Alex, Jen. Mariana. Some of my very favorites here. How is everyone? Counting down the days to the Winter Break? Twelve to go for me. #bettertogetherca
A1: Teacher leadership means I have a voice and a responsibility to advocate for my students and improve teaching and learning at my school, in my district, and beyond. #BetterTogetherCA
Q1: I define teacher leadership as the willingness of a teacher to share what works in his/her classroom with teachers and educators outside of the classroom #bettertogetherca
A1) A TL is one that advocates for Ss, shares their knowledge at their school, district, and beyond. Shows a desire to learn, grow, and lead with others. #BetterTogetherCA
And . . . the humility needed to know that some times what we think works and then share about, down the road, won't look so shareworthy. Case in point - my first blog. Thought it was brilliant, at the time. A year later, I realized, it wasn't. #BetterTogetherCA
A1) A TL is one that advocates for Ss, shares their knowledge at their school, district, and beyond. Shows a desire to learn, grow, and lead with others. #BetterTogetherCA
And . . . the humility needed to know that some times what we think works and then share about, down the road, won't look so shareworthy. Case in point - my first blog. Thought it was brilliant, at the time. A year later, I realized, it wasn't. #BetterTogetherCA
Q2: Teacher leadership does matter. Teachers who take on a leadership role are constantly reassessing how they teach.This makes for better teaching. #bettertogetherca
Constantly surprised by the lack of sharing. You did the work... share it far and wide. We all get stuck and benefit from the expertise of others. #BetterTogetherCA
A2) For sure. Teacher leaders are in the trenches. Their experience is real-time and relevant. They understand the needs of Ss and advocate for best practices. #BetterTogetherCA
Constantly surprised by the lack of sharing. You did the work... share it far and wide. We all get stuck and benefit from the expertise of others. #BetterTogetherCA
Yes, I heard a story recently of a colleague who got mad when someone used an idea she shared. I could not understand that at all. Create/Share/Repeat #BetterTogetherCA
A2: another advantage for kids is that teacher-leaders are well-informed about what’s happening beyond their own classroom, and hopefully, more energized too!
#BetterTogetherCA
Yes, I heard a story recently of a colleague who got mad when someone used an idea she shared. I could not understand that at all. Create/Share/Repeat #BetterTogetherCA
Yes, I heard a story recently of a colleague who got mad when someone used an idea she shared. I could not understand that at all. Create/Share/Repeat #BetterTogetherCA
I love that my leadership experiences give me access to what's happening in other places and that knowledge helps me improve my own school. #BetterTogetherCA
Yes, I heard a story recently of a colleague who got mad when someone used an idea she shared. I could not understand that at all. Create/Share/Repeat #BetterTogetherCA
A2: Ts interact w/ Ss much more than those outside the classroom-we're often the first to know what Ss need-Ts can amplify Ss voices when needed. #BetterTogetherCA
I've been doing that this week actually as I argued students shouldn't be required to print digital work that could be shared online. #BetterTogetherCA#dontgetmestarted
A3: I am really lucky to work with an admin team that listens to teachers and supports teacher leaders. Somehow, they make us think all the hard work we do for our students is all our own idea. #BetterTogetherCA#lovesdschools
I wish I had a better way to determine “what works.” It seems like I am always judging by gut feelings. Wish there was a better measurement. #BetterTogetherCA
A3: I am really lucky to work with an admin team that listens to teachers and supports teacher leaders. Somehow, they make us think all the hard work we do for our students is all our own idea. #BetterTogetherCA#lovesdschools
I wish I had a better way to determine “what works.” It seems like I am always judging by gut feelings. Wish there was a better measurement. #BetterTogetherCA
A3: I'm the Inst. Coach and I meet frequently with principal and admin to plan, align, and most importantly - recruit Ts to lead teams and present to staff #BetterTogetherCA
A3: and bonus - that kind of school culture doesn’t cost more.
