#connectedTL Archive
The hub for educational-coaches, TOSAs, administrators, department heads & all Teacher Leaders! | Join #connectedTL Tues 7:00 pm PST.
Tuesday February 16, 2016
Hi all I am in the chat from 7-8 tonight. Come join in, we're talking "leadership capacity" tonight
Hey Natalie! 7pm PST, which should be 8pm Central I believe! Basically, it is now! :)
Jenn V SoCal middle level math coach
Gifs encouraged for tonight.
Welcome Jenn to chat tonight!
Hello tribe! Lindsey, math/tech coach from Campbell. Can't wait to chat leadership with our awesome guest mod !
A0: Todd, Bay Area, 4th year principal, still reeling from Sunday's Walking Dead & Monday's Bachelor (also 2nite's guest mod!)
Lisa, 5th grade, Salinas Valley - so monterey co.
Hey Lisa! Welcome to the chat! Glad you could make it!
Kim from Fresno, MS Science/STEM
Hilary, 1st grade in central Texas
Hi Kim - Great to see Fresno represented tonight!
Texas! Welcome to the chat, Hilary!
GIF? Did someone say GIF?
Steve, Algebra 1, Hammond, IN. Lurking & learning.
No Bachelor spoilers in tonight's chat!!!
Hi! Veronica, Core Instruction Coach from Illinois. First time here. Excited to learn with you all!
Hello! đ Lisa Ceja from Whittier, CA. HS Math Teacher and EdTech Coach.
High School Social Studies Teacher from Mo. here.
Yay! Glad you could make it tonight, Veronica!
Howdy, Hilary! Thanks for joining tonight.
Great to have you as part of the chat tonight, lisa!
Hi Dan, Instructional Tech Tosa, Los Alamitos
Welcome Veronica!! We are excited to have you here tonight!
Dan! Welcome to the chat tonight! Glad to have you aboard!
Thank you so much! I love chat!
A1: Dream principal's support of leaders:
"Starting a fire?
I'll bring matches."
A1: (EdTech)Leaders create opportunities, Principal set expectations.
Jeremiah!! Woot woot! Bring on the GIFs, awesome ideas, and challenges that make us all grow
I'm stealing this... https://t.co/FKs8RIl07O
A1: Dream principal's support of leaders:
"Starting a fire?
I'll bring matches."
A1: Willing to spend money on tech. đ¤
A1: 6 words or less? Admin should: Build on ideas; model/support innovation.
A1: Only need two words... "YES... AND..." - A principal who helps & builds upon my idea; someone who works with/alongside me.
A1: Connected within to empower those served
Not just about spending the money... it's also about providing the time and prof. dev. to explore/improve!
Hey Dan! I just finished catching up on the brilliance you dropped during last night.
A1: is a great example. He supplies me with resources & "steps aside & out of my way"
I hear you about money!!!!!
A1) 6 Words For Support:
Openness, Willing, Supportive, Flexible, Fun & Money (in ed tech we need toys!)
LOL, is that a challenge, prediction, or calling out? How might these be one in the same?
A1: allow to lead without feeling threatened
Love this example. P's need to help make it happen and then let the TL explore their successes.
Disrupt Your Idea Of Possible Daily
Mario from East Los Angeles. 6th Grade Teacher/Innovation Coordinator
A1: Forward thinker PD innovator enthusiastic leader
Glad to have you aboard tonight, Mario!
Hi, ! Lurking and hoping to chime in from our Cub Scout meeting :).
A1: Can't wait to see what you do
A1âs are turning into !
Welcome to the chat, granddaughter of a Feinberg!
True, where $ is spent says a lot about what's valued
Almost sounds like job description
A1 - asking, "What might change as a result...?"
Itâs a little of each, Jeremiah.
If it isn't, it should be.
wondering if this backstory can happen in 140 characters or less
And maybe... "how can I help you make this change?"
