A1: Kora Spicer, SLP @ Twining. I can count on my students to make me smile everyday even when I think I am having a bad one. They are the best! #GFEdChat
I'm extremely excited to be guest hosting #GFedChat tonight. Thank you all for letting me learn with you this evening. I've gotten my greatest joy and influence from the #JoyfulLeaders crew. Some inspiration folks is an understatement.
Hi! My name is Kari Groeneveld. I'm a Special Education Strategist from Lake Agassiz. @Mrs_Burich has played a huge role in the educator I am. She was an amazing co-teacher and is a phenomenal friend who makes me a better educator and person ❤️ #gfedchat
Amber Mooney, Discovery Elem., 3rd grade. of course my amazing team of 3rd grade teachers, but honestly ALL of discovery staff makes coming to school that much sweeter! #trailblazerlove#trailblazeon#gfedchat
A1: Danielle Swangstue, Special Education, Ben Franklin Elementary. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Rita McDonald (Houlton, WI), showed me differences are okay and should be celebrated! #gfedchat
A1: Jay Johnson/ South Middle School / 8th grade
My dad was a positive influence as I watched him teach as a young child, had him for a teacher in high school!
#gfedchat
A1: Ann Freund, Kelly, 2, @JanaMakovsky has brought joy and learning to my life as my RT mentor and now friend ! She is awesome and I look up to her so very much! #gfedchat
Jennifer Becker 7th grade Literature at ESMS. The people who have brought me joy at school are my teammates. I have been blessed to have been surrounded by supportive positive educators.
#gfedchat
Nicky Cappon, 6th grade, Twining. An English teacher at Central brought hope and joy back into my content area for me during PDs this past summer. After listening to her, I was excited to dive into interventions and curriculum planning. #gfedchat
A1: amanda bosman, counselor @phoenix and winship. currently, its all the kiddos i work with, in the past, it was all the amazing educators I once had #GFEdChat
Melissa Buchhop, 4th grade at Century. @leslyethiery and @chaaven have been great role models for me. They both always have a positive outlook #gfedchat
Heidi Huseby, Special Education Teacher at Central High School. Central is like a family and really enjoy working with the staff and administration there. #gfedchat
A1: Michael McNelly, Grand Forks Central. One person who has brought joy to me would be my mentor from Grafton during my time in the RT Program. taught me a lot and was nothing but a great and positive influence. #gfedchat
A1. Becca Lord, 6th-8th Intervention Strategist at Valley MS, all my Valley family has brought joy and a positive influence to my growth as an educator. I truly believe I wouldn't be half the teacher I am if I had found myself at a different school... #gfedchat
A1: Emily Lundby, Adapted Physical Education. The kiddos that I work with each day and the the coworkers that I get to work with at each school! #gfedchat
Amy Sage- Kinder- Discovery- I have a few AmAziNg coworkers that come to mind. Positive, fun, reflective, supportive, FRIENDS are words that describe them! #gfedchat
Dana Boucher, Lake Agassiz 1st grade. My 5th and 6th grade teachers were very influential and why I became a teacher. I have my 6th grade teacher's grand-daughter in my class now! #gfedchat
Oksana Kelly, Elementary SWEP. My school's instructional coach has provided a lot of help and instilled a lot of confidence in me as a teacher in my first three years! #gfedchat
A1: Brittany Baker 9-12 GFC My mentor from my Resident Teaching out in Jamestown Darla Hogue, great mentor, inspiration, friend mother and most of all teacher. #gfedchat
Nathan Olson, 8th Math @vmsroyals , @KevinOhnstad has been a big mentor and role model for me. He was always positive and knew how to motivate and empower. #gfedchat
A2: I hope each of my students will know how much they are loved and each will have taught me just as many lessons as I will have taught them. #gfedchat
A1: I hope to leave every child that I've come into contact with...HOPE. Hope gives us purpose and with purpose we have the ability to change the world. #GFEdChat
