#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Welcome to #ALedchat. Tonight’s chat will be rapid fire where we post quotes and ask for responses. Tell us who you are and where you are tweeting from tonight. We love to learn with you!
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
I like to make a big deal about publicly sharing the general hilarity of many of my failures. It makes that "hey remember when this was awful" moment that much sweeter when you fix it. #ALedchat
A1: We’re all human. Admitting a mistake and showing vulnerability can showcase what it takes to “own it.” In education, some of the greatest aha moments are when something goes awry #ALedchat
A1: I just put it out there to those who have seen my failure. I make mistakes daily, but the value comes when others see me admit the mistake, learn and grow from it. Email, face to face- whatever it takes. #ALedchat
A1: It isn’t so much the failure but the attitude and mindset when it happens. If you have a growth mindset, you’re just another step closer to a solution. #Aledchat
A1: Own it! Transparency with others brings humility, clarity, and shows that you're secure enough to own a mistake. We learn constantly from mistakes and don't learn from blaming or making excuses! #aledchat
A1: Simply by admitting the mistake with an apology to those impacted or aware. This step repeated over time leads to trust and higher levels of transparency. #ALedchat
A1 As leaders, it is important that when we make mistakes we not only acknowledge them, but share our reflective process with our team, what we've learned from the mistake, and steps to input that new learning into action, so that our team members can learn, also #aledchat
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
A1: Mistakes are inevitable. It’s how you respond that builds you up or pushes you down. Never let a mistake hold you back. Take the next step. #growth#aledchat
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
"You should always discuss defeats because you can learn much more from failure than success."
-Niki Lauda
One of my favorite quotes. Applicable in most parts of life too. #ALedchat
I like to make a big deal about publicly sharing the general hilarity of many of my failures. It makes that "hey remember when this was awful" moment that much sweeter when you fix it. #ALedchat
I like to make a big deal about publicly sharing the general hilarity of many of my failures. It makes that "hey remember when this was awful" moment that much sweeter when you fix it. #ALedchat
I made a few today. Just own them, try to learn from them, and move on. People are usually willing to forgive a mistake if they think your motives were right. #ALedchat#ChargeItToMyHeadAndNotMyHeart
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
I love the idea of failing forward...it reminds me of the first time I really understood @sherylsandberg’s meaning of lean in. So, I lean into the uncomfortable, model transparency + vulnerability as much as I can...and then try again. #ALedchat 🔂
A1) this question pretty pertinent to me right now since taking over a new role I am making plenty of mistakes best policy is to own & acknowledge them, let @Gladwell@thebeatles & his 10,000 hours theory make you feel better that it takes lots of repetition & practice! #ALedchat
A1 As leaders, it is important that when we make mistakes we not only acknowledge them, but share our reflective process with our team, what we've learned from the mistake, and steps to input that new learning into action, so that our team members can learn, also #aledchat
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
A1:First and foremost, you have to admit your mistakes. Own them. I'm not afraid to admit when I mess up. I'm also not too proud to ask for help from someone who may have more knowledge than me. #aledchat
A1: Failire is a part of learning. So, own up to it and then figure out what not to do the next time. As David Kelley @kelleybros says, “Fail faster, succeed sooner.” #aledchat#dtk12chat
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
I made a few today. Just own them, try to learn from them, and move on. People are usually willing to forgive a mistake if they think your motives were right. #ALedchat#ChargeItToMyHeadAndNotMyHeart
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
I made a few today. Just own them, try to learn from them, and move on. People are usually willing to forgive a mistake if they think your motives were right. #ALedchat#ChargeItToMyHeadAndNotMyHeart
Q1: It can be hard to admit that mistakes are part of the growth process. When you make a mistake, how do you show your human side and allow others to see you Fail Forward? #ALedchat
Love the transparency piece here, Justin. Our team members must see us being open, honest, and genuine about our mistakes. Encourages them to do the same, so that all of us will learn and be intentional with next steps @justinhefner#aledchat
A1: Be honest, share experiences & what was learned from the mistakes.Sometimes we feel pressure when people look to leaders for answers. #allleadersarehumantoo#aledchat
Reminds me if something @apcotten, my awesome co-worker, told me last week. Teaching is a profession where we get to fail every day and then learn from it. It really resonated with me. #aledchat
