#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Hi, Justine here from a finally sunny Auckland, New Zealand. Primary teacher always but now studying full time for my PhD researching gifted ed. #whatisschool
Hello from Pittsburgh 😀 A1 to keep trying new things, giving the students more opportunities to lead in the classroom, and always work on building relationships #whatisschool
A1: This year I want to work on keeping my stress level down. Last year's goal was to find ways to connect more with students and it worked out very well! #whatisschool
A1: we’ve been back at school for 2 weeks and I can tell that my Ss don’t all have a passion for writing. My goal is to change that. Through making our own blogs, participating in @travellingtale and connecting to golobal classrooms #whatisschool
Blake Matthews. 7/8 Computer Science, Robotics, and Science. I will be following along and learning but probably not posting much. I am editing my book right now... trying to settle on a font for the cover. #kidlitart#kidlit#ChildrensBooks#whatisschool
A1: I want to explore what it takes to move forward. Love my work @HelenaCollege but as I get older, I know there’s more to the game and want to get involved in shaping our future. #whatisschool
Greetings from the air, on a @SouthwestAir flight from a meeting in Washington, DC to home base in Chicago, IL. Executive Director of @ISACSnews. #whatisschool
A1: I want to help create a culture of reading in our high school by: 1. reading more myself and 2. Encouraging & supporting Ts to lead their own book clubs at school (in addition to our own library book clubs!) #whatisschool
A1. My main goal is to develop an improved curriculum based on inquiry for my 5th grade Spanish speaking students and get them connected to other students in Spain or Latino America for a global cultural project. #whatisschool
A1 Personally - I'm trying to blog every day I teach - about teaching and whatnot. For my students I am really trying to help them uncover their interests toward STEAM and what they can design and create using those interests #whatisschoolhttps://t.co/Fs8MXDcTHf
A1: My Personal Educator Goal = To blog regularly at https://t.co/6jqOFzZDop , grow my PLN of amazing people & learn from the best in the business #whatisschool
A1(part 2): Already progress is being made! 2 teachers are interested in doing their own book clubs with Ss! If we are excited and passionate- it is contagious! #whatisschool
A1: One of my major goals is to take a balanced approach to what I say yes to. I said yes to far too many things last year and spread myself too thin. #whatisschool
A1: Continue to move our Independent school accreditation process to a greater focus on school improvement and congruence with standards, away from a compliance mindset. #whatisschool
Positive - but still a work in progress like most things. We have invested heavily in our people over the last two years and have developed a strong pedagogy behind the integration of technology with a passionate group of #saisrocks Teachers #whatisschool
A1: One of my major goals is to support teachers and change the mindset of those who may need encouragement or may need help in their early years of teaching! We need them!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻#whatisschool
A2 Time management is a very difficult task for me, I try to set a weekly plan and leave gaps in my schedule knowing that they will not actually be gaps. #whatisschool#ysuedu
Focus is tough as I am teaching classes on different ends of the spectrum ... Tech class with ShopBots and Laser Cutters/Engravers and US History ... hard to shift gears from one to the other. #whatisschool
A2: My calendar - I have to be organized and I work to my schedule to ensure I get what I need to get done. I schedule times for blogging etc to ensure it gets done #whatisschool
A2: as an admin, I love the flexibility I have to help where I can. I work w/ whole school in an effort to see what we do, why we do it, and how we can improve, especially for the sake of our Ss #whatisschool
Make lists, prioritize, stay strategic, consult with colleagues, engage others -- and be sure to practice self care so I have the fuel to do the work. #WhatisSchool
A2 productivity? More whims of educational rabbit holes but if you want to know how to be more efficient with assessment checkout my talk next month #needlessplug#whatisschool
A2. Make lists, prioritize, stay strategic, consult with colleagues, engage others -- and be sure to practice self care so I have the fuel to do the work. #WhatisSchool
A2: I’m analog in this regard. I use a bullet journal to map out short, medium, and long-term priorities. I generally start working on what is most pressing in combination to what I feel most like doing so I don’t burn out. #whatisschool
A1 Another goal is to continue being a voice at the school where I sub (it’s the school I taught at for 38 years). Retirement/subbing just means a different way to share my love of teaching and focus on school community #whatisschool
A2: I like to look at it as a system for balance. Sometimes being productive is getting out on the ocean to clear my head and find my joy. Then, I come back in and get to task. Balance includes family, friends, teaching, time in nature, exercise and reflection. #whatisschool
A2: I used a variety of apps: @msonenote and @GoogleKeep are my favourites. My calendar is ver important to set tasks, meetings and deadlines. #whatisschool
A2. I have worked hard to overcome my talent for procrastination. It has been a goal for a while. Making excellent progress! Most of my time at the moment is for research (mine and for an MoE task) with a bit of exercise thrown in. #whatisschool
2) I’m a fan of making lists of priorities and start accomplishing them in the morning when I feel more energetic. Always putting students needs first #whatisschool