A1: I hope that kids will remember that I cared and didn’t give up on them even if they didn’t believe in themselves or weren’t at their best. #gfedchat
A1: At the end of my career, I hope I made a positive, collaborative environment for my staff. I want my students to feel that they were important to the school they belong to and have a sense of pride in where they have come from. #gfedchat
Sometimes that's all the assurance a child needs...knowing that we care. That simple act that takes almost zero effort can mean the world of difference. #gfedchat
A1: I hope to have made a difference in the lives of students. I hope I was the person that students needed. I hope I have inspired students to be the best versions of themselves. #gfedchat
Gosh- it’s been awhile. Getting back in the twitter seat. Leslye Thiery 5th Grade, Discovery. So many people bring JOY to teaching! Thankful for them all! #gfedchat
A2- That I always pushed my students and athletes to their max potential. That I instilled in them that where they come from doesn't decide where they can go. Their future is in their hands and I'm here to help any way I can. #GFEdChat
A2 My hope is that my colleagues and students know that I gave my all each and every day. I also hope that I made a difference in the lives of my students and that they knew how much they were cared about as individuals. #gfedchat
A1: I just hope to have made a positive change in the lives of the children I taught. I hope they know I truly cared and that they felt like they mattered when they were in my classroom. #gfedchat
A1: I hope that my contributions include always doing my best to know all of our students by name, making time for them, and being a staff team player. #gfedchat
A1: When it's all said and done and I walk out those doors the last time, I hope I leave the educational field with lifelong relationships I can rely on as I enjoy retirement!
#gfedchat
A1: I just hope that the kids i work with have confidence and know they belong in the world. I hope to have had some great coffee and convo with colleagues who became more like family. I want to leave feeling like I left it all out on the field as I say to me athletes. #gfedchat
A1 - I hope to make positive impact on all my students - even if it's just a small impact - even the smallest positive can help change a life #gfedchat
A1: That I always put kids' needs first and that I cared for them, that I was a team player with my colleagues by sharing and uplifting them. #gfedchat
A1: I would like to think that I have made my students THINK every time they were in the classroom with me. I love seeing their brains awaken when they are presented with a challenging or unusual question! #gfedchat
Hey All - Lindsey Johnson. 5th Grade at Century Elementary. My mom, Terryl Rood, is the first person that comes to mind. I hope that I am half the teacher that she is/was. #gfedchat
A1 I hope I empowered students to hope and dream- to look at life through a unselfish lens of humanity- to contribute and find value- to hang to a passion and use it to make their life and those around them better. #gfedchat
A1-When I think about the teachers that left a lasting impact in my life it was about how they made me feel - not necessarily what I learned. It is my hope that all of my students know how valued and special they are. #gfedchat
(It would be helpful to add the #gfedchat I guess...ha!)
Britta Meza, Elem. Tech Partner, Viking & Lake Agassiz Elementary, too many great teachers to choose just one positive influence...
A1: I hope to leave students with the feeling that they were known, cared for, loved, heard, given choice in their learning and supported. I would like to think they feel empowered to succeed and find joy! #GfEdChat
A1: My hope and goal has been for my robotics students to get the recognition they deserve with a banner in the gym next to all the other high school activities/sports to help celebrate what they have accomplished in the few short years since we've started #gfedchat
A1: I hope that I have taught my students to live a healthy and active life. That they take the lessons they have learned with me to live their life to the fullest.
