The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
She had to go to an info session at Uni today so reality is drawing in. No soccer yet but she spent the rest of the day looking for work at local cafes. #bfc530
Lots of methods to assess that are formal and informal. We have staff members complete surveys that are more formal and let me know how I'm doing. #BFC530
When I see a T grow through coaching and implementing new strategies, trying new things, learning from the experience, smiling, I know I’m doing ok :) #bfc530
Have been thinking on this recently—was researching last night. As a classroom T, I knew when my Ss mastered the skills. As a coach, I know where the Ts I work with are in their growth—but how do I know impact on Ss? 🤔 #bfc530, what do you think?
Best "rubric" has to be the routine feedback I ask from and get from the students - always unfiltered, candid, and exactly what I need to grow and improve. I'm not teaching for me, I'm teaching for them. #bfc530
I use the Ed Koch method. I ask my Ss "How am I doing?" & listen. Yesterday I asked them about due dates & placing time stamps on Google Classroom assignments. Great discussion #bfc530
Good morning! Excited for a busy day of talking to seniors about next steps and having freshmen interview seniors for a double voice poem project! #bfc530
I look for feedback from the teachers I support. Good or bad, hearing back from them tells me what's working and where I can make things better. #bfc530
More informal ways to assess is the feel of the building when you enter it. From the students to the teachers, how does the building FEEL is important. #BFC530
I self assess by seeing how many students come prepared, talk/write about topics that matter to them, connect their learning to their other classes and lives, treat each other and themselves kindly, and otherwise transform school into opportunities to enact their values.
#bfc530
#bfc530 To check if I am doing a great job, I ask myself, not only what did #students learn today, but are they better off for having been in my #classroom today?
Good question! Some days I feel like it’s all about survival, if I’m being honest! 😊 However, ‘litmus tests’ for me are my level of passion for what I do as an educator and the level of responsiveness and engagement on the part of my students. #bfc530
Thinking when I read one of my Ss blog posts and they talk about what they learned that day and then say what they want to do the next day. Loving the blogging...
#bfc530
I self evaluate when I see the work the kids turn in ... are they getting it? are they meeting my expectations? are they really learning or just following directions? #bfc530
✅ Ss that are engaged & don't notice class is almost over.
✅ Ss can do the practice problems individually after - have learned from our group problem solving.
✅ other Ts are curious to Hera about & try parts of what I'm doing differently.
#bfc530
great question @MrEandre!
Begin with you, be enthusiastic, positive, present-give your total attention to the learning and the moment, facilitate a #growthmindset and keep on keepin on :) #bfc530
If the students are engaged while working with new content, then I know that I'm hitting my marks. I also know that when they drop the F word about my class to other teachers, that's a good thing (fun). #bfc530
✅ Ss that are engaged & don't notice class is almost over.
✅ Ss can do the practice problems individually after - have learned from our group problem solving.
✅ other Ts are curious to Hera about & try parts of what I'm doing differently.
#bfc530
great question @MrEandre!
My rubric is an experiential gauge in school climate & culture.
I look at Ss & Ts: innovation, risk-taking, joy.
I acknowledge but don't perseverate over test scores.
I take seriously my charge to be a building leader and the necessity to model my expectations.
#bfc530
Constant reflection about my work with Ss and fellow Ts, but for each one. Always looking to be better. I'm one of those tough on self types, so I need to remember I am more than a number on a rubric. #bfc530
Or didn’t say the rubric the district uses to evaluate teachers lol. We are all so self motivated, we don’t need anyone else telling us we need to get better. We look for opportunities and go! #bfc530
It may have something to do with how exhausted I am at the end of the day. When I'm really tired when I get home, I feel as if I've given my all to those kids. Yesterday was one of those days - like a day at the gym. #bfc530
To encourage love of learning it takes asking questions about interests, meeting people where they are and gently pushing from there, going off course from where you thought a lesson was going and taking risks with your students and colleagues. #bfc530
I usually have some goal attached to what I am working on. In that way, I know when I’ve achieved what I needed to. If it involves others, smiles and positive comments is usually a good sign. #bfc530
It may have something to do with how exhausted I am at the end of the day. When I'm really tired when I get home, I feel as if I've given my all to those kids. Yesterday was one of those days - like a day at the gym. #bfc530
The other day I came into school and 2 Ss were having a fraction debate. They bombarded me as I came in wanting to know who was right. That seems like a success! #BFC530
They were reinstituted when morale totally tanked. It does help interestingly and allows staff to talk for a few minutes. There is so little opportunity for that... #bfc530
A formula that works: First build a solid relationship with each student. At that point you find ways to connect the curriculum to authentic, real-world projects they care about. The power of #PBL done well. #bfc530
To encourage love of learning it takes asking questions about interests, meeting people where they are and gently pushing from there, going off course from where you thought a lesson was going and taking risks with your students and colleagues. #bfc530
My rubric is an experiential gauge in school climate & culture.
