Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Hey all! I'm a 3rd grade teacher in #313teach. It's been almost a year since I met @hsazama and I entered her class as a student teacher. My how I've grown, thankful for her guidance from the very beginning. #ksedchat
Jocelyn Bollig! Emporia State University, junior! On my journey to becoming an elementary education teacher! @thepankopost inspires me to be an educator! #oneofthebest#ksedchat
Hello #ksedchat! Meghan, media specialist from Andover. In & out with homework tonight, but I love teacher leaders! @mrs_smoke and @hawkinsh23 inspire me!
April, Linn Elem #physed#HealthEd Dodge City So many inspirational T's...@SJNeill13 shared some amazing stuff today that has just knocked my socks off! #ksedchat
Q1: Teachers have various levels of school leadership qualities. Some are learned and some are part of their personality. What are the characteristics of a leader? #ksedchat
Hi I'm Sydnee, an elementary education major at ESU. My mom is a teacher leader for me, she teaches 4th grade at Marion Elementary and is part of the reason I want to become a teacher #ksedchat@thepankopost@baldwins67
Hi I’m Myriale Valdivia. I am an Elementary Education major at Emporia State University. My kindergarten teacher has mentored me and inspired me to become a teacher. @thepankopost#ksedchat
I’m loving it! I have an amazing team. My class is so sweet. I’ll admit I had a steep learning curve the first month or so, but I’m feeling more confident and confident comfortable now. Cant imagine being any other place. #ksedchat
Hi All! Nick from Towanda and @circleusd375 jumping in late!!! I'm always inspired by my rocking online network and if I listed them all I'd be here all day! #ksedchat
A1: The willingness to try new things and take risks. Collaboration and willingness to develop a stone PLN. Ideas can come from all Ts, all subjects & grade levels #ksedchat
Q1: Teachers have various levels of school leadership qualities. Some are learned and some are part of their personality. What are the characteristics of a leader? #ksedchat
A1 leaders are positive, collaborative, identify strength and areas for improvement. Can communicate effectively to get everyone to be their best. #ksedchat
A1 They have a growth mindset, are a good role model, are always willing to do what they ask of others, have high expectations and support you to achieve them, are honest and truly listen #ksedchat
A1: Leaders have a growth mindset, are learners, listeners, possess a relentless passion to do better, connected, risk-taker, positive...but authentic.
#KSedChat
A1-Leaders do what needs to be done, but often their leadership seems 2nd nature to others. Support others while not thinking about what’s in it for them. It’s not a title, but actions throughout the day. #ksedchat
A1: Leadership characteristics include dedication, being a role model, bringing people alongside, knowing when to listen and when to speak out, etc. #ksedchat
A1: a leader is someone who is not afraid to jump in, make mistakes, lend a helping hand, and learn by doing. Leaders do not have to have a title or a badge, often times it is just a part of their personality or drive to do better and be better. #ksedchat
A1b: A leader is someone who is a positive force around the building. Hard to lead if you're constantly finding something wrong with everything. #ksedchat
A1: a leader is someone who takes charge and isnt afraid of the unknown. They also willing to to go above ans beyond so their team will be successful. #ksedchat
#ksedchat Hi All! Jumping in a Lil late!!!! Love connecting with other edleaders & thinking about what it truly means to build leadership capacity in others. The goal is to be a LEAD learner & build others up!
A1: Leaders can be really hard to identify. I'd say a good leader admits to mistakes and tries their best to learn from them, modeling what that process looks like #ksedchat
A2: You should strive to BE what you MODEL. Leaders have influence beyond themselves and should take pride in the opportunity to multiply leadership qualities to others. #KSedChat
A2 - I think it has more to do with teachers having permission to help change the culture and the district. So often we feel tied to constraints that could possibly not be there. #ksedchat
A2 quality leadership breeds more leadership. Trust from admin to lead builds a culture of collaboration and professionalism. Blessed we have that in @BuhlerUSD313#Bxceptional#ksedchat
A2: The quality and energy of a leader is contagious. To bring in similes, a school without a good leader is a team without a captain. There's no direction. But a good leader can completely change the culture of a school from the students to the staff #ksedchat
A2: True leadership is inspiring and raises others up. This happens a lot in #313teach. Teachers must lead in ways that they can within their districts (Twitter, blogging, Voxer, etc.) - not wait to be asked. Seek out other like-minded leaders. #ksedchat
A2: You just want to me a part of the movement. You want to be a piece to puzzle that is rooted in student success. The passion coming from teacher leaders is contagious. #ksedchat
A2: I think always having a positive attitude and willingness to help others. Ts eventually will come asking advice or feedback. The positive interaction with that teacher can help spread throughout the building. #ksedchat
A2: a good leader builds a strong culture or climate in the building. Staff knows what to expect and WANTS to do for their leader- poor leaders tend to have buildings/staff with low morale, low desire to please- not always the case but often #ksedchat
A2: Accountability is everything. Lead by example, follow through, create a culture of excellence that no one wants to miss out on. #getexcited#ksedchat
A2 - I think it has more to do with teachers having permission to help change the culture and the district. So often we feel tied to constraints that could possibly not be there. #ksedchat
A2( leaders (P OR T Leaders) can stay positive. Negativity spreads too easily & we have to have a “game face” that’s shows positive outlooks. Everyone can see the negative Ts. Espothe Ss #KSedchat
Agree. Often those with the title are actually hungry for teachers to lead. We have to be confident to try if that’s where our passion lies. Still working on this, not always comfortable in that role. #ksedchat
A2 - I think it has more to do with teachers having permission to help change the culture and the district. So often we feel tied to constraints that could possibly not be there. #ksedchat
#ksedchat A2 The best leaders use their influence to help people be their best. It starts with the adults around us which includes our students, parents & community!
