#HSD1Chat Archive

#HSD1Chat will be a PLC based chat involving educators from Helena Public Schools. However, other educators are invited to participate. It will occur on the second Tuesday of every month.

Tuesday November 13, 2018
10:00 PM EST

  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:00 PM EST
    ✋ Hello #hsd1chat Tonight we will be asking 8 questions! Get ready 😊
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:00 PM EST
    Jamie Hoovestal 1st Grade 4Gs #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:00 PM EST
    Severena. 3rd grade. 4Gs. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:01 PM EST
    Bob Poelking HHS/ Seniors #hsd1chat
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:01 PM EST
    Kim, HEA President, #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:03 PM EST
    A1: There have been many moments where I felt like I was failing at my job. I look back on my first year and think, “what was I thinking?!?” Ha. Give yourself grace and the opportunity to learn. #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:04 PM EST
    Don’t forget to answer with “A1” 👍🏻 #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:04 PM EST
    A1- It's less of a specific time and more of a lingering, background sense of imposter syndrome, that feeling like you're just not equipped. I get past it by doing a ton of research and double checking virtually everything I say. #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:06 PM EST
    A1. MANY times! Especially when I compare myself, my students, and my experiences. I try to think of all of them as "learning moments" for myself. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:06 PM EST
    That’s great! I’m sure the extra research helps to keep you up to date in your field! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:07 PM EST
    A1: I fail at something every day. I learn from it, move on, and do a better job the next time. I am constantly learning something new, just like the students. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:07 PM EST
    it's increasingly necessary as the class is on ever-shifting ground #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:08 PM EST
    Teachable moments. We tell our Ss that and we should do the same! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:10 PM EST
    Plus, in your new jobs you’re probably learning more and more! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @MrsKimStout
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A2: I love my mentor! Unfortunately she retired two years ago! I went to get frequently when I was a first year teacher and still go to her for advice. I feel like I depend on her less after beginning my 7th year of teaching. #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A2. I have lots of people that I consider "mentors" :) I am no longer in the same building as my assigned mentor when I was hired. But so thankful to have many to look up to. I see them EACH day! #hsd1chat
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:11 PM EST
    you have no idea... #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:12 PM EST
    She was/is amazing! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A2- kinda? I have 2 social studies teachers I've worked with in the past (one of whom was a teacher of mine in HS) that I will intermittently bounce stuff off of over the phone or online, but it's more of a friendship than a mentorship at this point. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:13 PM EST
    You can learn from everyone around you! #hsd1chat
    • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:11 PM EST
      A2. I have lots of people that I consider "mentors" :) I am no longer in the same building as my assigned mentor when I was hired. But so thankful to have many to look up to. I see them EACH day! #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:14 PM EST
    that's the point where I'm at, I see the relationships much more as a collaborations than mentorships #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:14 PM EST
    Sounds like such an awesome relationship for your friendship and career :) #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A2: I have a lot of people who help me each day. They may not be formal mentors, but there has been some amazing support throughout the district. They are available whenever I need help. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:15 PM EST
    Were you assigned anyone when you were hired? I was assigned my mentor but she is my friend’s mom. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:17 PM EST
    I was, but I didn't really feel a need to make use of it. We work together, but I didn't feel the need for /guidance/ at this point. Does that make sense? #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Absolutely! I know the district was big on teaming new teachers up when I was hired. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:19 PM EST
    A3: as a teacher I think you always have to be open to risks and new ideas! Hello, Pinterest! Haha. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:19 PM EST
    A3- I didn't like seeing a look of boredom in my students' eyes so I said "screw it, what's the worst that could happen?" and just audible into a different sort of lesson. After it worked once I realized that it was a viable strategy and ran with it. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:21 PM EST
    A3b: I’ve learned to look to other educators for ideas and embrace the constant changing world of education #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:21 PM EST