A1- the most important part of making a mistake as a leader is owning it. Once people see you are human and we all make mistakes, then the “failing forward” process bc realistic and attainable since it’s a core belief from the top down. #aledchat
A1- the most important part of making a mistake as a leader is owning it. Once people see you are human and we all make mistakes, then the “failing forward” process bc realistic and attainable since it’s a core belief from the top down. #aledchat
A1) this question pretty pertinent to me right now since taking over a new role I am making plenty of mistakes best policy is to own & acknowledge them, let @Gladwell@thebeatles & his 10,000 hours theory make you feel better that it takes lots of repetition & practice! #ALedchat
Q2. How do we ignite the 🔥in our learners? Ignite the 🔥 within ourselves...and model what it means to not be afraid to be the passionate one, the one that cares, the one that dreams bigger and knows better can be a reality for everyone. #ALedchat
A2: You ignite the fire when they have choice and voice. Students need to be engaged in the process- their learning process. Sit and get is so yesterday. Let me design, create, collaborate, talk and move! #ALedchat
A2: Find what the student is passionate about and build a relationship with the student. Once they know you care, then you can begin filling the pail. #aledchat
A2: We have to lead with enthusiasm towards whatever it is we are teaching. Lead by modeling how we learn right alongside those who we are leading. W/o our own excitement there isn’t much else we can add to ignite the fire. #ALedchat
A2: Passion breeds passion! It's hard to not want to follow a passionate person, especially when you know they care for you, desire your best you, and let you explore what ignites your individual fire. #aledchat
A2: Ignite the passion to learn by building relationships and engaging students in relevant learning opportunities where they have voice. #engage#aledchat
A2 We can ignite the fire by tapping into our Ss passions - knowing what makes them desire to get better. We make the drive to grow increase by showing our Ss tangible examples to growth from one step to another - builds internal motivation #aledchat
A2: I feel like showing them how the content can be used in real situations in life is my favorite way to get the love of learning lit. 🔥 If it's not genuinely relevant, and there's very little chance it ever will be, what's the point? #ALedchat
@WhittMister Dr. Shaw’s #HumanJustLikeMe hashtag reminds me of that one time you made that one video...I Am Human. I wonder if there should be a part 2 made...with educators? #ALEdChat 🔥
A1) this question pretty pertinent to me right now since taking over a new role I am making plenty of mistakes best policy is to own & acknowledge them, let @Gladwell@thebeatles & his 10,000 hours theory make you feel better that it takes lots of repetition & practice! #ALedchat
A2: It's all about presentation. The way that material is presented to Ss is what has the potential to ignite that fire in them. When the T is on fire, it's hard for the Ss not to catch a spark! Excitement is contagious! #aledchat
A2: Ignite the fire by using personal experiences. Students need to know that you’re passionate and can relate to what you teach. I like to call it relatable differentiation. Know what ignites your S’s fire outside the school walls! #ALedchat
A2: You ignite the fire when they have choice and voice. Students need to be engaged in the process- their learning process. Sit and get is so yesterday. Let me design, create, collaborate, talk and move! #ALedchat
A2: Ignite the passion to learn by building relationships and engaging students in relevant learning opportunities where they have voice. #engage#aledchat
A2: Ignite the passion to learn by building relationships and engaging students in relevant learning opportunities where they have voice. #engage#aledchat
A2: Ignite the fire by building relationships with Ss. When we know them, we can begin to teach them and learn from them. Last year during my @TeachersGuild Fellowship, I learned that we need to authentically listen to Ss and let them ignite the fire. #aledchat
A2: I feel like showing them how the content can be used in real situations in life is my favorite way to get the love of learning lit. 🔥 If it's not genuinely relevant, and there's very little chance it ever will be, what's the point? #ALedchat
A2: Give those we're leading a voice in the process, making them collaborative partners in the learning.This applies to the classroom, as well as teacher leaders. Provide the necessary resources for success and #ignitethefire then be there for support #Aledchat
A2: Ignite the fire by using personal experiences. Students need to know that you’re passionate and can relate to what you teach. I like to call it relatable differentiation. Know what ignites your S’s fire outside the school walls! #ALedchat
A2 We can ignite the fire by tapping into our Ss passions - knowing what makes them desire to get better. We make the drive to grow increase by showing our Ss tangible examples to growth from one step to another - builds internal motivation #aledchat