Oooooh! I need to get back in. Afraid now because I'm not clear on the laws re: no fly zones. I hear six of one thing and a half-dozen of another. #whatisschool
A2: Many days I feel like an air traffic controller in the library- but, I’ve found if you do your best to take care of Ss and Ts, and they know you really care about them, the rest takes care of itself. Every action should be based on what is best for Ss! #whatisschool
A2.Our pupils forget most of what we teach r.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them and they will reach their potential #WhatisSchool
A2: I'm not sure I have a set productivity plan! It changes daily! Lol! If I don't get my to-do list done at school I take it home with me! I prefer working at home where I can relax and spread out! I work until I get it done! #whatisschool
Breaking News - I have an additional role as a Digital Learning Leader (EdTech Coach) at my school, starting ASAP working with me and my amazing team! Job Description coming today so stay tuned and DM me for more #whatisschool
A2. Lists, agendas and calendars help a lot as well as regular team meetings to make sure we are doing what we set out to do. A 90 day plan is also a great way to keep track of the bestgger picture items #whatisschool
A2c If we teach our S's how to be productive and how to plan, it can inadvertently teach them to utilize time better, be more productive, and we can make better use of each school day. #whatisschool#ysuedu
Q3. What are some challenges that you have previously encountered when it comes to meeting your goals? How do you plan to overcome them this year? #WhatisSchool
Q3. What are some challenges that you have previously encountered when it comes to meeting your goals? How do you plan to overcome them this year? #whatisschool
A2 I am 1000% digital in my classroom but for productivity I kick it old school pen/paper and colored pencils in my #bulletjournal I even have a second one for all my PD #whatisschool
Our helpful pages for this #whatisschool chat: Goals page https://t.co/n6S0TWmnQF Resolutions & Reflection page https://t.co/fItx2PxARx Set teaching goals each school year & have your students set their learning goals.
Periodically reflect & revise these goals.
A2. James from England, almost 12:30am! I have set myself up a wee google calendar that I have privatised etc and have scheduled meetings included etc within it with appropriate meeting notifications (1 hour etc) #whatisschool
A3 the largest detriment to a goal can be the smallest exceptions. Giving up little parts to a goal can lead to sacrificing the larger goal in the long run. #whatisschool
A3 I can be too ambitious. Last year, I gamified my class with one long game from Aug-June. This year I'm running 3 smaller games - easier to manage #whatisschool
A3: For me it comes down to time. I have learnt to schedule times for important activities so it happens! Having other people following up helps as well #whatisschool
Sometimes goals need to be flexible ... sometimes I start with a goal and it morphs into a different goal because I learned something new which required a goal shift. #whatisschool
A3. Challenges in meeting goals: events occur that were not planned. Best remedy is to allocate time each day for these surprises, whatever thay may be. I understand this concept better than I practice it. #whatisschool
A2. Having my digital Swiss Army knife with me all the time. Google Calendar me to keep my schedule in check as I move between 4 campuses. Together with other trusty tools - Docs, Sheets, Slides & more + Twitter to connect & learn. #whatisschool
A3 Also, saying my goals/plans outloud really helped! PEOPLE KNEW about it, and I had to fulfill my goal. I made a goal to write 500 words every day -- and did it for 500 days because people knew about it. #whatisschool
A3. I've had a recurrence of a major health problem. Last time I overcame it and completed my Masters. This time I'm ignoring it and working on my PhD. :D #whatisschool
3. Goal this year-defo ensure I am taking less books home! I got better at this as last academic year progressed and I will ensure this will continue into this academic year so this becomes an occurance say once a month as opposed to every weekend like it was #whatisschool
A3 Goals are not written in stone. Over the years I’ve learned to ease up and get to what really matters. If the goal helps make a happy friendly safe environments to learn in, then that’s it, isn’t it. The rest we will get to. #whatisschool
A3: Makes me think of this great book dedication: "To my wife and my children without whom this book would have been completed two years earlier." #whatisschool
3) Lack of time and energy, especially in the last quarter of the school year. Setting a new challenge at that time last year helps me to keep excited and end the year successful. #whatisschool
A2 I follow the guidelines and principles of a program called Insane Productivity by @DARRENHARDY this is the complete guide to everything productivity, achievement, goal setting, and focus. Identifying my core values and saying no to anything that isn’t aligned. #whatisschool
A3: Time! Especially when I want to say yes to every request. Sometimes we must learn to prioritize and keep our eyes 👀 on our professional / personal goals! #whatisschool
A3: Makes me think of this great book dedication: "To my wife and my children without whom this book would have been completed two years earlier." #whatisschool
#whatisschool Major goal: to create...or find...a school that empowers teachers to become their best selves..with the expectation that they do..by rewarding the innovators and risk takers that make outstanding learning experiences for Ss. What you permit, you promote.
