username date time status andycinek 3/2/2010 6:55 PM RT @mbteach: 5 more minutes until #edchat: What effect does

low teacher morale have on learning? cuevash 3/2/2010 6:55 PM Come chat with me at http://tinychat.com/edchat #edchat #tinychat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 6:55 PM Good Point, hold links RT@tomwhitby PLN: Link recomendations during the Chat take Ppl out of the chat. They can be tweeted later. #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 6:55 PM is tweetchat a program or a website #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 6:56 PM Disagreemt is accepted! We learn fr eachother that way, so no hard feelings but let's be respectable #edchat

DeborahMersino 3/2/2010 6:57 PM RT @Aaron_Eyler: Evaluating your PLN and your own ideals/values: http://bit.ly/bJ0KPw #edchat #lrnchat #edreform #PLN #gifted #gchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 6:57 PM Low tchr morale creates atmosphere of teachers "clocking in&doing time"; innovation does not happen when teachers don't feel safe #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 6:58 PM Low morale affects teacher interest, enthusiasm, and motivation, all of which are reflected in students. #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 6:58 PM For the next hour, my tweets will be devoted discussing low teacher morale & learning on #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 6:58 PM #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 6:58 PM I'm getting real-time search results at TweetGrid http://tweetgrid.com/ #edchat

vanessacassie 3/2/2010 6:58 PM @shawdave Website #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 6:59 PM RT @tomwhitby: RT @mbteach: Join us for #edchat: What effect does low teacher morale have on learning? How may teacher morale be improved when it's low? KD9SR 3/2/2010 6:59 PM I find the best new people to follow during these sessions. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 6:59 PM RT @flourishingkids: Low tchr morale creates atmosphere of clocking in doing time innov doesnt happen when tchrs don't feel safe #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 6:59 PM For portions of the next hour my tweets will be dedicated to the #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 6:59 PM Me too! RT @KD9SR I find the best new people to follow during these sessions #edchat

vanessacassie 3/2/2010 6:59 PM Can't wait for tonight's #edchat -- something I struggled with as a teacher from time to time! #edchat andycinek 3/2/2010 7:00 PM Tchrs must constantly model for students, there4, high morale must be consistent in the classroom. If not, stdnt engagement fades #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:00 PM For the next hour, my tweets will be dedicated to #edchat: What effect does low teacher morale have on learning? KD9SR 3/2/2010 7:00 PM For portions of the next hour my tweets will be dedicated to the #edchat discussion mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:00 PM RT @pammoran: What sentence will you write in this chapter in the History of Public Education in America? #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:00 PM Low morale does for teaching what low morale does for learning - discourages it #edchat

pysproblem81 3/2/2010 7:00 PM @ShellTerrell #edchat In any job that requires a connection between people (ie sales or Ed) is hard 2 hide feelings hnce morale=effctiveness sharedschool 3/2/2010 7:00 PM Low morale anywhere leads to bad working/learning environment #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:00 PM Must confess, I'm having morale issues. Here tonight for inspiration #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:00 PM For the next hour, most of my tweets will be devoted to #edchat andycinek 3/2/2010 7:01 PM If teachers don't display high morale in the classroom, then they have no excuse for disengaged students #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:01 PM I believe that attitudes are contagious - low teacher morale has a negative impact on stds. Stds pick up on tchr attitude #edchat

Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:01 PM Welcome to #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:01 PM RT @andycinek: If teachers don't display high morale in the classroom, then they have no excuse for disengaged students #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:01 PM Teacher morale can be contagious. We must surround ourselves with positive others with good sense of humor #edchat gameclassroom 3/2/2010 7:01 PM Students feed off of the teacher.4 students to become passionate about learning we must create a positive school environment 4 all #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:01 PM What is morale - when you feel good about where you work or who you work for? #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:01 PM

@pysproblem81 Your morale does affect both how you treat others and how you perceive their treatment of you. #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:01 PM RT @ShellTerrell Join us for #edchat: What effect does low teacher morale have on learning? mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:01 PM to improve low morale, find something good happening & celebrate it, broadcast it, showcase it #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:01 PM to improve low morale, must know the cause - that determines the course correction #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:01 PM How would you define 'low morale?' What does it look/sound/feel like? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:01 PM OK gang, let's get started: How does low teacher morale affect learning? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:01 PM

RT @mzmacky: Low morale does for teaching what low morale does for learning - discourages it #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:01 PM Sounds like a great topic to chat about #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:01 PM Agreed! RT @mzmacky Low morale does for teaching what low morale does for learning - discourages it #edchat AndrewBWatt 3/2/2010 7:02 PM RT @mzmacky: Low morale does for teaching what low morale does for learning - discourages it #edchat (via @ShellTerrell) arbaldwin 3/2/2010 7:02 PM how to change low morale when you notice it? I find like I'm not sure how to make a difference. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:02 PM YES! RT @ShellTerrell: You've come to the right place!RT @shawdave: Here tonight for inspiration #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010

7:02 PM I second that! @vanessacassie: Agreed! RT @mzmacky Low morale does for teaching what low morale does for learning - discourages it #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:02 PM RT @EdutopiaBetty: For the next hour, my tweets will be dedicated to #edchat: What effect does low teacher morale have on learning? #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:02 PM It's tough to want to learn from an unmotivated teacher. #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:02 PM #edchat If teachers don't want to be there, why should the kids? mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:02 PM everyone needs to see that they are making progress in some way #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:02 PM @jasontbedell @pysproblem81 low morale definitely does not motivate one to treat others well or even be in a good mood! #edchat MCSTJMRoss 3/2/2010

