#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Hi All! Im Nick from the California Bay Area. County Office Instructional Tech Coordinator. Repping Gryffindor house alongside the Potters, the Weasleys, and Hermoine! Excited to chat! #tosachat
Coach Ben from @alisal_edtech in Salinas, a TK-6 tosa! Excited to be here, but I am going to be transfiguration as I switch between dad and coach for #tosachat
A1: I've taken the quiz twice and got two results so I am a Gryffinclaw- I will usually analyze risks before I take them so when working with others I use that to put them at ease & can usually help alleviate fears #tosachat
Q1 In Harry Potter houses are based on certain character traits the founders valued, how do you think some of your character traits impact your coaching?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A1 Hufflepuff values hard work, dedication, loyalty, patienceā¦ Those are certainly values I see in my coaching. Patience especially. People are always so appreciative with how patient I am when helping them learn something new. Comes from my Helpdesk days! #TOSAChat
A1 I doubt I could do this job if I wasn't driven. Sometimes the motivation & feedback you need isn't provided. So you have to draw on that passion from within to keep moving forward. #tosachat
A1: My house is one of patient support and a timeless quality of waiting for the opportunity to pounce on learning that is just in time...Then the learning is magical #tosachat
Q1 In Harry Potter houses are based on certain character traits the founders valued, how do you think some of your character traits impact your coaching?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A1: I am a #RavenClaw (or a #SlytherClaw according to @CrazySciTeach) & I play for #TeamMastery, so mastering the tool is always paramount to me. I noticed years ago that I teach to mastery-Ss & Ts. I've had to monitor this for Ts since not everyone is driven that way.
#TOSAchat
A1 Loyal, patient, fair, hard-working, true...I do believe a TOSA needs to be patient and hardworking for sure. I have never worked harder in my life! Loyalty to teachers builds relationships. And I am honest if you ask for my opinion you are going to get it LOL #TOSAChat
A1: Good: My name means Noble Watchman - I think it applies here. Not so good: I read and article on Perfectionists today. Holding everyone else to my expectations. Sadly this applies as well. #tosachat
A1: Being part Gryffindor helps me push people, the Ravenclaw part keeps me in the know, and Hufflepuff makes me want to do better and work harder #tosachat
#TOSAChat A1: I've been told that I have a calm patience with teachers when in the coaching role. I don't think of myself as a particularly patient person, but I definitely developed that patience after spending years working with primary aged students!!
I agree with you, I need to work on not lowering expectations but adjusting them and realizing some people will take more time to meet them than others #tosachat
Hi #tosachat. Joe, Math & STEAM Coach, joining in late from Gryffindor. Iām one of those students who runs in late (after causing some ruckus in the castle).
Q1 In Harry Potter houses are based on certain character traits the founders valued, how do you think some of your character traits impact your coaching?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
Isn't it weird how our traits are different when we coach? I'm apparently very calm when I'm with teachers. IDK if I'd say that about daily life. #tosachat
Q2 Dumbledore served as a guide for Harry, never fully revealing anything to him rather letting him discover it for himself. How do you act as a guide for your teachers? And why is that important? #tosachat@CrazySciTeach
Hi, #tosachat! Jody from La Habra, TOSA and Interim Assistant Principal. Using the Time Turner to attend the chat and be present in my board meeting! Proud #Hufflepuff by sorting hat, though I definitely have traits of other houses!
A2 I answer a lot of questions with questions. It's a great way to walk teachers through a thought process to come up with a solution. Gotta teach them to cast their own spells, not cast them for them.