#gfedchat
A1, hoping that the students I have taught and staff I have worked with can say, "he taught me not only skills for sports but everyday lifelong skills" #gfedchat
A1: I'm hoping to leave a legacy of never give up...life can always get better no matter what your environment is. Hoping there are other Ss that may want to become teachers after going through school, too. #gfedchat
A2: Students show up with so many needs... I want to help, but feel ill-equipped to handle the severity of intervention some of our students need #gfedchat
A2: I think one of the biggest challenges we are facing is the standardizing of school. I think we are making strides but honestly, do we want our children to be standard? #GFEdChat
A2: Currently, behaviors are the biggest challenge, proactive w/ behavior plans, little family support. Children aren’t coming to school to learn academics. #gfedchat
A1: I hope to leave my Ss with lots of great memories of their time in my classes! I hope when they think of me they will know that they can always make difference! #gfedchat
In order to continue and grow with the newest and best practices out there, funding and access to new materials would help. Also, behaviors and lack of student motivation to try or care about their education #gfedchat
A2 Growing caseloads in special education. I feel that I can't adequately serve all my students. I sometimes have to make groupings that are perfect and can't give as much time as I'd like #GFEdChat
A2: Feeling like money and lack of resources prevent Ss from getting what they need and deserve to be successful. In terms of behaviors and emotional support mostly, we can piece together the curriculum needs #gfedchat
A2: Right now I feel like I'm stretching myself thin by trying to do too much. I advise the VEX Robotics team, Acalympics, Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad I need to think about cutting that down a little next year #gfedchat
A2: Finding the time to get everything in. Of corse there are standards to be taught, however, behavior often takes much of our time. So many Ss need that extra support. #GFEdChat
A2: behaviors have drastically impacted the teaching profession. (many reasons that cause the behaviors, but difficult to find the time to help support Ss while trying to fit in all the curriculum required.) #gfedchat
A2: so much content to plan for - just in reading I am planning 3 guided reading lessons, 3 literacy centers and a benchmark lesson for every single day, Ss behavior and attitudes #gfedchat
A2: The biggest challenge I face on a daily basis is trying to find the best way to reach the diverse population at our school in an equal and responsible way!
#gfedchat
A2: Right now behaviors is one of the biggest challenge right now. Some kiddos come from tough situations and just are not able to get the help they need #gfedchat
A2 - I think somedays I leave thinking I spent my whole day putting out fires and didn't actually teach a darn thing. This career is no longer about just teaching the curriculum - it is sooooooo much more than that. #gfedchat
A2: I struggle with behavior issues with the students, something that I try to learn from myself and my peers, and on a lighter side, I struggle with space, West’s gym is very very small! Haha #gfedchat
A2: I'm 1 counselor for 450 students with rising numbers of mental health needs. I'm spread so thin with this and all the extras on my plate that I'm not only tired & weary, but stressed too. #gfedchat#8daystilbreak
A2: Some of the extremes of student behavior (fighting, swearing, etc.) and increasing mental health needs and the impact of trauma. Keeps me up and night and wears me down. #gfedchat
A2: Honestly, I'm a little homesick. Don't get me wrong...I love the people I work with and they are amazing. They pick me up and dust me off! I would also like to get into the classrooms more and co-teach with my awesome gen ed colleagues. #GFEdChat
A2: I feel bad for saying this but I just want people to do their job! Example: It tires me out when we have an 8th grader that needs MTSS data or something to get them help and there is no data recorded and they have been struggling. Need consistency! #GFEdChat
A2- The biggest problem for me is having to instill the values and work ethic that should be coming from home.I want to support values and work ethic not be the main example.I wish all my parents truly believed that everything is with a student's best interests at heart #GFEdChat
A2: The challenge I face is not having enough time to really dig in deep with some of the content I cover in class. My class is a semester and I feel that I only hit the tip of the iceberg.
