#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Pamela Rabin Project Specialist Ed Tech for @SanDiegoCOE, also @SanDiego_CUE Board member...something unique, hmm, I can move my eyes independently of each other? How’s that? #tosachat
Hey #TOSAchat! It’s Jody, Academic Coach in LaHabra, CA. I often blurt out songs at really inappropriate times. Sometimes the lyrics are real and sometimes they are what someone just said. It’s a gift.
Love Bellingham! My little 1/2 bro (26 years between us...another unique thing about me) goes to school there and dad owns property on S end of Lake Watson! #tosachat
Hi all! Kim from So Cal, Digital Learning Instructional Coach for PYLUSD. My grandpa told me I was bodacious and I thought he made up the word just for me. #TOSAchat
A1 when doing PD, I try and provide pathways for Ts and Ss... access to tools, resources, flexibility for learning w various modalities... all the things. Ss don’t learn in the same 📦...Ts don’t either. #tosachat
A1 It's got to begin with awareness. I have to be conscious and aware of my white, male...privilege. I need to make sure that spaces where I lead should be welcoming for all. And I need to stop thinking about "average" https://t.co/h4txsjtStG#tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A1: As a TOSA, I try to model the principles of UDL when I am hosting a training or in a classroom. Create open pathways for learning, various access points, provide some choice. Ts seem to be conditioned to accepting the "sit and get" ...I need to do better for them! #TOSAchat
A1 I listen to those who know better than I do and constantly try to improve my practice. It's a work in progress but I try to make sure I hear from everyone in some way or another. It may take seeking them out individually to make sure I get to listen to them. #TOSAchat
A1: As a TOSA, I try to model the principles of UDL when I am hosting a training or in a classroom. Create open pathways for learning, various access points, provide some choice. Ts seem to be conditioned to accepting the "sit and get" ...I need to do better for them! #TOSAchat
A1: Knowing that one size doesn't fit all...providing extra time, differentiated resources and alternative methods of demonstrating learning is how I start to create fair & equitable environment for all #TOSAchat
totally. when i had a reluctant t speak up in a conversation in the fall, i followed up with an email thanking him because i value his voice and opinion. #tosachat
A1. I wish I had a better answer, but I really try and provide a resource to teachers that they can take with them and access at their own pace. #tosachat
Q1) Equitable environments in classrooms are grounded in culturally relevant curriculum. Students need to see themselves and their experiences representing strong positive narratives. This is not inherent in traditional curriculums. #tosachat
A2 people are my passion... 💚
I just try and be friendly, supportive, open, empathetic, encouraging & a cheerleader to let them know they can ask anything and not be afraid to try new things as I walk beside them.
#tosachat
A2: Relationships. First. Always. I do a lot of listening to help understand what the Ts need. Offer support on their terms. Provide resources (okay, probably too many LOL) and FOLLOW UP! A revisit is always helpful. A thank you note goes a long way as well. #TOSAchat
A2 Talk less and listen more. Be genuine and treat them as the experts they are (yep this goes for students too). Don't assume you know better than they do. Be reflective and admit when you're wrong.
These things are all easier said than done. Be a work in progress. #TOSAChat
A2: Get to know them on a personal level. I'm terrible with names but I really try to remember spouses and kids names. This gives me an entry point to push their work because they trust me. #tosachat
A2. Be vulnerable. I try and frame trainings by sharing problems that I had in the classroom and how tech has helped me versus, you are doing this wrong. #tosachat
A2 This may sound cliche but taking an interest in each and every person, ask genuine questions, making some sort of personal connection. We are in the human business #tosachat
A1: give all participants in a class or school have voice and choice in it’s design. I also love the UDL theory of providing multiple pathways for expressing knowledge. So many different learning styles and inherent skills, why not give value to all?! #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
Hi #tosachat. Joe, Elem Admin, from CA. Not sure this answers the intro Q but I’ve recently been working on accepting recognition. I tend to go to the far extreme of humility.
