Conversations Episode 10 09-28-08

Post-Show description: 

In this episode, Maria Knee and Lisa Parisi were joined by Alec Couros, Peggy George, Lisa Thumann, Scott Shelhart, and Barb Gilman.  We discussed teaching as a calling or a job.  Then we moved into how this answer affects how we help pre-service and new teachers.

Chat Archive:
2008-09-28 11:26:14 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: so glad to hear you mention the snowball mic. I have heard it highly recommended and plan to buy one very soon!
2008-09-28
11:27:00 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Sounds interesting! teaching as a profession...a calling or a job? :-)
2008-09-28 11:27:27 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: it has definite implications for preservice teachers :-)
2008-09-28 11:28:14 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hello Jan
2008-09-28 11:28:31 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: preservice teachers always begin with very idealistic views about the profession and want to make a difference--then they start teaching and many change their minds and leave the profession in just a few years.
2008-09-28
11:28:49 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Lisa! HI all!
2008-09-28
11:29:44 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: coming through fine on ETT-A
2008-09-28
11:30:38 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: woo hoo! Show #10! :-)
2008-09-28
11:30:52 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Hi All
2008-09-28
11:31:11 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Lisa
2008-09-28
11:31:31 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: hard to believe that this is show#10
2008-09-28
11:32:38 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: lisa thumann - varied background - oh my!
2008-09-28
11:32:50 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: fascinating background, Lisa T. :-) You have a lot to bring to the teaching profession!
2008-09-28
11:32:51 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!
2008-09-28
11:33:00 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks Peggy
2008-09-28
11:33:09 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: So, is Teaching a calling?
2008-09-28
11:33:27 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I think it is.
2008-09-28
11:33:45 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Well, I think we start that way, an realize it must be more
2008-09-28
11:33:47 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: Yes, It is for most.  I think all 'great' teachers see it as a calling
2008-09-28
11:34:17 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I wish all people destined to be "great" teachers would teach!
2008-09-28
11:34:33 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: I'd love to hear more about why people decided to become a teacher.
2008-09-28
11:34:36 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Calling = passion  Profession = thought & process & skill
2008-09-28
11:35:07 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: Teaching - passion = burnout and stress.
2008-09-28 11:35:07 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Calling + Profession
2008-09-28 11:35:07 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Derrall
2008-09-28 11:35:17 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Lisa
2008-09-28 11:35:36 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Agree Scott
2008-09-28 11:35:48 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: How many of you "started" by teaching brothers, sisters and neighborhood kids--anyone you could grab to play?
2008-09-28
11:35:52 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Teaching with too much passion also = burnout
2008-09-28
11:36:09 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: There are statistics out there on how many careers kids today will have
2008-09-28
11:36:18 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: But I don't know what the statistics are.
2008-09-28
11:36:28 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I was purposely "not" going to be a teacher since my parents were
2008-09-28
11:36:34 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: Hi everyone!
2008-09-28
11:36:40 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: HI Colleen
2008-09-28
11:36:41 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Colleen!
2008-09-28
11:36:46 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Colleen
2008-09-28
11:36:50 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Lisa(s)
2008-09-28
11:36:55 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: :)
2008-09-28
11:37:01 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Really interesting point, Scott. Does that early passion cause burnout?
2008-09-28
11:37:02 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: Hey Derrall
2008-09-28
11:37:18 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Amy, too!
2008-09-28
11:37:40 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I think passion is what keeps new teachers going.
2008-09-28
11:38:07 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: no passion leads to burnout, I think.
2008-09-28 11:38:11 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: HI Lori
2008-09-28 11:38:13 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: I happen to be a strong advocate for teacher preparation in a Professional Development School program (PDS) because you are immersed in the real life of the school throughout your preparation.
2008-09-28 11:38:29 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Hello all
2008-09-28 11:38:52 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Amy
2008-09-28 11:40:28 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: I started as a teacher, moved on as a principal for about 25 years and then a university teacher ed instructor and program coordinator in a PDS program because I really wanted to help prepare new teachers.
2008-09-28
11:41:06 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: My aunt pushed me twoards education.  I had no plans to go into education originally
2008-09-28
11:42:32 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: The young teacher brings passion, enthusiasm and denergy, and a desire to be competent
2008-09-28
11:42:47 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Yes, Jan, that's true.
2008-09-28
11:42:59 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I was too self-centered to have been a teacher in my 20s
2008-09-28
11:43:16 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: LOL - I was that way too.  Got dragged into teacing
2008-09-28 11:43:17 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I love the enthusiasm of the young teacher - but I also like the experience of the teacher that comes from an outside field
2008-09-28 11:43:22 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: A more experienced teacher brings the skill and wisdon and if he/she still has passion then you have a match made in heaven for kids
2008-09-28 11:43:29 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Don't get me wrong - I see benefits to both