7:02 PM @bltg Attitudes are def contagious. #edchat michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 7:02 PM @andycinek true on the modeling, when students sense burnout or low morale, how can we expect them to be excited to learn? #edchat pammoran 3/2/2010 7:02 PM @mattguthrie what effects does student learning have on low teacher morale? #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:02 PM Supported and empowered teachers are more likely to have high morale. #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:02 PM What is the number one thing that is school controlled that contributes to higher teacher morale? #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:02 PM What is the number one thing that is school controlled that lowers teacher morale? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010

7:02 PM RT @flourishingkids: Teacher morale can be contagious. We must surround ourselves with positive others with good sense of humor #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:02 PM You've come to the right place!RT @shawdave: Here tonight for inspiration #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:02 PM to boost moral about inclusion in our building we have formed an inclusion team #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:02 PM I try to roganize staff events outside of school to bring teachers together. What do you do to improve staff morale? #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:02 PM Low morale is very tough, especially during budget crunches. #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:02 PM One of my colleagues whom I respected the most found a way to turn off the outside noise and focus on the kids #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010

7:02 PM I found that low morale was rarely caused by what happened IN the classroom #edchat April_Davis 3/2/2010 7:03 PM @visionspeaks RT @AroundHarlem -----> @whitehouse What does a 21st century education mean to u? http://bit.ly/bLMrwG #BlackEd #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:03 PM RT @PGRoom209: Supported and empowered teachers are more likely to have high morale. #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:03 PM How can it be addressed? Tchrs need to feel appreciated - it needs to be genuine though! #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:03 PM RT @MCSTJMRoss: @bltg Attitudes are def contagious. #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:03 PM @vanessacassie Teachers need to allow what happens in the classroom to uplift their morale when it is low due to outside factors. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010

7:03 PM @hshawjr I would say morale is your feelings about not only your place of work, but the work you do? What do others thing. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:03 PM Improve morale: Merit pay for schools! M-pay 4 teachers causes friction, m-pay for schools starts collaboration #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:03 PM @phsprincipal authentic leadership contributes to higher morale #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:03 PM Teacher morale impacts classroom environment in a myriad of ways, both conscious and subconscious.Must be aware of what we bring.#edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:03 PM Good morale is when we control what happens in our classroom and feel empowered to help positively change our schools #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:03 PM I find that mutually encouraging and helping teachers here greatly brings up my own morale each day and I'm a better teacher for it. #edchat

jmcconville1000 3/2/2010 7:03 PM Looking for school district guidelines on cybersafety #edtech #edchat got links? mbteach 3/2/2010 7:03 PM For sure. How often does this happen? RT @PGRoom209: Supported and empowered teachers are more likely to have high morale. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:03 PM @phsprincipal Treating teachers as people that need to be controlled- trust that professionals will do their job. #edchat sharedschool 3/2/2010 7:03 PM Students can sense teacher's low morale. Too bad school administration can't. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:03 PM RT @mbteach: How would you define 'low morale?' What does it look/sound/feel like? #edchat suedensmore 3/2/2010 7:03 PM @TheNerdyTeacher And it's often caused by budget crunches. #edchat

TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:03 PM I find that different teachers might have different reasons for low morale. How do we address multiple issues. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:03 PM For the next hour, my tweets will be dedicated to #edchat: What effect does low teacher morale have on learning? vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:03 PM @TheNerdyTeacher 3 of my colleagues I made biweekly get togethers to improve sense of community #edchat andycinek 3/2/2010 7:04 PM Building faculty morale, boosts individual teacher morale, which yields student morale. #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:04 PM Admin need to listen to teachers, support them & show their appreciation often. #edchat datadiva 3/2/2010 7:04 PM

Morale isn't the same as affect, though. I wonder: how do teachers minimize the impact of the outside world on students' learning? #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:04 PM @phsprincipal A simple "thank you" from admin. Goes a long way. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:04 PM RT @flourishingkids: Teacher morale impacts classroom environment in a myriad of ways, both conscious and subconscious.Must be aware of what we bring.#edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:04 PM RT @cybraryman1: RT @MCSTJMRoss: @bltg Attitudes are def contagious. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:04 PM RT @cybraryman1: Admin need to listen to teachers, support them & show their appreciation often. #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:04 PM Teachers in a rut need to try something new ... high morale will follow. #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:04 PM

@flourishingkids Is this kind of morale more influenced by external forces or internal forces? #edchat KD9SR 3/2/2010 7:04 PM The teachers' lounge is much more damaging to moral than is the classroom #edchat malchkiey 3/2/2010 7:04 PM frustration mounts as i turn in to a CYA teacher instead of just being able to teach. the thrills of small private school #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:04 PM @pammoran EOY always hard when you have worked your butt of and you still have that handful that didn't make it on test #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:04 PM @pammoran low stdt learning can lead to low morale IF tchr remains non-reflective, unchanging etc. #edchat MCSTJMRoss 3/2/2010 7:04 PM When you're excited about the info...the students will be too #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:04 PM

don't need to blow smoke to boost morale...just listen to me like I matter and I can contribute... students want the same thing #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:04 PM When teachers have a chance to contribute to how their environment is run, they feel more empowered, thus highter morale. #edchat pysproblem81 3/2/2010 7:04 PM @jasontbedell @shellterrell #edchat can #morale be maintained in face of conflict with MNGMNT? suedensmore 3/2/2010 7:04 PM @phsprincipal Whether there's a good leader at the helm. Bad leadership will tank teacher morale in a short time. #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:04 PM I find that directives without enough explanations are what is bringing morale down #edchat tgrant14 3/2/2010 7:04 PM I don't think people always realize how difficult it can be to be "on" at all times with students & how that can lead to low morale #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010

