#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Have a couple minutes to give our #DigCit student blogs feedback on the results of us Googling ourselves? Thank you! Please RT. https://t.co/KrEbQ0MtSL#tosachat
Hi all! So excited to be with you all tonight! I’m Cynthia, Tech Coach from San Diego. Besides you’re/your and their/there/they’re - I’ve got a thing with commas. #TOSAChat
Hi 👋🏾 @TosaChat It’s Nyree from SoCal and I am CPS if Technology for ColtonJUSD. Pet Peeve is people that do not pick up their animal waste on walks. 😮 #TOSAchat
Bhavini from PSUSD. My biggest pet peeve with punctuation is when people use there, their, and they're incorrectly along with your and you're. #TOSAchat
Hi Everyone, I'm David Ross, Ed Tech Specialist from Culver City Unified School District. I'm uncomfortable with our overuse I'd the exclamation mark. :) #tosachat
A1 Empowering learners is giving them the tools to do something with what they have learned. I also see it as giving them the tools to decide what they’d like to learn and to go after it. #TOSAChat
Hi all! Steph Rothstein. TOSA, New Tech Dept Chair, Yearbook Adviser, English Teacher. I try to remain calm but seeing apostrophes used unnecessarily DRIVE'S me crazy. It killed me to write that. #TOSAchat
A1: Engaging is what I do to help them want to learn. Empowering them is allowing them to be the driver...by providing choice. Trying to do that more with PD options this year. #TOSAchat
Hello Pam Rabin from @SanDiego_CUE and Project Specialist Ed Tech @SanDiego_COE Must...use...Oxford Comma! And yet, it drives me crazy, when too many commas, are used. #tosachat
Hey all, I’m Lisa, Curriculum TOSA from Fontana Ca. My favorite punctuation joke is “I like cooking my family and my pets...commas save lives” #tosachat
A1: Having a background in SPED, I think empowering learners means showing them how to self-advocate in order to achieve greater levels of independence both inside and outside of the classroom. #TOSAChat
Q1: empowerment comes from giving Ts and Ss autonomy to guide themselves and encouragement to so. They also need permission to fail, so they’re willing to try the really ambitious stuff. #TOSAChat
Hi, #tosachat! It's Jody! I'm an EdTech-focused Academic Coach in La Habra, CA. I love grammar and punctuation (to the point where my friends and family are afraid to text me for fear of being corrected, although I have NEVER corrected any of my friends)!
A1: When students are empowered learners they become the captain of their knowledge ship and learn to sail on their own. Not sure why I am thinking about ships at sea right now... #tosachat
Empowerment involves ownership. In order to empower, students and teachers must feel heard and supported. Then confidence in paving a pathway, especially when they have questions, can grow. #TOSAchat
A1 - we empower students and teachers when we give them the tools they need to be successful. Cognitive tools like metacognition, reflection, critical thinking all play important roles in teaching and learning. #tosachat
To me, empowerment means providing Ts and Ss with the tools they need to be successful and then getting out of the way. I offer support when necessary, but I allow Ts and Ss to take control of their learning and their products quickly. #tosachat#supermuch
A2 My Aunt Mary empowered me when I was young. She had full belief in me that I could do whatever it was my heart desired and she helped me see my strengths. In fact…I think I’m going to write her a letter to make sure she knows her impact on me before she is gone. #TOSAChat
A1) I agree @TeachingTechNix that we empower others by giving them tools, and I'll add that empowerment comes also through understanding WHY you want them and how they support your learning goals. #TOSAchat
A2: My grandmother. She never laughed or tried to dissuade me from pursuing a career in teaching. She was always my biggest supporter (next to my mom!) #tosachat
A1: Encouraging learners to dig deeper and to celebrate even the smallest of their edu victories. Ex. I remind my math Ss daily that they are rock stars! #tosachat
A2 I will never forget Mrs Hernandez. She had high expectations for me sad I thrived. Plus, she looked like JLo and always changed our classroom decorations seadonly. Loved that. #TOSAChat@TosaChat
Hello #TOSAChat! I'm Sandra, a digital learning coach. Don't have a punctuation joke but the misuse of commas crack me up: "Let's eat Grandma" vs "Let's eat, Grandma"
Q1: empowerment comes from giving Ts and Ss autonomy to guide themselves and encouragement to so. They also need permission to fail, so they’re willing to try the really ambitious stuff. #TOSAChat