#gfedchat
A2: Our large class sizes makes it a challenge every day to make sure I make those one-one connections everyday. Its a balancing act, but its hard #GFEdChat
A2: to be honest, struggling with a large group of behaviors. Normally I am rather on top of this, but this year I feel bogged down by keeping children in check and I'm unable to get through/do what I'd like to with my lessons because of it. :( #GFEdChat
A2: Sometimes I feel that we put the horse before the cart with some of our initiatives. Also think behaviors and mentality of Ss has changed greatly over the last 10 years #GFEdChat
A2 Hands down-behavior. The conversations keep happening & learning looks different for those who struggle socially, but honestly, some days I just play run out of gas. So thankful for the good days and the breakthroughs. I’m hopeful we’ll get there- I do see them. #gfedchat
A2: Dealing with student behavior and colleagues that aren't always "team" players. It truly takes a team to do what we do. It is so much easier when we work together, support each other, and recognize the good work everyone does. #GFEdChat
A2: Lots of people saying time is a constraint. I completely understand, but remember as a teacher you know what is best for students. Don't let mandates get in your way. Prioritize and do your best. #gfedchat
Hello! (Late!) Val Moch -- RRHS English -- my special-ed co-teacher, reminds me to CHILL OUT every once and awhile. :) (I am a bit of a perfectionist at times!) #gfedchat
Rich conversation! I can't keep up with my likes and comments. Look at this PLN! I hope you find support here - people to help you with the challenges we face each and every day! Better together! #gfedchat
A1: I hope to leave students with the sense that someone cared about them, to be someone who showed them that they CAN succeed when they thought they couldn't. #GFEdChat
Focus on the "why" instead of the "what." We consume most of our time with the "what." If we want the behavior to change - dig deeper into the "why." #gfedchat
A3: We are all trying our best to get Ss through their days. Nobody wakes up and says, “I’m going to put down my colleagues today.” We have the same goals and need to appreciate the multiple ways we can reach them. #gfedchat
A3 - Intentional praise is hard at times but so important. Make a priority to connect with others and find something to celebrate, if you can’t find something, you’re not looking hard enough! #GFEdChat
A3: We don't expect our students to do everything the same and we shouldn't expect our colleagues to be the same either. Try to see what they can bring to the table. We don't all need to be the same #gfedchat
A3: I think an easy answer to this is... listen more and speak less and express empathy. With that, encourage and power those around you every chance you get. #GFEdChat
A3: Asking more questions than just assuming the answers. It's helpful to find out the other side before getting frustrated. (Sometimes it's out of their control.) #gfedchat
A3:Being mindful and intentional about our words/actions/thoughts at all times. Understanding we are in control of both our thoughts and words. Grace is always a good option #gfedchat
A3 - All of us have strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to working with others, focus on their STRENGTHS. When you change your way of thinking and see the positives, you will naturally lift them up. #gfedchat
A3: Encourage each other. Teaching is tough! We all need more positivity in our lives. Offer to help, give advice, or even just a listening ear. #gfedchat
A3: Need to look for the positive of situations. Don't let the negative in as that brings everybody down. Be willing to offer help and take advice. #GFEdChat
A3: Ongoing and open communication needs to happen. This will allow staff to communicate and get the facts rather than operate based on assumptions and/or rumors #gfedchat
A2: hands down behaviors. Behaviors of struggling students, disrespectful students, students who know better and students who dont this is weighty. #gfedchat
A3: Before you speak, type it in an email and let it sit for a day! Come back to it and change a few words and the message will be the same, but the tone will be different!
#gfedchat
A3- With Supervisors, it's easy to second guess decisions made, however if you put yourself in their situation, often the decision is mush more difficult. With colleagues, do your best to swallow your pride and offer help. #GFEdChat
I do the best I know how with the "why" with all of these kids. Unfortunately, they either can't or won't share their "why." One of the most difficult aspects of my job as a counselor. #gfedchat
A3: I try to do my best to be a support for my colleagues. I listen to them, collaborate with them on lessons, incorporate elements that they value in the lesson, and find resources to make their jobs a little easier. Together we are better! #gfedchat
A way to lift up others instead of hurting them would be to imagine how we would like to be talked to. Would those words you are wanting to say impact you in any negative way? If so, maybe they should be reevaluated. #gfedchat
A3. Patience. A sense of humor. A belief in your school family. It all comes down to community and culture... people are a lot more forgiving of people they love. #GFEdChat
A3: Lots of talk about building relationships and curbing behavior. What if you (as a teacher) decided to just be human in front of your students? Sometimes being human is the best thing we can be. #gfedchat
A2: Emphasis on grades, GPA, etc. instead of learning. Too many seem more interested in "passing the class" than "learning the skill." It's difficult to not give into that mindset when faced with it nonstop. #gfedchat
A3: Always do what is best for your Ss and other Ts. If something is so bad then make sure you address the issue head on. Hopefully supervisor/principal will help fix the issue #GFEdChat
A3: Our jobs entail being a positive role model for our Ss. We should think about the challenges that others face daily and instead of saying harmful words start asking how you could help them? offer a helping hand #beabucketfiller#notabucketdumper#gfedchat
A3 Remembering that we are all in this together and that everyone goes through good and bad phases. The more we can encourage and help out our team the better. #GFEdChat
A3: We need to think before we speak, sometimes people are very quick to say what is on their mind without really thinking of how the message is coming across.
