#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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
