#SquirrelsChat meets once a month at 8:00 p.m. EST to discuss education technology and tools, professional development and technology integration. This chat is moderated by Squirrels LLC, creators of classroom screen-mirroring solutions Reflector 2, ClassHub, AirParrot 2 and Ditto.
Hi #squirrelschat! It's Emily from @Squirrels. I'm on the road tonight, but I have tweets scheduled and will hopefully be able to chime in as I travel to Portland for the weekend. Huge thank you to @BrianRSmithSr for moderating and a warm welcome to guest @DorisASantoro! ✨
Good Evening everyone. I believe Education is the most noble profession there is. I have my reasons for being in the game for 20+ years. Introduce yourself and tell us what is your reason for choosing this profession? #SquirrelsChat
I chose education because I had amazing mentors who helped me understand the endless opportunities within edu. I worked in higher ed for 2 years in grad school, 3 years professionally + it was all because I wanted to help students transition to + succeed in college #squirrelschat
A1: Inspiration. I was inspired by a teacher. Environment. My father was big on studying and learning. Reach. I wanted to make an impact. Change. I wanted to make a difference. #SquirrelsChat
Good Evening everyone. I believe Education is the most noble profession there is. I have my reasons for being in the game for 20+ years. Introduce yourself and tell us what is your reason for choosing this profession? #SquirrelsChat
Hi @BrianRSmithSr, thanks for hosting tonight! It might sound a little cliche but I chose to work in education b/c i truly believe that with an education people can live their fullest lives and make society a better place for everyone #squirrelschat
Good Evening everyone. I believe Education is the most noble profession there is. I have my reasons for being in the game for 20+ years. Introduce yourself and tell us what is your reason for choosing this profession? #SquirrelsChat
Hello, I'm Rosalyn from Atlanta Public schools. I'm a Digital Learning Specialist. I chose education because of my love of learning, I stay because of my love for children.
#SquirrelsChat
Tuning into #squirrelschat now. Cori from CenTX. I chose to be an educator to honor my parents’ legacies. Between the 2 of them, they’ve taught in Southern public schools for over 80 Years. Each generation of students deserves capable, dedicated teachers.
Q1: A Learning Policy Institute survey found Ts leave for 1 of 6 reasons: Inadequate preparation, Lack of support for new teachers, Challenging work conditions, Dissatisfaction w/ compensation, Better career opportunities and/or
Personal reasons.
What do you think? #SquirrelsChat
A1 Based on the Learning Policy Institute, I left education because of dissatisfaction with compensation and better career opportunities. I loved my work in higher ed, but felt stuck pretty quickly. I had a great team, but I hit a wall and was unable to continue #squirrelschat
A1: I believe: Big "I", Little "u" - Top down leadership. Leaders who are no longer learning. Decisions made that are not in the best interest for students. I got into for the students. Too much seems to surpass that today in importance. #SquirrelsChat
A1: I worked in education for 10+ years before leaving the main reason I left is that teachers aren’t treated as professionals and given freedom to make decisions. It can feel as if you’re treated just like a student and it’s can be very disempowering. #squirrelschat
A1: Lack of support can strike at ANY stage of a T’s career. The landscape of being an education is changing so fast, & it seems that the powers that be rarely ask the Ts “What do you need to do your job well?” Also Ts support needs to come from all stakeholders. #squirrelschat
Janis from MI! I choose to teach because I love to learn and I love kids. My girl friend in school used to joke I would grow up to be a mom-I did-I’m working on my 1,000 child!! #SquirrelsChat
Yes @BrianRSmithSr... anyone and everyone who has a stake in the best education for the students ( parents, students, admins, community members etc) need to be involved in supporting teachers to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. #squirrelschat
Adam Rogers CTE Technology Coordinator for OKCPS. I wanted a job that I could make a difference. I have only been in education for almost 8 years. #SquirrelsChat
Good Evening everyone. I believe Education is the most noble profession there is. I have my reasons for being in the game for 20+ years. Introduce yourself and tell us what is your reason for choosing this profession? #SquirrelsChat
A1-Yes, Yes and Yes to all those. I feel a lack of support is my top one. My community of teachers has helped my through my ya fest days. The f you have support you can deal with other things. #SquirrelsChat
Q1: A Learning Policy Institute survey found Ts leave for 1 of 6 reasons: Inadequate preparation, Lack of support for new teachers, Challenging work conditions, Dissatisfaction w/ compensation, Better career opportunities and/or
Personal reasons.