That's a key thought, Valerie. We know that key questions often drive our instruction and cause us to delve deeper into concepts that get our Ss engaged with attempting to craft answers that often lead to more questions @vrcurtis#ContinuousLearning#aledchat
Yes! We are working hard to help teachers connect their content to life outside the four walls of the school through meaningful learning experiences and purposeful and deliberate instructional design. #aledchat
A2- show them that learning in itself is relevant and important to success at any level. Learning doesn’t have to take place just in the classroom. Prove to them they can be problem solvers. #aledchat
A2) I think if learning from example is a real thing then it's hard to not be impressed by the educators, administrators, district leaders (and vendors like myself) who are all on here after hours to learn from each other and grow every week #ALedchat
A2: Yes, Choice & voice! Also, Making learning relevant can ignite the 🔥in students & helping them discover interests in things they didn’t know they are passionate about YET! #Aledchat
A2: You ignite the fire when they have choice and voice. Students need to be engaged in the process- their learning process. Sit and get is so yesterday. Let me design, create, collaborate, talk and move! #ALedchat
Q3: I believe that all teachers want to do a good job and want student success. When change is necessary- I worry about making sure that everyone has the training and tools to be successful. Often negativity comes from fear of failure, not fear of change. #ALedchat
Q3. My biggest worry is the ones that really, truly get it & are fighting the good fight as the round pegs in the square holes get burnt out because of lack of support. The best of the best are disrupting traditional edu inside the 📦...easier tweeted then done. #ALEdChat
Change causes fear. People want to cling to what they know, even if it is outdated and ineffective. Also, am I able to clarify and communicate the change and how it will look in reality. Scary stuff. #aledchat
A3: This is easy for me. I’m not worried at all because my school culture is built on intentional innovation, Ss voice, professionalism toward educators, and I’m a sponge soaking in everything. I do not dread going to work at all. #aledchat
A3: this is a prolific question. My fear is the change would be so big that the staff would lose momentum. Kids and Culture guide my decisions everyday. Continue to build the foundation. #ALedchat
A3: I think teachers are often resistant to change because of the time it takes to implement the change or because something "has always been done this way." However, when we know that what we are doing isn't best practice, we must do what's right for our students. #aledchat
A3: I sometimes overthink things. Is this the best solution for my teachers? I think to overcome this- I research all angles until I am confident. I talk to wise people who have experience. #ALedchat
It’s a tough place to find a balance. Forever trying to remind myself that nearly everyone is doing the best they can and people don’t know what they don’t know...it’s not easy to keep trying, but this work matters too much to give up. #ALEdChat
Change causes fear. People want to cling to what they know, even if it is outdated and ineffective. Also, am I able to clarify and communicate the change and how it will look in reality. Scary stuff. #aledchat
This is very true, @DrHSutherland One of the key leadership lessons that we are charged to learn is how to affirm our team through change and combat the fear of failure that acts as the barrier to the next level of excellence #aledchat
No trailblazer was ever a conformist. Are we willing to be different to get different results? #ALedchat If not, it will be great for the middle and not so great for everyone else. #WhatIfItWereYourChild
Q3. My biggest worry is the ones that really, truly get it & are fighting the good fight as the round pegs in the square holes get burnt out because of lack of support. The best of the best are disrupting traditional edu inside the 📦...easier tweeted then done. #ALEdChat
A4: Our kids are our future. We need them more than they need us. Always listen, seek to understand, supper, encourage, and never ever give up! #lovethem#believeinthem#aledchat
A4: We have to be careful to channel a child’s passion and energy and not stifle it. This can be done through choice and voice as well. Find ways for children to express themselves and have voice. If I had to guess many of us where strong willed children. 👀 #ALedchat
No trailblazer was ever a conformist. Are we willing to be different to get different results? #ALedchat If not, it will be great for the middle and not so great for everyone else. #WhatIfItWereYourChild
Q3. My biggest worry is the ones that really, truly get it & are fighting the good fight as the round pegs in the square holes get burnt out because of lack of support. The best of the best are disrupting traditional edu inside the 📦...easier tweeted then done. #ALEdChat
SO true! Time feels like it's constantly working against us and in favor of our apathy. Sometimes I worry that we know what is best and still chose not to do it. #aledchat
A3: I think teachers are often resistant to change because of the time it takes to implement the change or because something "has always been done this way." However, when we know that what we are doing isn't best practice, we must do what's right for our students. #aledchat
