Hey guys! Kelly from Virginia Beach, Gifted Resource T, founder of #champforkids chat, blogger, and currently working to complete the Champ for Kids book!
Happy Friendsgiving #champforkids PLN! Aubrey here from 🇨🇦Get to spend huge chunks of time with teachers and school admin as I supervise and consult with leadership and learning systems.
Q1 - Who is that friend (or friends) that always pushes you to keep going even if you want to give up?
What do they do to get you motivated?
#champforkids
Hey #ChampforKids crew! I’m Greg, an elementary school principal from Northern California! And tonight, I’m feeling full... and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!
A1 @MrPStrunk for always giving encouraging, wise beyond his years, words of wisdom!
My buddy @_on11 who makes jokes and tells me to get my tail back in gear when I feel like giving up!
And of course @CristinaDajero who is inspiring all day every day!
#champforkids
A1: I would say @MrsHankinsClass is that person for me. She is a ray of light and is supportive in many ways. I appreciate her because she does so much and deserves much recognition. #champforkids
A1: It’s primarilya ton of awesome educators on here as well as positive voices sharing motivating words. When it’s been a rough day I turn to this #PLN family to remind me of my purpose, lift my spirits, and cheer me on #champforkids
A1 - my colleague Teneisha. She is a #champforkids who always inspires the best in others. We are next to each other, and I’m always impressed with her energy and positive outlook.
A1-@MissKRafferty is usually my go to educational support crew. Since we blog together she usually gives me tough love to meet my deadlines ha. #champforkids
A1 My speech path friend makes me a better person and is a great person to bounce ideas off of. My PLN is a source of my fuel even when I don’t feel like I can give much more. #champforkids
I have a few Ts on my team who continue to push me with their kind words. I’m very tough on myself but they always reassure me that it is much better than it used to be. Keeps me going. #ChampforKids
A1: It is my Ss who truly motivate me to keep going each day. They remind me frequently of all the things I took for granted growing up (and now). They remind me that they NEED me to be that #onecaringadult in their lives. #champforkids
@_mlb25 ... she tells it like it is ... true friend ... loyal ... funny... picks you up when you fall over & over & over again ~ everyone needs a MElissa Bell 😊 #champforkids
A1b: As a first year teacher, I never thought I would have such an amazing support system, but I truly feel like my entire #PLN has my back. That means the world. I am truly so thankful. #champforkids
Q2 - Who is that friend that you are able to disagree with and know that you will not have to "go buy new friends"?
What is it that makes everything come back together?
#champforkids
A2 I'm going to go with my friend @Tpet27 on this one. She & I are both passionate and have had a few "discussions". Though we haven't always agreed on everything I think it is safe to say that we respect each other and recognize the passion is always for Ss!
#champforkids
A2: That would be my co-teacher. Her and I have similar personalities and teaching styles but different methods when dealing with behavior. We know we can disagree and not get all heated and away from the focus..our students! #champforkids
A2 - My friend Mike! He is a fellow teacher who has the best interests of kids. We don’t always agree, but we have a mutual respect that’s helped us to become best friends. He is also incredibly positive. #champforkids
A2: This is a friend that I literally have known since the day I was born. She came to visit me in the hospital when I was born and we have been best friends since. I don't see her much now because of distance, but when we do it is like we have never been apart. #champforkids
Q2 - Who is that friend that you are able to disagree with and know that you will not have to "go buy new friends"?
What is it that makes everything come back together?
#champforkids
A2: this would be my best gal pal. We can agree or disagree and no matter what we see past our views and it only makes our friendship stronger. She’s a good grounding force when “I’m off my rocker” so to speak and vice versa...unconditional acceptance for each other #champforkids
A2-@MissKRafferty as coauthor. I have a lot of random ideas...she keeps me grounded when I need to be and help iron out my craziness Haha. #champforkids
A2: @MicahStuder is a friend that I love to “disagree” with! His passionate fight for equity and bridging the digital divide has led to some wonderful debates. Love him like a brother! #ChampforKids
A2: The friend that I am able to disagree with and know that I will not have to "go buy new friends" is @MsGalyensClass. We may see things differently at times, but I know I can always count on her for ANYTHING. Why? Because we respect & love each other.
#champforkids
A2 My closest colleague that I’ve ever worked with was @tbrickhouse4! We went from classmates to sharing leadership responsibilities at a school!
You always need that one person you can trust to help you make the decisions best for Ss!#champforkids
Q3 - Which friend within your #PLN has a “big heart” that has touched you or made an impact on the work that you do everyday!
How will you pay it forward?
#champforkids
A3 - Always thankful for my TT @MrsHankinsClass big ❤️️! Her kindness in the purchase of the 1st #champforkids stickers was so amazing!
@ChristineBemis2 & @Shapiro_WTHS share their inspiring messages of positivity & encouragement!