Q3. What are some challenges that you have previously encountered when it comes to meeting your goals? How do you plan to overcome them this year? #WhatisSchool
A3. I get so excited for the start of the school year and commit to too many external projects for my Ss to collaborate on 🙈 Doesn’t stop me from doing it each year though! #whatisschool
A3: When my goals get me in trouble because they push boundaries and scare people. I either keep pushing or get back in my box if the stick is big enough! #whatisschool
Q3. What are some challenges that you have previously encountered when it comes to meeting your goals? How do you plan to overcome them this year? #WhatisSchool
A4 heavily linked to student outcomes which in term will mean getting to know my students first. Am I adding to their learning? So develop baselines first. #whatisschool
A4 It's always great to have milestones on the way to a larger goal, it allows S's to see daily progress rather than feeling like their little steps are meaningless when really they are making progress. #whatisschool
#whatisschool My biggest challenges have often been a lack of support. I'm an out of the box kind of guy. When leadership doesn't even realize there IS a box....a person like me can be kind of scary. (That said, my Dept. Chair rocks)
A4: to come away from a project with a story... I try to set benchmarks along the way(time goals etc.) the milestone needs to be a story to share so others can benefit too! #whatisschool
#whatisschool My system is to keep things fresh and positive- I like to stay free spirited and this helps me see things differently and find new ways to bring my lessons alive
A4 take my big hairy audacious goal:
- write it down
- break it down into quarterly
- break it down into monthly
- break it down into weekly
- break it down into daily.
And then only check the daily results of my efforts #whatisschool
A4. Self reflection and peer feedback help to assess progress. Knowing when it’s ok to delegate and when you need to take ownership and keep control. #WhatisSchool
A4: every year, I wrote out some plans. In recent years, I've focused on things with quantifiable results (e.g. for days of personal PD, participate in 40 Twitter chats, etc) #whatisschool
#whatisschool Taking on too many club mentorships- I wore myself out. This year- 2 Quiz Bowl and Future City in the morning before school now that we start an hour later- so my afternoons are free
Q3. What are some challenges that you have previously encountered when it comes to meeting your goals? How do you plan to overcome them this year? #whatisschool
#whatisschool Honestly, I hesitate to set milestones a priori. I understand the need for them, but I tend to let some time go by and then look back to see if tangible progress was made. Predetermining what progress WILL look like seems limiting to me.
A4 As a sub I step in and out of the different classrooms and look at my role from that perspective. The milestone then is to see if I have I connected and am I connecting to the students I teach at this time. #whatisschool
#whatisschool My milestones are family time, time for myself, reading time and just overall feeling more calm and focused during the week because I leave school at school and family & me time is more frequent
A4: Great question on milestones. When my kindergartners are happy, excited to come to school, loving reading, curious about the world, comfortable making mistakes and trying again, kind to each other and thrilled to learn, I feel my goal has been met. #whatisschool
A4: I think my milestones are the feedback I get from our teachers. I take what they tell me during convos or on surveys to plan next steps. Feedback is great for gauging movement toward your goals! #whatisschool
A4. A lot of self-reflection. I've got a PhD diary and blog that is keeping me focused. I've got milestones set by the university and myself - for the next 2.5 years. Keeps me on track! #whatisschool
A4. Being involved with multiple projects is a challenge, especially when it involves multiple campuses. Project management tools help to stay on task. Feedback from accountability partners = very helpful. #whatisschool#whatisschool
A5 provide value over and over and over with no expectation of anything in return. 100%:0% ratio and you’ll never have to worry about receiving the help you hope for. #whatisschool
It's so important for T's to have a strong PLN. T's can share ideas with one another. Experienced T's can learn new ideas from recent grads while new T's can learn from those with experience, which is why I am here. #whatisschool#ysuedu
A5: Sharing your goal here and now and tagging in some trusted and supportive PLN members who will help you through your goal and keep you on target - couldn't think of a more supportive crowd #whatisschool
A5: this year I'm committing to working with the other teachers in my building, rather than just working in the same building as them. Collaboration time and cross-curricular learning to the max! #whatisschool
