Welcome to gfedchat! Please introduce yourself: name, position & building, and the best teaching advice you’ve ever received from a veteran teacher #gfedchat
Beth Walters; FACS @ RR; the fact that students don't care about what I can teach them about subject matter until they know I care about them-and also "overplan" :)
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Andee Thompson-3rd grade Discovery. Best advice:be flexible and build relationships with kids because they will remember that way more than what you teach them
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Kevin Carney Red River - AP Psych/American History - From a guy who I taught with my first year at RR - "This building has short term memory only, forget what happened today; tomorrow (or Monday) is a fresh slate." #gfedchat
A1: Any class of students who have discipline or behavioral issues can be troublemakers......at some point in the year they become your troublemakers and they'll do whatever you ask....#gfedchat
A1: Love your job everyday, love your life away from your job everyday, and don’t let one affect the other...two great lives are better than one 😊 #gfedchat
A1: Prioritize: What needs to be done @ schoo/vs/home. Be flexible, share ideas, have a plan A,B,C,D. It's better to over plan than not have enough. #gfedchat
A1: Always try to start each day with a clean slate. It's easy to hold onto negative emotions toward a student from previous behaviors, but try to start each day as a new one. #gfedchat
Kaia Lunde, 8th grade world languages teacher, Valley Middle School "Go home kid, you've been here too long..." I had been at school for more than 13 hours in one day and still felt I needed to finish some things. #gfedchat
A1: Be authentic to who you are as a person when teaching. Students will appreciate the real you and you won't have to work so hard to be something you are not. I cannot make middle school humor work like @MrMcFarlane00. That level of genius works for him, not me. #gfedchat
A1:showing kiddos that you're human...you make mistakes, have days when you're tired/crabby/not feeling well, ect...best way to build respect and rapport. #gfedchat
Kaia Lunde, 8th grade world languages teacher, Valley Middle School "People don't care how much you know...until they know how much you care." #gfedchat
#gfedchat A1: Make it authentic with a connection to the students in the material. (Put students names/interests in random examples during class, homework, or quizzes.)
A2. Try to make a positive connection with them. Call when their child has a great day. If the transition to school was tough in the am, send them a msg to let them know the rest of the am has been better. #gfedchat
A2: Stay calm, show you're listening, reflect back their concerns, be prepared to back up your recommendations, reasons with solid information. And document. #gfedchat
A2: Sometimes I ask them if they're being especially rough or hard on their teen I remind them that: we were once that age, our plates were never that full and you probably didn't buy your first backpack until you were in college.....#gfedchat
A2: Take notes, pay attention, repeat what they are saying to you. Always handle the situation with a calm demeanor. Always, always, always follow up with them. #gfedchat
A2: I don't remember who - but someone told me - let them play their tape. NO matter what it is, just let them play it - they will feel heard, and be more apt to listen to your thoughts #gfedchat
A2: Stay positive and keep the lines of communication open right from the get go! It's easier to communicate difficulties if that line of communication and that relationship is established from the beginning. #gfedchat
A1: Even if they don't express it, middle schoolers like when you aren't afraid to embarrass yourself by planning a special lesson. We were talking about French stereotypes #caseinpoint#gfedchat#itchymustaches
A2: Listen to what they have to say, make sure they feel heard and that you care about their concerns. Also don't take anything too personally #gfedchat
Q2: Always let them speak first, and ask if there is anything else they want to get out before you speak. It makes it more difficult for them to bring up new claims as ammunition....and gives you a place to prioritize their concerns while things are civil. #gfedchat
A2: No matter how difficult the conversation can be, DO NOT let it affect the rest of your relationships with those parents. Remember, they are advocating for their child, ... and we live in a small town! #gfedchat
A2 #gfedchat Listen without interrupting, let them know that you’re on their side and that you’re rooting for their child. Be willing to change what you’re doing if it’s the best solution. We are not the first expert of their child, they are.