7:04 PM @VanessaCassie - I organize a payday get together day. Every other Friday we get together to share a "discussion" or two or three... #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:04 PM my teacher morale is low because I am continuously asked to do time-consuming tasks that are not related to teaching my subject #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:04 PM @daylynn Agreed. My kids always raised my morale...just sometimes that was outweighed by events after 3:30 #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:05 PM RT @bltg: @Digin4ed @hshawjr I agree it is abt ur feelings about ur work - if self motivated probably higher morale! #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:05 PM @KD9SR Does the teachers lounge carry over into the classroom? #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:05 PM RT @unklar: my teacher morale is low because I am always asked 2 do time-consuming tasks that are not related to teaching my subject #edchat

dtitle 3/2/2010 7:05 PM By rewarding good schools we get teachers helping... merit pay for schools #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:05 PM Morale for teachers, to me, is a direct correlation to how much time and freedom they are given #edchat educatoral 3/2/2010 7:05 PM RT @KD9SR: The teachers lounge is much more damaging to moral than is the classroom -> Can be draining when ur excited & they ain't. #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:05 PM What are some of the most prevalent causes of low morale? #edchat Folmerica 3/2/2010 7:05 PM Negativity can certainly spread. People are then less motivated, less helping, less caring, and less open to improvement and change. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:05 PM

@Digin4ed morale in any type of work is a combo of factors which inc who you work with, the enviro, physical place & safety #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:05 PM @daylynn The same dynamic exists between teachers and students. Thanking and appreciating them helps their morale and ours. #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:05 PM #edchat Who should own low teacher morale? The teacher? The admin? Can any one person/group "fix" it? mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:05 PM @pammoran BUT if I have done all that I can, looked for every option w/in & w/out me, then I can hedge the low morale some #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:05 PM So do we need to practice our acting skills to teach well? RT @kellyhines: #edchat If teachers don't want to be there, why should the kids? MCSTJMRoss 3/2/2010 7:05 PM @daylynn Thank yous always help. It's nice to be appreciated. #edchat MissShuganah

3/2/2010 7:05 PM RT @dtitle: Improve morale: Merit pay for schools! M-pay 4 teachers causes friction, m-pay for schools starts collaboration #edchat | hmm Poska 3/2/2010 7:05 PM any NSW extension teachers who can give advice on assessment schedual? #historyteacher #edchat #teacher #education shawdave 3/2/2010 7:05 PM lotsa shaws here tonight #edchat :-) suedensmore 3/2/2010 7:05 PM @nothingfuture Agree! controlling leaders are so frustrating. #edchat tawilkins 3/2/2010 7:05 PM What causes low morale? If working environment is unsafe and/or non-nurturing (this can come from admin or other teachers) #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:05 PM Sometimes Admins are the reason for low morale, nasty parents, challenging students, etc. Teachers need to support one another. #edchat

vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:05 PM I think low morale can be combated by authentic feedback -- "floof" doesn't go very far... #edchat weemooseus 3/2/2010 7:05 PM @mbteach Low morale in a teacher would be the one who is a "victim" of student misbehavior.#edchat alicemercer 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @EdutopiaBetty: What are some of the most prevalent causes of low morale? #edchat brachsmith 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @phsprincipal Trusting me enough to unblock www.youtube.com for teachers use in the classroom. Maybe not #1...but it would help! ;) #edchat dan_bowen 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @andycinek: Building faculty morale, boosts individual teacher morale, which yields student morale. #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @jasontbedell Absolutely! Love a good phone call home to boost a student's performance, confidence, and desire to want to do well. #edchat

EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: <snip>Teachers need to support one another. #edchat <--agreed. flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:06 PM Nonverbal body language conveys great deal of info. We must be aware of our facial expressions and how they reveal attitudes. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @dtitle: Improve morale: Merit pay for schools! M-pay 4 teachers causes friction, m-pay for schools starts collaboration #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:06 PM If attitudes are contagious how do we prevent negative attitudes from infecting other teachers? #edchat Havalah 3/2/2010 7:06 PM I'd also say that when teachers ask for help and don't receive it, their morale decreases... #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @pysproblem81 It's difficult. I think to maintain morale despite circumstances we need to remain focused on why we became teachers #edchat

KD9SR 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @Digin4ed it can drag you down if you let it. Sometimes best to eat lunch in the classroom #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @kellyhines: #edchat Who should own low teacher morale? The teacher? The admin? Can any one person/group "fix" it? lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: Complaining about problems is easy, but how many actually sit and try to find solutions? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @weemooseus so when a teacher is constantly 'beat down' by students he/she can't help but lose morale? #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:06 PM RT @edtechsteve: Morale for teachers, to me, is a direct correlation to how much time and freedom they are given #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:06 PM

IMO low morale comes from a feeling of powerlessness. #edchat raysadad 3/2/2010 7:06 PM Low morale stifles creativity, reduces patience & turns ppl inward. It weakens relationships & steals everyday joys. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @unklar This used to happen in my school where principal made tchrs volunteer for things they didn't want to instead of asking #edchat solennial 3/2/2010 7:06 PM I find it hard to always be sunny as there are so many discipline problems (middle school low socioeconomic area) #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:06 PM Complaining about problems is easy, but how many actually sit and try to find solutions? #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:06 PM @Digin4ed Sometimes the teacher's lounge is a safe place to vent in order to prevent frustration from seeping into the classroom. #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010

