Tonight’s a great time to explore ideas or questions that you have or just to toss out something you are wondering about during #saskedchat Open Mic Night!
Not to steal #4H saying but you learn to do by doing. Diverse experie ces, direct observations of good and bad teaching examples, and hands on practice help us to learn to teach #saskedchat.
Hi everyone, sorry I am late! I am Raegyn, in my internship @ShaunavonPublic! I haven't been joining in on the fun lately because I had to coach volleyball games. I am back tonight and excited to be here #saskedchat
I guess I’m always thinking about how we can best help readers. I worry that even if students are “good” readers, they’re often not willing readers. How do we do a better job of creating passion and excitement for reading? #saskedchat
For me it has clearly been through my internship and observing other teachers teach. When I see other teachers teach effectively, I try their strategies and see if I have the same results. Definitely observation is key! #saskedchat
I'd say mostly through trial and error. University focused on lesson planning and classroom management, I found it rarely focused on relationships and building internal confidence. #saskedchat
"Teach" is a very loaded verb. Relationship, communication, content knowledge, planning, lesson/project/assignment delivery, assessing, and more wrapped up in five letters. Mentorship (both direct and passive) is essential as a person learns to teach. #saskedchat
I dare say by modeling, sharing what we enjoy, and engaging with what the students enjoy. I love when the students and I can talk excitedly about the same novel. World War Z is a fantastic example of one where I can get them into the Zombie Survival Guide afterwards. #saskedchat
That, of course, implies there is action/activity to mentor and that there will be a next time. It suggests iterative development and a growth mindset. #saskedchat
Agreed. That’s huge in the sciences b/c sometimes you have to work in a grey area where students don’t really see how one concept connects to an end goal. They need to trust the teacher in the unknown and have faith in themselves to get there #saskedchat
But does the same thing work for all teachers? I know I do things many teachers would shudder, or doubt, to do. There are also things other teachers do I couldn't replicate because they'd be inauthentic. #saskedchat
I could talk about instilling the love of reading in students all day long. One of the best way I have of catching them is sharing my passion constantly. Reading picture books, talking about what I am reading and having them share with each other. #saskedchat
I think it is important to plan but to not rely specifically on the plan. Life happens and I think it is important we need to realize that we can reach the students in other ways. To me, a plan is overplanned when you are strictly teaching from it #saskedchat
Except for a few spots in the North, there is no teacher shortage in #Saskatchewan. Yet, too many teachers are off with stress-related illness or quitting all together. I'm interested in the 'why' question #saskedchat
In reply to
@kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @PrincipalSmart, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
Absolutely, and without a relationship there is no trust. We often feel we automatically deserve the trust because we are in a position of authority, but look at how well that works for Trump. #saskedchat
No, I do not think every strategy works for every teacher. It is a trial and error situation, sometimes it works and sometimes its scary.... #saskedchat
I believe a few of the secrets to transitioning to any new place/position is to be insatiably curious, ask many questions and listen with intent to understand. #saskedchat
Having @Nicole_Towriss in my life. Like you said seeking and receiving support. We are odd ducks as LSTs so utilizing the expertise of other LSTs I think has been key. Clearly my transition is beyond complete 😂 #saskedchat
I like that concept, we need to be flexible and willing to steer into the skid. But can over-planning be a sign of anxiety in a teacher? How do we overcome this anxiety? #saskedchat
Even the best planned lessons can go in the wrong direction. I think letting students lead the way is better. There are many paths to where we want them to be. #saskedchat
Absolutely, but those scary times are the times when you learn the most. We do what we are comfortable with and we are safe, but we don't grow either. #saskedchat
That’s very true - there are few “why”s related to that I think - from the beginning teacher all the way through to the experienced teacher. #saskedchat
In reply to
@JamesAlanOLOO, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @PrincipalSmart, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
I know that I did not learn to teach in University. The key to learning to teach, for me, was listening to and observing experienced teachers. #saskedchat