A1: Provide then with the time and space to learn, explore and fail. Be there to support them through the process and help them reflect in order to grow and get better! #tosachat
A2: I was very bullied for like 8 years at Catholic school. Sister Sarah helped me find my voice, stand up for myself, and eventually end the bullying. Took a long time. Definitely had an impact on how I relate to kids. #TOSAchat
This is so hard! I feel like our school system is sometimes so full of limits. We need to find and take advantage of all those times when we can give autonomy and encourage moonshot thinking. #TOSAChat
A2: my softball & soccer coaches empowered me & build my confidence up & helped me believe in others “team”; it plays a role in collaboration & empowering others #tosachat
A2: My ESL teacher in elementary school helped empower me. She believed more in me than I did in myself. I wanted to be successful to prove her thoughts about my capabilities correct. #TOSAchat
A2 I would say my grandmother really influenced me. She was a retired teacher, and she had a closet full of dittos. I would spend hrs at her house playing teacher with real teacher stuff! & she believed in creativity, giving space to play pretend and write stories❤️ #tosachat
A2: There were a lot of teachers that empowered me. I got all of my confidence as a child from academics and school, my teachers were instrumental in that. I remember how those teachers made me feel and I want to reciprocate that for our young learners. #TOSAChat
A2: 6th grade T Doug Yonce set very high expectations, never felt defeated by them, just inspired. Leg lifts while saying U-C-L-A. He forgave me for going to Cal. High School IB T Mr. Chris changed my thinking, connecting subjects for deeper understanding. #TOSAchat
A2) One professor I had at in my Credential/Masters program. He was so inspiring the way he approached student learning that I wanted to soak up everything that was taught. I owe a lot of the teacher I became to those courses. #tosachat
A1: A saying from another admin has been inspiring me to help empower others. “A principal’s job is not to solve problems but to see that problems are solved.” I know it can be misinterpreted but the meaning is there #tosachat
A2) I was empowered early on by my best friend's mom, Nola. She engaged us in adult-like discussion and more importantly listened. She challenged us to think and reflect. She made me feel like what I had to say was important. #TOSAchat
Hello I’m Marcia, Induction Coordinator from Atwater CA & not much punctuation or spelling bothers me, but Prounciation of “video” being said as “BIDEO” is tough for me #Tosachat
I'm now teaching in a project based program all about inspiration and interconnected subjects. Both of these teachers empowered me at my core. I think of them often and have remained in contact. #TOSAchat
A2 My elementary music teacher! It's important to let others know you believe in them & to provide support & encouragement when they try something new. #TOSAChat
A3 The principal I taught under for 8 years & still report to now as a TOSA, @Hannah_H_Park, is someone who empowers me. She sees my strengths & encourages my growth. She opened many doors to allow me to combine my love of teaching with my love of tech. Thanks, Hannah! #TOSAChat
Okay so I was one of those late people! I will admit that I learned to swap Ss work as my need to change it up. Less seasonal and more content driven. #yougotme#tosachat
A2: In 5th grade, my T gave me the opportunity to create and schedule a couple of field trips for our class. We had great in-class "extras" too. We went beyond curricula and into creative adventures. #tosachat
A3 it prob sounds sappy & lovesick but my hubby really empowers me on the daily. He believes wholeheartedly in me and my abilities even when I don’t. He’s got my back for sure. #tosachat
Having that freedom can set some teachers on an empowered path to create something special. As a teacher I sometimes feel like I am too much of a rule follower. When someone opens up the parameters I get a new sense of autonomy. #TOSAChat
A3: I would say my teacher friends (@MrsBarnett_Tchr, I'm talking to you!) They just get it. They get what it's like being 110% for the kids in your room. They know the struggle of home/school life. It helps having a #teachertribe @ the end of the day. #tosachat
A3: Is it cheesy to say my Ss empower me? I feel like I get what I give, in a way. When they feel empowered and celebrate, I am empowered to keep doing what I am doing and some. #tosachat