7:06 PM @EdutopiaBetty I think one of the biggest causes can be admin's response to staff #edchat BArcher001 3/2/2010 7:07 PM @TheNerdyTeacher That's the big thing that I am finding atm in my first year of teaching. #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:07 PM Is there a connection between those who are actively learning (through PLN or taking classes) and higher morale? #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:07 PM Teacher Social Committees can bring teachers together and improve morale. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:07 PM @phsprincipal Auth. leadership means not minimizing challenges. validating and coming up w/solutions together as a team #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:07 PM we all own good or bad morale...things only affect us as much as we let them, it is our choice as to how we respond to what happens #edchat jaimesteward 3/2/2010

7:07 PM @Digin4ed in our school lately, with lots of upcoming staff cuts, the lounge carries over to all parts of the building! #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:07 PM Great point! RT @pickledtreats: I'm a new teacher and I find the constant venting of veteran teachers to really affect my morale. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:07 PM RT @georgewoodbury: Teachers in a rut need to try something new ... high morale will follow. #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:07 PM @pammoran that's called futility and if you put yourself there there is only one possible outcome #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:07 PM @pammoran @kellyhine that being said, high frustration w/low stdt learning leads to low morale when one refuses to change #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:07 PM @kellyhines I definitely have days where I need to put on an act, but for sure it can't be done 180 days a year! #edchat

PititaCarita 3/2/2010 7:07 PM can parents help to raise teacher morale? in what ways? #edchat raysadad 3/2/2010 7:07 PM Building faculty morale, boosts individual teacher morale, which yields student morale. #edchat /via @andycinek < Yes! ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:07 PM @pysproblem81 @jasontbedell That's a tough one! I think if not attacked & there is mutual respect for eachother but a fine line #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:07 PM RT @flourishingkids: body language conveys great deal of info. We must be aware of facial expressions & how they reveal attitudes. #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:07 PM Low morale makes teachers forget why they wanted to teach in the first place #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:07 PM

RT @cybraryman1: Teacher Social Committees can bring teachers together and improve morale. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:07 PM We are getting close to pink slip season and that is always tough for those on the low end of the seniority list. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:07 PM How is Morale affected when the USA Prez says we may FIRE 50 % of staffs of low performing Schools? #Edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:07 PM too many admins, not enough teachers #edchat = low morale daylynn 3/2/2010 7:08 PM Need a good set of teacher leaders to whom others can turn when morale is low. Sometimes better than looking to admin. for support. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:08 PM RT @kellyhines: #edchat Can any one person/group "fix" it? <~ gr8 question! Let's reverse - can one person cause low morale? EdutopiaBetty

3/2/2010 7:08 PM @TheNerdyTeacher agree solutions are important, but also impt to understand root cause of complaints. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:08 PM I think the main cause of low morale is negative teacher attitudes. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:08 PM @flourishingkids Good point. Positive words can be betrayed by body language, so we need to try to be self-aware. #edchat KD9SR 3/2/2010 7:08 PM All of the cutbacks are lowering the morale for us pre-service teachers. Is there hope of enployment? #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:08 PM RT @gfred33: If attitudes are contagious how do we prevent negative attitudes from infecting other teachers? #edchat (and kids) kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:08 PM

I'd add support. RT @edtechsteve: Morale for teachers, to me, is a direct correlation to how much time and freedom they are given #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:08 PM What role should admins have in boosting morale? Union reps? Staff members themselves? #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:08 PM @kellyhines we all need to take responsibility for our morale - somedays it's just tough #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:08 PM @PititaCarita absolutely! Parent support does a great deal for teacher morale. A sense of working together rather. #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:08 PM Has the twitter PLN increased your morale, or has it frustrated you? #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:08 PM #edchat low moral leads to grumbling, complaining, lack of motivation, NO SMILING :-( shawdave 3/2/2010 7:08 PM

teaching more classes in my area of expertise would certainly help my morale. My bliss only lasts 90 minutes. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:08 PM Gr8 question! RT @pysproblem81: #edchat can #morale be maintained in face of conflict with MNGMNT? solennial 3/2/2010 7:08 PM parents could support discipline in the classroom, that'd be something they could do - I call home and kids laugh at me #edchat suedensmore 3/2/2010 7:08 PM Bad leadershp, budget crises, being viewed as 2nd class RT @EdutopiaBetty: What are some of the most prevalent causes of low morale? #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:08 PM Sunshine club at my building boosted my morale when I started there in September #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:08 PM It's good to let other teachers know they are not alone in the frustration that we all face from time to time. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher

3/2/2010 7:08 PM I became the defacto social director for my building. It takes little effort to organize and those who want show up. #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:08 PM pulling students out of my physics class for state assessment tutoring = low morale for me #edchat plus more work keeping those kids up2date vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:08 PM @georgewoodbury "New" doesn't always equal increased morale tho... #edchat andycinek 3/2/2010 7:09 PM Low morale comes from the top,and trickles down the edu hierarchy. It is tough 2 find positives in a country that devalues education #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:09 PM I have seen morale lower recently due to problems with the economy - times are tough all over and home life effects attitude at work #edchat CREATED2B 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @Kellyhines your last post brought tears to my eyes. The pain of watching it is worse. #edchat

edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @mbteach For better or worse, admin bear the burden of the morale in their building #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:09 PM RT @gfred33: I think the main cause of low morale is negative teacher attitudes. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:09 PM Do certain individuals in the building contribute to low morale more than others? Why? Why do we let them? #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @ShellTerrell @pysproblem81 It is tough. Teachers need to feel supported and respected even in conflict and disagreement. #edchat jsovick 3/2/2010 7:09 PM #edchat lack off respect given to the profession is important. kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @PGRoom209 I agree - low sense of agency in your work def lowers morale. #edchat

mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:09 PM RT @kellyhines: Gr8 point! RT @pickledtreats: I'm a new teacher & I find constant venting of veteran tchrs really affects my morale #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:09 PM Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try, you're stuck in a rut. What do people do when this happens? #edchat mollybob 3/2/2010 7:09 PM RT @mzmacky: dont need to blow smoke to boost morale, just listen to me like I matter & can contribute, students want the same thing #edchat MrTRice_Science 3/2/2010 7:09 PM I think the biggest boosts to my morale have been meaningful choices and significant collaboration with motivated peers #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @flourishingkids yes l like the authentic leadership idea... we can all use/practice more of that #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:09 PM