Right, like I was thinking that should be the part of job description at least
Hah! thanks it was a topic I was well versed in and a lot of fun
I bet it could! It's just a giant game of family geography, really :).
Hey, Jody! Great to have you, even if itâs in lurk mode.
A1: "Don't be afraid to fail" Innovate!
A2: We're better together, so for Ps to support, they need to be able to have time, support, etc to do this important work
A2: Model use of paperless flipped Staff Meetings and PD Bring them into the tent and let them shine. https://t.co/e59AKfnVLF
If I may ask, what might it be to be innovative for you? I love the term, but love to hear your ideas
A2: Attend conferences together.
Invite them to sit next to you and discuss stuff.
Be interested in their questions.
A2: Stay current on best practices in ed tech and keep admin in the loop. Encourage attendance at admin camps.
A2a: For your non-edtechie principal, get them to attend a or . Bring them along with you. Help them learn.
So true. So much of our day is sadly spent on things that may not truly matter (ie. time away from the classrooms)
I like the specific examples, model the changes you might want to see...like ghandi quote
I would love to see more Admins move towards making staff meeting more relevant. Flipping is a good step
Ooh, Yes! And the Ss - How might they be different as a result of this new learning?
A2: be the test subject, make it OK for them to fail with me, encourage them to try new things
Pushing back here a bit... is keeping admin in the loop enough? Shouldn't we TL's do more?
I have to ask, since I'm not, how much of that is within your control? How much is systems things?
We need to create spaces where it is safe for leaders to be vulnerableâŚwhere learning is more valuable than answers.
A2: My (awesome) principal has been a participant in my on site EdTech workshops. đ
A2b: For your already-edtech principal, classrooms visits are the best part of our day. Don't be afraid to be a show-off!
Fear of failure can be amplified as you move up "the ladder", when the biggest risk-taking needs to take place there!
âBring them into the tent!â Great analogy.
. seeing is believing Experiencing is owning and embodying https://t.co/hDWuTAG6KV
I like the specific examples, model the changes you might want to see...like ghandi quote
A2:Differentiated PD for school leaders. We are all trying to grow and get better at something.
YES to the have them sit next to you at conference.
Sadly, systems things are a huge part of the job. Putting out fires. Emails answering it's-on-the-website ?'s...
And leaders have to become more comfortable and courageous to be vulnerable as learners in front of those they leadâŚ
A2: model for admin what integration looks like. Always available to answer Qs regarding tech. Twitter challenges.
A2: My P went to Admin (I pushed) He LOVED every minute!
What might be messages be if tried and the TL fails?
Itâs easy to point out what crushes innovation, hard to say what creates it.
Highly agree! Building that school/team culture is key.
A2 listen & offer support, offer solutions & coaching with new tools, share resources, invite Principal to join in the learning
A2: invite admin to SEE what's happening & how it all comes together
yes! We had 4 admin and our ass't super attend a admin camp this year. Game changer.
yes, been wanting to suggest flipped meetings.
Not a tech conference goes by without sessions geared for admin. https://t.co/tvcdNgZaPQ
A2a: For your non-edtechie principal, get them to attend a or . Bring them along with you. Help them learn.
How might the leader might we empower others to amplify ourselves
A2: yes invite them in to see the magic
So many opportunities for admins to grow. Why aren't more attending CUE/CLMS/GAFE/Edcamp events?
Love the Tent analogy too
it the case we can define it by what it is not?
A2 - Love Twitter challenges! Collaborative, non-threatening.
The problem with most learning organizationsâŚis that they arenât learning. A lot of time is spent amplifying the knownâŚ
So might it be fair to say, it's not the failing, but how we might react that's important?
Diving into new models of learning, Blended/Differentiation. New Curriculums
It could help admin to draw the parallel that Ts experience this daily- letting students take the lead in ed tech
. officially jealous to the max https://t.co/G2kUZXc4Zt
yes! We had 4 admin and our ass't super attend a admin camp this year. Game changer.