2008-09-28 11:43:52 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I have concerns that pre-service teachers don't get enough preparation
2008-09-28 11:44:00 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: that's a great story Scott!
2008-09-28
11:44:05 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: @Lisa I couldn't agree more
2008-09-28
11:44:15 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Experience speaks volumes..I am a much better teacher now than I was 20 years ago
2008-09-28 11:44:19 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: See yesterdays photos to see what got me into working with kids
2008-09-28 11:44:22 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kd9sr/
2008-09-28 11:44:26 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks @Amy
2008-09-28 11:44:50 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Too many pre-service teachers come to the classroom without the knowledge to be successful
2008-09-28 11:45:06 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hello Ginger
2008-09-28 11:45:15 [Message] GingerTPLC -> -EdTechTalk: hey all!
2008-09-28 11:45:17 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: Hi ginger
2008-09-28 11:45:37 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: I remember reading somewhere that the most effective teachers are in the 10 to 20 year experience range
2008-09-28 11:45:39 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: What grade/ age level do all of you work with
2008-09-28 11:45:52 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Grade 6 (11-12 yrs)
2008-09-28 11:46:02 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Great pics Scott thanks for sharing!
2008-09-28 11:46:18 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I work with PreK-20
2008-09-28 11:46:23 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: @Scott middle and high school
2008-09-28 11:46:24 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Grade 5
2008-09-28 11:46:36 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: Grade 4
2008-09-28 11:46:36 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: I'm a retired elementary principal and trained K-8 teachers
2008-09-28 11:46:47 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I'm hoping to teach first grade.
2008-09-28
11:47:14 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: ..and no, I have no desire to be an admin..I want to stay in the classroom
2008-09-28
11:47:32 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: 2nd grade2nd 2nd grade
2008-09-28
11:47:45 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: I think many new teachers quickly realize that teaching is much harder than they thought it would be.
2008-09-28
11:47:46 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @Scott you have probably heard this before: I have always felt we need more men teaching primary
2008-09-28
11:48:12 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I agree.  I hope the conversation drifts onto that topic....
2008-09-28
11:48:35 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: we don't have that in MO either
2008-09-28
11:48:38 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: that lack of opportunity to teach in teacher prep programs is such a serious concern!
2008-09-28
11:49:05 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I agree.  Sub teaching is a good way to get face time in the classroom
2008-09-28 11:49:06 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: same in CA
2008-09-28 11:49:10 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @Scott: some of my reasons: healthy diversity benefits kids, parents teachers
2008-09-28 11:49:24 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: and those poor students who get in that experience , go to student teaching, hate and and how ask what to do
2008-09-28 11:49:24 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hello Dean
2008-09-28 11:49:33 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: Hello Lisa
2008-09-28 11:49:52 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Min
2008-09-28 11:49:54 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: We have a few of those in my school
2008-09-28 11:50:04 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I think MANY kids do not have a stron/stable role model.  They either have none, or a new one each week.
2008-09-28 11:50:15 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: my univ. PDS students taught 3 full days a week as an intern for an entire year and then full time during 20 weeks of student teaching. Also taught summer school and responsible for all teaching.
2008-09-28
11:50:24 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: those who do the shortest hour--I have not seen new teachers do that: more the ones who are in burn out--no passion left
2008-09-28
11:50:44 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: Many kids never see a male in school (other than the PE teacher and janitor) untill 5th grade.
2008-09-28 11:50:55 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: SAme in our school Scott
2008-09-28 11:50:57 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @Scott brought up a good point about a strong roll model
2008-09-28 11:51:01 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: I wish that the college I teach Technology in the Classroom would establish a full track for the pre-service students to take.
2008-09-28 11:51:32 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I don't believe that mentors for student teachers in all states/districts are help to high enough standards
2008-09-28 11:52:20 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @dmantz7 I hear that  a lot These new teachers know e-mail and myspace, but not much else - IMHO
2008-09-28 11:52:29 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Action research --great idea!
2008-09-28
11:52:39 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: @Lisa I think you are right.  I watch some of the mentors of 1st year teachers and wonder if they will find success
2008-09-28
11:52:40 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: When I sub at the local K-3, the kids call me by the Princapal's name...they have never seen him....so sad.
2008-09-28
11:52:45 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: At this time, I am the only class that introduces and tries to show them how to use different tools.  Problem is most of the students do not student teach for another 2-3 years.  Thus, they do not have any idea other than what I say how it can be used.
2008-09-28 11:52:49 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: @dean It think that is a good idea but then the teacher needs to go to a district which gives a teacher access
2008-09-28 11:52:50 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Love the action research idea
2008-09-28 11:53:22 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hello Barb and Eledtech
2008-09-28 11:53:36 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @derrallg: My current and former school district did just that...we had the vision and tried to provide the access.