Good morale comes from a supportive staff- it's about building community in the building among staff and students and admin. #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @phsprincipal PLN has definitely improved my morale. An opportunity to "talk" with like-minded others that doesn't happen at work #edchat raysadad 3/2/2010 7:09 PM Admin need to listen to teachers, support them & show their appreciation often. #edchat /via @cybraryman1 < Right, true in any wrkplace. ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:09 PM RT @solennial: parents could support discipline in classrm, that'd be something they could do - I call home and kids laugh at me #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:09 PM Teacher morale isn't helped w/ national leaders judge teachers solely on student test scores & never taught for a day #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @kellyhines @pickledtreats~ couldn't agree more. The best veteran leaders in ed show you how to get through, not dump on you. #edchat TeacherShaw

3/2/2010 7:09 PM How do we boost morale in our schools? #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:09 PM @EdutopiaBetty - Yes! We recently had a school wide survey of staff that pointd to some problems. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:09 PM If the low morale turns into frustration, students will pick up on it and that is never a good thing. #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:09 PM my biggest low morale issue is lack of attention to my needs/desires to grow professionally and maybe out of the classroom #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:10 PM Is a feeling of isolation a significant influence on low moral? #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:10 PM merit pay for schools... merit pay for teachers causes problems with admin.. merit pay for schools will get everyone talking #edchat

georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @vanessacassie True, but can break you out of a funk. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @kylepace @kellyhines Low morale is always owned by individual. You can choose your attitude, not your circumstances. #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:10 PM RT @Digin4ed: Is a feeling of isolation a significant influence on low moral? #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @unklar lack of true leadership = low morale. #edchat jsovick 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @gfred33 #edchat why do teachers have bad attitudes? kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:10 PM RT @raysadad: Low morale stifles creativity, reduces patience & turns ppl inward. It weakens relationships & steals everyday joys. #edchat

LeadLion 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @phsprincipal-definitely improved...it verifies my beliefs and convictions in the face of adversity #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:10 PM sometimes the best thing I can do is walk up to a colleague and tell them they are doing a gr8 job & give some example or thank you #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @gfred33 some negative teacher attitudes come from being force-fed scripted curriculums & layered w/paperwork w/no help #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:10 PM A positive school climate promoting a nurturing learning environment is the responsibility of all members of the learning community #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:10 PM People vent / complain when they feel powerless to do anything else. A good admin shares the power of change. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010

7:10 PM low morale for lack of appreciation can be easily fixed-- telling someone, " You did a good job! " doesn't cost anything #edchat sharedschool 3/2/2010 7:10 PM How to increase morale? Offer some happy pills! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:10 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: If the low morale turns into frustration, students will pick up on it and that is never a good thing. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:10 PM @solennial It helps when parents are on board. My dad use to have rule that he was going to take tchr side most of the time #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:10 PM great point from @phsprincipal: PLN has imporved my morale too #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:10 PM I think one person can build up or tear down morale, but its up to everyone in a group to accept that change #edchat TheNerdyTeacher

3/2/2010 7:10 PM RT @stevejmoore: I think one person can build up or tear down morale, but its up to everyone in a group to accept that change #edchat Yes! TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:10 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Teacher morale isn't helped w/ national leaders judge teachers solely on student test scores & nevr taught 4 a day #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:10 PM RT @andycinek: Low morale comes from the top& trickles down the edu hierarchy #edchat andycinek 3/2/2010 7:11 PM How do we defeat low morale when our classroom autonomy is constantly being stripped away? #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:11 PM RT @jasontbedell: @ShellTerrell @pysproblem81 Teachers need to feel supported and respected even in conflict & disagreement. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:11 PM

RT @jasontbedell: @kylepace @kellyhines Low morale is always owned by individual. You can choose your attitude, not your circumstances. #edchat educatoral 3/2/2010 7:11 PM How do we improve morale of those who fear/stay away from tech esp the way kids use the tech? #edchat Folmerica 3/2/2010 7:11 PM Building a sense of community, no matter the situation, is critical to keep morale high. #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:11 PM When Admin gets me down, classroom is the place I can escape & recharge. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:11 PM @andycinek I believe that leadership values education but at diff level than we might & may have a less parochial view than we do #edchat JeffNugent 3/2/2010 7:11 PM Shared food is a boost...Organize a potluck in the lounge #edchat jsovick 3/2/2010 7:11 PM

RT @JeffreyEducator: @unklar lack of true leadership = low morale. #edchat Agreed! kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:11 PM Anyone watch Man vs Wild? In a survival situation, attitude is EVERYTHING. High morale essential to progress #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:11 PM morale is diff when every year you feel like one more responsibility has been thrown upon you #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:11 PM Sometimes I just tell my students "I'm having a bad day, so I'm sorry if I'm grumpy." Keeps my bad mood from rubbing off on kids. #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:11 PM RT @jasontbedell: @kylepace @kellyhines Low morale is always owned by individual. You can choose your attitude, not your circumstances. #edchat MrTRice_Science 3/2/2010 7:11 PM PLC and PLN have both improved my morale #edchat MrTRice_Science 3/2/2010 7:11 PM