#gfedchat
A3: I truly to write notes and Royal Pride cards to staff whenever I can. It brings me up as welll. Practicing gratitude and forgiveness. The latter is tougher for me with adults. Still working on that:) #gfedchat
A3: I always try to pause in those moments when I can feel my frustration. By stopping and taking a moment, I can understand my student or colleague. I don't always have to agree but need to be respectful. I appreciate a spirited conversation! #gfedchat
A3: I've been trying really hard to keep an open mind. Sometimes people say things that aren't intended to be mean but comes out wrong. We need to keep in mind that we are here to help students and not our own egos. #gfedchat
First off - Yes...correct very difficult. Second - thanks for doing what you do. Seriously - schools couldn't function without the dedicated work that counselors do. #gfedchat
A3 Whew. Who has time to be critical? I need my tribe to thrive. So thankful to work in a culture where honest conversations and the needs of students trump personal feelings. Walk the walk! #gfedchat
A3: Focus on the positives. Find one thing that that individual does well, one thing that you would like to "steal" as part of your teaching arsenal. (And let them know it!) #gfedchat
A3: Focus on the positive. We have been participating in peer observations at Phoenix and one of the suggestions is to write a nice note to the teacher after observing them. The goal is not to criticize but to gain new ideas. #gfedchat
A3 Whew. Who has time to be critical? I need my tribe to thrive. So thankful to work in a culture where honest conversations and the needs of students trump personal feelings. Walk the walk! #gfedchat
Team work - if everyone did their part, supported each other, listened, and recognized what others bring to the table... it would make a difference in how we treat each other. #gfedchat
A2: many diverse needs from students, not enough time in the day to fit it all in, can’t take time in the moment to handle situations/take Ss aside to work with them on difficulties #GFEdChat
A3: When colleagues talk and listen to one another progress can be made. There is always a time and place for everything. Being mindful, gentle and thinking of others will help improve the overall learning environment. #gfedchat
A4: Open and consistent communication, presenting as a united front. I don’t ever want a teammate to feel like they are alone. Listening to hear, not to respond. #gfedchat
A4: Check in with one another NOT about school... ask about their family, etc. We all need a moment to take a step away from the work place and reflect on our personal lives ❤️ @Supt_Jordan#gfedchat
A4: Letting people know you appreciate them. Thank them for the little things they might do. Staff shout outs have been a nice addition to our school. #GFEdChat
A3: sometimes hard to do...ex: if Ss on IEPs aren't receiving their minutes and know that more can be done, or don't feel supported, ~I do think we should encourage others colleagues but also keep it real and don't just accept bad decisions that hurt kids.
#gfedchat
A4: This answer is very similar to #3. When I get the opportunity to co-teach with a teacher and they share their classroom, I make a point to support the students and my colleague in the learning experience. I also point out what they have taught me. #gfedchat
A3 I am a first year teacher and I have an amazing support system at school. I have learned so much from my colleagues and appreciate the help that I have received from them. #gfedchat
A4: We've been doing "I noticed that you matter..." notes at Discovery. A simple way to let someone know they matter and that other's notice. #gfedchat
A4: I think it is really important to have some fun at work. Laugh, socialize, get to know each other. We do really serious, exhausting work- it is important to have that pressure release. Also, recognize others whenever possible- notes, emails, etc. #GFEdChat
A5: At both West and Lake Agassiz, we have shoutout boards for workers who help, good deeds, or other forms of kindness to build moral In the schools. #gfedchat
A4: I support my colleagues by helping with planning, covering classes, sobbing in the afternoon. I like to show my support through acts of service.
