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.
I’m very excited about celebrating, and being grateful for, 54 years of life today! I am truly blessed! Happy Friday! Thanks to each of you for truly being important to me! 😊😍 #bfc530#JoyfulLeaders
I’m very excited about celebrating, and being grateful for, 54 years of life today! I am truly blessed! Happy Friday! Thanks to each of you for truly being important to me! 😊😍 #bfc530#JoyfulLeaders
Hi #bfc530- I would tell them to be kind to themselves and to find their allies. Oh and to stay true to their teaching heart. What works for one doesn't always work for another.
Without a single doubt...LOVE THEM...LOVE THEM ALL! This will change you as a teacher and it could well be a game-changer for a number of your students! #bfc530
Take advantage of the expertise in the building (and on Twitter!) and learn everything you can from the people around you. I'd give the same advice to a veteran teacher. #bfc530
Morning #bfc530
I would tell them to STAY OUT of the teacher's room & find your positive tribe. Don't take yourself too seriously & if your meant to do this you'll be fine:)
Be ready to work. Teaching is a lot of work, but so worth it. Make relationships a top priority; with students, teachers, parents, principals, secretaries, janitors etc. #bfc530
I’d tell them be careful not to spread yourself too thin. New teachers often have trouble saying ‘no,’ but regular self care is the key to a long, happy teaching career. #bfc530
#bfc530 The one piece of advice I would give to new #teachers: remember the uniqueness of each #student. Not everyone will be good at math or writing, but when you can appreciate what makes them special as people, you will find joy in what you do.
So true, Kathy. I came home yesterday completely exhausted. Almost fell asleep during a manicure at 3:30. Pure exhaustion, so I know I gave everything to those kids yesterday. Love days like that, in a strange way.
#bfc530
I tell my daughter to listen. Yes, she has great ideas, but listen to the people who have been there; listen to the expertise in the building. (at least for the first year) #bfc530
Be ready to work. Teaching is a lot of work, but so worth it. Make relationships a top priority; with students, teachers, parents, principals, secretaries, janitors etc. #bfc530
Build relationships, take the time to get to know your Ss, the academics and learning will come easeier and be more purposeful, relationships are the glue that holds schools together! #bfc530
Show them you care. Learn along with them. Don't be afraid to be honest with them, especially if you make a mistake. You have the best job in the world. #bfc530
Good morning team!! One thing? You have to be passionate about teaching-it’s hard, it’s tiring, you have more difficult times than glorious times..but, oh, those successes are sooo sweet! Find others who have that same passion-feed on them, and let them learn from you. #bfc530
"Go easy on yourself!" (Alexa, play The Eagles "Take It Easy") We can be our own worst critics, whether talking ourselves out of taking a risk or being too hard on ourselves on whether we are making an impact. This teaching thing won't be easy but it WILL be worth it. #bfc530
I love your viewpoint on it! I am going to change my thinking. Thank you for that! #bfc530
I left the gym without stretching yesterday. I didn’t have it in me. lol
This is so important. My first few years I was always the first to arrive, last to leave and would come in every weekend. That kind of pace can't be sustained all year long- just results in burnout at some point. #bfc530
Build relationships, take the time to get to know your Ss, the academics and learning will come easeier and be more purposeful, relationships are the glue that holds schools together! #bfc530
Dear student teacher, yes, you will plan a lesson you believe will last 50 minutes & it will be done in 15. Don't worry. We've all done it. Embrace mistakes & allow your students to do also #bfc530
Never stop learning. Never lose sight of the reason you started teaching. Nurturing relationships is more important than raising test scores (and yet one leads to the other). Keep a box of special notes from kids and parents to pick you up on your down days. #bfc530
Good morning team!! One thing? You have to be passionate about teaching-it’s hard, it’s tiring, you have more difficult times than glorious times..but, oh, those successes are sooo sweet! Find others who have that same passion-feed on them, and let them learn from you. #bfc530
#bfc530 I would also remind new #teachers that they need to take care of themselves. It is so easy to eat chips for lunch or not sleep enough, but #students are happier when you are healthy and well-rested.