The staff lounge can be a big morale drain - I've quit eating there and I miss some gossip but I'm happier #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:11 PM RT @JeffreyEducator: RT @Digin4ed: Is a feeling of isolation a significant influence on low moral? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:11 PM Me too! RT @PGRoom209: PLN has improved my morale. An opportunity to "talk" w like-minded others that doesn't happen at work #edchat solennial 3/2/2010 7:11 PM I don't think that it is so much all teachers have bad attitudes, it is that we often have a thankless job and we are simply tired #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:11 PM Sadly, we can't wait to slapped on the pack. Teachers need to support each other to help with morale. Listen and help. #edchat tshreve 3/2/2010 7:11 PM When you have low morale, teaching is just a job! #edchat unklar

3/2/2010 7:11 PM I once got an email from a colleague: "We need to do something about the low morals of our teachers." #edchat (spelling is correct :-)) vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:11 PM @jasontbedell I agree, but it's a bit simplistic..sometimes a constant negative pressure can't be overcome by "choosing" to be happy #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @tomwhitby: How is Morale affected when the USA Prez says we may FIRE 50 % of staffs of low performing Schools? #Edchat #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @andycinek: Low morale comes from the top,and trickles down the edu hierarchy. It is tough 2 find positive #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @stevejmoore @phsprincipal: Me too! My PLN helps me learn something new every day & I want to pass that on to others! #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:12 PM

A key point to remember is that parents, teachers & admin are a team and should work together for the children. #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @MrTRice_Science "meaningful choices & motivated peers" -- Even in the worst circumstances we create our immediate environment. #edchat educatoral 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @Digin4ed: Is a feeling of isolation signif infl on low moral? Yes! Which is why lesson study/PLC work is so important like plns! #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @tomwhitby: A consistent and well thought out and equally enforced school discipline Policy is supportive of teachers. Picks up morale. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:12 PM Low morale is compounded when leadership does not acknowledge issues. Teachers need a productive forum to solve probs together. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @mbteach Agreed. But some teachers would negative attitudes no matter what. #edchat hshawjr

3/2/2010 7:12 PM @vanessacassie but w/o positive attitude can't do work effectively or attempt to make nec changes to ourselves & around us. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @vanessacassie I get that, but if we are negative in front of students, isn't that effect on us and not on admins? #edchat KD9SR 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @kmcg2375 additude is everything in medicine as well #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @pickledtreats @stevejmoore Then it's just "problem solving with emotion" :) #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 7:12 PM #edchat @stevejmoore @pickledtreats The best venting partner is one who follows it up with pro-active brainstorming of solutions kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @educatoral Vygotsky's ZPD - ppl will not attempt what they think they can't achieve. small successes essential. #edchat

lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @mbteach Celebrate small successes EVERY day! Tell everyone else about them! Celebrate TOGETHER! #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:12 PM low morale also issue when we feel as tchrs that our destiny is controlled by everyone & everything besides us #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @edtechsteve my belief a well. I'm wondering, when admin fails, whether teachers need to pick up the yoke. #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:12 PM So true... it's why we stay! RT @georgewoodbury: When Admin gets me down, classroom is the place I can escape & recharge. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:12 PM It's about community, regardless of if that community is at school or online: support = morale = better teaching = better learning #edchat raysadad 3/2/2010

7:12 PM Sometimes, forcing yrself to interact with others, shift gears, get outside the isolation helps. #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:12 PM I know that no on can make me feel bad without my permission #edchat hard to remember that at times though ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @mattguthrie: morale is diff when every year you feel like one more responsibility has been thrown upon you #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @mbteach: Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try, you're stuck in a rut. What do ppl do when this happens? #edchat Get a PLN solennial 3/2/2010 7:12 PM You know, I have put a set of senteos in the closet as the kids 'scratch' the screens and try to destroy them. #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:12 PM @JeffNugent I agree! my lunch shift does a few potlucks a month and it's a wonderful morale boost! #edchat

TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:12 PM We also have a Faculty chorus which is very uplifting! It brings a sense of community to the building #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:12 PM Friday morning breakfasts with the staff boosts my morale #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:12 PM wing you are not alone can be an amazing thing. Think how we help students who are feeling down about school. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:12 PM I know that many of yo have helped my low morale regarding tech issues in my building. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:12 PM A consistent and well thought out and equally enforced school discipline Policy is supportive of teachers. Picks up morale. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:12 PM

rt @unklar lack of attention to my needs/desires to grow professionally and maybe out of the classroom #edchat Yes! vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:12 PM Perceived autonomy in my classroom and workload contributed to me choosing to leave the profession #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:12 PM RT @solennial: I dont think that all teachers have bad attitudes, it is that we often have a thankless job and we are simply tired #edchat bltg 3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @MrTRice_Science: PLC and PLN have both improved my morale #edchat CREATED2B 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @Kellyhines at one point teachers and parents were a team. Now the lack of respect creates a lose lose for the child #edchat deangroom 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @kmcg2375 #edchat - playing the role of tank; in the face of disengaged staff is tiring. Being a superteacher doesn't overcome it for many dtitle