#gfedchat
A4: Ask questions about things they have mentioned recently (a funny story from class, their struggles with a particular unit, frustrations ... be available for a vent session if --- I mean when -- needed! ... Let them know that they are HEARD.) #gfedchat
Our job is so full - we need the entire team to "show up". I find it helps to focus on what I can control (the minutes in my classroom, the teaching I deliver, etc), you are not alone - lean on the team members present. #gfedchat
A4: Show interest in what someone else is doing in their classroom when they take about it. There's so much cool stuff going on out there that it's awesome to take it all in from time to time #gfedchat
A4: Say you appreciate someone and their efforts. If you are authentic and genuine then there's never a question as to your appreciation of someone. Same with Ss. Being re always pays off. I've cried over the good days kids have had and they know it's happy tears! #gfedchat
A4: I write thank you notes and sometimes give out gift cards. When I do this, the people always say I don't have to do it but I feel it's important to feel recognized because they did something huge for me even though they don't think it's that big. #gfedchat
A4: I tried to support my teammates and colleagues anyway possible. I believe if you can go into school with a positive attitude every day the positivity will spread to others.
#gfedchat
A4: As Ts, I feel like we're typically willing to do more at anytime. It's the nature of our profession...however this is where we get taken for granted too often. It's helpful to say & hear thanks for taking the time & supporting others by asking what's on their mind. #gfedchat
a4:Compassion! Its empathy in action. Acts of kindness don't need to be big grand gestures. Don't assume they know your appreciation, show/tell them.
#GFEdChat
A4: I always find it fun to leave little notes or to send messages to other teachers about how awesome, hardworking, & dedicated they are when they are teaching. Positive words of affirmation go a long way. #gfedchat
A4. I'm becoming a big fan of sending cards.... Also, @Jodi_Dodson put together an awesome book that has info for each staff member at Valley - favorite candy, color, beverage, etc. AWESOME way to come up with ideas for little things to gift along with a thank you note! #GFEdChat
That conflict you are having with another colleague is more than likely miniscule to the conflicts many of your students go through on a daily basis. #gfedchat
build relationships with colleagues not just students. Trust comes from knowing those around you care more about you then the critic thats coming. #pouronthelove#gfedchat
A4: Shoutout boards are simple, yet effective! We also let each other know that we really appreciate the "digging" and sharing the resources within our team. #gfedchat
A5: I have such amazing colleagues but I think I need to remember to thank them more. I try but we are a great team and they deserve many thanks! #gfedchat
A4 There is such power in teamwork when we can see the value in each other and infuse our strengths to collaborate and create. I have pretty good ideas, but holy moly can my team trump those sometimes! I love it when we build a meh idea into something awesome! #gfedchat
A4 Cont: I started giving teachers birthday treats from the student council. That's a nice, simple treat for the teachers and they seem to really like it so far! #GFEdChat
A5: When people are having a bad day remind them it will pass, let them know that they are what kids need. Compliment and lift each other up. Surrounding myself with others who are positive and love being around children makes me smile. #gfedchat
A5: I still feel that we wrap the curriculum around the student - where really, we should be wrapping the student around the curriculum. Why not let every child use their gifts and talents in every classroom setting? #GFEdChat
A5: I feel like we could put some effort into personalized learning. We could move the focus from delivering curriculum and content to providing learners what they need to grow and master skills at their own rate. #gfedchat
A5: I feel like my school does MANY, many great things, but I will say that the increased class sizes make everything harder and isn't best for kids. #gfedchat
The opportunity gaps I often see is reached through just trying and putting forth an effort, far to often I see students who do not try or care that they are not trying or accomplishing anything as they are used to just getting by #gfedchat
A5: I know that SWEP team has been advocating for cluster grouping model in schools for several years now - it would take meeting the students' needs to a whole new level! #gfedchat