It’s about relationships. Kids don’t care what you know until they know you care (pithy, but true). Once they know you have their backs, they will always go the extra mile. #bfc530
Advice to new teachers: Let your enthusiasm shine; it is contagious. Get to know Ss' interests. Stock books of all kinds for your classroom library so you can match the right book with the right kid. Strike a balance of routine and variety in your lesson planning. #bfc530
This is so important. My first few years I was always the first to arrive, last to leave and would come in every weekend. That kind of pace can't be sustained all year long- just results in burnout at some point. #bfc530
Yes!! The ones that you might be having trouble seeing the good in are those most in need of some added care and attention. #bethatKINDofteacher#bfc530
OMG - look what I just saw from a former student who came in to class with NO english, and by the time he left two years later, he was reading The Giver with me! He's now almost through HS - I LOVE this job! #bfc530
Preservice teacher advice - one of the only jobs that can make you cry on a daily basis, but can bring you immeasurable joy ... where you can be soaring high one moment and then feel like someone has kicked you in the junk the next moment. You ready for that type of job? #bfc530
Best practical piece of advice I was given was to be proactive. Send an update email to parents every Sunday recapping the past week, outlining the next. Supporting online planners etc w/explanation and sharing your life a little. P love it, & it builds relationships #bfc530
I think a lot of new Ts can feel pressured to have impeccable classroom mgmt and that's so tough when you're starting out- it takes time to build community- #bfc530
I'd also add: don't expect perfection. Try not to focus on the negative but recognize what went well & build on that. Remember, good teachers are never perfect, but they work hard & are constantly learning. #bfc530
Your First year you will feel like you are drowning, the second like you’re treading water, and the third like you’re learning to swim. No matter how scared or overwhelmed you may feel, you are making a difference in the lives of children. #bfc530
My advice would be more health related. Too many Ts let the workload destroy their sleep, eating habits, and give up exercise for grading. It's ok to go for a walk or jog during lunch. If you're not healthy you're not the best T you can be #bfc530
#bfc530 I have never forgotten what a struggle #school was for me, and I am #grateful for that. Remember that school is a very difficult place for many #students, whether socially, academically, or emotionally. Try to make everyone feels safe and accepted. It's not easy,but try.
My advice would be more health related. Too many Ts let the workload destroy their sleep, eating habits, and give up exercise for grading. It's ok to go for a walk or jog during lunch. If you're not healthy you're not the best T you can be #bfc530
Advice to every teacher ... find your beacon of hope. In all the chaos, dust, and noise that happens in education ... there is always that moment of clarity where you can say “this is why I do what I do” #bfc530
It’s about relationships. Kids don’t care what you know until they know you care (pithy, but true). Once they know you have their backs, they will always go the extra mile. #bfc530
It definitely adds fuel to my tank and keeps the fire for learning burning. It's about the people. Find your tribe and those who challenge your way of thinking. The people here make it THE place to be. #bfc530
In reply to
@DrKnicki, @edu_ivers, @LaurenPorosoff, @Twitter
Advice to new teachers: know that each day will be different and some will be good and others not so good, don’t be afraid to ask questions, build relationships with staff and students, share your story, find your passion and enjoy the ride! #bfc530
Good morning all and Happy Friday! I would tell a preservice teacher to never lose their excitement of seeing ALL students learn. Be proud and cherish their reaction to learning new things. #bfc530
#bfc530 Have a great Friday everyone, and a restful weekend. Today marks the end of my break, but even better, I cannot wait to get back to #school next week!
This has been a breath of fresh air this morning! What a lovely way to start the day. Thanks, friends! Have a great weekend! I’m going to #EdCampBranford! #bfc530
That sounds like a great idea. I think about how enjoyable is is to walk with Ss during yard duty- what a great way to problem-solve with Ss too- not just adult/kid in a face-off in the hallway/office, etc. #bfc530
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @bohndrake, @BrysonBridget
Ah, I have one now. Relax and have fun, find a colleague you can trust and talk with during good/bad times, get to know your kids and be their advocate! #bfc530
#bfc530 My advice to new Ts would be to celebrate every little success: a smile, a passed quiz, an effective parent phone call, a well-executed lesson. String enough of those moments together, and you'll start thinking, I can do this! And it gets easier!