I will pay it forward by spreading the ❤️️
A3-Going with @THurtadoEDU. Check out her twitter... the woman literally gives her school everything she has every single. Makes me want to be better each day. #champforkids
A3: This is the same person that I mentioned in A1. @MrsHankinsClass is because she has such a big heart, and she is one of my biggest cheerleaders. I plan on giving back by continuing to encourage others. #champforkids
A3: ah this is so hard but it will be my first twitter “friend” @tracyscottkelly. He is constantly there if I have a question, for a good that, and motivating words on a daily basis...and my partner in crime for #boomerangofawesomeness#champforkids
A3: This lady is my "go-to" @PegGrafwallner. She recognizes my passion, connects to me being a SPED teacher, and encourages me to do better! I'll be paying it forward by reviewing her new book coming out at the end of this month! #champforkids
A3: I don’t think anyone has as big of a heart as @MrsHankinsClass. The love she has for students - all students - and the energy she has to make them know they are loved, is inspiring. Every tweet. Every photo. It’s amazing. I want to be a student in her class. #ChampforKids
A3 One of my former paras @MrBannerman has the biggest heart for kids and will be an amazing teacher soon! He never leaves a room without making someone smile and rocks the support train. #champforkids
A3: I don't want to leave anyone out. Everyone in my PLN is wonderful and I learn so much. I plan on stealing and sharing all of the knowledge I can. #champforkids
A2: I’m going to go with my Ss again. My Ss all have emotional/behavioral disorders and are victims of trauma. I’ve built relationships with them. Even on their worst days, they still show respect and apologize for their Bx. Each day is a new day. #champforkids
Q4 - Call To Action:
I challenge you to reach out to 5 different people within your #PLN and let them know why you are thankful for them.
Be specific and spread the joy of friendsgiving!
#champforkids
A3: @MagicPantsJones has the biggest heart for his students and fellow teachers. He's the kind of teacher and person I want to be when I grow up. I can pay it forward by striving to be half as positive and encouraging as he is. #champforkids
A3: @Tommyspall from @BISDwiredTeam is incredibly generous in sharing and forever posting nice stuff that includes his family. Never met him but just easy to see that guy cares more for others than himself which was always my filter for whom I try to surround myself #champforkids
A3: I can’t pick just 1. @MrPStrunk inspires with his passion. @PHausTech inspires with his technical knowledge. @brewerhm inspires with his relentless passion for Ss. @_on11 inspires with passion, humor and his edchat model. #champforkids
A4 - Thank you to @mradamwelcome for the "phone call that started it all"! Who would have though that things would fall into place the way that they have. You were right when you said that I should share my passion and story bc people want to hear it! #champforkids
A4 - Thank you @mgrosstaylor for believing in me and the passion and message behind Champ for Kids! You will never know how grateful I am for this opportunity! #champforkids
A4 -Thank you to @EALewis2016 for understanding that kids are SO MUCH MORE than reading, writing, math, and scores! Your passion for the whole child makes you a #champforkids every single day!
A4 - Thank you to @tracyscottkelly@Plaids4me@StephDill92 for the phenomenal work that you do to meet every student where they are at! Our most special students are blessed each day because of you! #champforkids
A4 - Thank you to @nmgarzia for being willing to learn, grow, and share your story, ideas, challenges, and victories with those around you. Your bravery, vulnerability, and passion for kids has never been stronger! #champforkids
A3: I’m thankful for having “met” @MWillTeach1 and @CariHale through our PLN! We discovered we teach in the SAME TOWN, at two different alternative schools. #champforkids
A3: @Tommyspall from @BISDwiredTeam is incredibly generous in sharing and forever posting nice stuff that includes his family. Never met him but just easy to see that guy cares more for others than himself which was always my filter for whom I try to surround myself #champforkids
A4 I’m incredibly thankful for @amynicolebettis for being a huge supporter & friend. She’s a phenomenal encourager and never meets a stranger. #champforkids
A5- 1.@MissKRafferty best co blogger ever...makes me sound way smarter than I am.
2.@THurtadoEDU educational inspiration liason.
3.@DyanSundermeyer twitter pal and hooked me up graciously with books from NCTE
4.@jjanikis Newsela pal that has helped me grow #champforkids
In reply to
@khoggardGRT, @MissKRafferty, @THurtadoEDU, @DyanSundermeyer, @jjanikis
Now let's go eat some turkey!
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! I hope you enjoy time with family and friends!
I am thankful for each of you and your support of the whole #champforkids movement!
A4b: I am thankful/grateful for:
@jjanikis and @EduBoyle. They're truly awesome people and always there to push me and make me better.
@MagicPantsJones for his enthusiasm and joy.
#Champforkids
Again my co-teachers get the shoutout on this one! As inclusion teachers they are coming from the Gen Ed standpoint and I’m coming from the Sped standpoint. We don’t always agree but able to collaborate and compromise for the good of yne students. #champforkids
A3: I’ve got to say @burgess_shelley & @burgessdave! They have made a huge impact on my professional life & soooo many others! I’m constantly blown away by their generosity to educators!!! #champforkids
Q3 - Which friend within your #PLN has a “big heart” that has touched you or made an impact on the work that you do everyday!
How will you pay it forward?
#champforkids
A4: I’m thankful for @lonicera36 and @bryantbuzz for always putting kids first, for their incredible ideas and for listening to my crazy ones. #ChampforKids
A4: I’m thankful for @JimSLTP for teaching me everything I know & value about teaching. You showed me how to put students first. You showed me how to build relationships & create experiences. You showed me how to care & make a difference. Thank you for so much! #ChampforKids
A3: This one for this year is definitely @nancy_estepa! She is always willing to help me in a million ways! When I ask a question I’m walking out with a million things to use with my kids! She never gets tired of me popping in sharing stories or asking questions! Thanks Nancy!!
A4: I’m thankful for @NicoleReyherme for being a sounding board. I’m thankful for her honesty and her determination. I’m thankful for her vision and her great ideas. She’s the smartest principal I know. #ChampforKids
Was taking mykiddo to my sis in laws/ hr away & missed #ChampforKids 😢 so want 2 get my thanks in! Thankful 2 @ChristineBemis2 for her uplifting tweets & amazing kindness❤️❤️