A2: T leaders who are empowered to advocate for change and take action create a culture of ownership. This is a great happy, safe, innovative culture. #ksedchat
Q3: An excellent leader understands the “why” behind their teaching and leadership roles. What is your “why”? How do others see it in your leadership? #ksedchat
A2: Agreeing with all saying that leaders can set the tone of the school/district. Positive outlook can bring positive change and create teacher buy-in. #ksedchat
Agree. Often those with the title are actually hungry for teachers to lead. We have to be confident to try if that’s where our passion lies. Still working on this, not always comfortable in that role. #ksedchat
A2 - I think it has more to do with teachers having permission to help change the culture and the district. So often we feel tied to constraints that could possibly not be there. #ksedchat
A2. Leadership inspires others to grow, try new things, shows positivity, supports, encourages and inspires others. Most leaders who show these qualities don’t realize they’re leaders. #ksedchat
A2: I believe in shared leadership. Each of us has a role in the culture of our learning community. No one person can do it all. We are stronger together. #ksedchat
A2: I also think it's important to look at how each teacher can be a leader. We often depend on the same people. Gets tiring for them, and "followers" need new voices. #ksedchat
A3: My why is to let kids know they have something powerful to contribute. I show this through leadership by advocating for more student driven activities and opportunities! #ksedchat
#ksedchat A3 My "WHY": there are hurting people in this world that need to know someone cares! I believe in the mission to care 1st, teach & lead so we have a better world today and tomorrow.
A2: positive leaders shape the school's culture, they allow progressive teachers to innovate and recognize not all teachers are at the same place #ksedchat
A3: Here’s my why. I strive to be better for them, every day. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and it shows my passion for knowing better and doing better - for my kids and my “students” who are also my kids. #KSedChat
Q3: An excellent leader understands the “why” behind their teaching and leadership roles. What is your “why”? How do others see it in your leadership? #ksedchat
A3 - My why is to change prof learning for KS educators. We are the ones who can create dynamic learning opportunities for our colleagues. When we build up more TL's then we are changing the narrative for every T in the state #ksedchat
A3 The. Kids. Everything I do in my classroom and school I try hard to ask "is this whats best for the kids". And if the answer is no, why do we do that thing? #ksedchat
A3: My "why" is just LOVING what I do. I want my Ss to know that there is no where I'd rather be than in the classroom. I hope that translates outside of the classroom and other Ts know it to. I just LOVE being at school! #ksedchat
Amen, Kathy! What we do is about three things: relationships, relationships, and relationships. And if those don't work, try relationships. #ksedchat#KidsDeserveIt#RelationshipsMatter
#ksedchat A3 My "WHY": there are hurting people in this world that need to know someone cares! I believe in the mission to care 1st, teach & lead so we have a better world today and tomorrow.