A2: Be delicately honest and provide as much information as possible. Also, try to make sure they know how much you care about the well being if their child. Also, make @MrMcFarlane00 field all the calls. That is what I do when you work together in the summer. #gfedchat
A3: Focus on the positives - find the colleagues you click with, remember what you love about your students and your school, be professional, and ultimately check your ego at the door. Do what's best for kids. #gfedchat
a2: I always try to keep in mind what their kiddo must go through if a parent is quick to anger. then just like with my kiddos, I use lots of active listening skills and keep in mind it isn't personal. #gfedchat
A3: Practice perspective taking by placing yourself in their shoes. Imagine where they may be coming from in challenging situations. Understand we all come to the table with different backgrounds and experiences. #gfedchat
A3: Again, stay calm and respectful. Keep it professional not personal. Know your stuff, do your research if you need to defend a stance or point. #gfedchat
A3: Be open minded to new ideas or other methods of teaching...your way might be the right way, but it might not be the only right way! If they are a packers or eagles fan...ignore what I said and move on with your life #gfedchat
A3: Always be kind. But sometimes, although super uncomfortable, it's necessary to lay it out there openly and honestly. Then hide. Just kidding-keep communicating! #gfedchat
A3 #gfedchat I feel like a broken record, but again listen without interrupting- usually there’s a reason. Speak directly to them about concerns- don’t gossip or complain. Be open minded and willing to try new things… laugh often.
A2: I fortunately have yet to work with a really difficult parent, but listen to everything they have to say and allow them know that the two of you are on the same side #gfedchat
A3: I have to say, I did not encounter any that I can truly call difficult in Grand Forks yet! It's a very pleasant place to work at. General advice: avoid the confrontation. #gfedchat
A3: Love them where they are at, don't think you are going to change them, just make sure you show respect and let them be heard...even if you disagree #gfedchat
A3: I work with with @MrMcFarlane00 in the summer and Mercer all year long. I am well-versed in dealing with challenging colleagues. Three words - pick your battles. No need to bicker about things that aren't necessarily important. Let them win a few rounds. #gfedchat
A3: Try to approach with a positive attitude and look for the good things they do. Doesn't always work, but sometimes helps if you frame it that way. #gfedchat
a3: as long as they are keeping the best interest of the child in mind, then I never try to assume things, kill them with kindness, and try to build a mutually respectful working relationship. #gfedchat
A3: listen to what they have to say. Whether you want to or not, you may learn something from them. If nothing else, respect that he/she is there to serve the kids. ALSO you may need their help or someone in your corner someday. #gfedchat
A3: I always ask if everything is ok vs. getting upset with them. A lot of the time, the person is struggling with something which can explain #gfedchat
A4: At my past job, I refused to bring school work home. If I had work to do, I would stay at school or go in on the weekend if necessary. I haven't yet gotten to that point here but hope to be able to manage this better as I get settled in at GFPS. #gfedchat
A4: Sometimes it's hard to end the day at 3-4 because papers need to be graded or work needs to be done. reflecting on what I could do differently. #gfedchat
A3. Be supportive and try to empathize if they seem to be upset about something. Often it is something else that is really bothering them (just like we say with students!) #gfedchat
A4: get as much done @ school while I can. Work on things at school that I CANT bring home. (piles of workbooks). Save work for after my kids are asleep so I can spend time with them. #gfedchat
A4: this one is super hard for me - especially this year. I feel like I use up so much of my patience at school - that I haven't none left at home. So I've tried to scale back - only do things that I HAVE to at home. #gfedchat
#gfedchat A4, this is not an easy task some times but I find it's ok to share a story or two just to vent some times but then we find something else to talk about. Usually sports. This works for us.
A4: Keep in mind that, as important as your role as an educator is, you are the only "you" (ex. only spouse, only mom/dad, etc.) to your family and friends -- Make decisions accordingly. Also, be a little selfish and recharge those batteries! :) #gfedchat
A4: Get as much done at school as I can .. My husband / Kids are #1 at home until they are sleeping , Only so much time in the day, balance is key #factsoflife#gfedchat
A4: Not always good at this. Sometimes paperwk is too much. I always pay attention to my family, what they need from me. If your kids want to talk to you or do something with you, that's #1. That won't be there forever. #gfedchat
Q5: Sometimes it's best to leave the laptop at school, then you aren't tempted to do grading at home. It's actually really freeing, I wish I could do it more! #gfedchat
A4: I might take work home from time to time especially on weekends but what helps me every week is setting aside nights where I purposely won't do work due to weekly obligations with others #gfedchat
A4: Do not bring work home. Spend time with your family. If you can't get it done at work, try to change how you are managing your time during the day #gfedchat
A4 #gfedchat I honestly just go with the flow. If I need to present at home, I’m present. If I have down time at home, my mind most likely always goes to school (because I enjoy thinking about it, playing with new ideas…) I’m blessed my job is my passion.