So true! I would add, make sure the same happens for the Ss. The academic distance travelled is as important as the results they achieve (possibly more so!) #bfc530
You didn't! Even better. Enjoy the day. If you ever make it to Buffalo, I can point you in the direction of some incredible Pizza and wings ---> https://t.co/FmYbiistsM#bfc530
My advice would be to stay in the same state for retirement. Go to the district that has the most to offer you and start your career. Earn your EdD while you are young. Retire after 30 and move to the beach. #bfc530
Welcome to the most amazing job that could possibly exist! Staying current, innovative and engaged is dependent on you, so stay connected to kids & find colleagues who support you & who will push you to be better. Reflect on your practice. Take care of yourself. #BFC530
Little victories are what propel novice and veteran teachers alike! It’s amazing what a single success - no matter the size or scope - can do for your craft, morale, and overall passion for our amazing profession! #bfc530
Advice: Don't do it alone - reach out. And don't be discouraged if not everybody reaches back. Keep trying. Be positive. Find a bright, magical spot in every day. @BFC_530@MrTravisDrake#bfc530
In reply to
@BFC_530, @MrTravisDrake, @BFC_530, @MrTravisDrake
My advice always is to make yourself as employable as possible. In NY, teaching is a fairly competitive practice. It took me 4 years after my bachelors to get my classroom and that was because I became duel certified in SPED and English. #bfc530
Get together with coworkers outside of school on Fridays after dismissal. You’ll share stories, get support, have fun, and realize you’re not alone. #bfc530
This is the advice that a veteran gave me my first year of teaching. Make sure you intentionally take your lunch everyday. Your to do list will never end so it’s very important that you take a break single day or you will burn yourself out trying to do everything! #bfc530
Call me when you need an ear. I forget how I want old Ss to come back when they have problems so I can help them on math. Why not preservice Ts? I’ll support you even when you’ve moved on. #bfc530
Advice to student teachers (and I guess everyone in education): Listen more than you speak. Be open minded. Eat lunch with people who inspire you - not commiserate with you. #bfc530
I always seem to be late (or early?) for #bfc530, but still like answering the questions! My advice would be 1) it's all about relationships, and 2) get involved in the community & life of the school beyond your classroom - it makes your time & relationships so much richer.
Know your learners, in multiple ways and on an ongoing basis. Ground your instructional decisions in this “data”. Intentionally select instructional approaches and strategies because they make the most sense for your learners, rather than because it’s the trend. #bfc530
Seek first to understand then to be understood. It was advice my mentor, a 30+ year Math teacher in the same I was walking into. He was talking about all aspects of the craft: students, colleagues, Administrators and the district. Sage advice. Totally helped. #BFC530
#bfc530 All great! Also, grab a nice photo box & make it your "Wellness Box" save thank you notes, positive letters, cards, photos etc Add a stress ball, journal, coloring book, Prisma colored pencils(best), colored pens & a little chocolate! Use it mindfully & celebrate often 💖
#bfc530 My advice to new Ts would be to celebrate every little success: a smile, a passed quiz, an effective parent phone call, a well-executed lesson. String enough of those moments together, and you'll start thinking, I can do this! And it gets easier!
Morning, #bfc530. Truth be told, I might 1st frustrate interviewer by responding to their Qs w/more of my own: "What excites you about teaching?" "What worries you?" Ensuing dialogue TBD, w/goal of help (self- or otherwise) coming from initially being less helpful.
Years ago I facilitated a tea & treats workshop in my room & teachers decorated a box or bag, filled it with some of their cards, letters & we shared! So much fun! Now I'm thinking I just may offer it again 💐 #bfc530
@bohndrake I completed my credential program in December in California. We were told during our program to ignore negativity and the break room! Great advice! #bfc530
I completed my credential program in December in California. We were told during our program to ignore negativity and avoid the break room. Great advice! #bfc530