A2: A2: pushing, probing and prodding but never too hard or too fast, allowing them to make their own choices at their own pace even though sometimes I wish they would move faster. Pushing them to be better and to want to be better #tosachat
A2 I have many resources available for them to use as they explore a new thing. I do feel like this is an area I need to do better in too, because I tend to help too much and not require them to learn it all at times. Need to teach them to fish, not hand them the fish. #TOSAChat
Q1 In Harry Potter houses are based on certain character traits the founders valued, how do you think some of your character traits impact your coaching?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
I have had Ts tell other Ts who Iāve known better in personal life how patient I amā¦the one who knows me well literally burst out laughingā¦then was confused, āseriouslyā¦Josh HARRIS?ā LOL #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TeachingTechNix, @EdTechAri, @TechCoachSusan
A2: I make it my business to guide my teachers through opportunity! Opportunities to go to PD, to go to #Edtech events, to work with TOSAs that get as much professional growth as they can handle. I try to guide my actions & dept. by my #EduBeliefs & hope they shine thru
#TOSAchat
A2: I feel I have grown a lot in this area. Trying to be the guide on the side. I still need to work on this. I try to provide a buffet of info so Ts can self select #model#practicewhatwepreach#TOSAchat (hubby thinks I am like Nick Burns from SNL....not true!)
I need to work on this too, I think sometimes its easier to just give them the fish in the short term but that's not going to help in the long term #TOSAchat
Q2: Make trainings we facilitate opportunities for educators to experience first hand a tool or a model or a lesson. Trainings should not be lectures or mini-keynotes where they sit and listen and are expected to go hands on after the training is over. #tosachat
A2: I like to think of myself as a guide and let people choose the puzzle they want to solve and then give them the pieces that they need to put together themselves. #tosachat
A2: Guiding our teachers to find that AHA moment is the best feeling. That lightbulb moment when the teacher goes "OMG, this is a game changer!" #tosachat
A2: Rather than sit & get sessions, I create interactive exploration slidedecks that act as a trip down the rabbit hole. Teachers explore with choice and autonomy, which fosters ownership & intrinsic motivation. #tosachat
Q2 Dumbledore served as a guide for Harry, never fully revealing anything to him rather letting him discover it for himself. How do you act as a guide for your teachers? And why is that important? #tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A2 - reveal enough to encourage them to try things independently, always be there as a support system... celebrate their successes, offer help when needed... continue to teach and guide as a friend/mentor #tosachat
Q2 Dumbledore served as a guide for Harry, never fully revealing anything to him rather letting him discover it for himself. How do you act as a guide for your teachers? And why is that important? #tosachat@CrazySciTeach
Balance is hard with 3rd because it is such a growing year. You have to transition them from so much handholding to flying free in one year. Tough job. #tosachat
A1: I forget the qualities of those in Gryffindor (I got sorted about a yr ago when I started running with the Hogwarts Running Club), but being brave is key for me. Bravery to face those who resist coaching. #tosachat
This is such a juicy question! We learn by doing, so allowing teachers to explore, play, and teach others, asking them loads of questions to guide them to answers they most likely already have, is how I do this. #tosachat
Q2 Dumbledore served as a guide for Harry, never fully revealing anything to him rather letting him discover it for himself. How do you act as a guide for your teachers? And why is that important? #tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A2: Itās all about empowerment and ownership for me and my convos w Ts. When I guide them to come up with their own solutions, it empowers them for future sessions and thereās immediate ownership. #tosachat
A1: Les Dinerstein - Teacher in @MorenoValleyUSD - While not a "coach" yet, I would like to think that learning how to listen has helped me succeed with colleagues when I do one on one coaching. Took me awhile to learn how to listen. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @CrazySciTeach, @MorenoValleyUSD
Q2 Dumbledore served as a guide for Harry, never fully revealing anything to him rather letting him discover it for himself. How do you act as a guide for your teachers? And why is that important? #tosachat@CrazySciTeach
Q3 Draco is filled with preconceived notions pushed on him by his parents, how do you battle against preconceived notions that your teachers may have? What can you do to change their opinions?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A2: When I give sessions, I like to present something like @Flipgrid and give people a chance to get hands on experience. Nothing like a session where people make their own discoveries. #TOSAchat
Q2 Dumbledore served as a guide for Harry, never fully revealing anything to him rather letting him discover it for himself. How do you act as a guide for your teachers? And why is that important? #tosachat@CrazySciTeach
It can be a tough grade, but it is my fav. So much fun! I found that during the first part of the year I had to have a different expectation than the latter part. Had to read the group too, just like other grades. Each class has its own dynamic. #TOSAChat
A3 First u have 2 listen 2 understand, not to undermine. It's easy 2 get caught up thinking about 'that teacher' or 'that site' but then we're creating self-fulfilling prophecies, & not really looking 2 help. Listening reveals the true concern to build from. #tosachat
A3: Staying positive is the key, trying to not let it get to you (sooo not good at that, but I'm working on it) and to work with them at their pace and push them along slowly. And sometimes giving them that kick in the butt when they really need it #tosachat
Missed this part as I was catching up, I actually don't know what house I would be sorted into. I do own a sorting hat but never got around to putting batteries in it. My wife identifies with Ravenclaw. #TOSAchat
A3 The biggest preconceived notion I see is, āIām not techy enough to do that.ā I work hard to show them that they donāt have to be! I try to model how easy it can be. I want to do more of that for sure. Donāt get as much time in the classroom as Iād like. #workingonit#TOSAChat
A3: I was reminded this weekend at a #K2CanToo event by #edtechteam that I hostedā¦You know what defeats negative preconceived notions? (Counter)examples, examples, examples! Show them it CAN work, kids CAN do it, and you can the Ts. Thanks @TechCoachSusan for leading.