A4: Sometimes it's best to leave the laptop at school, then you aren't tempted to do grading at home. It's actually really freeing, I wish I could do it more! #gfedchat
A4 #gfedchat I honestly just go with the flow. If I need to present at home, I’m present. If I have down time at home, my mind most likely always goes to school (because I enjoy thinking about it, playing with new ideas…) I’m blessed my job is my passion.
A4: Find your own balance...and recognize it may not be the same for everyone. Some of us like to go in to work early, some stay late, some bring a little bit home each night, and some get it all done and shut it off at home...do what works for YOU.
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A4: Try to leave work at work, otherwise find other outlets ex: working out, hobbies, family time etc that helps to destress and help with separating the two settings #gfedchat
A4: some days i get my work done at school. some days i have a giant stack of work to take home. some days the giant stack at home get done, some days it doesnt. balance.
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A4:old age and experience has helped me to leave planning and paper work at school, but let’s be honest...my mind and heart can’t turn it off. Newspaper headlines telling about a S parent who got arrested are with me no matter where I go! #gfedchat
A5: Being too ambitious. My first year I wanted to do all the things, accomplish every goal for every weak area. It’s unrealistic. Now I find the most functional and useful goal and incorporate it into Ss class work. #gfedchat
A5: How to look at a situation from the student perspective first, regardless of how it makes me feel or how I interpret it - not to take things personally. Many times they are upset for reasons that have nothing to do with you! #gfedchat
A5: Not everyone has the same sense of humor as I do....some people have no sense of humor, including Ss...don't push humor if they can't laugh. Accept Ss where they're at. #gfedchat
A5: Being too familiar with families of Ss I work with. You want to have a positive relationship, but you need to be professional and document. Never know how emotions will come into play. #gfedchat
A5. You will never be a master of all subjects, lessons, etc. It is ok to dabble in different things but don't compare yourself to others and think that they have mastered it all! #gfedchat
A4 - I've come to the conclusion that in teaching one's work is NEVER done. There's always SOMETHING else you could do. So, don't try do it all. Take it day by day. #gfedchat
A5: Not every lesson will go according to the lesson plan. When it doesn't embrace it, be a problem solver, be flexible, and enjoy the growing experience! #gfedchat
A5: Prioritizing work over family, thinking other families needed me and mine would be fine....no, no, no. My family needed me present. It goes too fast, be present wherever you are #gfedchat
A5: be willing to admit when you dont know something, be willing to admit you were wrong, be willing to admit youre human, be willing to laugh at yourself
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A5: if you feel like you are barely surviving, it's ok to say "no" to other things...don't always do things just because it'd be nice or easier for others when it's not nice or easier for you... #gfedchat
A5: When i practice taught nearly 25 years ago, my cooperating teachers told me not to be the kids' friend..when I was a young teacher, I think I went too far out of my way to try to get the students to like me. Now I know I just need to be myself.
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A5 #gfedchat 1st: It’s not about me and every year is different- so scratch last year’s plans. Start fresh each year. 2nd: What seems like a baby step for some can be a giant step for others…don’t judge, be empathetic, and find joy in every single day.
A5: as a first year teacher-- this is your circus and these are your monkeys. no cooperating or supervising teacher will be swooping in to deal with behaviors while you blissfully skate through a lesson #gfedchat
A5: Being too familiar with families of Ss I work with. You want to have a positive relationship, but you need to be professional and document. Never know how emotions will come into play. #gfedchat
Yes, especially students with special needs. You can't judge why the behave a certain way or how they learn based on your own perspective or what seems "normal" or "the way it should be". #gfedchat
A5: How to look at a situation from the student perspective first, regardless of how it makes me feel or how I interpret it - not to take things personally. Many times they are upset for reasons that have nothing to do with you! #gfedchat
A5: Not everything can be done in one day. What doesn't get done today will be waiting for tomorrow. As my husband @Kphelps_15 tells me, "Rome wasn't built in a day."#gfedchat
a5: I can't be everywhere all the time. As much as I want to help out with everything I can't. I need to be good at a few things than me mediocre in lots of things. #gfedchat
A5: Being in a position where we audition kids for shows/ensembles never gets easier. It is the the worst part of my year and after 15 years, I still get reminded every year how much I dislike that part of my job. Happens every year. #gfedchat
A5: Life will go on -- Specifically, if I have to be gone due to illness, health, family issues, etc, lessons will continue. (Not to lessen the importance of detailed sub plans, but life will go on even when I am not the one in charge of my classroom!) #NotAllAboutMe#gfedchat
A6: Take care of yourself. How you do that is up to you - talk to other teachers, pick one thing, you won't ever be perfect and that's ok #gfedchat#stillworkingonit#Storyofmylife
A5: Some S's, parents, and even other teachers aren't going to like you no matter how hard you try. The sooner you let that go, the better off you will be. #gfedchat
A6: you don’t have to implement twenty new things, pick one. Great, accomplished? Now pick one more. One thing at a time. It’s not a race nor a competition. #gfedchat
A6:
I've had to tell myself that turning off my brain for 15 minutes during a prep hour is OK. No one is going to come and "gotcha" for taking a mental break.