What do you think? #SquirrelsChat
Good Evening everyone. I believe Education is the most noble profession there is. I have my reasons for being in the game for 20+ years. Introduce yourself and tell us what is your reason for choosing this profession? #SquirrelsChat
A2 This is probably going to sound cliché, but it's easy to get excited about education when you're working with bright young students. Seeing them learn, grow, and develop is truly awe-inspiring. #squirrelschat
A2-They found their community. I was seriously considering leaving and found a whole new enthusiasm from my #Twitter PLN! They helped my transform the way I teach!#SquirrelsChat
A2: I think these teachers have figured out that building that relationship is more important than some of the other stuff that is required to be done. Sometimes T’s just need to stop and talk with the S’s. #SquirrelsChat
Q2: On the flip side, many teachers stay where they are and are highly ecstatic about the current state of teaching. What do you feel contributes to the reasons why? #SquirrelsChat
A2: Culture will make or break a teaching experience. My best year was when I worked at temporary site in an old church. Classrooms were physically falling apart but we were treated with respect, there was such a can do attitude and everyone loved working there. #squirrelschat
Q2: On the flip side, many teachers stay where they are and are highly ecstatic about the current state of teaching. What do you feel contributes to the reasons why? #SquirrelsChat
A2 In addition to working with amazing students, I think the recent push towards personalized learning is helping propel the current state of teaching. Plus, we have amazing educators in WV, OK, AZ, and more protesting and standing up for education everywhere #squirrelschat
A2: I feel teachers stay when they see positive, empowering environments In which they thrive. Sometimes teachers in very difficult situations stay as well because they see themselves/loved ones in their students & they have a strong sense of not giving up on them. #SquirrelsChat
A2: I think that it is due to intentionality. Intentionality about purpose, reminding oneself of the WHY. When I close the door, the students are in my view and puts a smile on my face! #SquirrelsChat
Q2: @DorisASantoro said that educators need to "feel respected as intellectuals." Those that are respected tend to be more positive about the state of education. #SquirrelsChat
Q3: @DorisASantoro, author of “Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love...” challenges the burnout notion & lends to the idea that Demoralization sets in when pedagogical ideas and mandated practices stifle Ts. What’s the difference? #SquirrelsChat
A3 From my experience, burn out can come from overdoing the things you love, potentially not wanting to stop because you are so passionate. Demoralized would be trying new things and having others turn them down or not feeling like there is room to grow or learn.
#squirrelschat
Q3: @DorisASantoro, author of “Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love...” challenges the burnout notion & lends to the idea that Demoralization sets in when pedagogical ideas and mandated practices stifle Ts. What’s the difference? #SquirrelsChat
Q3: @DorisASantoro, author of “Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love...” challenges the burnout notion & lends to the idea that Demoralization sets in when pedagogical ideas and mandated practices stifle Ts. What’s the difference? #SquirrelsChat
Q3: @DorisASantoro, author of “Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love...” challenges the burnout notion & lends to the idea that Demoralization sets in when pedagogical ideas and mandated practices stifle Ts. What’s the difference? #SquirrelsChat
Q2: On the flip side, many teachers stay where they are and are highly ecstatic about the current state of teaching. What do you feel contributes to the reasons why? #SquirrelsChat
A3-Burnt out is a matter of self care, demoralized is from outside circumstances that are often beyond our control. Lack of respect or support can be the “straw that breaks the camel’s back”!#SquirrelsChat
A3 I think it is increasingly important to differentiate between burn out vs. demoralization. Burn out could be remedied by increased self-care or time off. Demoralization may require fundamental shift in mindset and culture #squirrelschat
A3: I would agree that mandated practices limit teacher creativity in the classroom thereby limiting students. I would suggest that the outcome of mandated practices leads to burnout, not feeling motivated or energized enough to keep the flame burning. #SquirrelsChat
A3: Demoralized educators might seek greener pastures, while burned out teachers leave the pastures all together. It is the difference in feeding a smoldering little flame vs tossing dirt on a drowned fire. #SquirrelsChat
A3) Demoralization seems to strip one of their ability to function..one begins to question their ability to do even the simplest of tasks ( plan effective aligned lessons, send emails, or even volunteer)... Burnout IMO is more mental fatigue #SquirrelsChat
A3: Demoralized educators might seek greener pastures, while burned out teachers leave the pastures all together. It is the difference in feeding a smoldering little flame vs tossing dirt on a drowned fire. #SquirrelsChat
A3 pt 2: I left Beaumont (yes I named the school district) demoralized BUT NOT defeated. I had an admin who didn’t respect my professional skills nor passion for what I do ...and the school district and school paid the price when I left. #TeachersMatter#SquirrelsChat
A4: Respect the profession and those in it like you would any other that requires extensive education, certifications and credentialing. And make sure pay reflects that. #squirrelschat
A4 @beckyshy and I talk about this in "Pizza, Projects, People" and share how to shift workplace culture to retain high quality employees. In education, it includes listening to teachers, creating positive traditions, and recognizing teacher work.