Interesting, might I ask for some examples
You turning this into a math proof?
totally. I also do with Ts and will be branching to admin who haven't jumped in yet.
A2 - Be willing to learn, try, make mistakes alongside others. The smartest person in the room is the room.
"to the max" needs to be used more, to the max. totally.
Vulnerability is crucial at all levels!
enthusiasm and 'growth mindset'. A desire to make a difference & take a chance
So is innovative connected to new things, like those things mentioned here...am I close?
We hire people for compliance and then ask for creativityâŚwe spend more time recoiling than exploring the unknown.
Always wanting to improve and make things better. Our Ss and schools need this. Modify/Enhance around the vision.
So how do those manifest? What does it look like?
LOL, no just searching for clarity, I don't know what it means to be innovative or how to begin
It creates trust. When leaders exhibit innovative practicesâŚit engages the organization to be more innovative.
In this context, or generally speaking?
A3: Use it to get out of the office and into classrooms, Connect with staff and students, gather data, automate tasks.
For me (& my P) it's a lot of bouncing ideas off one another. Askg how make better?
. have to be vulnerable and willing to risk to get Ts to do the same https://t.co/XdZY36gXuA
So might it be fair to say, it's not the failing, but how we might react that's important?
Yes! Thought Partners in every process!
Ohh, so is our pool needing a change then? Or if people compliant then they should do the creativity? Thoughts?
A3) I think I'd want any P to be able to present info in a fun and engaging manner, if that was their only skill.
A3: Two things... Take the lead on email etiquette (no reply all's!) and help educate our parent community on edtech issues
A3: One thing?! Tough!! I say flip staff meetings whenever possible to model going beyond "stand and deliver" instruction.
A3: I saw set up a Google Form for all his admin for walkthroughs.
Check some boxes and it emails the teachers.
So innovation is almost directional then, like we're moving toward this shared vision...is that closer?
and just showed me at a recent event to do the same. Love it. Use it all the time.
A4) the 1 thing I would like to see principals try in EdTech is to jump into improving THEMSELVES via online PLN
Might I venture to say this almost seems more connected to mindset than physical changes?
T feedback is so important and sadly so often a missing link
Completely agree. Every principal should be on twitter, using voxer, and blogging. Every. Principal.
Fun & Engaging is something often forgot. Principals can go back to same things which engaged Ss when they taught
Couldn't agree more!! https://t.co/O6Yju9mfa9
A4) the 1 thing I would like to see principals try in EdTech is to jump into improving THEMSELVES via online PLN
Not quite sure got that, but change/creativity/innovation isnât flipping a switchâŚitâs a process. Now its necessary
Physical challenges can be overcome once mindset is clear, imo
That is one way. IMO: It's looking at anything in life and thinking "How can this be even better/greater?"
I love that term, "thought partners" that's epic
Not really. I think you are a real groovy chick. Outta sight, in fact.
A3 our admin are embracing collaborative slides & gForms for observations. The one thing would be to level up comm with staff
So getting to point where we demand more of ourselves, moving forward
A1: How can principals support edtech leaders? Collaboratively build and monitor action plan for tech integration.
I wouldn't hire a principal who wasn't involved on twitter, blogging, voxer, etc. The game has changed.
have to learn to always have a Plan B and Plan...Z just as a teacher does https://t.co/fC8xDxSUGI
I dig that, if I may push back, what happens, if say P does, blows up in face, and tries again, but sees no change?
I feel the same way about every teacher connecting with PLN. đ
A3: any type of Web 2.0 tool would be great!!
Using creative media to deliver messages would actually be very helpful.
:-) I believe that very often we lack real idea flow in our organizations.
Ahh, that's cool, so there is typically a clear distinction then...interesting.
During interviews, when a T can talk about their PLN and how they look to improve, it's a huge plus.