When you enter your workplace for the day - go in asking not what your students and colleagues can learn from you, but rather what you can learn from your students and colleagues. When we learn from students and each other - everyone wins. #GFEdChat
A5: Meeting basic needs before learning. Ss are hungry, tired, and not dressed for the weather. Providing a small fridge stocked with nutritious snacks for the Ss. Breakfast is left out until lunch for the Ss. New shoes and boots are there for anyone who needs. #gfedchat
A5: We are solution-based problem solvers. Meaning if we find/have a problem, we collab for a solution. I'd like to see myself more in the gen ed with my students. I think there's an opportunity to co-teach and I think it would help with learning and class culture. #gfedchat
A5: Maybe not quite what the question is getting at, but we have so many students in need of therapy services but there are also many barriers creating opportunity gaps: transportation, provider availability, cost, etc. #gfedchat
A5: I feel that we should allow learning to be more interactive for students. We should have more real life situations so that students will and could understand that what they are learning is essential to their life. #gfedchat
A5: We don't have enough staff to help with the emotional needs of our students. @llring207 does a great job with our students but she has 450+ students on her case load...#gfedchat
A5: increased class sizes with growing behaviors is surely an opportunity gap, lacking people to work with kids, doing a good job creating a positive work environment #gfedchat
A5: It seems like there is a BIG gap between what happens in 5th gr & 6th gr...can we close the gap & make middle school transition easier for Ss? It would be great 2 have total vertical teams get together 2 map out the essentials so they progress even through 12th gr. #gfedchat
Opportunity gaps- curriculum mapping. The idea that all students need to be on the page at the same time in the same basal drives me batshit crazy. How about we teach standards and let kids learn them in a way that is best for them. One size does not fit all. #gfedchat
A5 con't: I think we could always look for more opportunities for our students to find and develop their leadership potential. We're working on growing that potential with our leadership theme this year! #gfedchat
A5: Students at our school in particular come from 57% free or reduced homes. Our school is also badly in need of a physical upgrade and less crowding. The students, thankfully, have really great teachers in their corner. #GFEdChat
You are so correct, but yet they must all learn at high levels. So important to stress social-emotional needs first and then academic needs. Sometimes in order to educate the mind, we must start with heart. #gfedchat
A5: Our team does a great job recognizing and addressing needs of students quickly. I appreciate how everyone jumps in to do what is best for the students. Sometimes the process of finding people & resources and paperwork in place can be frustrating. #gfedchat
A5: not enough space, stop moving specials around, you build relationships with students and then you move the specials, not fair to specials or students. Look at the students first #GFEdChat
A5: not enough staff for all of the students who are disregulated and needing to spend time out of the classroom - they also need someone to teach them lagging skills #GFEdChat
a5: looking at data I've collected. theres a disproportionate amount of behavior referrals for males-that usually leads to more time outside of the classroom during academics and more time in it during social skill building opportunities...aka recess.
#GFEdChat
A5: I feel some gaps exist for our higher learners. This may not be true in all grades, but I find it can be difficult to challenge some kiddo's while I want to keep pushing them. We spend so much time focusing on our struggling kiddo's. #GFEdChat
A5: I would like to hear an update on how the KIDS are doing with special topics. What do THEY want to see and how are they doing with it. As a teacher, I'm not sure what is being covered and I would like to know. #gfedchat
A5: I believe we need more therapy type options for our students in our town or through our schools. Trauma, substance abuse, mental health, etc. are all undersupported. Our counselors do a great job but can't do it all. #GFEdChat
A5: An area that we are trying to fill is strategic interventions for students. I believe that the interventions could be more streamlined if we had specific planning, criteria. There was not sufficient planning for the execution of the interventions.