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt
Q1) Equitable environments in classrooms are grounded in culturally relevant curriculum. Students need to see themselves and their experiences representing strong positive narratives. This is not inherent in traditional curriculums. #tosachat
A2 Someone else already said it, but I think listening is SO IMPORTANT. Not just listening for what I think is being said, but REALLY LISTENING. If you haven't read it yet, I really recommend "We Got This" by @MisterMinor@HeinemannPub Corn talks about this a lot. #tosachat
A1 Make sure your resources are accessible. It takes extra time, but I always try to edit my captions on video tutorials rather than use speech to text so that they are accurate. (Captions are also handy for better comprehension.) #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
That is so true. I think relating topics and conversations to today's relevant topics can help with this but you are right many of our students cannot see themselves in our curriculum. #TOSAChat
A2: Listening! With both Ss and Ts its so important to hear what their saying and share what you have heard back. No judgment, simply listening and rephrasing can both clarify what I have heard and help them to solidify thinking #TOSAchat
A2 Be honest, especially when a tool is fairly new to you. Also, Ts appreciate when tech doesn't work smoothly for me. It helps them relax and feel that it is okay when they struggle. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
I have that book!!!!!!! Yes! Love this answer and 💯 agree. Listen with the intent to understand rather than listen with the intent to respond. I believe it was @k_shelton who said that on #ditchsummit. #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechBham, @MisterMinor, @HeinemannPub, @k_shelton
Acitve listening has been something that I have tried to do more this year. Teachers and students just need to know that you are there for them as a support. #TOSAChat
Listening strategies was a very important learning for me in Cognitive Coaching. Repeating back as, "So you're saying..." and not inserting yourself with "So what I'm hearing is..." #TOSAchat
Ornaments, the cheap laser cut gold ones, and sometimes magnets, if unique. I used to get t-shirts and/or sweatshirts, but ornaments fit better in carry on luggage. :) #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt
TRUTH. I was like does he have to plan A doesn’t work have Plan B have plan C have plan D have plan E… You get the picture! Roll with it! It’s all a learning moment! #tosachat
In reply to
@Filibuster3, @TosaChat, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A3. I love presenting with tools like @PearDeck. I can know where every teacher is at and who needs clarification without having to bring attention to themselves. #tosachat
A3 I struggle with this. My 1:1200 ratio for Ts isn't exactly conducive to the "everyone has a voice" I have done my best to vary PD opportunities, F2F, online, short and sweet, all day. Personalizing PD with YOU CUBES (subscription based PD) has added another layer. #tosachat
A3 There's so much here. I used to think it was about wait time. HA! So now it's more about designing opportunities for ALL Ss to talk and share with scaffolds for those that need them. I look to Laura Lipton or Making Thinking Visible for strategies. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
I use several tools and strategies to ensure everyone has a voice. Presenting with @nearpod has been a great way to get everyone involved, in addition to surveying teachers, always asking for feedback and reflecting on that feedback, and gathering responses on @Flipgrid#TOSAChat
A3: I try to let my Ss help me come up with our projects. Ex: we’ve been doing coding in my elective, group of 5 Ss “it’s not our thing,” they are designing our next project (treehouse models) and are super excited about it #TOSAchat
A3 I co-teach computer science with ever teacher on the staff every other week. Being on the ground and in the classrooms with their classes gives me the opportunity to check in with them and find out what they really need. #TOSAchat
A3: If I were still in the classroom I would be all over @Flipgrid and @MicrosoftTeams with my students. As a coach, I have been encouraging Ts to interact with each other via these tools as I model their use in our professional learning #TOSAchat
A3 Remember that not everyone is an extrovert & wants to interact, do a dance, or actively participate. Games like Kahoot, online forms, allowing time to "play" with the concept/tool/program while you walk around in case they have individual questions. Email, open DMs. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A3 This is also where the use of tech tools like @OneNote or @padlet come in to play. Everyone can share without having to speak in front of the whole group. #tosachat
A3: Let them talk. Let them share. @Flipgrid is a great tool during training that lets them do just that. Ask them what they need and respond to those needs to the best of your ability. #ToSAchat
That's awesome, Kim! I love that you allow students to be part of the process, especially ones who are not loving what they are
currently learning. #TOSAChat
A2) similar to what we strive to do for students, I coached into student strengths through a student-centered approach, gave Ts choice in the form the coaching took, provided access to resources they needed to be successful, & worked 2 remove barriers to that success. #tosachat
A3 providing pathways, have Ts experience a share option similar to what we ask our Ss to do... own their learning and share w their authentic voice to an authentic audience.