3/2/2010 7:13 PM Nothing like a good FAC with food paid for by the Admin to boost morale #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:13 PM Never underestimate the role of alcohol and food outside of school, by the way. (Admin directed is a plus) =) #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @vanessacassie Admin response is so impt. Do they have the authority 2 fix, and not use it? Or is it higher up the food chain? #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @cybraryman1: A key point to remember is that parents, teachers & admin are a team and should work together for the children. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @JeffNugent Food does always seem to help, at least for a short while. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @tomwhitby Our school has no discipline policy - instead we frame it as a welfare policy. Has changed everything for the better. #edchat

kylepace 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @tomwhitby I think consistent and equally enforced is the key. #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @jasontbedell: mutually encouraging and helping teachers here greatly brings up own morale ea day & I'm a better teacher for it. #edchat MCSTJMRoss 3/2/2010 7:13 PM I find that the kids are the best way to boost my morale...reminds me why I teach #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @ShellTerrell I wrote a blog post about natl leaders vs teachers today at avenue4learning.com - morale will be in part II. #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @educatoral: RT @Digin4ed: Is a feeling of isolation signif infl on low moral? Yes! Which is why lesson study/PLC work is so important like plns! #edchat MrTRice_Science 3/2/2010 7:13 PM

Another big morale killer is non-educational staff damaging my classroom work by not doing their job #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @TeacherShaw Sometimes we boost school morale by getting together outside of school and reconnecting w/eachother. #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:13 PM When it appears that the admin is down or having a bad day, does it affect your morale? #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @cybraryman1: A key point to remember is that parents, teachers & admin are a team and should work together for the children. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:13 PM It depends too--is the bad attitude coming from personal or professional issues--sometimes the personal is brought to school #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:13 PM Teacher morale is boosted when admin lead w/ a vision, instead of forcing & we can't see the reason why? #edchat SherriLibrarian

3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @kylepace: #edchat Re: low teacher morale- The teacher and admin need 2 work together to fix. Little FUN things can make a difference. solennial 3/2/2010 7:13 PM so there is a case of trying to use tech more and it getting disrespected by the kids themselves #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:13 PM RT @cybraryman1: A key point to remember is that parents, teachers & admin are a team and should work together for the children. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:13 PM A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @flourishingkids authentic leadership idea... we can all use/practice more of that #edchat :me: authentic means willing to disagree. Hard. tshreve 3/2/2010 7:13 PM Poor teacher morale (negative attitudes) by just a few, can impact the morale of a whole dept/school. #edchat

vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:13 PM @jasontbedell Negativity should be consciously avoided in front of students, but teens easily pick up body language #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:14 PM So TrueRT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat deangroom 3/2/2010 7:14 PM #edchat Many teachers kicking great lessons using tech are not comfortable with then being sent to teach others - it is a hard road & no fun foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:14 PM RT@tomwhitby A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat <-- Man, is this true, true, true!! gfred33 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @jsovick Let me be clear that it is not the majority of teachers. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:14 PM

@jsovick Good question. I have come to the conclusion that some teachers will have a negative attitude under any circumstance. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:14 PM We blame leadership for many of our self-inflicted problems in our prof...is the answer often looking back in the mirror? #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @educatoral Isolation in any job is a significant cause of low-morale and turnover. We need to work together effectively. #edchat jsovick 3/2/2010 7:14 PM #edchat A little more pay, more professional dev like edchat, and freedom to be creative would improve my morale a ton. lasic 3/2/2010 7:14 PM Morale? Teaching? 'Perfection'? You don't have to be perfect, just good enough in moments you face. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:14 PM RT @phsprincipal: When it appears that admin is down/having a bad day, does it affect your morale? #edchat And do tchrs offer suppt to them? Linda704

3/2/2010 7:14 PM @KD9SR i find setting up #edchat column in tweetdeck to be a good way. mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:14 PM RT @edtechsteve: Morale for teachers, to me, is a direct correlation to how much time and freedom they are given #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @tomwhitby yes, effective discipline in the school makes teachers feel supported #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @gfred33 sadly, yes. I avoid those negative conversations or try to break them apart w/positivity #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @phsprincipal If admin has supported me, I can support admin during tough times. If not... #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:14 PM Teachers want to be inspired by passionate leader, not like we got into this for $$ #edchat stevejmoore

3/2/2010 7:14 PM Best things I have seen in morale boosting: tiny authentic actions by others. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:14 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Teacher morale is boosted when admin lead w/ a vision, instead of forcing & we can't see the reason why? #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:14 PM For every negative teacher, I try to make a positive move in my building. Try and keep a balance. #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @edtechsteve hahahaha! Agreed! #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:14 PM @EdutopiaBetty It's a bit of both, as well as the importance of finding a strong collegial support group! #edchat 2footgiraffe 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat Digin4ed

3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:15 PM Improve morale by increasing communication... that is what I keep hearing over and over. Merit pay for schools is the incentive #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:15 PM Was in a school where the princ did something we all appreciated- when there was a rumor, quick mtg's called for transparency/facts #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:15 PM I find that I enjoy teaching my Ss as it allows me to ignore, at least 4 a while, all the other stuff going on at higher levels. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @stevejmoore: Best things I have seen in morale boosting: tiny authentic actions by others. #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: For every negative teacher, I try to make a positive move in my building. Try and keep a balance. ->Love it! #edchat

hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @ShellTerrell than look in the mirror for that passionate leader...we need to be the leaders, not the ones who are part of problem #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @tshreve One bad apple can spoil the bunch? How can we 'quarantine' negative attitudes? #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @jasontbedell A positive attitude isn't always easy though. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @mbteach: @tomwhitby yes, effective discipline in the school makes teachers feel supported #edchat That starts in the CLASSROOM! Linda704 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @flourishingkids: Low tchr morale creates atmosphere of teachers "clocking in&doing time"; innovation does not happen when teachers don't feel safe #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:15 PM

pretend for a min that ldrship not supportive, etc. How do we boost morale in the areas we can control? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @ShellTerrell so we need to create not just online, but f2f PLNs to make our schools a happier place. #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @lhiltbr yes, celebrating positive experiences is something we sometimes forget to do! #edchat michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @unklar I guess if the teachers have low morals, then something ought to be done :-) #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting morale. #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting morale. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:15 PM