A4: By being as vulnerable as possible. I tell my life story. Losing both parents to cancer at a young age, not knowing what to do, to becoming what I wanted to be in life. Every child has a purpose and I will do my best to show them DAILY #aledchat
100% truth! Children laugh at their mistakes and learn from them. We must encourage this as they gain more awareness and are exposed to judgements. #aledchat
Mine too. It’s literally life or death for us but it’s always been that way for every parent or guardian that entrusted that we would do what we promised and at a minimum teach to the standard. That’s serious business #ALedchat
A4: Listen to Ss and don’t control the narrative. Give ALL Ss opportunities. For example, @Jagjakob was the only high school student in the world to participate in the @plusacumen Challenge last year. Listen and learn from Ss. #aledchat
A4 We show it by being purposeful not to trip into sympathy when we should be showing empathy. We show it by continuing to provide the supports that our Ss need to learn, reflect, and grow to align our learning environments with the manta that all Ss can & will learn #aledchat
A4: The world will always have problems and big mountains that seem impossible. If we can help them build a resilience, they can persevere and build character that will propel them into a way around or through the mountain. #ALedchat
A4: Not bending the bar of excellence. Meet them where they are, support them, provide what they need, give guidance, support, care, and love and continue walking the path with them. Like a parent teaching a child to ride a bike running beside them. #aledchat
Q5: Building a relationship with students is essential to student learning. What strategies do you implement in your school/district to ensure each child has an advocate? #aledchat
Q3: It is important to meet our resisters of change where they are & empathize where they are coming from to determine how to support. Finding the root cause can help us differentiate supports needed for change. #ALedchat
A4 I believe we build strong children by believing that they can learn, all of them. And then teaching them and loving them enough to keep at it until they get it #ALedchat
A4: My work centers around fundamentally changing what I see around me. Dismantling as much of the structures that stop children from growing strong as I can lay my hands in #Aledchat
A4- we have to make decisions that show our #1 priority is the students. What’s best for kids comes first, above teachers/admin needs/wants. By always keeping this in the forefront of decision making and by building consistent relationships we build strong individuals. #aledchat
A4: Not bending the bar of excellence. Meet them where they are, support them, provide what they need, give guidance, support, care, and love and continue walking the path with them. Like a parent teaching a child to ride a bike running beside them. #aledchat
A5: Understanding their life outside of the school walls. Show genuine interest. I don’t want to be the AP you dread hearing come down the hall. I want my footsteps to mean someone is about to enter my life that cares about me as a person #aledchat
A5: Mentoring programs where each student is assigned at least one adult who regularly checks in with the student. This includes custodial, CNP, and other support staff. Every child has an adult who acts as an advocate and mentor. #aledchat
A5:Our elem schools have weekly enrichment time, fostering learning opportunities and relationships.Our MS has a club schedule where all Ss participate, and our HS has Husky Hour, an hour for lunch and learns fostering relationships between and among peers and teachers. #Aledchat
A5: as the building administrator I ensure I speak to kids everywhere I go. Use their name, know what they do both academically and outside of school. Then I become their cheerleader. Life long learning relationships. #ALedchat
Amen! Most of the time, I resistors love kids too. It comes down to core belief of what we are there to teach kids and when I don’t know how to get over the hurdle, can you as a leader show me the way. Sometimes, I don’t b/c I don’t know how #ALedchat
Q3: It is important to meet our resisters of change where they are & empathize where they are coming from to determine how to support. Finding the root cause can help us differentiate supports needed for change. #ALedchat
Our district is using @careacter It is AMAZING! It is not only an advocacy program, it teaches many of the soft skills our students are lacking. Vital for developing future workers and productive citizens #aledchat
Q5: Building a relationship with students is essential to student learning. What strategies do you implement in your school/district to ensure each child has an advocate? #aledchat
Using teachers, support staff, counselors- everyone to break up students into small groups. 2 times a month for 20-30 minutes. I will let you know how it goes! #ALedchat
A5: Every @TCSBoardofEd middle and high school has a comprehensive advisory system. EVERY student has an adult that serves as an advocate for her/him. 4Yr planning and schedule requests and loads of little things come through advisors. #Aledchat