#TOSAchat
A3: One preconceived notion that I'm constantly battling is the idea that tech is something else added to their plates. When this comes up, it's usually best to show ways that edtech enhances the teaching experience. #tosachat
A3: JUST CLICK IT...you aren't going to break it! Are you really modeling #lifelonglearner to your students? And I am going to support you along the way. Building that relationship is so very key. #TOSAchat#growthmindset
A2: providing information and resources through a newsletter- leaving bread crumbs if you will.I try to find things that will highlight strengths or be an easy step forward from something theyāre already doing. This way I think theyāre more willing to try something new. #tosachat
A3: Some teachers have to see it to believe it. For those teachers who say "but my class is different, they can't do it", I love to model and co-teach. #tosachat
Q3 Draco is filled with preconceived notions pushed on him by his parents, how do you battle against preconceived notions that your teachers may have? What can you do to change their opinions?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A3: When moving into uncharted territory, feathers are going to ruffled. EX, my last staff meeting a member went off on me for calling 10th Grade Honrs Pre-AP. Long story. I didn't get mad. I listened to her viewpoint. Went well. #TOSAchat
A3 strive to reveal the "why" and help them see new possibilities. Draco was blinded by the wrong influences... we can help Ts find their own magic when they move beyond their comfort zone. #TOSAchat
Q3 Draco is filled with preconceived notions pushed on him by his parents, how do you battle against preconceived notions that your teachers may have? What can you do to change their opinions?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
And thinking about āThat Teacherā never goes away as you climb the latterā¦only it switches from teacher to Principal/director/Program Manager/Vendorā¦ Itās a thing youāve always gotta check in yourself. #PeopleArePeople#TOSAchat
A3: Iāve been on a journey with Ts to constantly redefine themselves. Some characterize themselves as not creative, not techie, not ____. Letās keep learning, keep pushing ourselves. #tosachat
A3cont: Iāve dealt with preconceived notions of me throughout my career. Iām not Joe, the tech guy. Iām Joe, the teacher who uses tech AND so much more. #tosachat
I agree! A kind of bravery is required to be a coach or a TOSA. I just love my job! But I know many teachers who would hate it! Teaching adults and presenting all time, and accepting some expertise is not for all. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @TosaChat, @CrazySciTeach
Absolutely. Itās been such a journey for me to be in a place to work with colleagues - adult learners. Started before being a TOSA - as a trainer, math lead, tech lead, ā¦ #tosachat
I get that one a lot, too. Someone posted that as their answer. Itās hard. Teachers are busy, I get it. It is just one of those things you HAVE to do if you want to get better at what you do. #notoptional#tosachat
Q3 Draco is filled with preconceived notions pushed on him by his parents, how do you battle against preconceived notions that your teachers may have? What can you do to change their opinions?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A4 I think the biggest thing that went wrong for me is that I assumed once they had a TOSA as a resource, Ts would flock to me for coaching. Nope. It has taken me time to build the relationship for that even though I already knew many of the teachers. #TOSAChat
A4 My world has blown up since getting more involved with Twitter and #tosachat. It's amazing the opportunities that will come to you if you're willing to put yourself out there and share the positives and negatives about your experience.