I rolled my eyes at reflection in university, not because I thought it was useless but because too much of it was professors wanting to hear their own thoughts in your voice. #saskedchat
Yes, I completely agree with that. For me, it is believing in myself and showing the students my authentic self. Be confident, be yourself and just be you! #saskedchat
No, and I don’t think the same strategy works the same for each class - you have to be constantly engaging with the students to determine what is working and what needs to change. #saskedchat
We had 1 application for a grade 7 maternity leave. I need to know where the teachers are because we will be hiring for grade 4 in February. #saskedchat
In reply to
@JamesAlanOLOO, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
Currently reading 'Holes' and 'Chocolate Fever' for a read aloud and a guided reading group in my grade 5 class! Haven't had much time for other books of my choosing (hehe). #saskedchat
I’ve been trying for 20 yrs. Let me know if you find the secret. Honestly, it’s about making choices. What’s really important that YOU have to do? #saskedchat
As a first year teacher, it is tough because you tend to remake from scratch. Don't be afraid to use what others have already created and realize that not every small detail needs to be down on paper. #saskedchat
That’s difficult because each school is different and what might work in one school won’t necessarily in another. And there is a need to constantly be adapting to how things are changing within the school. #saskedchat
@MsBMWingert says this a lot but the truth is I learn from her constantly too and go to her for another perspective. Being new to the role, your views can be refreshing for me! #saskedchat
In reply to
@MsBMWingert, @TerelyneV, @MsBMWingert
Absolutely, and what works for one students does not necessarily work for another. We need constant adaptations within the classroom. Yet another struggle for the overburdened teacher. #saskedchat
#saskedchat to piggyback on @Nicole_Towriss comment, don't underestimate yourself since you are new to your role and recognize that your voice matters, even though it is new
In reply to
@Nicole_Towriss, @TerelyneV, @Nicole_Towriss
That might be true. Too often there is no deep exploration of what reflection means or how it can be used to improve. It’s said but not often deeply explored - what does it mean to be a reflective teacher? isn’t often thoroughly discussed #saskedchat
It's difficult in rural Saskatchewan, especially in the middle of the year. It seems that no one appreciates the small town life like they used to. #saskedchat
In reply to
@PrincipalSmart, @JamesAlanOLOO, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
Learning definitely goes both ways. Some of my favorite learning experiences came from working with pre interns and interns, as well as beginning teachers. The newbies make the rest of us better! #saskedchat
I guess that depends on what course/subject I am teaching. My preferred modes are project- & problem-based learning. I pose challenges to students & support them in their learning as they investigate. The setup takes a lot of effort, but the rest is mostly student-led #saskedchat
That’s very true - someone in a new role has a different perspective which we rarely tap into or ask them about but which could give incredible insights - sometimes we need to ask more. #saskedchat
In reply to
@Nicole_Towriss, @MsBMWingert, @TerelyneV
This is a goal I want to work towards. I am slowly integrating more student led projects and I am loving the results, but like I said, it is a very slow process and something so new to me. #saskedchat
Well, I once heard someone talk out their ... well ... you know and say "My best teachers all blog." No... Your best teachers consciously reflect and adapt on the fly and are okay with recognizing their mistakes later, regardless of how they do that. #saskedchat
Sometimes what works isn’t aesthetically pretty. Delegate - students can do lots (ex wash lab dishes, put stuff away). Do you really need to mark that or can you do peer assessment or a short conference to give immediate feedback (bonus: you get to sleep). #saskedchat
These types of strategies take time and are really driven by the students and their needs and abilities. Inquiry learning, PBL, etc require you as a T to relinquish control of the learning which isn’t always easy. #saskedchat
I'm way late, but I do believe that modelling is the best teaching, so we probably learned to teach from other teachers. Who were probably learners. (This could get recursive.) #saskedchat
I enjoy how the interns are always willing to try new things, I hope every intern gets a co-op that was as good as mine with telling me to keep trying new things, but always be willing to see where they failed and adjust. #saskedchat
Hard to understand because schools in Saskatoon seen to have long lists of substitute teachers and those wanting full time positions; but just outside the city, demand seems to be lower #saskedchat
In reply to
@PrincipalSmart, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