1:1, F2F, digital... all work, but I believe in letting folks choose how to share #tosachat
A2: its all about rapport. Getting to know the person before trying any coaching or teaching. Making people feel safe, respected, and supported through the learning journey. Human-first collaboration. #TOSAChat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
Definitely does not need to always be an edtech tool. However, these tools have made my life significantly easier given the number of teachers and school sites I serve (and the fact that I haven't done a ton of F2F PD this year). #TOSAchat
At a recent gathering, we heard about a district with 4 tech TOSAs for 5 schools and my colleagues and I just looked at each other. We have 4 for about 30 schools! #tosachat
No... so many ways. Digital tools do sometimes allow for a quicker workflow or even increase how quickly you can respond to others... default to what options would work best in your situation, that doesn’t always mean digital! #tosachat
In reply to
@fenwayfan808, @peerlessgreen, @nearpod, @Flipgrid
Yup! This is how I seek them. They have a regular time with me every other week. I get to check in with them. See what they need. I get to teach and connect with the kids. It's a fabulous gig. #TOSAChat
A3 Since we're talking about cultural relevance, I also want to mention Zaretta Hammond's Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. To give every student a voice means leaning toward Collectivist (rather than Individualist) practices. #tosachat
A3b: @annkozma723 I had a @Flipgrid breakthrough last week! Ss who would talk but always show her cat actually recorded her face in her post about African American Inventors #TOSAchat
A4 think about the learners in your classrooms, think outside the 📦
...for me, this always comes down to voice and choice. Let Ss choose, let Ts choose, but w accountability for owning or sharing their learning experience, the process, or outcome
#tosachat
A4: My PD and lesson design has shifted to something between #Hyperdocs and station rotation. I want to give Ts and Ss autonomy so that they can master at their own pace. #TOSAChat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A3) I’ve always believed in the UDL aproach to curriculum design for both students & teachers. Plan from the onset for variety of learning strengths then provide multiple means of expression, action & engagement, & representation of knowledge #tosachat
A4 Teaching requires flexibility. When I walk into a coaching situation, I never know what to expect. I go with the intention to help the best way I can. If we want flexible thinking, we must model it. #TOSAChat
Well said. I just went to a session with @lhighfill and this was a large part of what #hyperdocs can help with. Design flexible lessons that allow for multiple representations of learning. #TOSAChat
A4: building in options, you must demonstrate “X” in any way that you choose (school appropriate). Yes, I have to say that, I teach middle school & a Ss wanted to demonstrate projectile motion with a potato gun once #TOSAchat
Couldn't have said it better myself! I got an email from a teacher asking for suggestions for a tool to use. I chose to book a time to have a conversation instead. Gotta ask Qs, find out what's behind the request! Never the same day twice #TOSAchat
interestingly, when I was introduced to UDL in my masters a couple years ago, I immediately thought of hyperdocs! They work so seamlessly together! #tosachat
A4: One method I have tried is "Choose Your Own Learning" - with a common learning target for all, give multiple learning opportunities for Ts or Ss to meet the target. Allows for choice and self-assessment and opportunities to share between groups #TOSAchat
#tosachat It’s a balance of both, I don’t think relevance necessarily means today’s topics. The freedom marches can be as relevant to students today as it was in the 1960’s. The relevance is in seeing yourself as a potential activist—making connections to that time periodic topic
Totally! I had a teacher email asking for suggestions of a tool to use. Instead, I booked a conversation. Gotta ask the Qs to find out what's behind the request! #TOSAchat
I think a LOT of the benefits of being flexible come after the training. Being accessible and willing to help your teachers implement what you learned together is the most important. Don't let it be one and done. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A5 I think I'm still learning this one. I might always be learning to be more conscious and thoughtful. A few things I've learned are to be more thoughtful about people I put forward as experts, about any Truths I espouse, about my own privileged lens on things. #tosachat
#tosachat and yet web2.0 and apps that allow for reflection and collaboration can be really powerful in mathematical discussions & reflection, I’m sorry to hear you are left out of supporting that professional learning
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @fenwayfan808, @nearpod, @Flipgrid
A4 Part 1:This is an eternal question. I feel the best work can come from creating/utilizing great rubrics that allow teachers to design with flexibility and students to dream bigger. #TOSAchat
A4 Part 2: The rubric shouldn't limit anyone to a set list, instead it should reward the growth and learning. As a coach, I often start by listening in project/lesson design and help prompt with questions. I also think coaching on HOW to spark inspiration helps. #TOSAchat
A4 Part 3: Is there a real world problem, business that has a need, deeper question students brought up? Do you like working outside in or inside out? Braindump over. #TOSAchat
Well, to be fair, I'm not left out entirely. I just haven't gotten the opportunity to pull groups of Ts for PD the way I have been able to in the past. I insert myself (and the ed tech) into the mathematics conversations. #tosachat
In reply to
@PamRabin, @fenwayfan808, @nearpod, @Flipgrid