A3:I am lucky, my school leader allows me to research, experiment, create systems, pinpoint vital data for our team and Ss.
Like next best version of ourselves..always growth orientated
One of the most profound statements of our time. https://t.co/EOyFNwne8x
Completely agree. Every principal should be on twitter, using voxer, and blogging. Every. Principal.
Make sure you tell your principal how much you appreciate them and how you feel "lucky" to work with them!
But then we are right back to complianceâŚ
Ok, so if fail once, twice, just about not relenting or giving up...
as simple as showing an admin how to make a gForm & create a homescreen button for it on their phone, boost feedback for Ts
Ohhh, interesting terms, idea flow, speak more to that please
thanks, I will attempt to share that with new teachers applicants.
So is compliance a negative term?
Saw that same presentation.
A4: Get in their head. Ask questions.
What gets you excited about your job? Here's a thing that helps with that.
A4: Show them how they can't live without it. Find ways to use tech to make job better that wasn't possible before.
Admins are models, teachers are models. We need to show use of modern collaborative tools for learnind https://t.co/kAsLR0iHXX
I feel the same way about every teacher connecting with PLN. đ
All people are creative, most have pushed it down for so long donât believe they areâŚour processes donât enhance it
So if creativity is the compliance norm, then how might that feel for you?
A4: Reference evidence from the good ol' real world- tech skills will be needed for most careers that exist and will exist.
A4: A visit to our classrooms where edtech is front & center w/ kids completely engaged. Can't dispute that kind of learning.
A4: start small w something that is in their comfort zone. Show how it can make life easier.
Teacher Leaders have a huge responsibility to encourage growth within their Principal. We rely on our TLs for this.
Creativity is such a broad spectrum, it would be very difficult to determine it as a compliance normâŚ
Yes! Stretch, don't strain!
A4:21st Century Skills are vital for our Ts and Ss alike. High Demand jobs 10 years from now haven't even been created yet.
This is really good advice. Comfort zone can be important for an edtech-fearing admin.
A4:Don't hate me when I say that I have an incredible district that values & supports EdTech. I thank my lucky stars every day.
Appreciate your ability to highlight the strengths and offer suggestions for growth.
And that would depend on the contextâŚ
agreed. my thoughts, too https://t.co/lHNJxpiL0j
A4: A visit to our classrooms where edtech is front & center w/ kids completely engaged. Can't dispute that kind of learning.
Yes! I have found baby steps to be best.
A4: Ed tech isn't new. It's not going away. But it will evolve. Flexible thinking and an open mind is important.
Make your voice heard. And if they aren't uber-connected, work with them once they're hired to get them there!
A4: show them how the tech enhances what's already being done
A4: I send my P emails inviting her into my classroom often in order to share and collaborate on edtech
. very good points https://t.co/Cvbah9af3Q
A4: Ed tech isn't new. It's not going away. But it will evolve. Flexible thinking and an open mind is important.
Well said. Perhaps their denial has to do with the current presentation. Maybe shift that expectation a bit.
A4) Thankfully, I have never run into anyone in my district mgmt that have ever alluded to such a thought.
Just so you know you make a difference teachers. Continue to push growth- you are needed! https://t.co/DlSVEmGr6d
Teacher Leaders have a huge responsibility to encourage growth within their Principal. We rely on our TLs for this.
yes! And then working within their ZPD to take it to the next level!!
For you, Karaoke in front of . For most, little edtech moments. Start small and encourage growth
there will be comfort with what's current when there's something radically different.
Itâs important leaders create conditions where creative thinking can be embracedâŚno great idea is hatched perfect.
A4: It's important to help staff see how edtech relates to shared vision for student learning.
that is a beautiful thing to hear!! We need to spread that perception- ed tech is not an add-on, extra, phase.
Now how might someone like that best be empowered, while bringing out those whose talents might be different?
This has been great, but have to leave early.
I heard rumors that this year's karaoke will be the best EVER.