A3: My "why" is because I want to lift up the profession of being a teacher. Teachers have the knowledge & ability to transform education, but we must lead to do so. We are not "just" teachers. We chose to be teachers - to positively impact the lives of those we meet. #ksedchat
A3: My “why” is right here — Ss around our 3D printer today during our 1st print! I want Ss (and Ts) to be EXCITED to learn. We need to create life-long learners. #ksedchat
A3)My “why” is I continue to grow and put myself in uncomfortable or hard situations for the betterment of my staff and students. Seeing them succeed is my “why” #ksedchat
A3: my why is always the kids- to do what's best for them, show them the possibilities are limitless for their futures, and that someone cares for them at all times. I feel like any and all leadership roles always goes back to the kids #ksedchat
I feel leadership can influence others in a building/district positively and negatively. I feel it is important to make sure to treat everyone with respect and compassion. #ksedchat
A3: I lead a lot of discussions in my class are based on emotions and feelings. I need my students to know how deeply I'm invested in them, not just the data they come with or create, but the whole child. Helping them create a belief in themselves is my "why". #ksedchat
A3: My “why” is because I want to be that teacher that students look back and remember that I made that positive impact in their life’s! I hope to be that positive role model in children’s life’s as well. #ksedchat
And our TL's need to be fed to the next level, as well. Instead of always giving, they need to be handed new opportunities to continue to grow. #ksedchat
A2: I also think it's important to look at how each teacher can be a leader. We often depend on the same people. Gets tiring for them, and "followers" need new voices. #ksedchat
A3: this year I have 19 whys. I want my Ss to know that there is at least one adult who believes that they can and should expect to be successful #ksedchat
A3-To show kids they are more than a test score/grade. To help kids get excited about learning. It shows through giving my Ss learning opportunities to work with others, for others, and on projects. Fun learning environments. #ksedchat
A3: Shouldn’t we be doing the same thing we want our students to do? We want our Ss to be good leaders and show their love of learning. Right? #ksedchat
A3: my "why" is that I want every student to realize that they are special and that their thoughts and dreams matter. I want to be someone in their lives that demonstates and shows them that. #ksedchat
Q4: Leaders must strive for excellence and challenge themselves to grow in leadership qualities. How do you challenge yourself to grow as a leader? #ksedchat
A3: My “why” is because being part of a district as a support staff member makes me want my future children to go to school loving and appreciating support staff just like they do teachers. I hope to also be the best teacher I can be! #ksedchat
A3: my why is I want Eveyones experience to be exceptional. Each person should be valued, elevated and celebrated. Trust is a huge part of that process. #ksedchat
Q4: Leaders must strive for excellence and challenge themselves to grow in leadership qualities. How do you challenge yourself to grow as a leader? #ksedchat
A3) I want my Ss to feel like they are not the only one who... I want them to feel loved and cared for. I want them to be successful and feel it. I want to help them to change the world. #whyiteach#ksedchat
A2: The energy behind your leadership sets the tone for growth, relationships, and success. Anabolic energy breeds a culture of positive leadership. #ksedchat@tjfellers@TamaraKonrade
Q4: Leaders must strive for excellence and challenge themselves to grow in leadership qualities. How do you challenge yourself to grow as a leader? #ksedchat
A4: Never being satisfied with what I'm doing. Kids ask, I try to answer with "Absolutely" when it comes to trying new things or a different way #ksedchat
A4. I'm always trying to do better, have a better lesson, assessment, discussion, relationship. I'm always tweaking looking for something better. #ksedchat
A4: I challenge myself to know when to "unplug" and when to "recharge". To find the marigolds. To never stop learning, asking questions and observing those around me. #ksedchat
A4: I feel I challenge myself as a leader by continuing to let others know that I am always here to listen and give advice and guidance if needed without judgment! #ksedchat
A4) I am constantly looking for ways to grow; a new approach, an educational game, a new app or technology to use... we will never be master teachers because there is ALWAYS something we can improve upon. #KSedchat
A4: I'm working on asking tough questions...not meant to do anything other than get Ts thinking about what is best for kids. Also trying to continue to do new things in class. Always looking for the next big thing my Ss can try. #ksedchat
A4- Speaking up on issues of inequity. It can be uncomfortable at first and is necessary so ALL students’ best interest is kept at the forefront! #ksedchat
A4: I left a place I was comfortable and took on a new position, school, and age group this year! It pushes me every day. But I'm growing as a leader. I love impacting Ts & Ss. #ksedchat
A4 - To never stop creating something new for Kansas T's. Right now I'm designing a 3 day teacher field trip to Walt Disney World - focus?? You guessed it - Teacher Leadership, creativity, and STEM #ksedchat
A4 I try to constantly be growing, learning, and changing how I teach. I take risks and talk openly about them - especially the failures. I talk to other educators and really listen. And I read- all the time! #ksedchat
A4) Standing up for the rights up people. Letting people know a change needs to be made. Placing myself in the forefront of issues that people are afraid to speak about. Inspiring others that they each have a voice that matters. #ksedchat
Q4: Leaders must strive for excellence and challenge themselves to grow in leadership qualities. How do you challenge yourself to grow as a leader? #ksedchat
#ksedchat A4 I LOVE learning!!!! I read ...TONS...articles, books, & blogs. I take classes & attend every PD I can. But the best way is collaborating with other educators!