#whatisschool Has a person ever conducted a job search via their Twitter PLN? I'm wondering what that would look like. Twitter has been a source for me to find at least one talented T to join my school.....but how would I go about reversing that in a professional manner? Hmm
A5: Surround yourself with ppl that uplift you and also challenge you to improve. This simple practice can change everything and push you to improve for Ss in new ways! #whatisschool
#whatisschool For me it has taken me awhile to do so, but to me it is about letting go of perfection and embracing the hiccups- things will get done, students are learning and enjoying class. I try and focus on growth and the personal moments with students- getting to know them
A3) I read in the book called ‘The wild card’ - the joker (inside talk) comes in all the time talking negatively about everything you try. It is very challenging to push the joker away & stay optimistic focusing on strengths. This is my biggest goal this year (Hope) #whatisschool
A5: Setting goals and sharing with your in school and out of school mentors helps keep you honest. Set smaller milestones in order to achieve the greater milestone and check in regularly #whatisschool
Love this! @nicolrhoward recommended an amazing book to me when I was in my program. I believe it was something like "Write Your Dissertation in 15 Minutes a Day." Great read! #whatisschool
A5: I find online networks are great for immediate feedback and support. While offline networks provide a more emotional connection and the ability to throw around ideas and go a bit deeper. #WhatIsSchool
A5 Yes PLN to bounce off questions and share ideas. My blog puts the pieces together for me as I reflect. Twitter chats and reading blogs. #whatisschool
A5 #whatisschool I started my 1-minute check ins yesterday and completed them today- I looked every student in the eye and got to know them. I also asked them for feedback and what they feel so far about the class- it was awesome
A5: My networks are family, colleagues, and my PLN! I call on all 3 to help me reach professional and personal goals. They are the reason I can do what I do! #whatisschool
A5. My PLN is like my second brain. I know I can ask questions & someone in the team will always reach out with a suggestion/solution. It’s great having two brains. #whatisschool
A5 part 2: You want to surround yourself with ppl that will help you OUT of the comfort zone to more effectively teach Ss! ❤️ this graphic! 🎸🎸🎸#whatisschool
Adding to my list now! I think it's all in the routine. Sometimes the fear or need to get it perfect the first time can stop you from writing. Once you get going you wonder what you were worrying about! #whatisschool
I shake their hand and introduce myself in three words: educator, mother, avid reader and I ask them to do the same. Then we chat science or classroom dynamics #whatisschool
A5: I have fabulous colleagues who value teaching to the whole child and see the value in settling into the complexity and tension of our work. #whatisschool
A6 The best resource that any T can have is a good PLN, but my best suggestion is to have a calendar but know that plans will change because life happens #whatisschool#ysuedu
#whatisschool The best management tool for me - lists, I make a lot of lists but more importantly I prioritize the goals/tasks. Checking them off the list is satisfying and motivating to keep moving down the list 😊
A6: Regular mentor meetings and regular times in your calendar where it is focussed on achieving your goal. Look it in your calendar so time is dedicated and can't be taken away #whatisschool
https://t.co/LSGvX34OeR I retire officially in 9 days .Thanks for all the great engagements. Thanks Craig for your great teamwork and team building.I learned much from you all.Stay well and good wishes #WhatisSchool
#whatisschool missed this today! :( I will def read through the tweets later - Off to work. Have a great weekend everyone! And a fantastic year working towards those goals! Mine: 1:1 in Y5 and Y6 - @Seesaw in all primary! Do more sport! :)
Yes I love this- “good enough does not mean bad- it means finished with out stress”- this is what I tell my over achievers #whatisschool at some point you have to turn it in and be satisfied
Thanks Kevin for all you haven done and all I know you will continue to do for educatIon in the future. Hope to meet you face to face sometime soon #whatisschool
A6: Google Calendar, my Reminder Tool in my Iphone, a planner to write in and schedule my week, a weekly Google Doc schedule where teachers can make appointments #whatisschool
A6 Whatever works for them. I can only address what works for me. Some are tech savvy and some really like to write things on actual calendars and note pads. That’s why they invented sticky notes. #whatisschool
A6:To manage my goal of balance in my life, I recommend the app https://t.co/PBuY82pCTH. I think I use it more broadly than intended. I also use the basic Reminders app for must be on time little things. Also Google Sheets for data tracking for my classroom. #whatisschool