On the other hand, our teacher leadership also includes TOSAs and that does cost a lot
#BetterTogetherCA
Great idea! At #BetterTogetherCA CA Teachers Summit, we also try to collect resources Ts tell us are working working into one big resource guide: https://t.co/atlXite7m5
I wish I had a better way to determine “what works.” It seems like I am always judging by gut feelings. Wish there was a better measurement. #BetterTogetherCA
A3: forward-looking districts need to realize that up-front investment in teacher leadership should improve retention, which reduces costs. Churn is costly, in many ways
#BetterTogetherCA
A3: forward-looking districts need to realize that up-front investment in teacher leadership should improve retention, which reduces costs. Churn is costly, in many ways
#BetterTogetherCA
A3: forward-looking districts need to realize that up-front investment in teacher leadership should improve retention, which reduces costs. Churn is costly, in many ways
#BetterTogetherCA
It is important to foster leadership in newer teachers. The veterans can include a newer teacher - give them confidence and credibility. #BetterTogetherCA
A3: forward-looking districts need to realize that up-front investment in teacher leadership should improve retention, which reduces costs. Churn is costly, in many ways
#BetterTogetherCA
I teach the preservice teachers I work with that they will be leaders at their schools sooner than they think. And I try to prepare them for what that means. #BetterTogetherCA
It is important to foster leadership in newer teachers. The veterans can include a newer teacher - give them confidence and credibility. #BetterTogetherCA
A3: forward-looking districts need to realize that up-front investment in teacher leadership should improve retention, which reduces costs. Churn is costly, in many ways
#BetterTogetherCA
A4: Encouraged others to become T-Leaders - whether leading workshops, as Lesson Study leaders, or simply sharing with a small group - so many have so much to offer - my job is to shine a light! #BetterTogetherCA
I teach the preservice teachers I work with that they will be leaders at their schools sooner than they think. And I try to prepare them for what that means. #BetterTogetherCA
It is important to foster leadership in newer teachers. The veterans can include a newer teacher - give them confidence and credibility. #BetterTogetherCA
@Clickacademics - and given the high demand for teachers, I advise new teachers to ask potential employers about this! They can help all of us by pressuring districts to do better in this area #BetterTogetherCA
A3: forward-looking districts need to realize that up-front investment in teacher leadership should improve retention, which reduces costs. Churn is costly, in many ways
#BetterTogetherCA
Q4: One of the best thing that I’ve done as a teacher leader is to blog. I blog for KQED’s In the Classroom, Edutopia, PBS Teacher’s Lounge, Poll Everywhere, Nearpod, etc. #bettertogetherca
Q4. I've also blogged via https://t.co/53oXAS1s5h. It’s free and super user-friendly. Any of you ever gone that route before. Think you will like. #bettertogetherca
A4: Encouraged others to become T-Leaders - whether leading workshops, as Lesson Study leaders, or simply sharing with a small group - so many have so much to offer - my job is to shine a light! #BetterTogetherCA
Blogging about our practice and Education in general is so important. I love that I can use my blog to answer questions that don't fit in a tweet. #BetterTogetherCA
Q4: Another really good thing I've done as a teacher-leader is to attend the annual CA Better Together Teacher summit and also give two Ed-Talks there. What a great way to learn and share. #bettertogetherca
Q4: One of the best thing that I’ve done as a teacher leader is to blog. I blog for KQED’s In the Classroom, Edutopia, PBS Teacher’s Lounge, Poll Everywhere, Nearpod, etc. #bettertogetherca
They're lucky to have you, Jen. You're current with practices, tools, and you're encouragement will lead them into the profession with confidence and passion. #BetterTogetherCA
agreed - any writing can force you to organize and clarify your thoughts. Making it public can lead to lots of additional dialogue, learning, and advocacy oppty
#BetterTogetherCA
Q4: Another really good thing I've done as a teacher-leader is to attend the annual CA Better Together Teacher summit and also give two Ed-Talks there. What a great way to learn and share. #bettertogetherca
Q4: Another really good thing I've done as a teacher-leader is to attend the annual CA Better Together Teacher summit and also give two Ed-Talks there. What a great way to learn and share. #bettertogetherca
Q5: One of the biggest challenges with teacher leadership is that since teachers generally aren’t expected to lead, teacher leaders usually face considerable push back. It can come from admins, parents, fellow-teachers, even students. #bettertogetherca
A5: teacher leadership is a minefield! But go for it anyways! :)
Challenges like enough time, like risk of colleagues who think you’re trying to be “above” them, like risk of being co-opted