#gfedchat
A5 (I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but) ... Sometimes, students need to be held accountable for their disruptive behaviors that are prohibiting the learning opportunities of others. (Honestly, the first area for improvement could very well be MY OWN classroom!) #gfedchat
A5: I wish we had an alternative Middle School for Ss who need it. With adults who are trained to deal with mental health, trauma, etc i am not sure we meet the needs of these Ss on a daily basis #GFEdChat
A6: We try to make it a point to celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of everyone. We ran a whistle-blower campaign last year at this time to celebrate staff and students. #GFEdChat
A5: At times, it is difficult to get students motivated because of issues that are occurring when they are not in school. The students have more important things to worry about and until those needs are met, academics will not be the focus. #gfedchat
A6: Students are addressed directly by admin to ensure clarity of messages - making sure everyone hears the same expectations. It's difficult to create black and white rules, though, when so much of our work is dependent upon humans... gray area... #gfedchat
A6: At both schools, there is recognition at staff meeting and in the staff newsletters. It would be nice if we recognized each other in the moment. Show verbal appreciation for the efforts given to impact students and each other. #gfedchat
A5: More opportunities to put what they've learned to real use. For example we're struggling with some coding were doing in robotics right now and it's awesome to see my students pull out all the stops to try and find a way to get it to work. I love it! #gfedchat
A6: At times I feel some students get away with more behavior issues than others. As a student is has to be difficult to see a student disrespect others and get away with it but if they are to do the same thing, they would be getting in some sort of trouble. #gfedchat
A6: It is so important to follow up with teacher questions and concerns. Mike Wilber does a great job with this at Valley. Follows up, keeps communicating, and he is consistent. He makes sure the message is the same to kids and staff. #GFEdChat
A6: The challenge, as in most work environments, is TIME. We can BEAT THE CLOCK ⏰ by allowing ourselves to connect with colleagues on a personal level. TALK to them. ASK questions. Write a note of gratitude or kindness and leave it on their desk! #GFEdChat@Supt_Jordan
I always hear Ss who are not on IEPs complain and grumble about Ss who are and the modifications that they receive on tests/quizzes. "Why doesn't my test look like that" is commonly said in the CR. This is always a challenge as a T to discuss this concern that Ss have #gfedchat
A6: I think this happens well in our school within teams, but one of our biggest challenges may be our size. It's take more intentionality to reach outside the lines of those we work most closely with day in and day out to show that we care. #gfedchat
A6: Find a way to better way to equip/teach/reteach/guide/discipline the disruptive Ss. It's not fair to the others Ss (who want to learn) to deal with disruptive behavior in some classrooms all day long. #gfedchat
A6: We have every student paired with an adult mentor they can talk to if needed. The Ss that have chosen me as their mentor, I try to check in on them every so often to see how they're doing. #GFEdChat
A5 We have to figure out how to handle tough behavior problems. These students aren't getting the support they need and they are controlling the rest of the classroom! #gfedchat
A6: by being an Active listener for both staff and Ss, allow discussions to take place and working together for the common goal. Challenges- students wanting more than what we can give them. #gfedchat
A6: We have great Ts that have a "Not mine, not yours but OUR KIDS" mentality. Our Ss understand that they literally have a team of Ts, that creates not just belief but a knowing they matter. I also tell the SS daily, without you, I wouldn't be a teacher...you matter! #gfedchat
A6: Relationship building is the foundation. We have a PowerLunch every Wednesday where all of our 6th graders are welcome to join us in a designated classroom. The only rule is no school talk. Staff is currently doing a book study together The Power of a Positive Team #gfedchat
A6, we have student leaders helping with school functions and activities. Challenge is to keep students held accountable when not in leadership role. #gfedchat
A6: I can tell you that I try to make connections as often as possible with what students are up to and have a quick conversation about it when I'm able to. The problem comes when they don't want to share at all and put up a road block before you can even start #gfedchat
Q6 Clear expectations and follow through from both teachers and administration. I think being a good listener and building relationships goes a long way in education. #gfedchat
A6: I think with the High Reliability Schools transition, the admin is trying to recognize positives around our school. It's a working progress. It would be so cool if teachers would do call outs to great things happening and it became our culture of sharing & support! #gfedchat
I'm exhausted. Its a good exhausted though. Wow - what a great chat tonight. Thank you @JessieRErickson and #gfedchat for letting me co-host and be a part of this. You guys rock. Seriously - you do.
Thank you @Supt_Jordan for co-hosting tonight (and helping me keep up with the chatter)! We look forward to seeing your book in print soon! Glad you are part of my PLN!!! #gfedchat
A6: @luannjschmidt has done an amazing job building a positive school climate this year, @RhondaVarriano and @neppl4thgrade have planned amazing get togethers, activities as a staff They make our school SO MUCH BETTER #gfedchat
To #gfedchat participants:
If you are interested in your total #gfedchat hours up to the Holiday Break, send me a message via Twitter. I should have your total hours calculated within a few days.
#gfedchat