A5: I'd say best way for TLs to connect and share would be to log into Twitter on Tuesdays at 7pm and search , just sayin'.
I think that is why creativity is a team, rather than an individual sport. Diversity of thinking is paramount.
So what I said, but so much more eloquent (: https://t.co/ntUlA8J5X0
A5: I'd say best way for TLs to connect and share would be to log into Twitter on Tuesdays at 7pm and search , just sayin'.
A5: Model excitement & fun of connecting until they cannot resist. Model sharing. Look 4 opportunities. https://t.co/TaA5AqBpPs
A5: Encourage cross-district collab. Give opps for this as & have.Give TLs time to compile resources.
A5 Part 2: Heck. Why wait until Tuesday? I use on almost all of my tweets. After all, my PLN is my intended audience.
A5: 1st step: edtech conf. 2nd step: provide time for collab. 3rd step: co-present at conf. All steps: tons of encouragement
Sweetness, I think I have a deeper understanding thanks David. https://t.co/N8jUMgPsuB
I think that is why creativity is a team, rather than an individual sport. Diversity of thinking is paramount.
One the best things I ever did for my professional growth as a principal is to blog. Strongly encouraged.
We must able to allow our ideas to stand on their ownâŚopen to candor and change. Itâs where real value is created
A5 - Commit to each other that tech learning is a priority. Set goals for cont. learning, and freq reflect together.
That's how I got my current position; Twitter-stalked and /happened/ to save her a seat at
So the culture, environment is fundamental here.
And if I'm hiring a TOSA or TL for an admin position, I'm looking to see if they're blogging. Share your story.
Thank you for the conversation and pushing my thinking. Just realize, these environments are far and few between
A5: Twitter, , , create Google Classrooms set up for sharing with Ts.
A5: Intra-district mini Edcamp, hoping I can get my District to do one this year, everyone has skills they just may not know it
that SHARE YOUR STORY is something which I am hearing everywhere
Actually, its foundational to any change/creative/innovative effort. Without trust, relationship it all falls apart
So true. So in our quest, we might need to start with physical environment/conditions and that fosters growth
A5b - Encourage each other to try out chats! We're also reading Connected Educator via .
I'd like to get a shared doc of people's recommendations of Education Blogs anyone else interested?
A5: Learning walks (a la and )
Take a handful of teachers around classes on campus.
Talk about it, too
A great book that encompasses a lot of this conversation, Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Yeah, that's where I am at too. So I guess it goes to how might we get that, if it's fundamental
Great point. I will use more often. https://t.co/Sdq6zuOGsM
A5 Part 2: Heck. Why wait until Tuesday? I use on almost all of my tweets. After all, my PLN is my intended audience.
Just ordered it on Amazon (:
A5: Give opportunities for new ways to share, , , Differentiated PD led by TL experts in certain content.
I'm definitely interested. There are a few I follow closely... are some of them
Everything he does makes me wanna cry...
Taking a group of Ts & admin to observe another school tomorrow followed w/ a debrief
Most organizational environments donât foster candorâŚwe still tend to focus on âwhoseâ idea over the âbestâ ideas.
Roland, how did you get my high school talent show footage (:
I'm trying to organize the same thing! https://t.co/Xma6dD5jhq
A5: Intra-district mini Edcamp, hoping I can get my District to do one this year, everyone has skills they just may not know it
Is this a result of glory seeking or personal advancement things, or insecurity or some other things
A5: Encourage and build opportunity for Ts to connect.
. We are in our second year of doing these. It's amazing to learn with and from peers. So empowering!
Agreed. Blogging is tough, though.
Oh my, well FYI I got second (:
Sure, can we add our own blogs?! đ https://t.co/5Qal2Lg34D
I'd like to get a shared doc of people's recommendations of Education Blogs anyone else interested?
All the aboveâŚhierarchical, command, control environments donât lend themselves to creating creative environments.
The hardest thing to do and the right thing to do are often the same thing to do.