2008-09-28
11:53:39 [Message] eledtech -> -EdTechTalk: Hello there
2008-09-28
11:53:46 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: there are many opportunities early on to help our struggling interns answer those tough questions concerning being a teacher
2008-09-28
11:53:49 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: Hello! I had the time wrong!
2008-09-28
11:53:58 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: hi barb
2008-09-28
11:54:02 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Glad you made it.
2008-09-28 11:54:06 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: we can bring you into the call
2008-09-28 11:54:14 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: When I tought 4th grade, I learned more about history than I did through all of my schooling
2008-09-28 11:54:23 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Counselling people out of teaching: this only happens before which is really too bad
2008-09-28 11:54:26 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Understand the lacking of content knowledge
2008-09-28 11:54:47 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: my college has a 100 level class (no credits) that requires each freshman spen an hour in every grade K-12
2008-09-28 11:55:01 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: There are plenty who need that support when they make the discovery that it's not for them 5-10-15 years in.
2008-09-28 11:55:43 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: I ask all of you this question- What do you feel would be the best alignment of courses for pre-service teachers to follow until they are in the classroom?
2008-09-28
11:56:00 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: There isn't the transition  support for our colleagues who aren't suuited: we need to advocate for that support--it means $$
2008-09-28
11:56:55 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: That statement: I have a life has to be taken the serioiusly
2008-09-28
11:57:15 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith: I absolutely agree. Districts need to provide resources and support for all educators.  Whether it is in the form of inhouse PD or integration specialists that work with each teacher.
2008-09-28
11:57:48 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Are our expectations to high?
2008-09-28 11:57:49 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I think what I missed as a pre-service teacher was getting to observe the exemplary classrooms, as a student teacher my master teacher just wanted someone to help grade papers
2008-09-28 11:58:10 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hello Cheryl
2008-09-28 11:58:21 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Cheryl
2008-09-28 11:58:22 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Cheryl-great to see you
2008-09-28 11:58:25 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I still have a life. :)
2008-09-28 11:58:26 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: @derrallg I am so sorry
2008-09-28 11:58:34 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Cheryl
2008-09-28 11:58:39 [Message] eledtech -> -EdTechTalk: I think that is fair
2008-09-28 11:58:46 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: @Lisa I think we have to hold them at a very high standard.  This helps
2008-09-28
11:59:06 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: HI, was frozen for a bit. I thought that was Lisa T.
2008-09-28 11:59:10 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @dmantz7 can you say more about allignment
2008-09-28
11:59:14 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: It is
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11:59:18 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @LisaThurmann: NO!  We are in the minority and have an understanding what is out there and know we can do better.  Then we reflect on our own classroom and compare it to other rooms and see the wide range of students not getting the engagement and authentic learning that they need to be life long learners.
2008-09-28
11:59:26 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Derrall, Peggy, Lisa, jan, and all
2008-09-28
12:00:50 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Cheryl!
2008-09-28 12:00:59 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith: What I am thinking in regards to alignment deals with a variety of courses that build off one another that prepares pre-service teachers for integrating/implementing technology as a transparent piece of units regardless of what they may or may not have access too.
2008-09-28
12:01:11 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Colleen, I had a math teacher find your site on her own and she loves it!
2008-09-28 12:01:19 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: If you ask kids about their best classroom experiences, they won't always mention the teachers we think of as *exceptional* Our colleagues offer diverse experiences behind their doors
2008-09-28 12:01:28 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: I am trying to provide the entire picture to those type of students within just one class.
2008-09-28
12:01:29 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: @Cheryl That's great - hope it helps.
2008-09-28 12:01:30 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: sorry about the dog barking
2008-09-28 12:01:38 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: hi cheryl and colleen and everyone else who slipped into the chat
2008-09-28 12:01:50 [Message] colleenk -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Maria
2008-09-28 12:02:55 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Peggy - I was talking about making sure they had GOOD mentors though
2008-09-28 12:03:25 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: You have all taught ME how to be reflective
2008-09-28 12:03:40 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: I read your blogs, plurks and tweets
2008-09-28 12:03:42 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @dmantz7] I think that it is the follow up just in time support that all teachers need with tech that makes the difference
2008-09-28 12:04:18 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: technology has made the difference. I can read someone's reflections from across the world.
2008-09-28
12:04:37 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @Barb - Back to collective inteliigence
2008-09-28
12:04:51 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith: amen!
2008-09-28
12:04:52 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: @Lisa absolutly!
2008-09-28 12:06:31 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: the common goal for everyone to work together on is so important
2008-09-28 12:06:32 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I think schools in district give lip service to school wide actions plans but don't follow through
2008-09-28 12:06:56 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: @derrallg I see that in my district at times as well