#pizzawheel#squirrelschat
A4: by being GENUINELY happy for and supportive of our colleagues efforts. Provide collaborative time which not only develops best practice also lets folks know "you're not alone" #SquirrelsChat
A4) My initial answer is pay them? BUT as a T I found it didn’t matter how much I made when I had a phenomenally supportive admin, supportive team members, an aligned curriculum, aligned assessment, rigorous standards and others were invested in my development #SquirrelsChat
A4 Another important aspect of retaining teachers is to simply engage in conversation. Instead of assuming you know what you need to do to keep teachers in the profession, ask them directly. Mentor them. Give them a safe space to share and grow. #squirrelschat
A4: It may vary based on the individual. Attribute value to their value. Their words. Their experience. Their story. Invest in their perspectives. Let them have a chance to matter. #SquirrelsChat
Q3: @DorisASantoro, author of “Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love...” challenges the burnout notion & lends to the idea that Demoralization sets in when pedagogical ideas and mandated practices stifle Ts. What’s the difference? #SquirrelsChat
A4-I believe we need to have honest conversations with each. We need to ask for help when we need it. Give honest critiques of ourselves and others-with the goal of lifting everyone. It’s easy to cocoon yourself in a classroom. #SquirrelsChat
A4: Offer the new T’s support, training, a seasoned teacher that can come alongside them and help them out. Help them build their own PLN. #SquirrelsChat
A4: this profession is hard and it is ok to ask for help. We need to create safe environments that allow us to be honest with each other. #SquirrelsChat
A4: Paraphrasing this, people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their boss. Leaders can start by building a culture & work environment that values what Ts bring to the team. #squirrelschat
Q5: Emotional resilience is thought to be what teachers need in order to deal with the demoralization. Do you agree and how do you see this addressed in education? #SquirrelsChat
A4: As a peer, I offer my support & ever listening ear. Sometimes we don’t realize that sometimes a kind word is the thing that can make or break a good teacher who is thinking about quitting. Wherever I go, people know I’m good for a chat , highest if 5s or a hug. #SquirrelsChat
A5: we have implemented the 16 Habits of mind into our schools. It is amazing to see how staff has embraced these along with our learners. #SquirrelsChat
A5 Looking back at question three, I don't think emotional resilience is enough to combat demoralization on its own. Of course ER is an important skill, but combatting demoralization requires systemic changes in the organizational culture and rhetoric. #squirrelschat
A5) I didn’t see it addresses in my street! But, if it weren’t for social supports I would’ve been a statistic “gone on 2 yrs” Faith, a great therapist, supportive community, and staying/planting my feet in the difficult moments built the fortitude.. #SquirrelsChat
Q5: Emotional resilience is thought to be what teachers need in order to deal with the demoralization. Do you agree and how do you see this addressed in education? #SquirrelsChat
A5-I do agree that emotional resilience is important. After nearly 20 years in education, I’ve “tried” to put all things in perspective, admins leave, S/P move on. Like the seasons-this too shall pass. #SquirrelsChat
A5: Emotional resilienceisnt of our Ts isn’t really addressed much. Is mental health covered by benefits? Reasonable class sizes? A show of appreciation? Decent pay? Work load? School health suffers when teacher health suffers- physical or emotional #SquirrelsChat
A5: Emotional experiences tend to influence everything else, physical, mental, social...I believe that the negativity surrounding the emotional experience is as a result of something much larger/deeper. #SquirrelsChat
I can't say thank you enough to @BrianRSmithSr, our moderator for this evening. I hope everyone enjoyed thoughtful conversation with fellow educators tonight. Another thank you to special guest @DorisASantoro! We are lucky to have an awesome community here #squirrelschat
Q5: Emotional resilience is thought to be what teachers need in order to deal with the demoralization. Do you agree and how do you see this addressed in education? #SquirrelsChat
Good Evening everyone. I believe Education is the most noble profession there is. I have my reasons for being in the game for 20+ years. Introduce yourself and tell us what is your reason for choosing this profession? #SquirrelsChat