    A3. The 1st time I bombed a lesson when Ss Teaching-I learned that it was all good to take risks. I learned a lot from it and how to "roll with the flow" - I try to observe other teachers that I admire to challenge myself to try new things to mimic #hsd1chat
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:21 PM EST
    A3: I wasn't always a risk taker. I played it safe, did everything the same for a few years, then got REALLY bored and made a point to do one thing new and different each month. Kept it fresh and exciting then. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Trial and error! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:22 PM EST
    We have to take risks just like our students! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Ss seeing that you're having a good time and into a topic is contagious and really helps the content stick #hsd1chat
    In reply to @MrsKimStout
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:23 PM EST
    Just wait until you come back to teaching! You’ll have a ton of fresh ideas! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @MrsKimStout
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:23 PM EST
    exactly, I always remind my 1st period that they're my guinea pigs, so I need a lot of feed back from them #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:23 PM EST
    Exactly! It's easier to teach the content when you have new ideas too! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:23 PM EST
    Ugh, I remember watching my Ss teaching videos - talk about ‘bombing’ a lesson. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:24 PM EST
    I do have so many already!! I've learned so much by spending time in other buildings. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:24 PM EST
    I bombed one BAD yesterday HAHA! I sure learned from it though. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:24 PM EST
    Can’t wait to steal some ideas from you! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @MrsKimStout
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:26 PM EST
    That would be nice to have the chance to mix it up and/or tweak your lesson an hour later! I never thought of it like that! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican, @youtheduteach
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:26 PM EST
    I'll share them anytime you want! It's eye opening to see how differently things are done across the district. And I don't mean that in a bad way. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:27 PM EST
    I’m always scrambling to remember what failed last year when I repeat. I should start a journal or notes on the lessons. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen, @HhsAmerican
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:27 PM EST
    I wish all educators had the chance to watch others more often! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @MrsKimStout, @youtheduteach
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:29 PM EST
    Me too! The things that can be learned from each other in our profession is astounding, and it's sad that we don't have the ability to utilize each other more. I may see an idea coming here... #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen, @youtheduteach
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:29 PM EST
    A4. I think becoming an "official" mentor to a new educator this year has been the most important leadership lesson. It has forced me to be on my "game" in a good way! #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:30 PM EST
    A4: I am a leader in technology. People come to me for help and new tech ideas. I recently got to share with upcoming teachers about technology in the classroom. It inspired me to start adding more of the things into my every day. #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:30 PM EST
    A4b. I also think that watching my mentors make mistakes is valuable. It helps to know that we're all human and that teaching is an "imperfect" profession. #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:31 PM EST
    I am sooo not "tech savvy" IDK what i would do without you! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:32 PM EST
    A4- I got this years ago student teaching, but it's the simple idea that not all content is "fun", but it is necessary and it is the role of the teacher to make sure that it gets covered appropriately. It's invaluable to ensuring the kids get a good education. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:34 PM EST
    This reminds me of the classic phrase - I’m bored. I hate when my Ss say that! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:34 PM EST
    A4: Everyone is a leader. How you choose to use your leadership is up to you, however the most important words in leadership are, I need your help. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:35 PM EST
    rarely does my 5th period govt class look anything like my 1st period. Same content, but very different delivery. Streamlined. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen, @youtheduteach
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:35 PM EST
    Love this! #hsd1chat
    • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:34 PM EST
      A4: Everyone is a leader. How you choose to use your leadership is up to you, however the most important words in leadership are, I need your help. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:36 PM EST
    exactly, I make a special point on what my HS SS teacher called "THOSE days" to explain /why/ they need to know something- to demonstrate its value #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:37 PM EST