2008-09-28 12:07:18 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Each school meets the goals at different levels.  Some are just surface/ appearance
2008-09-28
12:08:03 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: Maybe because my Catholic school is just one school and not a whole district. We can make changes and reach goals quickly.
2008-09-28
12:08:20 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: I think it's leadership
2008-09-28
12:08:47 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: I think if we are all aware that we are leaders, then we will bring that energy together.
2008-09-28
12:08:58 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith, yes!
2008-09-28 12:09:13 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: http://www.rti4success.org/ RTI
2008-09-28 12:09:34 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I think sometimes its difficult to find the balance between having school wide goals and incorporating the individual passions of the teachers to keep them motivated
2008-09-28 12:09:38 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: I don't think we have to be doing exactly the same thing: same book not necessairly the same page.
2008-09-28
12:09:53 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Alec
2008-09-28
12:10:00 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: My principal did the same with the Archdiocese assesments.  She knew that they were coming, so we started on them right away.
2008-09-28
12:10:18 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Alec!
2008-09-28
12:10:29 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: hey all!
2008-09-28
12:10:35 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Alec
2008-09-28
12:10:43 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: ie= I follow the tech route and try to bring energy where none exists now. If I waited for it to be a schoool goal, it would never happen
2008-09-28
12:11:09 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: I have to be a bit subversive and insinuate myself into it
2008-09-28
12:11:10 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: Rockhurst? My son is a Freshman there!
2008-09-28
12:11:17 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith-excellent point!
2008-09-28 12:11:18 [Message] JoseRodriguez -> -Puentes al Mundo: si muy claro
2008-09-28 12:12:50 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Admin is so muych work and stress, I don't know of any who choose it to get away from teaching
2008-09-28 12:13:35 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: Maybe bitterness is frustration with a system that doesn't work well.
2008-09-28
12:13:40 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith I agree with you.  My administrator would like to go back to the classroom but cannot due to $factors
2008-09-28 12:13:41 [Message] JoseRodriguez -> -Puentes al Mundo: porque no estamos en la conferencia skype
2008-09-28 12:13:43 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: Many GREAT teachers set out to change the world, but settle for closing the door and changing their world inside their classroom.  How do we keep these folks from hiding their passion behind closed doors?
2008-09-28
12:13:48 [Message] JoseRodriguez -> -Puentes al Mundo: estamos solamente como oyentes
2008-09-28
12:14:02 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: I do feel that my role as an educator was a calling. But some of the pre-service students do not see it that way.  There are some that want to teach for summers off and others want to coach and worry about teaching later.
2008-09-28
12:15:01 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @scott maybe by buiding colleagiality
2008-09-28
12:15:44 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: maybe.  But the teachers that 'get it' normally don't like to associate with the ones that bing them down.
2008-09-28
12:16:00 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @scott I have built colleagiality by giving a bit of time (after hours) tho help people with tech
2008-09-28
12:16:02 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Maria - that's so imporant!
2008-09-28
12:16:05 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @Scott Shelhart: I agree with you on that point.
2008-09-28
12:16:37 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: Love my PLN! on Twitter and Plurk!:D
2008-09-28
12:16:42 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I've noteiced that most 'super teachers' eat lunch in their classrooms and avoid the faculty lounge.
2008-09-28
12:16:46 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: @jansmith: that is what makes you a model educator.
2008-09-28 12:16:57 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @scott, we had better associate, or we are failing kids and the whole school system
2008-09-28 12:17:17 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: @scott, define 'super teacher' in our building those that eat in their classroom are the paper correctors
2008-09-28 12:17:37 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: LOL Barb
2008-09-28 12:17:39 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @Barb  -maybe they're Twittering
2008-09-28 12:17:45 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: I'd rather relax with my co-workers than correct papers!
2008-09-28
12:17:57 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: Lots of ideas come up in the teacher's lounge
2008-09-28
12:18:16 [Message] BarbInNebraska -> -EdTechTalk: @Lisa, LOL, Twitter's blocked at school, but Plurk is not!
2008-09-28 12:18:38 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: OK - They're Plurking - or checking Google Reader - I hope
2008-09-28 12:18:45 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I use my lunch time to be listening to ustream, twitter, skype
2008-09-28 12:18:46 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: We have a table in the staffroom that some call the burn out table. I avoided it until someone I admire said how can you encourage change by not sitting at that table?
2008-09-28
12:18:58 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: I avoided the lounge because all of the conversations were whine & complain sessions.  It was never "What can we do to improve".
2008-09-28
12:19:07 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Me, too, Dean
2008-09-28
12:19:13 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: You want some cheese with that whine?
2008-09-28
12:20:00 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: I actually said, "Wahhh, on Friday to a teacher."
2008-09-28
12:20:11 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: think of the whine as story tellng: it is the subtext that tells you where the potential for change is
2008-09-28
12:20:20 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @Cheryl - I hope she got the point :)
2008-09-28
12:20:43 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Cheryl!  You did not! LOL
2008-09-28
12:20:45 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: She was mad when i multi tasked a problem.