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A6: Figure out what recharges you. As an introvert I need some time away from everyone once in a while which usually means me playing video games longer than I should at night #gfedchat
A6: Plan nights, days (during breaks) or weeks (during the summer, of course) where you DO NOT work on school stuff! Like, don't even TOUCH that bag of work! Don't LET yourself touch it! Breathe! Think about something NOT school-related! #gfedchat
A6: I have no idea but I am sure it has something to do with balancing all of the different aspects of your life. Clearly, I haven't found this balance yet as I am exhausted. #gfedchat
A6 #gfedchat Burnout? Shut the door and enjoy your kids… turn up the music, get into costume, start a little fire…LAUGH Teaching is a good time! Don’t sweat the small stuff… or the stale curriculum…or mandates...
A6 #gfedchat Burnout? Shut the door and enjoy your kids… turn up the music, get into costume, start a little fire…LAUGH Teaching is a good time! Don’t sweat the small stuff… or the stale curriculum…or mandates...
A6 #gfedchat Burnout? Shut the door and enjoy your kids… turn up the music, get into costume, start a little fire…LAUGH Teaching is a good time! Don’t sweat the small stuff… or the stale curriculum…or mandates...
A6: don’t be afraid of change...new grade level, new building, CTP, become a specialist 😉😉 #iloveelemSpanish change is good and can reignite your passion #gfedchat
A6: Figure out what recharges you. As an introvert I need some time away from everyone once in a while which usually means me playing video games longer than I should at night #gfedchat
A7: Enjoy ALL the people around you who make you laugh and smile because they won't be there forever, whatever unpleasant event is occurring, remember: this too shall pass.....and buy Apple Stock..... a lot of it.....#gfedchat
A7: "Give yourself some time to figure some of this out. By Year 3, it will get easier. Not perfect, but easier. But yes .... it WILL take until Year 3! :) Just keep going!" #gfedchat
A7: It gets easier. Don't take away recess, it won't help. It's OK to eat the treats in the lounge. Stop wearing heals, your students will always be taller than you. #gfedchat
A6: At the end of the day, I reflect and remind myself I'm making a difference. The kids might not remember all the content, but they remember the love you show them! #gfedchat
A7. Don't forget to have fun. change things up often. Have something to look forward to, even if that means more PJ days or specials snacks or gingerbread man shenanigans! #gfedchat
A6: I don't always do this, but my diet and exercise make a HUGE difference. If I skip the carbs, eat whole foods, and exercise, I can think better and overcome most setbacks. Also, so important to have a life outside of school. #gfedchat
A7: Stop eating take out. Learn to cook real food, exercise more, and say YES when people ask you to hang out. You are NOT an island. Now call your brother. #gfedchat
A7: Being a second year educator, I still relate to the new wide eyed young professional. I think if I’ve learned anything it is when to stand up for myself and advocate for my Ss. #gfedchat
A7: Keep spare clothes in your classroom / office. At some point in time you are bound to split your pants when hanging student work in the hall before PT conferences or spill oyster stew on your shirt during the Xmas teacher lunch. Yes, I speak from experience.
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a6: don't let one bad student/parent/year/one event out weight the reasons why you started this profession. Also, don't be afraid to set limits...kids are going to remember how you made them feel, not how much time you put into planning your lesson. #gfedchat
A7 #gfedchat Dear young me, you’ve made it 26 years! Woot woot! And because you taught Kindergarten, and it wasn’t full days, you missed the rule of 85. Don’t get crusty… you’ve got a ways to go! also….you know your kids. If it’s right for them, it’s right.
A6: Well, my first year was last year...so the mature and year older version will say, hang in there! Year 2 will be so much easier! Give yourself credit for learning basics of 3 new languages, enjoy your ss, and love them! #gfedchat#worldlanguagesteacher
A7: Be less passive aggressive and more professionally assertive. Try to handle issues or do things on your own first before going to your supervision to fix it. #gfedchat