A3: My wife is easily the most supportive person. She encourages me and at the same time pushes me to be better everyday. Couldn't do all this without her. #tosachat
A3: Was just having this conversation with my Principal today. I wrote her, "Thank you for trusting me and the support. I think that has really helped me feel more comfortable to try." I also had a coach who modeled empowerment @ZOPowers. He still inspires our school. #TOSAchat
A3: My previous principal still empowers me today. I look up to him as a mentor. He always provides honest feedback and pushes me to grow. His ideas, thoughts and advice motivate me to always want to grow in my profession and be better. #Tosachat
Shout out @tr_bo who has empowered me this year in my new role. From that came an idea to create a professional development YouTube channel called #1coolthing for my district. I’m super excited about it. #TOSAChat
As a math nerd, it is embarassing that even I know this...come on people...only thing worse is the various abuses of they're, their, and there #tosachat
Two former principals, Gary Mantey & @DrCarlosLHCSD, empowered me years ago. Their belief in my potential as an educator led me to this place. Gary game me the chance to be a leader in prof learning.@DrCarlosLHCSD chose mine as the iPad pilot classroom. And here I am. #Tosachat
A3 - my husband @bennixon empowers me as well. He believes in me wholeheartedly and was the one who encouraged me to ask about taking a TOSA role. He makes things work with the kids at home so I can go present. He’s my hero. Thanks, Ben! #TOSAChat
Q4 One way to empower our learners is to help them find and share their VOICE. How do you help students or teachers see that their voices are valuable? #TOSAChat
A3) @AliciaMButters@eenglished@dochoc66 in the two whole weeks I have worked at @SanDiegoCOE I can hands down say I've fallen into a culture of mentoring and support! Total feeling of empowerment & anything's possible #supermuch awesome... thanks ladies! #tosachat
A4 I try to make teachers see that they all have a strength and that their opinion is valuable. Even if they claim tech "isn’t my thing” they have a thing. My goal is to find it and help them shine. #TOSAChat
A4: In order to give someone a voice I start with listening. 1 on 1 conversations and being there for your learners is empowering. Once they know you are there for them you can take them on any #edventure#tosachat
A4: I think it's important students know that their opinions and feelings matter. I think Ts need to hear this too, especially from people in leadership roles (e.g. admins). Their voices count too and they like to be recognized and have their opinions validated. #tosachat
A4: CLICK THE BUTTONS...all of them... but really, meet Ts where they are and move forward with baby steps if that is what it takes. Try to find a "quick win" ...usually an #EduProtocol...opens the door as they are cross-curricular, most grade levels, and efficient #TOSAchat
A4 My goal is to have more Ss use their own voice to record reflection during & after. This process is validating, helps growth. Same for Ts. I plan to start a podcast where I interview Ts about most inspiring projects, lessons. Talking and listening with a purpose. #TOSAchat
Q4 One way to empower our learners is to help them find and share their VOICE. How do you help students or teachers see that their voices are valuable? #TOSAChat
A4: being explicit in telling them that it does, and giving them a platform. For Ss, it was through discussions or blogs, and working on their #20time projects that were typically about making a difference somewhere. I’m still figuring this pet out for Ts as a TOSA #TOSAChat
Q4 One way to empower our learners is to help them find and share their VOICE. How do you help students or teachers see that their voices are valuable? #TOSAChat
A4) I value teacher voices, I listen, I try my hardest not to barge in and fix things, I try not to jump to solutions right away. Ask questions because I wonder, not because I know the answer and am trying to lead them. #tosachat
A4: Taking the time to even ask Ss and Ts and making them feel that what they think, say and feel is valuable. Providing opportunities for them to share their voices with others. #TOSAchat
I love that idea. Seeing that their voice matters in a tangible way. Also - reflection is so needed! I feel like when time is crunched, reflection is the first to go. #TOSAChat