A4: college has challenged me, but also has helped me grow as i continue through my elementary education journey. I try and soak up as much knowledge as possible before i have my own classroom. #ksedchat
#ksedchat A4 Continue to learn everyday. Listen to what others say and share. When we work together as a staff, we succeed for or students and community.
A4) Never stop learning. Keep trying new things. Surround myself with good Ts. Share learning with others and look for the positive in everything. #ksedchat
A4: I love learning about leadership! Right now INspired Leadership with @TamaraKonrade is something I am committed to learning more about - especially my role as a leader. #ksedchat
Years ago, when I was a kid I read a quote by Thomas Jefferson. It has always been my why "An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people." Our work is so important. We not only touch the future, we shape it. #ksedcaht
A4b: I'm starting to do more Professional Development presentations...can be scary but so much fun. I get to meet and collaborate with so many new Ts! #ksedchat
Q5: Great teachers are great leaders. They embrace change with positivity and inspire others. How do you adapt to change and inspire others in your building/district? #ksedchat
A4 being a mentor teacher for Student Ts and new Ts in the district pushes me to keep up with new info! Gotta keep in the know to help others! #ksedchat
All #ksedchat friends - this is a dream I have for all of us. @NNSTOY has professional learning workshops on Teacher Leadership. Check this out https://t.co/j8QbYKz700
A5: Lead by example. Show Ts it's okay to take a risk. I love being able to do this with them now. I always say "It'll be great!" & it usually is. #ksedchat
A5) being flexible to teach 5 different grade levels in 9 years. Adapt to each level; share information on what needs to be improved and what is working beautifully. #ksedchat
A4 TBH, I try to keep up w/ the awesomeness that is around me on a regular basis. Watch what great people do, listen to our Ss (they know what is going on), reflect on what I am doing or not doing. #ksedchat
Q4: Leaders must strive for excellence and challenge themselves to grow in leadership qualities. How do you challenge yourself to grow as a leader? #ksedchat
A5: I feel that I adapt to change the best by being open about things that concern me or things I may not fully understand. This helps everyone be on a more personal level with one another which I feel is important to adapt to change in a successful and positive way. #ksedchat
A4: I surround myself with amazing people who push, challenge and affirm me in learning new things. I am looking at so many here on this chat. 👀#ksedchat
A5: Trying all the new things that I can connect to content, and quite a few that don't. Saying yes to piloting things and telling others my door is always open #ksedchat
#ksedchat a5
Embrace change and surround yourself with others who do too. Make the change work for you. Get involved with transition, voice your ideas. Find the positive.
A5-Surprisingly I’m usually comfortable with change. I look at change as being a new adventure. I try to be focus on the positivity in the change and project it for others #ksedchat
A5: By trying things I never thought I would. By remembering that my kids are capable of great things and I can and should challenge them! Never underestimate what your kids are capable of! #ksedchat
A5: Positively seeing change as improving our students for life after HS. Inspiration comes from consistency of purpose and sharing of both vision and progress. And lots of celebration! #BePositivity#ksedchat
A5: I feel that I adapt to change the best by being open about things that concern me or things I may not fully understand. This helps everyone be on a more personal level with one another which I feel is important to adapt to change in a successful and positive way. #ksedchat
#ksedchat A5 Don’t be afraid to fail. Find a passion and go with it. In our SS classes we have worked hard to engage our Ss with guest speakers. Started in our 80s class and has spread to our other SS classes.
Q5: Great teachers are great leaders. They embrace change with positivity and inspire others. How do you adapt to change and inspire others in your building/district? #ksedchat
A4: Never stop asking Why? What if? How can I? Seek relationships with those that challenge my thinking. Always assume someone in the room has something to teach me. #ksedchat
A5: I tend to question change, filtering through the only question that matters—will it benefit kids? If yes, I try to be as positive and excited as possible. #ksedchat
Q6: In our classrooms, we look for potential student leaders and equip them to develop leadership skills. How do you partner with students to assist them in putting their leadership skills into practice? #ksedchat
A5: Change is an opportunity to grow!! In 32 years of teaching, there has bee so much change! Go with the flow. Learn as much as you can. Share a positive attitude (as much as possible).
I also regularly check in with my colleagues& those I'm leading to get feedback on how they perceive something. Perception is huge!!! It is their truth!!! I aim to be sensitive and receptive to hearing hard things!