2008-09-28
12:21:08 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: I kept helping her, but made my point. Plus I made her Save her kids work.
2008-09-28
12:22:24 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: The more I learn the less I know
2008-09-28
12:22:32 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: I go into every PD experience assuming there is someone in the room that knows more than me.
2008-09-28
12:22:38 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: me too derrall
2008-09-28
12:22:48 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: I don't have to know it all. I just have to know how to help students discover.  I think a great teacher learns along with the students...even in first grade.
2008-09-28
12:22:49 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: the more I learn the more questions I have
2008-09-28
12:23:23 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: I love my super network which includes all of you!
2008-09-28
12:23:35 [Message] mato3324 -> -EdTechTalk: halo
2008-09-28
12:23:45 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @cheryl:D
2008-09-28
12:24:17 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: @cherly   I think ETT, twitter, plurk, etc should be required for teacher ed programs.
2008-09-28
12:24:59 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: @Scott, I totally agree, here is another K12onlineconference.org   it lives on!
2008-09-28
12:25:35 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: teach the tools generically, the skills universally
2008-09-28
12:25:37 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: Yes, Halo, WOW, and other online views.
2008-09-28
12:26:11 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: @mato3324, did you see yes, halo, wow, and other online views.
2008-09-28 12:26:13 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: I had this conversation with central office this week
2008-09-28 12:27:00 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: the fisrst skill we need is risk taking
2008-09-28 12:27:40 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: @courosa, liked your teaser
2008-09-28 12:27:42 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: for those interesting, I will be teaching two open courses re: educational technology in teacher education (1 undergraduate, 1 graduate) january 2009 ... it's free to follow along. :-)
2008-09-28
12:27:48 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: @cheryl thanks!
2008-09-28 12:28:00 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: what I value the most about my PLN is learning from people who aren't afraid to say I don't know and this is what I'm thinking--what do you think? Even the "experts" model this.
2008-09-28
12:28:30 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: I love that too
2008-09-28
12:28:39 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: yes! I agree with that, the skills to develop and maintain relationships, to build community.
2008-09-28
12:28:47 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: @maria you're stuck with us for life
2008-09-28
12:28:56 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: help people become social capital entrepreneurs!
2008-09-28
12:29:12 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: The skills to share and collaborate
2008-09-28
12:29:22 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: and help our kids build their diverse, haelthy networks
2008-09-28
12:29:27 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @courosa - love that!
2008-09-28
12:29:57 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: excellent point maria!
2008-09-28
12:30:08 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Such great points Maria! all teachers needs to see themselves as mentors
2008-09-28
12:30:31 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: I think we do need to think about the developmental level of teachers, in my district teachers said they were advanced users because they knew Microsoft office
2008-09-28
12:30:32 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: teacher education is a wonderful thing, i love being a part of it!
2008-09-28
12:30:38 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: righton MariaK
2008-09-28
12:30:55 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: These conversations always seem to fly by! Great things to think about!
2008-09-28
12:31:49 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @courosa thanks for the heads up about your course, will look into it
2008-09-28
12:32:14 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: @jan will tweet it, or will have more info at couros.ca end of december.
2008-09-28
12:32:48 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: thanks so much for letting me be a part of this!
2008-09-28
12:32:55 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: @courosa, will look, maybe for credit on my masters
2008-09-28
12:32:59 [Message] PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Next week's show-how new parents can and should get involved in schools and classrooms. :-)
2008-09-28
12:33:00 [Message] Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: i hear the helecopter blades now.....
2008-09-28
12:33:25 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Ohhhh, I can't wait.
2008-09-28
12:33:26 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: thnk lampray eel
2008-09-28
12:33:26 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: @Maria and @LisaP Thanks as usual - it's always a pleasure
2008-09-28
12:33:37 [Message] Amy C -> -EdTechTalk: Thank you all!
2008-09-28
12:34:02 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: @jan let me know if there is anything i can do to help in the process.
2008-09-28
12:34:10 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: will do
2008-09-28
12:34:11 [Message] MariaK -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks to all - you are fantastic
2008-09-28
12:34:27 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: all-- a great way to start the day!
2008-09-28
12:34:35 [Message] cheryloakes -> -EdTechTalk: Great conversation!! Nice job all, I'll be back.
2008-09-28
12:34:37 [Message] dmantz7 -> -EdTechTalk: Thank you ladies! I truly enjoyed the conversation today.
2008-09-28
12:34:40 [Message] jansmith -> -EdTechTalk: OK what does our statue loook like?
2008-09-28
12:35:15 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: http://ettconversations.blogspot.com/
2008-09-28
12:36:02 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: agreed scott!
2008-09-28
12:36:25 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: beautiful baby!
2008-09-28
12:36:50 [Message] derrallg -> -EdTechTalk: great show and conversation
2008-09-28
12:36:57 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: you can do it peggy. :-)
2008-09-28
12:37:10 [Message] LisaThumann -> -EdTechTalk: Bye!
2008-09-28
12:37:10 [Message] Lisa Parisi -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks for coming/
2008-09-28
12:37:11 [Message] courosa -> -EdTechTalk: thanks all
 