#BetterTogetherCA
I've found that sometimes, leadership means stepping back, in order to let others struggle to figure something out. It's hard to do, but necessary. #BetterTogetherCA
A5 A challenge is time (as always). Past challenges include unsupportive admin, colleagues not interested in collaboration. Very glad not to be dealing with either of those past challenges now. #BetterTogetherCA
I don't understand the pushback. I feel it too. I would think that TLship would be something looked on favorably. Ultimately, it's beneficial for the whole organization. #Confused#BetterTogetherCA
A5: I wouldn’t say “pushback" in my case, but I’ve had experience of advocating an idea for years in my school, no real results, and then I had more influence taking same ideas outside
#BetterTogetherCA
A5: I wouldn’t say “pushback" in my case, but I’ve had experience of advocating an idea for years in my school, no real results, and then I had more influence taking same ideas outside
#BetterTogetherCA
It is weird that some colleagues can feel threatened by teachers who lead, but I think they worry we may set the bar too high, or be jealous of teacher leaders who become admin favorites. #BetterTogetherCA
This seems to be pretty common. The phenomenon is too real. But, through Twitter, #EdCamps, and conferences there's room to share and grow. #BetterTogetherCA
A5: I wouldn’t say “pushback" in my case, but I’ve had experience of advocating an idea for years in my school, no real results, and then I had more influence taking same ideas outside
#BetterTogetherCA
It is weird that some colleagues can feel threatened by teachers who lead, but I think they worry we may set the bar too high, or be jealous of teacher leaders who become admin favorites. #BetterTogetherCA
Our bar is high. Through our constant searching, refining, and collaborating our practices have reach a new level. At the end of the day, our Ss are better because of it. #BetterTogetherCA
Q6. Aspiring teacher leaders need to know that they can learn a lot about teaching learning, and teacher leadership on the Edutopia, KQED In the Classroom, and PBS Teacher’s Lounge websites.
#bettertogetherca
Sometimes with tech leadership I get a rubber band effect. I can't charge too far forward without looping back to show colleagues what I'm up to. #BetterTogetherCA
Q6. Aspiring teacher leaders also need to know that attending a teacher conference, or teacher summit, is a great way to learn what other teacher leaders are doing. #bettertogetherca
I have tremendous respect for the ladies leading our WASC team this year. Very glad I get to help them without any serious responsibility there. #BetterTogetherCA
Possibly. Change is hard but necessary. How can a T preach the growth mindset but not experience it? #BetterTogetherCA (Oh, Mariana, this topic has struck a chord.)
Your mind is at a completely different level, Jen. I've watched you lead. You have a plethora of ideas. I, for one, love that you're forging ahead. #BetterTogetherCA
YES! Too often they give teachers a pacing guide and curriculum-in-a-box and then hope the system will yield creative Ss, critical thinking. Uh uh.
#BetterTogetherCA
Possibly. Change is hard but necessary. How can a T preach the growth mindset but not experience it? #BetterTogetherCA (Oh, Mariana, this topic has struck a chord.)
If I want to bring them along I need to slow down. I still get way into the things I create, but I'm always thinking about how to translate them into things others can use. #BetterTogetherCA
A6: Aspiring TLs need to know that no one exists in a silo. There are wonderful resources out there #kqedteach, @edutopia, @edmodo and all manners of #edtech that constantly evolve. Lots of learning to be done. #BetterTogetherCA
So many times critics of public ed. will say we should run more like a business. It helps to know where they’re right and where they’re wrong #BetterTogetherCA
Does it have to do with "having to be the expert?" As quickly as things change in #edtech and as small as the world has gotten, you have to be flexible and adapt quickly. #BetterTogetherCA
In reply to
@JenRoberts1, @MarilynEDU, @PeterPaccone
Yes, I know teachers who won't try something with their students if they think kids will know more about it than they do. In unrelated news my students are teaching me snapchat. #BetterTogetherCA
In reply to
@MarianaGSerrato, @MarilynEDU, @PeterPaccone
A tweet like this, coming in this context, from Jen Roberts, would mean instant follows over here - if I weren’t following all these folks already!
#BetterTogetherCA
So grateful to two of our favorite teacher leaders @JenRoberts1 & @AlexKajitani for moderating tonight's #BetterTogetherCA chat -- as well as all the other TLs joining!
So grateful to two of our favorite teacher leaders @JenRoberts1 & @AlexKajitani for moderating tonight's #BetterTogetherCA chat -- as well as all the other TLs joining!
So grateful to two of our favorite teacher leaders @JenRoberts1 & @AlexKajitani for moderating tonight's #BetterTogetherCA chat -- as well as all the other TLs joining!