A5: Adapting to change is a great indicator of leadership. Ask questions! Lead by example with your actions, be transparent about your mistakes / risks, support the vision, and be authentically positive. #KSedChat
Q5: Great teachers are great leaders. They embrace change with positivity and inspire others. How do you adapt to change and inspire others in your building/district? #ksedchat
A4: I challenge myself by reading books that are educationally related, by attending conferences. I try to be diligent in keeping up with the recent trends in education.
I also blog about my thoughts and feelings around education.
Have to step out friends, but thank you for an awesome chat. Keep leading where you are. That is what will help all of us reach the moon for kids #ksedchat
A3: My why is my love of children and to see the excitement and sparkle in their eyes each and every day. I can't really imagine a day without students in it...even after 32 years!
A6: You have to give up control and let your classroom/learning be student-led. This environment fosters student leadership. We are getting our 3D printer going with a student group leading the way. #ksedchat
A5: I hate boredom! Love to try new things, usually they are better than the old way. #edcamps are the best way to share with others. #usd443 is really good at using this method of sharing! #ksedchat
Q6: In our classrooms, we look for potential student leaders and equip them to develop leadership skills. How do you partner with students to assist them in putting their leadership skills into practice? #ksedchat
A6: Be open and transparent with leadership expectations…better yet, write the expectations with students, embrace failures with support and learning by doing. #KSedChat
Q6: In our classrooms, we look for potential student leaders and equip them to develop leadership skills. How do you partner with students to assist them in putting their leadership skills into practice? #ksedchat
A6. Each unit we do a collaborative project. Ss get to pick their group leaders who have a few extra responsibilities including giving me progress reports on the project. By the end of the year everyone has done it at least once. #ksedchat
In HS, find opportunities for kids to lead. There is so much to a school culture you should be able to involve a significant number of kids. And, as always, developing a relationship helps you to make suggestions of opportunities more readily accepted by students. #ksedchat
A5: I'm always willing to try something new. I love to get feedback and to be challenged. I love to learn from my colleagues, love to ask questions! #ksedchat
This is a practice that was new to me two years ago that I wish I had when I was working in a school. TBH, I still struggle with this greatly at times, but I'm working on it. #ksedchat
Project based learning and letting go of my desire to control the learning. Let students drive the learning. They can and will gain the confidence and skills to lead. #ksedchat
A6: Step back and let them lead, it's okay when a Ss does something in a different way then I has planned. (This is still a work in progress) 😉 #ksedchat
A6: what might be different if we thought of every student as a leader and looked to each of them for skills? Asking them powerful questions so they can decide what is next. #ksedchat
A6-Last week during Makerspace I began spotlighting Ss I saw who were mastering techniques & directed other Ss to them for help. It was amazing to see them go to others for ideas/assistance. And these are 1st graders!#ksedchat
I couldn’t make #ksedchat tonight but it looks like @azurehenwood and all of the AMAZING teacher leaders in our state and across the country ROCKED IT tonight!!
A6 I have students apply for jobs the first month of school. Some jobs are daily, weekly and for the semester. In Jan we have new Chromebook Capts. Last week I had a kid ask if she could apply for that job.
#ksedchat
A6, part 2: Recognize student effort and passion. Give them freedom to pursue an interest. Don't say "sorry, that's not in the curriculum guide." #ksedchat
A5: Change is my middle name! I find great joy in being able to help others navigate the path of change by asking questions, calming fears, and highlighting opportunity. #ksedchat
This is a practice that was new to me two years ago that I wish I had when I was working in a school. TBH, I still struggle with this greatly at times, but I'm working on it. #ksedchat
I want our teacher leaders to spend time on Twitter and experience the rich opportunities for connection and professional networking/growth. Any hashtags you'd like to recommend for secondary folks? #ksedchat
A7: Continue focusing on student leaders & helping teachers be risk-takers. #ksedchat Thanks to everyone for a great chat, especially @azurehenwood! I'm back to homework!
A2: keep pushing for greatness! When things don’t work reach out to your amazing staff and ask for advice! Together we can reach new heights! This time of year it can be hard but it’s all about staying positive! #ksedchat#stayoutoftherut
A7: I don't really have a role in our building, except as the PreK teacher. In other districts, I've held leadership roles. When I transferred tow my current building two years ago, those roles were filled.
A7: This was my favorite tweet of the night. We can’t control most of what happens in our schools, but we can control our reactions. Stay positive! Thanks, @aboone_angie#KSedchat
A2: Leaders determine the course of their organization. Like a lighthouse in the dark, the leader’s words and actions show the way. It’s their responsibility to make sure the destination is better than the origin. #ksedchat