A4 we have started a #pbl based PD program this year and one of the things we encourage is student voice and choice in the projects. The PD allows for teacher voice and choice as well. It’s so exciting to see what teachers are doing with their kids this year. #tosachat
A4: Writing/podcasting/videography with built-in freedoms. Some struggle w/ it at first. But it works. Also, I ask if deadlines are realistic; and listen to what Ss say in formal and informal discussions. #tosachat
A4 Try to find ways to let the quiet voices be heard, Ts and Ss. Not that the loud ones are wrong, but they can down out or intimidate others.@#tosachat
Q4 One way to empower our learners is to help them find and share their VOICE. How do you help students or teachers see that their voices are valuable? #TOSAChat
A5 This one is tricky. It is often easier with adult learners because with Ss you have curriculum to cover. There is always a little wiggle room to allow students some sort of choice, even if it is within the content you must cover. Choice is important! #TOSAChat
A5: We have tried to build in autonomy into our gamified approach to PD and digital citizenship. Teachers and students can play and earn points in their own way and share their knowledge in a variety of formats. #TOSAChat
A4 Try to find ways to let the quiet voices be heard, Ts AND Ss. Not that the loud ones are wrong, but they can drown out or intimidate others. #tosachat
That is so great! I think it is hard to let go initially and let kids do different things, but it is so worth it to see their personalities and strengths shine. #TOSAChat
Me? I said that? That's so mean of me! I guess it's payback for that one time when you announced your baby's arrival and purposefully gave me a heart attack over text... Muuahahahahahaha! #tosachat
A5: We had "tech bytes" at our staff meetings where we'd do mini PD sessions. Staff could pick which sessions they'd want to go to. This helped even the most resistant to learning tech. #tosachat
A4 Allow opportunities for them to share their thoughts. @Flipgrid@googleclassroom etc. The feedback after is powerful also. That’s when they know you are invested in their thoughts. #Tosachat@TosaChat
Q4 One way to empower our learners is to help them find and share their VOICE. How do you help students or teachers see that their voices are valuable? #TOSAChat
A5: Independent projects, like #20time where students, or Ts for that matter, set a goal, make a plan, identify what needs to be learned to accomplish it, and then go. They’ll gravitate to the “how” naturally. Giving choice for PD is huge for teachers. #TOSAChat
A5: Instead of "sit and get" training, Ts get to pick a book, receive student materials, teacher resources with Hangout support. And a custom HyperDoc. F2F for just one hour (paid). BONUS: swag and not having to write sub plans! #TOSAchat
Years ago, I stopped my newspaper subscription because I found myself proofreading and editing the articles. Lol #tosachat Though I'm married to Mr. Grammar Police. Be careful how you end a sentence!
A5: I’m planning more playground PD sessions especially with our robotics roll-out. And I’ll be leading my ed tech leaders in play sessions w/ @AdobeSpark in the next month or so. #tosachat
A5: Giving Ss autonomy to showcase their learning by utilizing hyperdocs and choice boards in the classroom. For Ts I think edcamp style unconferences help them choice what they want to learn. #TOSAchat
A5 This year our district has offered Ts choice in PD. It has been very successful. They are more invested attending what interest them. #TOSAchat@TosaChat
A4 Listen. Pay attention when they share. If they're not sharing, ask questions & engage them in a conversation. Provide multiple ways & opportunites for them to share their voice. #TOSAChat
We laugh at all the grammar/spelling mistakes on our local (Reno) news. It’s usually so bad it’s funny. And they never correct them between 6pm and 11pm. #tosachat
I love #20time. This one is hard to get some teachers to see the value. Teachers will say that they have so much on their plates, I get it but it feels like we miss a big opportunity to build something special. #tosachat
My students loved choice boards! They felt like they were in control of the activities they did - which was HUGE in our special education classroom. #tosachat
A5) Agree @TeachingTechNix. With S we can use all the great UDL strats for engagement, representation, & expression to plan from the onset for choice. Working w/Ts I think it's best when we meet them where they are & work w/in a realm of choice toward goals #tosachat