I look at Ss & Ts: innovation, risk-taking, joy.
I acknowledge but don't perseverate over test scores.
I take seriously my charge to be a building leader and the necessity to model my expectations.
#bfc530
Also I teach gr10 APPLIED Math. First day I say "you don't have to love Math by the end but I hope you'll like coming to this classroom".
If they don't hate my class even if they hate math then I've succeeded✅
#bfc530
Modeling it. You have to display a love for your subject & your profession. Taught a Church History class in Sunday School year ago & a PhD in Molecular Biology told me my passion for the topics is what pulls people into the discussion. Never forgot that #bfc530
We have a voluntary book club in my building. Great personalized pd (you read whichever book you choose and share). Plus there's coffee thanks to @RACzyz ! #bfc530
Be present! Make it exciting, relevant, meaningful, and worth their while. My daily question to myself: what did (or will) I do to make them WANT to come back tomorrow. #bfc530
I’m helping schools implement amazing, free, engaging ELA curricula... designed around fabulous whole texts... with #ELL supports and elegant scaffolds for social-emotional learning... ❤️ #icouldgoon#bfc530
It may have something to do with how exhausted I am at the end of the day. When I'm really tired when I get home, I feel as if I've given my all to those kids. Yesterday was one of those days - like a day at the gym. #bfc530
I'm tough on myself too - trying to focus on the positive & give myself permission to let go. My health suffered from my high expectations last year & I realize that my perfectionism can scare my Ts #bfc530
My rubric for doing a good job is:
1. Am I listening to multiple perspectives?
2. Am I thinking about all students?
3. Did I ask questions and truly listen to the answers?
4. Did I take time to reflect before jumping to action? (This is hard for me...) #bfc530
Begin with you, be enthusiastic, positive, present-give your total attention to the learning and the moment, facilitate a #growthmindset and keep on keepin on :) #bfc530
Constant reflection about my work with Ss and fellow Ts, but for each one. Always looking to be better. I'm one of those tough on self types, so I need to remember I am more than a number on a rubric. #bfc530
Love of learning in students and colleagues...encouraging them to lead the learning...follow their passions, engage in collaborative inquiry, empower them to learn more about what interests them...guided by curriculum. #bfc530
Begin with you, be enthusiastic, positive, present-give your total attention to the learning and the moment, facilitate a #growthmindset and keep on keepin on :) #bfc530
what results are you searching for? Sometimes it is simple regurgitated knowledge other times it a skill set like writing which takes longer to see results. #bfc530
Begin with you, be enthusiastic, positive, present-give your total attention to the learning and the moment, facilitate a #growthmindset and keep on keepin on :) #bfc530
It may have something to do with how exhausted I am at the end of the day. When I'm really tired when I get home, I feel as if I've given my all to those kids. Yesterday was one of those days - like a day at the gym. #bfc530
Not when planning no, but I do a lot of things like blogging, making #sketchnotes, #observeme signs to share what I've learned with other Ts. I consider it a good thing if I can share my successful strategies with them & it works for them too.