A3: 1. Norms, Norms, Norms. 2. Multiple ways in verbal, written, chats all at the same time. 3. Strategic pairings, partners 4. Individual check instead and follow ups. #TOSAchat
A5) Here’s where my culturally relevant curriculum comes in again. First place to look (in K-5 especially) is your classroom library. Who is reflected in the stories, biographies, families, nonfiction, etc? #tosachat
A5 be open to discussions that come up, listening to others, be a champion for all - speak/stand up/take risks when needed. always listen & learn, be open to a different perspectives. We have SO much to learn from others #TOSAChat
A5 Again. By listening to those who know better than I do. Reading more, watching more, listening more, learning more. I am constantly trying to make changes in what I say, do and think to reflect what I'm learning. #TOSAChat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
This is something I'm still learning and will probably always be learning. Holidays make it so easy to address cultural diversity. So does working in culturally diverse environment. We have so much to learn from one another. We have to constantly check our biases. #TOSAchat
A4: flexibility allows teachers to be available to the students and focused on the personal growth of the individuals in their class. This flexibility is one reason you’ll never be able to fully automate teaching #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A5: I love this question. In a group on Facebook called @BAbridgebuilder. This has helped a ton. Also currently reading with a small group @WhiteFragility. I think it's important we do inner work before leading or trying to lead anything. We all have room to grow. #TOSAchat
A5 Part 2: It is also important that we honor all voices and allow others to share their stories and not speak for anyone. What works at one school is not universal but it's important that we help facilitate and foster growth. #TOSAchat
#tosachat Glad to hear it! Definitely have been there, and it is hard too if a teacher is completely rethinking their math pedagogy to then say “Hey I have this cool integration...” 🤓
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @fenwayfan808, @nearpod, @Flipgrid
A6: I have been trying to be so purposeful about this. The training can't just be "over". 3-2-1 Reflections are my favorite, filled in on a Google Form, then autocrat generated reminder right to participants mailbox. Follow up again in a month. #TOSAchat
A6 I used to give this short shrift but now I see synthesis and reflection as essential to a learning experience. I build it in every time, sometimes multiple times in one training or class. #tosachat
A3 #TOSAchat I teach all students with learning differences so for my lessons, my coteacher and I ability group and scaffold the lesson heavily and then remove scaffolds as appropriate.
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A6 used to have Ts make “I promise” videos & send to themself, kept private, but as a way for them to reflect then challenge themself. Now, I’d still use video as a reflection tool or a good ole fashioned note to self 💌 but SOMESTHING to trigger memory/action #TOSACHAT
A5 As a T, having a variety of literature is important, and being ready for topics that may come up while teaching. Respect goes both ways. Demo that differing opinions can be discussed with respect. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
A6: this has been hard because in the classroom, with 43min periods timing gets difficult. I’ve been utilizing Flipgrid a lot for this as well as some written reflections with guiding sentence frames. #TOSAchat
A2: Relationship building is key. Just attended an EQ schools conference on the topic. Listening, hearing them, eye contact, opportunities to laugh together and play are all key. #TOSAchat
A6: Prioritize it! This is an area of growth for me - I always taught up to the bell and that often meant leaving off Ss reflection. Knowing it is critical in meaning making I now hold sacred this time for Ts and Ss to make sense of learning #TOSAchat
I have teachers make a plan. What I'll do tomorrow, what I'll do within a week, what I'll do within a month. I need to be better about reminders to look back on what they wrote! Sometimes it's private/personal, other times it comes to me so I can help with follow up. #TOSAChat
A6: Reflection is an important part of my lesson design. In math classes this has become a necessity. Students need to be able to articulate their thoughts and argue their positions. With Ts it just good to do as often as possible. #TOSAChat
A1: We begin with class norms, team contracts and more. We have norm cards that are binary (they pick from two sides) and this helps build the skill. I learned this from a coach @ZOPowers. It's been great for my 9th graders. #TOSAchat
A6 An area I need to work on. Sometimes it is tricky when you have so many exciting things to share and a limited amount of time. There never seems to be enough time for PD and Play/Practice! Learn a concept and have time to try it! #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @edtechchamp, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
Hi #TOSAchat. Sorry I hopped on late. Looks like it was a great one. I chimed in and loved the topics. Steph R, TOSA and a whole lot more in Silicon Valley.
I'm reading @joboaler 's Mathematical Mindsets. I loved the part abt homework being a reflection of that day's learning. Why practice smthing Ss may not understand yet? Reflect, consider what is causing the struggle (or not), & come back the next day ready to improve. #TOSAChat
I totally know what you mean with cognitive coaching. It takes practice on being available and reflective without needing to give advice. It can be exhausting. Giving advice and consulting is way easier. #tosachat
In reply to
@elteacherfig, @TosaChat, @annkozma723, @EdTechAri, @TeachingTechNix, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @nzefeldt, @Jyoung1219