Being principal allows me to invade other peoples spaces. Ha, ha! I can pop up anywhere with a book. It does take everyone to build a culture of reading. Our library tech is awesome as well! #saskedchat@Pdalelibrary
In reply to
@TerelyneV, @kellywchris, @Pdalelibrary
Once you go student led, you almost never want to go back. It sucks getting them started from time to time, but when they get themselves going there is no stopping them! #saskedchat
Actually, I may know who you are referring to when you say that and, yes, good teachers are reflective practitioners who are looking to constantly improve - not just blogging. #saskedchat
One of the big challenges I’m seeing with rural science teachers is course load (split classes, many different science classes), lab management, and extra-curr. I enjoy teaching 7-12 but it’s a huge learning load for the teacher #saskedchat
In reply to
@nikulak, @PrincipalSmart, @JamesAlanOLOO, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave
I want to hear more from @FNGraham, @MsBMWingert and @Nicole_Towriss about the Milestone PD Challenge. Have to admit I being kind of envious every time I hear about! Sounds like fun! #saskedchat
You mean we should give students RESPONSIBILITY? What are you smoking? We can't possibly do that! They might turn into responsible adults! Heaven forbid! #saskedchat
As an admin in more isolated rural areas, I can say that there was a need for teachers and we didn’t get many applications for jobs. Sometimes we had to do two or three runs of the ads! #saskedchat
In reply to
@JamesAlanOLOO, @PrincipalSmart, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
I agree with that! For me, blogging just doesn't work and causes me more stress than anything. Communication in other forms and collaboration is what works for me #saskedchat
In reply to
@FNGraham, @nikulak, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
Agreed! I don't frankly care how they do it as long as they are. We need to remove the formalization we tend to make in regards to connecting and collaborating! #saskedchat
In reply to
@FNGraham, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
I find this applies to my role as an LST as well. I don’t have all the answers. I’m willing to work w staff and students to find strategies that will work though! You have to be ok with lessons or strategies not working sometimes. #saskedchat
In reply to
@PrincipalSmart, @raegynfulmek, @nikulak
I see less turnover out here. I think it’s because of family situations. I see less movement in rural schools b/c their families are in the communities. It’s not just a professional commitment, it’s a community commitment and connection too. Less turnover tgen #saskedchat
In reply to
@JamesAlanOLOO, @PrincipalSmart, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave
There are so many ways to be reflective - and some of us are better at exploring our thoughts without sharing them with the world and it’s okay. #saskedchat
In reply to
@raegynfulmek, @FNGraham, @nikulak, @Nicole_Towriss
In Northern Saskatchewan, teachers from outside the province, esp Ontario, and immigrants from outside Canada, used to be around to start their career. With the demise of #NORTEP and recently reported cases of teacher shortage in the North, I wonder how things are now #saskedchat
In reply to
@nikulak, @PrincipalSmart, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
Once you go student led, you almost never want to go back. It sucks getting them started from time to time, but when they get themselves going there is no stopping them! #saskedchat
If they have family in the area. Many young teachers don’t have that and there isn’t always the supports for them in rural areas. I’ve witnessed young Ts leaving because of their experiences. #saskedchat
In reply to
@heidi_paterson, @JamesAlanOLOO, @PrincipalSmart, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave
NOTED! I will have my degree come Christmas time and I will be beginning to look for jobs then! I cannot wait to get started and join in on the fun :) #saskedchat
In reply to
@PrincipalSmart, @JamesAlanOLOO, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson
Best advice I ever received was "Do what is right for you, and if forced to do it a specific way, change it so it works for you and don't apologize for it" #saskedchat
In reply to
@FNGraham, @raegynfulmek, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
One of the biggest pieces of the collaborating puzzle for me has been feeling supported in trying/possibly failing in front of colleagues. Relationship building has been a #gamechanger and I can now try new things and learn from those experiences #saskedchat
I found blogging sometimes works for me, but a lot of my reflecting is done verbally with other teachers or on the phone with my dad while I drive home (bluetooth). When I look back at my stuff, it is covered in sticky notes with notes. These notes are how I plan now #saskedchat
In reply to
