught by Alexis Wiggins https://t.co/m1Ixxq6KI0#txed
A4 Reading a book is the easy part. Putting the words into play by action and reflection hits the homerun. You have to follow through and cover all the bases. #txed
I agree with you whole-heartedly! You need to find a balance between personal and professional. I have ventured too far to the pro side and lost some of my gumption. I had to come back to relaxation again. #txed
A3Professional books are great but I often times like reading realistic fiction to help me better understand where my students come from, a few favs include, the hate you give, all American boys, serpent king #txed one of my professional favs is growing independent learners
A4: We strive to create a space to share practical knowledge and strategies to create positive change and to advance education. Any guesses to our fav conference! 😉#txed
First time to experience the @AMLE conference this year in Philly with my fellow middle school and jr high admin and academic coaches! @carrieyanta It was amazing! #txed
A4: I feel you learn more by teaching. Every time you share something, you learn something from the conversations and questions in return. Fave Conference- NSTA #txed
A3: Reading helps you see things in a different perspective. It gives you the opportunity to reflect and also put new ideas into action.
I started a new book last week "Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change" #TXed
It’s all about increasing perspectives. We eat, breath and live West Ave. reading about other campuses helps me think of things we can implement to improve. Top books: Fundamental 5; Teach Like a Pirate and Helping Children Succeed. #txed
#txed A4 IMO I would rather TEACH a staff development class and share my knowledge, than sit in one. @LamarCISD InterAct program was my favorite educator "conference". ps... @StaffDevLCISD Mr Toups WILL BE HOME ALL SUMMER! if you need someone to lead a staff Dev class.
A4 growth mindset is a must. @TEPSAtalk was great for what I do. Seeing what others have done well, failed at, and overcome helps me be critical of the process on my own campus #TXed
Q4: Sharing new ideas with others keeps you sharp, and makes you have to be an expert. If you can't learn something well enough, then there is no way to teach it to others. I have my Masters in Ed Tech, so I LOVE the TCEA conference so much fun and tech. #txed
A4: collaboration & sharing knowledge is key in teaching which benefits everyone involved and keeps you learning everyday! PLC was great this past fall, I learned a lot of great information which will help me to continue to learn! #TXed
A4 Teaching science is great for lifelong learners. Science is always making discoveries. It teaches you to question, to guess, to explore. It's perfect for me! #txed#lifelonglearning love #tcea and #cast conferences in Texas!
A4b: “in house” RMS stronger together learning walks are free and a great way to spotlight all the great things going on right at HOME @PollyRyonMS#txed
A4: Helping/teaching others also teaches you. You learn every day you are teaching. My favorite conference was the TCEA Campus Technology Specialist Academy. It gave me a chance to learn with my peers. #txed
A4: I LOVE presenting! I love sharing my knowledge w/others & learning from their perspective. Favorite conference...that's a hard one. I'm such an introvert that ALL conferences = overwhelming. Anytime I can connect w/a small group during the conference is my favorite time #txed
A4: Teaching & sharing is really helping me grow bc I am more reflective AND I get the benefit of bouncing ideas off of someone thus learning MORE! I don't currently have a major fav but I did love #edcampcyfair and am excited for #tcea2018#txed
Refer to A3. If you are just reusing your same ideas you’re going to get the same results. Kinda like if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room kinda thing. You need other’s input to stretch, grow and develop. I love National Title 1 Conference. #txed
A3Professional books are great but I often times like reading realistic fiction to help me better understand where my students come from, a few favs include, the hate you give, all American boys, serpent king #txed one of my professional favs is growing independent learners
A4 : sharing is usually a 2 way street- I share@something , the. You share something and we both win and gain... AIE, TCEA, JIM KNiGHT, TAP, NIET, Edcamps, .... #TXed
A4: When we embrace a student-like mindset & turn self-education into a daily habit, we can hone our current skills and develop new ones while enriching our minds. Teaching keeps your brain young & allows you to continue your own journey as a student & lifelong learner. #TxEd
Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are. Like I’ve said before, “don’t judge me by how many followers I have, judge me by who I follow and learn from.” @LYSNation is at the top of my Edu-hero list. #txed
A4: I don't have all the answers, neither do you. However, we might have answers to each other's questions. In the words of a wise sage, Vanilla Ice: "Stop, Collaborate and listen" #TXed (yeah, it's in your head now too.)
A5 I’ve been able to connect to so many minds just enough differnt than mine to challenge and push me to new things. People who not just listen to your ideas but encourage you to try! Tops are @Maria_Bet_Smith@ChrisLangfordTX@stover913@sb_stagg#TXed
A5 Those around you can inspire, motivate, and encourage your continued learning, or they can be a hazard, detriment, or discouragement! Love my #PLN on #leadupchat#txed#bookcampPD !