A4: Better- STEM class and our STEM Friends program with the kindergartners
Worse- multimedia elective with 6th graders, wasn't expecting that grade level and it has completely thrown me off #tosachat
From a trip I had the pleasure and privilege of going on - I learned of a phrase that I believe in and still share with others. See tech as an accelerator of learning. (Not an add on) #tosachat
A4: Most of what i do blows up. then i try something else. I'm really good at iterating quickly. No time to waste on something that doesn't work. #tosachat
A4: So many PDsā¦but I learn from each of them. š„š
I once accidentally wrote a Google Classroom manual (99 slides) instead of a PD because I got too excited about all the stuff it does. Thatās usually how I blow stuff up.
#TOSAchat
A4: This year, I feel I have a huge voice. New boss, new dept. Tech and #futureready is a focus. I am making myself vulnerable. Just patiently waiting for my ideas to go viral in #PYLUSD! #TOSAchat
A1: Empathy has helped me. While PLL certifying, we studied needs of adult learners. Adult learners need to know that they are met as professionals and that their time and effort is valued and important. Being empathetic helps! #TOSAchat
A4: I think we have all blown up a lesson plan or two in our time. How one word or misplaced action can either irritate someone or shut them down. Took me a long time to learn that I need to listen, prepare more for my lessons, and don't forget kids need to be kids. #TOSAchat
A4: It feels like everyday I do something that blows up. Thatās a good thing too. I like to blow things up so we can figure out how to make things better #tosachat
A4: The Cardinal Innovation Center was designed to be a vehicle for my tech coaching assignment. Didn't see it becoming what it has or helping me travel the world. #TOSAChat#cvtechtalk#CanICICIt#humble#alwaysinbeta
Maybe you don't have the time now, but what could you move or shift to make the time. It's like spring cleaning. You don't need to keep everything in the garage. #tosachat
A4: One thing that has worked really well is getting my admin on board sheās definitely willing to try new things and we have worked Together to model things for the teachers- she created a Google site for her end-of-the-year evaluation last year and we are using Google #tosachat
So good! Love your attitude about continued refinement. A4cont: This was me this last week. I needed to experience some lows in order to renew my effort and resolve. #tosachat
A4 LOL Oh so many lessons. Just did a coding lesson with a second grade class that totally blew up in my face but I was able to reflect and it ended up great! #TOSAChat
You know whatā¦how did I not think of that already?
I want a different shape thoā¦still on the fence about square stickers.
Maybe just the āPush All The Buttonsā part? #TOSAchat
In reply to
@EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @KVoge71
My very first day of teaching ever in my own classroom, I planned everything so meticulously. I was ready with this lesson plan and the room was all perfect. Yeah. Forgot to make the student copies for the lesson. #tosachat
Q5 A patronus is a positive force that can protect a wizard from soul sucking dementors, what is your Patronus? What makes you happy and keeps you pushing forward?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
i get knocked down.... but I get up again... you're never gonna keep me down. just sing it... #TOSAchat (I think that was the inspiration for Dory when she sang "Just keep swimming..."