@FNGraham, @raegynfulmek, @nikulak, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
I'm currently reading "Lifelong Kindergarten" by Mitchel Resnick and it makes a great case for these learning modes. A lot of it is through the lens of Scratch as a learning tool but the theory can be extrapolated beyond Scratch. Definitely worth the read. #saskedchat
So, Ts have to know their subject, know their students, be adaptable, yet consistent, change constantly, learn always, understand the culture of their clients, & their peers, and always get the best out of Ss while meeting goals defined by others Doesn't sound so hard #saskedchat
In reply to
@kellywchris, @TerelyneV, @PrincipalSmart
Being willing to take those risks and make those mistakes is a huge part of the process. And you have to keep doing it no matter how old you get. As soon as I think I have this gig figured out, I’m proven wrong - and so the learning to teach process continues! #saskedchat
In reply to
@FNGraham, @kellywchris, @heidi_paterson
This is so big, every interview I have went on always ask about how I plan on being part of the community. Teachers are important but in rural schools, teachers are not just seen in the school, they are constant role models #saskedchat
In reply to
@JamesAlanOLOO, @heidi_paterson, @PrincipalSmart, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @GordWyant, @SaskTeachersFed, @SKStudents
Once we get over the "I need to be perfect, or so perceived" side of things, that's when we really begin to grow. Unfortunately I know too many teachers who are still perfectionists. "If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together." #saskedchat
In reply to
@Nicole_Towriss, @FNGraham, @kellywchris
To each their own system, I personally love seeing how other people organize their lives. Gives me so many ideas on how to make mine better. #saskedchat
In reply to
@BKorchinski, @FNGraham, @raegynfulmek, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
Agreed. It’s different in the city where a change in school still means you’re probably in the same community (ie where you live) so you’re not uprooting your family/self. Changing schools in rural areas can mean a lot of driving or a move which can disconnect you #saskedchat
In reply to
@JamesAlanOLOO, @PrincipalSmart, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @GordWyant, @SaskTeachersFed, @SKStudents
Q. How do we overcome the "Why can't students just know how to do x" problem? I've tried mentioning that they've never been taught before, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. #saskedchat
Congrats and best wishes Ms. @raegynfulmek as you approach the finishing line towards your BEd at @UofRegina. It is a fine teacher education program and I'm sure #Saskatchewan students will be better off with you as a teacher here. I'm proud to be a @URFacofEd alumni #saskedchat
In reply to
@raegynfulmek, @PrincipalSmart, @kellywchris, @tgrantt, @nikulak, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @heidi_paterson, @raegynfulmek, @UofRegina, @URFacofEd
When I talk to new teachers, it is a lot of talking about how each of us organize, or would like to organize ourselves. But if not for uni profs forcing me to blog I'm not sure I would know how to reflect #saskedchat
In reply to
@nikulak, @FNGraham, @raegynfulmek, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
Thanks for saying "determined" instead of "persistent nag!" Terelyne, check out Alana's article on the @PrairieValleySD website or Twitter. If you want I can email you the document that some other administrators have asked me for. #saskedchat
In reply to
@MsBMWingert, @TerelyneV, @Nicole_Towriss, @PrairieValleySD
Okay, @nikulak and I give each other a hard time, but we agree on this I'm sure. If you ever want to see failing in front of colleagues, just watch us. @kellywchris will verify. But as some smarter than me pointed out earlier: We learn by failing #saskedchat@Cmdr_Hadfield agrees
In reply to
@Nicole_Towriss, @nikulak, @FNGraham, @kellywchris, @nikulak, @kellywchris, @Cmdr_Hadfield
So very true. And the one-on-one talking about a lesson or about something that just isn't working in your classroom does not benefit me when it is sugar coated. I don't get better if I don't know what I need to improve #saskedchat
In reply to
@nikulak, @FNGraham, @raegynfulmek, @kellywchris, @Nicole_Towriss
I personally enjoy doing a face plant in front of my colleagues. Taking myself less serious is a goal for this year. (Yes, I know @tgrantt, you could've sworn it has been the entire time you've known me.) #saskedchat
In reply to
@tgrantt, @Nicole_Towriss, @FNGraham, @kellywchris, @Cmdr_Hadfield, @tgrantt
Maybe being an introvert is one of the resilience strategies used by teachers in smaller towns to not only adapt (especially those not from small towns) but also thrive - assuming that your observation is correct @nikulak😇 @LKiramba#saskedchat
In reply to
@nikulak, @kellywchris, @heidi_paterson, @PrincipalSmart, @tgrantt, @GartnerMel, @LannySaretsky, @HeculuckDave, @nikulak, @LKiramba