    A5. FLEXIBILITY is the most important skill for me! I spent 45 minutes playing Dr. Seuss games today with my Ss which was NOWHERE in my lesson plans for the day-But ended up being so valuable to a different lesson we are working on. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:37 PM EST
    A5: compassion is one of the most valuable skills you can have as an educator. I’m always working on my communications skills - how to present/say information in a variety of ways #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:38 PM EST
    A5b. I think I am always working on new skills. Today was patience. Yesterday was communication. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. ha! #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:38 PM EST
    I’m constantly shifting my schedule! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:39 PM EST
    A5- Being laid back which is helpful in its own right dealing with seniors, but it also adds gravitas if I have to get serious. That attitude is a skill I cultivate. I'm constantly refining my classroom management skills. #hsd1chat
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:41 PM EST
    A5: Confidence is beneficial. If you have it, the rest will come. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:42 PM EST
    that is so key. I have my whole month planned out and in my line of sight, so if I need to change things up I can gauge the amount of time I can dedicate to it and triage where the changes will come from #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach, @Jamiejoleen
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:44 PM EST
    A6- I see myself as much more of a capable right hand man sort. I think I lead less and offer ideas and modifications more. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:44 PM EST
    A6. I try to share my ideas and experiences to help my colleagues. As teachers, we are ALL leaders. Kids look up to us each day. By setting a good example, I feel like a good leader. Being available helps me learn and lead. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:45 PM EST
    availability is key, it also helps the kids develop a sense of ownership and responsibility over their education when they can choose to come see you #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:45 PM EST
    A6: At this point, I lead in many different avenues locally, state wide, and nationally. This is my path right now. I look forward to taking a step back next year, and going back to the classroom and having the ability to lead from a teacher perspective again. #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:46 PM EST
    A6: I offer ideas and collaboration with peers. I volunteer for many projects and opportunities within my building. #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:47 PM EST
    Sorry! I’m spitting these questions out so quickly. Just two more 😊 #hsd1chat
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:49 PM EST
    A6: Mentors need to be easy to approach, talk to, take criticism from. I admire @janeshawn, @youtheduteach, and @Jamiejoleen to name a few! #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:49 PM EST
    A7. Again with "AVAILABILITY" :) When my mentors are there for me, I feel valued. Also love/hate when my mentors are honest with me. It makes me a better teacher! #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:50 PM EST
    A7- content area knowledge and his willingness to share is a big part of it. I've also known the guy since my freshman year of high school, taught with him, and coached with him, so we have a very open rapport. He's just super helpful and available. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:51 PM EST
    it's never fun to hear the "you might want to work on this" but on the upside, it's never judgmental, it's always from a place of support #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:51 PM EST
    A7: being a team-player! Working with others- our jobs is best done when we work with others. There is no point in reinventing the wheel if someone alright has a great idea! #hsd1chat
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:52 PM EST
    That's great! It is so nice to have that relationship at work! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:53 PM EST
    Constructive criticism! #hsd1chat
    In reply to @Jamiejoleen
  • Jamiejoleen - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:53 PM EST
    TOTALLY! Trust is right there with that. Hard to accept a hard convo like that if you don't trust your "person" #hsd1chat
    In reply to @HhsAmerican
  • cristama Nov 13 @ 10:57 PM EST
    A3: I started taking risks in the classroom by collaborating with my school librarian. She is incredibly creative, innovative, and resourceful. She taught me that it is OK to just jump out and try new things that engage students. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:57 PM EST
    A8- never discount an idea totally, validate and modify it. Ask them questions: "What worked for YOU?" let them know that their experience matters. Try something they came up with and offer feedback #hsd1chat
  • youtheduteach - Moderator Nov 13 @ 10:57 PM EST
    A8: ask them for their ideas/opinions! INCLUDE THEM!! I remember being so unsure of my ideas as a new teacher. #hsd1chat
  • MrsKimStout Nov 13 @ 10:58 PM EST
    A8: Make sure their voice heard. Everyone needs to have a say, feel heard, have a contribution to any conversation/situation/discussion/etc. #hsd1chat
  • HhsAmerican Nov 13 @ 10:59 PM EST
    when I student taught my cooperating teacher was VERY pregnant. Day 1 she told me 4th class we had was mine for the year (I student taught for 8 months) and from there out she treated me like a team member. It was invaluable. #hsd1chat
    In reply to @youtheduteach