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @CrazySciTeach, @kmartintahoe, @TosaChat
A5: My PLN and EdTechFamily keep me going when it gets tough, they listen and support and remind me it takes time. Also my NERDY STEM Ss, who remind me why I continue to work in the classroom and try to make a difference #tosachat
A5 My patronus is hearing from the teachers and admins Iāve worked with and getting notes/words of appreciation from them. Reminds me that I do make a difference, even though it doesnāt always feel like it. #TOSAChat
A5: My district has a handful of Teacher Tech Leaders who do what I do in addition to teach in their own classes. These people amaze and inspire me. So when I have meetings with them, I get amped to keep going. #tosachat
A5: Learning makes me happy I didnāt realize I was such a learner I donāt feel like when I was in school I was really like this. So when I am around other people like you all I am in a happy happy place. #tosachat
A5: Mine is the Platypus-looks cute but almost defies logic but can have a poisonous sting. That and Iām really a secret agent. Sorry wasnāt supposed to say that #tosachat
A5: My soulmate @techcoachjuarez motivates me and keeps me grounded simultaneously. Surround yourself with those that lift you up. It makes a world of difference. #tosachat
Q5 A patronus is a positive force that can protect a wizard from soul sucking dementors, what is your Patronus? What makes you happy and keeps you pushing forward?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A4: I said yes to a cooking project for genius time. And so it began: chicken adobo, fresh made tapioca balls (Boba Tea), sushi, tomato soup, milkshakes, rice flour waffles. I keep posting this. I can't believe we pulled it off. #tosachat
A5: My fellow TOSAS (other subject areas) really keep me going. My tweeps for sure. The thank You emails I store in a folder for the downer days. #ifetbywithalittlehelpfrommyfriends#TOSAchat
Q5 A patronus is a positive force that can protect a wizard from soul sucking dementors, what is your Patronus? What makes you happy and keeps you pushing forward?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A5: I have a "Happy" folder in my email. When I get an extra special happy and appreciative email I put it in there for safe keeping! It keeps me going when times get rough. #TOSAchat
Here is what I got from the Sorting Quiz: You Are 41% Ravenclaw, 23% Gryffindor, 22% Hufflepuff, and 14% Slytherin! - Apparently, I am heading into the same house as my wife. #TOSAchat
My wife just said that I need to go to https://t.co/Ho4zaUFnfE and take the offical quiz. She does not accept that I would be sorted into her house until I take the quiz. #TOSAchat
A5 My Patronus is my 17 year old Cat Butch šŗ He is a symbol of my little family of 2, small but powerful. Butch and my husband keep me happy and pushing forward ā¤ļø #tosachat
A5: I will have to get back on you on a Patronus until I dive into it a bit further. I think I would be a deer but I am probably a fish who keeps swiming..swiming. Besides my wife, my daughter keeps me going. While we are in the Terrible Twos, it is all worth it. #TOSAchat
A5: my patron is Ironman. He is the perfect #EdTech hero, he solves problems with his mind and Tech. Plus heās got a kick-a$$ crew of friends (read as my #PLN) who stand and fight beside him, even when he makes mistakes. #EdtechAvengers#YouKnowWhoYouAre#tosachat
Q6 Harry, as the leader of Dumbledoreās Army defies authority to teach others the skills that are necessary to survive, have you ever defied authority for what you thought was right? Would you do it again?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
A6: not so much defy as follow the mantra: "ask for forgiveness, not permission" and then possibly defy because a lot of the time the authority hasn't been in the classroom in YEARS and they don't know what my Ss need or how they learn or anything about them #tosachat
A6: Yes and yes. Doing whatās best for kids is always THE reason to defy authority. Sometimes ppl forget that and itās important to speak for the kids. #tosachat
A6: i'm a firm believer in it's better to ask forgiveness than permission. most of the time it works out. kind of. I don't get yelled at too often. #tosachat
Yes!!! Okā- someone start a DM or Voxer groupā- this is going to be EPIC!!! What day? #tosachat 1 Q per ābattleā most epic song response gets the trophy... MIC- DROP!
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @Flipgrid, @CrazySciTeach, @KarlyMoura, @beardsleyteach, @Cbustamante2222, @TeachingTechNix
A7 If I could cast a spell on my teachers, it would allow them to truly see their strengths and all the good they do and not get so caught up in the coulda/woulda/shoulda that is inevitably a part of being a passionate teacher. #TOSAchat
A6: I do this all the time...& I'm an admin. When I am leading PD, & Ts ask hard Qs, I give it to them straight. I tell Ts what I think is the best thing for them to do in their rooms & fo their kids. I don't really care who or what it disagrees with. #DamnTheTorpedoes#Tosachat
A6: I think defining parents doesn't count like it used to but I did recently tell my Department Chair that I cannot be sent to a training on a Saturday. I pointed out that other arrangements will need to be made. Felt good and yes. #TOSAchat
Q6 Harry, as the leader of Dumbledoreās Army defies authority to teach others the skills that are necessary to survive, have you ever defied authority for what you thought was right? Would you do it again?
#tosachat@CrazySciTeach
Thank you all for your incredible insights during #TOSAchat. Remember to continue to build your PLN & follow others.
Donāt forget to thank Kim (@CrazySciTeach) for hosting!