YES... that is the point! I'm starting that doc now!
how does a TL challenge the status quo without being perceived as abrasive/pushy? https://t.co/LwK2lx2nSs
All the aboveâŚhierarchical, command, control environments donât lend themselves to creating creative environments.
Intersting. So almost need to step outside system to really be effective transformation then
What might be some of the things that speak to you the most from the book?
The strongest leaders are well versed in EIâŚ
A6: Too many to list individualy. Tribe, crew, squad, all full of inspirational edtech leaders.
Sorry clarify for me, please. EI?
A6: always encourages me to dream big and never give up on the first no. This has allowed me to impact change
A6: My former co-admin (and current friend) encouraged me to connect & co-presented w/me at conferences. TY
They find ways to lead upâŚstrong leaders donât always lead, they also know how to be led. They build people up.
Parent of a former student... I'm noticing a trend here, Lindsey...
A6: has been super supportive with me trying new things, collaborating with me, helping me move to next level
A6 - My colleagues. We practiced chats with each other in a safe env. Then, we branched out with cont support.
A6:Who has inspired me is who can answer any EdTech question I ever have! Great support and resource!
A6 See below and many, many, many more https://t.co/pKeVMsis8d
A6: Too many to list individualy. Tribe, crew, squad, all full of inspirational edtech leaders.
Here is a BLOG directory. Please add yours or any other Ed blogs that others may find useful https://t.co/18ZKiUlt8A
A6) Ed Tech itself has encouraged me to delve into it. The list of thanks yous for teaching me stuff is endless.
A6: My district leaders & Dan Esquerra have an incredible vision, follow through & support of EdTech!
Great point - I'm always leery of tagging my tweets w/ or - worried about spamming/self-promoting.
I call it until I can get someone to grab it and go. https://t.co/UAbxZJVsqP
They find ways to lead upâŚstrong leaders donât always lead, they also know how to be led. They build people up.
Ahh, I was thinking EL not an capital version of "i" gotcha
Sometimes, in best interest of the organization/progress, they âleadâ the leader to thinking they found answer.
How might that knowledge impact moving forward?
Good stuffâŚgrappling with ideas is where capacity is created. We donât do it enough
Donât just share, TELL your story, before someone else does!
Oh no, I hope that's not a bad thing... Like being known as "that kid"
Great question- do we have a blog directory?! Thinking of the awesomeness of in the math world...
A6b - Chats like this continue to inspire me to step out of my comfort zone, keep learning, and continue connecting!
So true. It may also help, I'm usually the last one to get it...so I have to ask Qs
Jumping in for A6: My pals at have definitely helped me grow as a leader!
That sounds like what was saying about compliance, especially in negative setting
You know you're good when they bust out the Fletch GIFs.
Something we donât do enough of, especially as leaders. Most leaders are âType-Aâ (answer-driven)
says he's starting a blog doc now!
Thanks for jumping in! Always welcome!
LOL, that's good stuff then, ahh Fletch, my third favorite f-word
Thank you everyone who posted or lurked at tonight's chat. Use the hashtag all week and continue the conversation!
Is one way better than another, answer driven vs process driven vs ?
Reframing how one sees an entire generation redefines what we think is possible from them.
Oh, so you took steps to set stage for creativity to flourish...
When you hold a hand of aces in your pocket, who needs kings or queens? https://t.co/mrNBUONDNa
The network is bigger than the local problem. :-)
Weâd happily host it on the NEW website (coming soon).
Wow that's powerful, not only reframing idea, but also how various viewpoints change your thinking
We donât ask enough deep questionsâŚwe often spend more time accepting veneer answers than grapplingâŚ
Hope this works out... I'm always looking for new blogs to read
3rd after âFreeâ and âFood?â
interesting..sort of quantity vs quality sort of thing
No matter how much we fool ourselves and keep looking, there is no âoneâ way, no silver bullet.