 

Comments

Wow, lots of insightful comments in this episode.

First, do any of us really want to be motivation police? Can any of us claim to know the heart of another person? @Lisa Thumann Maybe those frustrated admins to-be are in the process of recovering their passion. As soon as any of us starts to question or presume the motivations of other educators, we start on a slippery slope toward a very damaging witch hunt.

There are two sides to the passion coin. Passion is critical for attracting and developing great teachers (good teachers with no passion can still get "the job" done). Passion is not sufficient for sustaining a great teacher over the course of a 30 year career. It is a pillar that needs to be partnered with other pillars of great teaching: purpose, professionalism, development, collaboration, innovation, success, recognition and even compensation.

Yeah, I said compensation. Those people who tell you they didn't get into education for the money are lying to you (and possibly themselves). I don't see many teachers doing this thing for free, and that's a good thing. Humans have decided to ascribe value to a service by exchanging money for that service. The more valuable the service, the more money it deserves (to a point). Service professionals who accept less money than their services warrant devalue their services and themselves as professionals. This can lead to sub-standard service and a disintegration of professional standards, as we've seen in some corners of public education.

So what's the solution for training pre-service teachers? We need to show them how to build their careers using all of those previously mentioned pillars, not just passion and perks (I'll admit it, summers are nice, and our upcoming fall break will allow me to stay home with our new baby on the way).

Additionally, we need to rally together as school communities to build great organizations, not just good schools. We need to answer these core questions: What are we deeply passionate about? What can we be the best in the world at? What drives our economic engine? Finding the single answer to those three questions and pursuing that target relentlessly will make us part of something bigger than ourselves, which is a sure-fire method for attracting great teachers and retaining them in education for the long haul.

*Cross-posted on the Conversations Blog.

Passion is what makes "...purpose, professionalism, development, collaboration, innovation, success..." possible. And no I am NOT lying to you Joel or anyone - I did NOT go into education for the $$ - that would be ludicrous!
mrsdurff