#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Hi #RuralEdChat! My name is Joanna and I teach #edtech to #teachereducation students @austinpeay. We have students coming from rural areas and those who will teach in rural areas. My students have started summer break so they're focused on having fun!
Hi #ruraledchat Joining from Wisconsin. I’m Robin, and some of my work life involves coordinating and managing field trips to the state nature reserve in our area. Kids are pretty focused during field trips as the school year here is coming to an end for many.
As we continue tonight, we will use the Q1/A1 format until a conversation breaks out. Don't forget the #RuralEdChat so we can all share your brilliance.
A1: With only 5 days of school left, I admit my focus is already shifting to next year. I'm changing schools and am very excited about my new team. #RuralEdChat
A1 When I taught 4th grade, it was difficult to focus with all the distractions - tests, assemblies, awards, parties. Now that I teach at the college level, I have more control over the distractions so I'm able to focus better. #ruraledchat
I'm moving quickly tonight as a way to keep us all focused. Our second question will be here before you can change the toner in the copy machine. #RuralEdChat
A2: I need to focus on my students. Since I am transitioning to another school, I want to make sure they all know how important they are to me. #RuralEdChat
Yes! Keeping an eye on big picture goals is helpful. I still get lost in the details of the day or the unexpected things that spring up. Really derails the best intentions in me. It's helpful to remember to return to the bigger motivations! #ruraledchat
Seeing that list reminds me of how much we collectively try to pack into such a small time frame as we close out the school year. Goodness! #RuralEdChat
A2 I need to focus on writing/research and course development. Fortunately I can work from home but sitting and working for 10+ hours straight even with laser focus isn't healthy. So I also need to focus on my wellbeing. #ruraledchat
Yes! Keeping an eye on big picture goals is helpful. I still get lost in the details of the day or the unexpected things that spring up. Really derails the best intentions in me. It's helpful to remember to return to the bigger motivations! #ruraledchat
A2: I need to focus on my students. Since I am transitioning to another school, I want to make sure they all know how important they are to me. #RuralEdChat
So important! It's often the last thing we focus on but the first thing that impacts our ability to succeed in all the other endeavors. #O2maskonfirst#RuralEdChat
A3: thinking about next year! I get sucked into planning how to improve - when I need to finish what I'm doing! And the weather - getting outside! #RuralEdChat
A2 I need to focus on writing/research and course development. Fortunately I can work from home but sitting and working for 10+ hours straight even with laser focus isn't healthy. So I also need to focus on my wellbeing. #ruraledchat
Yes. Another part of my work is developing ways to support self care knowledge and practices in/for/with teachers and students together. #teacherevolution#RuralEdChat
Can totally relate, Julie! Classic case of getting ahead of myself constantly over here! Grounding into the present is becoming a good support, but still... the horizons beckon! ;) #ruraledchat
Hi #RuralEdChat. I'm totally going to be a focus thief 😧 @Hewlett_Found is hosting a #HewlettListens education tweet chat on June 1 & is committed to hearing from a diverse set of people across the country — rural educators included! Hope you can join. https://t.co/JCpr6fGTUf
A4 I schedule everything in my life with lists. I use the lists app on my iPhone so I can also collaborate with my husband and friends on to-do lists. #ruraledchat
A4: make a list, take a quick walk and dive back in. I struggle with organization, so lists help. when I remember to use them! I need to go in and spend a Saturday organizing my room. #ruraledchat
I'm loving the conversation, Tammy! A4 I like to battle my personal focus thieves by practicing mindfulness. And turning off notifications on my phone is a great way to eliminate distractions. #RuralEdChat
A5 I love this question! I have not considered this before. I would love to address this with students who have difficulty turning in work on time. #ruraledchat
A4: Remind myself of what the ultimate goal is - a frame of reference. My year of training and running a half marathon helped with this ability.
#RuralEdChat
A5 Setting a timer can be a great way to encourage focus for a short period of time. 1 minute, 5 minutes, or even 15. Have them focus on one achievable task until the alarm goes off. #ruraledchat
A5: It depends on the relationship I have with my students. I do try to get them to recognize their own FTs. Sometimes its obvious (cell phone) other times it can be a situation at home. #RuralEdChat
A5: I have found that having students journal have provided wonderful discoveries on their part - including knowing what was robbing them of their time and energy.
#RuralEdChat
A6 Professionally, I'll focus on writing/research and course development. Personally, my husband and I are building a house so I'll focus on my Pinterest boards! #ruraledchat 🛠️🏡
A6: Personally, I want to get my next year planned out in @CanvasLMS Next year will be full of transitions for my family. Moving to a new home (as well as a new school). #RuralEdChat
Okay, #RuralEdChat You have all focused well tonight. We want you to enjoy the evening focused on your family. All connections are important but family tops the list.
We will be back next Tuesday at 8:30 pm edt. If you have topics you'd like to see us cover, please let us know. Tweet it to @RuralEdChat so the entire team can see them. #RuralEdChat
Family tops the list for sure! Thanks so much for this important topic, Tammy. Wishing you all the moments you need with your students these last weeks as you transition to the new position. #ruraledchat