#bfc530
I always love when they come back with new insights about what we learned because they took the initiative to go home and research it themselves. #bfc530
Yes! Skip the script! Let go of the control, meet the students where they are & what they love doing. When they are engaged and happy, they are learning. #bfc530
Have an amazing day amazing educators, ignite a passion for learningfor learning, stand back and enjoy the warm glow :) #bfc530#JoyfuLeaders#KidsDeserveIt
I do a little checklist in my head and then survey the room for a quick mood check. Do they feel confident with the material? Did my lower littles attempt the task or was it frustrating? I have two that were acting out y-day so watching them today #bfc530
I always love when they come back with new insights about what we learned because they took the initiative to go home and research it themselves. #bfc530
I say something similar. I want my students to say if I really have to spend 45 minutes in a history class, this is the one I want to be in. I recognize not all ppl love history. On one of our 1st dates, my wife said she hated it. 21 years later we're still together LOL #bfc530
#bfc530 I hope that my joy and passion shines through and affects those I’m training! Also, I try to always allow voice and choice so I know where the participants stand.
I just ran across a memory on FB where students had gone home and begun their own Free Rice competition with friends after talking about poverty and children’s rights. This on top of the fundraising we were already doing made my heart sing. #bfc530
Ahh, coaching Ts is somewhat like conferencing with Ss on Writing—but the end goal isn’t just their writing but how our work together impacts their students’ writing. #bfc530
I say something similar. I want my students to say if I really have to spend 45 minutes in a history class, this is the one I want to be in. I recognize not all ppl love history. On one of our 1st dates, my wife said she hated it. 21 years later we're still together LOL #bfc530
When students are upset that they are missing my class and don’t want to leave once it’s time to go, I’m doing something right. When colleagues come to me for advice or encouragement, I’m doing something right. #bfc530
I often struggle with this, especially on Super busy days when I still feel nothing got done. Any small connection with a S or T, though, makes the work worthwhile. #bfc530
Yes. It seems other ways of thinking about them are not allowed. My students were very positive and appreciative on how I do things so I will continue the midnight deadlines. #bfc530
✅ Ss that are engaged & don't notice class is almost over.
✅ Ss can do the practice problems individually after - have learned from our group problem solving.
✅ other Ts are curious to Hera about & try parts of what I'm doing differently.
#bfc530
great question @MrEandre!
I use the Ed Koch method. I ask my Ss "How am I doing?" & listen. Yesterday I asked them about due dates & placing time stamps on Google Classroom assignments. Great discussion #bfc530
Model intellectual curiosity, take time to explain the value in the content, highlight/celebrate new knowledge/skills—loosen your grip and have have fun learning alongside your students! #bfc530
Sure! I’m sure your many friend over here miss you also! I work in the Central Office for Sydney Catholic Schools, so I’ve been back at work for the last 2 weeks. Schools are back next week! #bfc530
Cultivate authentic relationships with each Ss. Genuinely seek to understand & start each day with a fresh start. Endeavor to personalizing learning & provide opps for Ss voice/Self-expression. With staff, seek to understand. Be collegial, supportive, & share resources! #bfc530
Had an awesome #CelebrateMonday
Staff coming to PD mtg and anonymously writing words of appreciation for each other on folders on our backs to look at later as we voyage into the arduous climb of this part of the year. #bfc530#SiglerNation
Alaska
Tsunami warning after earthquake off Alaskan coast
#earthquake
Kodiak
Hugh Masekela
#bfc530
Cilic
We're LIVE ON-AIR
Lowery Blvd
US West Coast
Secret Society
I ask students to anonymously fill out a teacher evaluation on Google Forms twice a year. They are incredibly honest and their (sometimes brutal) feedback has helped me grow. #bfc530
Trying Genius Hour right now to help my high school math students dive into topics they like and ask them probing q’s to get them thinking mathematically about real world topics. Colleagues: I make sure I’m learning outside the classroom. Lead by example? #bfc530
So true! Whenever Im challenged by an edutweet I ask my Ss opinion since it will most impact them. Every classroom dynamic is different. The opportunity to ask for student feedback is one benefit of being a teacher in the trenches #bfc530
Morning, #bfc530. Three simple-not-simple steps to demonstrate with learners of all ages: Ask "What if..." Go found out. Share that journey. P.S. Saw these words last night attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci: “Learning never exhausts the mind.”
Morning, #bfc530. Three simple-not-simple steps to demonstrate with learners of all ages: Ask "What if..." Go find out. Share that journey. P.S. Saw these words last night attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci: “Learning never exhausts the mind.”