A6 I find that the more choice we give our students and the more opportunities they have to share their voice - this helps them start to see the possibilities. They might miss a passion if we never let them explore different ways to learn and/or show their learning. #TOSAChat
I will send you the agenda later. Running it through google classroom and created a Hyperdoc of the 4Cs fir tech tools. So far so good. The Ts like getting a chance to play and explore. #TOSAchat
A6 I find that Ts feel the need to be the expert in the room...and that is a roadblock. Embrace that #growthmindset Letting Ss take the wheel will empower them to find the pathway that works for them. There's not one right pathway. #TOSAchat
The Ts love exploring the different tech tools and we are running the PD through a google classroom. Ts appreciate the time to apply their learning and we share on a google site. #TOSAchat
In our Induction program we offer lots of choice in the collection of evidence of growth! Some might not be with tech, because we need to meet them where they are at #tosachat
A5 Part 1: Intersting question. I find Ts and Ss go into two groups. The "just give it to me, tell me what you want" and the "let me figure it out myself". My goal is to empower all to want to do it and forge their own path, however scary. #TOSAchat
A5 Part 2: Working on PD that all departments plan for themselves. Some have embraced it but others are stuck. They like freedom but don't know how to meet expectations without feeling a block in creativity. My role- help them. Will use #criticalcreativity. #TOSAchat
They were able to pick 2 days of Pd OR our online PBL @AlludoPlay game. I am helping to teach the 1 day tech Pd and ur is all hands on. The Ts seem to really love it. #TOSACHAT
This isn't sappy & lovesick at all! My husband empowers me on the regs, too. We do a lot of work together and it's because of him that I am able to (sometimes) get over my imposter syndrome :) #tosachat@theedtechdoctor
I assign one per trimester. 1) cookies 2) bread and 3) salsa. Kids make at home then bring in samples and write up/present results. Alt: make together in school kitchen assigning different recipes to different groups. #kitchenchemistry#TOSAChat
Thanks y'all for a great chat! Headed out now to clean up after my tornado of a 2-year-old! See you next week! Thanks @TeachingTechNix for moderating! #tosachat
Q7 As educators we have a unique opportunity to make positive change. What is one thing you’ve taken from this chat that will help you empower your learners? #TOSAChat
A6 We need to make sure we are building in opportunities for choice in areas. People are more invested when they feel like their voice matters. If we offer supports during those roadblocks, they won’t be alone. #TOSAchat@TosaChat
What a great use of @AlludoPlay! Lucky teachers to have a creative strategy to help them become better teachers. What was the split of teachers, percentage wise? More Online or F2F? #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @TosaChat, @AlludoPlay, @AlludoPlay
A6 Ss need to see the possibilities open to them. Bringing in guest speakers live or via Google hangouts/Skype. If you can see it you can be it. I am also a firm believer that PBL opens possibilities for Ss to imagine themselves or reimagine themselves. #tosachat
A6) When Ss & Ts face many roadblocks, we can empower them by working with them to remove the roadblocks, help them learn to steer off the road from time to time, and even how to build their own roads. #tosachat
A7: Not to be a silo....We need each other to be empowered. I am a party of 1 in my district. I rely on my PLN to grow. Ts need other Ts to grow. #sharingiscaring#bettertogether Let's be #unstoppable#TOSAchat
A6: Roadblocks are temporary. Sometimes, detours lead us on scenic routes. Helping them see these roadblocks as opportunities and teaching them to "fail up" is important. #tosachat
I hear that often…”I’m the only ____teacher on my site.” That is ok! It doesn’t excuse you from collaboration. We all have things we can share and different perspectives to offer. #bettertogether#TOSAChat
A6. Acknowledging the struggle but then staying positive. Exploring potential solutions but allowing teachers to find their way through reflection #TOSAChat
A7 I’ve got to get some online choice boards or some sort of something with choice going for my teachers. If any of you have PD choice boards to share, I’d be grateful! #TOSAChat
A6: Helping them be open to inspiration. Finding many ways in: videos, art, podcasts, tweets, books, other teachers' YouTube channels #1coolthing. Modeling and connecting. #TOSAchat