A5: I'm currently rdg The Positive Dog by @JonGordon11 w/ my school and it talks about the science of positivity and how it really does affect you and your physical/mental state. My latest #EduHeroes are @meredithakers, @romenendez14 and @jarredamato - their work is ✔️++ #txed
A5: if you aren't surrounded with lifelong learners, it's hard to be motivated to keep learning yourself. When your people push you, they help you keep growing. My team pushes me often! @SampsonLWilson@heathermotzny@cepopovichAP@lyonkarena so do my teachers everyday! . #TXed
#txed A5 You will develop the same traits as those with whom you associate with. Surround yourself with #Positive#Loving educators. My wife @AngelaToups is my rock. She loves her Ss. Cool to be married to someone who shares your passion.
A4: Best way to solidify your own learning is to teach or share it with someone else! Love #EdCamps and excited to head to #TCEA18 to present on Monday with the #txed crew!
A5 So many amazing people who challenge the status quo to do the best for students and the culture of it all. If I can be apart the growth, it’s an honor. #TXed
A5: Those around you should be the ones who push and inspire you. That's what helps you grow. Edu-heros: long list, but I will go with @pinkpatterson@casas_jimmy and @ToddWhitaker . One local inspires me all the time. The others inspire thousands. #txed
A5: Being surrounded by positive educators with the same goals and mindset keeps you collaborating, learning, sharing, and it keeps you striving for more. My favorite Edu-heroes are teachers I see everyday @ #TheMount. We work closely with students' success as our motive. #TxEd
I am an instructional tech, so I train/teach teachers. I still pull from my time in the classroom, though, to remember my place when asking other teachers to do things. Time is so valuable. I look to find best fits for different needs and skillsets. #txed
A6: reading and Pinterest! I also learn so much just from interacting with others and asking questions. All goes back to A1: never loose that curiosity. #txed
A6 by participating in twitter chats at 9pm while my kids fall asleep! I don’t stop at 207 or 3:45. Love my career and find ways to learn. Education just never stops. #txed
Q5) I need a balance. I need to be around people I can support as well as those who can support me. I seek out relationships with people in my life that push me and challenge my thinking. I burnout if I am not being challenged to raise the bar. #txed
Q6: We have a lot of PD built into our Pre-K program, so we're allowed that time to grow professionally. And, I try to find things on my own, so I can get ideas outside of the district to bring back to my school, and kiddos. #txed
A6: Time is a challenge but you make time for what is important to you. I have a goal of reading at least 30 minutes a day and I make the time to participate in a chat related to the book or will include my reflection in my newly minted blog. #txed
A6: It is important to really look at your day. Find the gaps in time and fill it. I have a few minutes while I eat lunch, do I want to fill that with mindless nothing, or find a blog, new research, or a book? The time is there, commitment is the key. #TXed
A6: I turn on Twitter notifications for the chats so I don't miss out on this one and district ones! I LOVE when the chats have their own account so you can use this feature. #TXed
A6: I have to make time & hold myself accountable. I usually set small growth goals for each month that will help me reach my long term goals. I try to keep a passion project going at all times - then I'm constantly growing to try to bring it to fulfillment #txed
A6: I listen to podcasts while I run, follow blogs, and read before bedtime. I grow lot from associating with awesome people like the #txed PLN and looking for opportunities to grow others. We grow by growing others.
#txed A6 Since 1999 my summers have been spent @campcayuga Where I am the photographer taking pictures of the happiest moments of a kid's life. I get quite time every day. Seeing kids play and being part of that, it reminds you why you teach.
A6: reflect and look for opportunities daily to keep growing and improving. With 4 littles at home I often have to take the small steps and do what I can. For big picture, I try and tap into insights of mentors to help see potential and set goals #TXed
A6: Professionally I am pushed to grow by myself first and also by my teenagers, my students, my team, and my administration team. Finding time is not always easy but making time is a must. Balance is a constant task. Reflection is key. #TxEd
When it comes to getting in reading time I have heard it called sneaky reads. Carrying a book with you all the time and taking advantage of those few minutes of down time that present themselves. #txed
Am participating in a Voxer book study on #4OCF that will finish up this week. Am in a Voxer group for #bookcampPD . Will be starting a Voxer book study in Feb. on #DunkTank . #txed
It was a great chat tonight...so great I have to revisit to see what I missed. I hope to see many of you at TCEA this next week. If you see me, please stop and say hello! I love meeting my Twitter friends in person! #txed
You think #txed “fails to meet the need of our children?” Please, enlighten me. I’ve spent 25 years fighting for, defending and improving public education, and the only failure comes from a lack of commitment from #txlege for 5.4 million students.
A6) I have ADD, therefore I lose too much time trying to find time. I found it’s much easier to make it instead. I look for opportunities that accomplish more than one goal and drop balls that I can afford to drop. #txed
Take the time to read or listen to Jane Robbins’ testimony before the House EdWorkforce Committee yesterday, with regard to data collection and privacy of student generated data in the classroom. It’s important for parents to understand. #Txedhttps://t.co/m7TsvGdmfo