Q5: Building a relationship with students is essential to student learning. What strategies do you implement in your school/district to ensure each child has an advocate? #aledchat
A5: I believe that all adults in the building are responsible for all students in the building. We have implemented a check-in/check-out program for Tier II kids who need advocates. The relationship building is incredible. #aledchat
A5: Mentoring programs where each student is assigned at least one adult who regularly checks in with the student. This includes custodial, CNP, and other support staff. Every child has an adult who acts as an advocate and mentor. #aledchat
A5: Everything @mtnbrookjh is built around the Ss and listening to them. I mean everything. Even the wall colors this year were a result of Ss. I personally use #DesignThinking strategies. #aledchat#dtk12chat
Q5: Building a relationship with students is essential to student learning. What strategies do you implement in your school/district to ensure each child has an advocate? #aledchat
Q6 This is the first video that @JackieAFlowers ever showed me. It set the tone for our relationship. We all want a champion. We all want to champion kids that are in need. Here is a gut-check question: Are we champions for student learning? #ALedchat
Three #TCSLearns middle schools have house systems. They have been incredibly successful in building community. I highly recommend that structure in middle school! #ALEdChat
And why should they! Information is everywhere. Our students are yearning for human interaction. It must come from caring teachers that can properly prepare the student for the next stage of their life. #aledchat
A6: Isn't this true of adults too? We all just want to know that someone cares. I don't always want everyone to agree with me, but it helps to know you at least listen and care about my opinion. #aledchat
Bring back the quote Jimmy! I LOVE that video and quote! Each student deserves the very best we have to offer. We are her to serve and inspire. #makeadifference#aledchat
A6: My favorite harp - not yet. We are still champions of higher test scores. Until we reach the day when it takes us a minute to realize that “improvement” MIGHT mean higher test scores, we are not there yet. But we are trying! #aledchat
A6: No truer words ever spoken.
It really is just no brainer. The learning will always be greater if the teacher cares and the student believes it.
#aledchat
Wow, this is true. We also need to refrain from educators cliques in schools, especially when we don’t agree. We are building students, not fan clubs. #aledchat
Bring back the quote Jimmy! I LOVE that video and quote! Each student deserves the very best we have to offer. We are her to serve and inspire. #makeadifference#aledchat
FA: We will be talking about this one next week, but I am really attached to Fisher, Frey, and Hattie's quote. "Every student deserves a great teacher, not by chance, but by design." It motivates me to not apologize for pushing Ts to be better. Our kids deserve it. #aledchat
A6- once they know you care they’re all in.... may it be dealing with adults all the way down to toddlers. When someone believes in you and invests in you, you do the same for them. We get back what we put in. That’s why teaching is the most rewarding profession ! #aledchat
An amazing night of learning and community involvement was had in @JCBOEal at @WoodvillePanth1 at their elementary Literacy Night. The staff is amazing! The school is on fire for learning. #ALedchat
A6b: Come on, what in the world does my advanced degree, awards, and published works have to do with a 15 year old? Not impressive. Neither is my mind-blogging content knowledge. Carrying more about YOU than the grade you make in my class, that’s something to care about #aledchat
FA: We will be talking about this one next week, but I am really attached to Fisher, Frey, and Hattie's quote. "Every student deserves a great teacher, not by chance, but by design." It motivates me to not apologize for pushing Ts to be better. Our kids deserve it. #aledchat
HOPE! This is my favorite. Not really a quote- but drives me and what I want for all students. How amazing to give every student hope for the future! ❤️ #ALedchat
A6b: Come on, what in the world does my advanced degree, awards, and published works have to do with a 15 year old? Not impressive. Neither is my mind-blogging content knowledge. Carrying more about YOU than the grade you make in my class, that’s something to care about #aledchat
FA: We’ve all been there. The days where you’re just not feeling it, or we let things weigh us down. Treat everyone with love. We all have a purpose, why not shine a light on it daily?! #aledchat
HOPE! This is my favorite. Not really a quote- but drives me and what I want for all students. How amazing to give every student hope for the future! ❤️ #ALedchat
FA: I don’t a certain quote, but it motivates me to remind myself that teaching takes courage. I’m not fearful of change, experimenting, being innovative, and challenging assumptions about Ss. Ss give me hope. #aledchat
“The reason a child is giving you a hard time is because they’re having a hard time.”
Kids are the same as when we were kids. Parenting has changed. They come to us with more baggage than ever before. #ALedchat