RT @ShellTerrell: Teachers want to be inspired by passionate leader, not like we got into this for $$ #edchat AMEN! ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:15 PM Most of the time I don't mind going above & beyond but I want my admin, dist. leaders, parents support #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:15 PM Telling other staff members that you appreciate their help boosts morale #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @ShellTerrell - I have blind admins at times. If some of my fellow teachers didn't help, we would all walk into walls. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:15 PM RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @Kellyhines at one point teachers and parents were a team. #edchat What might tchrs do to help nurture that team? tshreve 3/2/2010

7:15 PM @ShellTerrell Nothing like a poor admin to negatively affect the morale of a whole school #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:15 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Haha - yup! Been there :) #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:15 PM Unfortunately, morale seems to be low in most school divisions - many tchrs are affected no matter where they teach #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:16 PM A team approach with everyone having a vision is so important for morale. #edchat besudesu 3/2/2010 7:16 PM RT @kmcg2375: @educatoral Vygotsky's ZPD - ppl will not attempt what they think they can't achieve. small successes essential. #edchat csstem 3/2/2010 7:16 PM my low morale comes from being told that we can't do something innovative in the classroom. kills my want to be creative. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010

7:16 PM I think most agree that support from admin and parents are real morale boosters. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:16 PM @tomwhitby makes point about the biggest issue w/morale at my school. inconsistent support w/discip. makes tchrs feel like hostages. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:16 PM @ShellTerrell oops forgot a couple words at start "than we need to... sorry sounded like attack - wasn't #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:16 PM Yes, strong leadership is essential RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting morale. #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:16 PM @jasontbedell A strong support system is always important. It was to me anyway. #edchat lbott 3/2/2010 7:16 PM Difficult to work hard for little pay with little respect or support #edchat lbott 3/2/2010

7:16 PM Respect from parents and support from admin increases morale #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:16 PM RT @tomwhitby: Administrators AND TEACHERS open to suggestions and constructive criticism help morale. #Edchat :) lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:16 PM RT @stevejmoore: Best things I have seen in morale boosting: tiny authentic actions by others. #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:16 PM RT @raysadad: Sometimes, forcing yrself to interact with others, shift gears, get outside the isolation helps. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:16 PM Perpetually bad attitudes among staff is like cancer- it needs to be cut out if all the other treatments don't work first... #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:16 PM @ShellTerrell Admin "vision" is important, but they have to recognize the reality we face in bringing vision to fruition. #edchat ShellTerrell

3/2/2010 7:16 PM Most of the time my students are source of inspiration & now my PLN #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:16 PM Grass roots efforts need to take place to help a low morale issue. Start with a department and try to grow. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:16 PM Administrators open to suggestions and constructive criticism help morale. #Edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:17 PM #edchat No autonomy + lack of respect for their professionalism + lack of support from admin/gov + blame for all edu ills = low morale averyteach 3/2/2010 7:17 PM I started the year off with a focus of "the starfish story" for the staff. We also try to focus on having "fun" as a staff. #edchat BolshieTeacher 3/2/2010 7:17 PM #edchat Here is an post on a visionary leaders answer to staff morale http://bolshieteacher.blogspot.com/search/label/leadership

brophycat 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @ShellTerrell agreed! admin are the inspiration and role model for everyone- #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:17 PM What can teachers do to get the support of admin and parents then? #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:17 PM .@kellyhines You're right - never want to get on the "bitter bus"...so one person can cause low morale! #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:17 PM Frequent reminders from admin that the business of the school is kids, not tests, go a long way as well #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @TeacherShaw I agree. Sometimes we need to start building people up on our own. Doesn't seem to be happening elsewhere. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:17 PM

RT @mbteach: @ShellTerrell so we need to create not just online, but f2f PLNs to make our schools a happier place. #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:17 PM When my morale drops, a conversation with a respected colleague is reaffirming/reinvigorating. Be that colleague. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @mattguthrie I think by thinking and talking positively and highlighting the positive things no matter how small. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @kylepace I don't know that anything about teaching is easy; doesn't mean we shouldn't try to maintain enthusiasm and good attitude. #edchat jsovick 3/2/2010 7:17 PM #edchat a focus on learning would improve my attitude as well K12Live 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @ToughLoveforX Re: parent/teacher team building. Teachers must make more calls without the usual, "Your child did. . . "#edchat kmcg2375

3/2/2010 7:17 PM @deangroom Yes, and the higher your own morale, in a negative environment, the more you can be attacked. #edchat lasic 3/2/2010 7:17 PM .@tomwhitby Childern not treated like 'children' (helpless, deficit, need saving & helping all the time...) goes even further! #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @lhiltbr sadly, a kid in my school could throw a chair at another student and nothing would happen/no one wld come 2 assist :( #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:17 PM Agree that strong leadership and supportive supervision is essential for morale #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:17 PM RT @kylepace: @tomwhitby I think consistent and equally enforced is the key. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @ShellTerrell so true, Shelly! Modeling positive attitude is the best thing admin can do for teachers #edchat

TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:17 PM Spending more time teaching and planning and less time in meetings- biggest complaint i hear is not enough time to plan #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @tomwhitby " the USA Prez says we may FIRE 50 % of staffs of low performing Schools? #Edchat 2me For the good teachers morale improves. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:17 PM @PGRoom209 So true! Reality based decisions need to be prevalent! #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:17 PM For those who don't believe that a single employee can impact morale, think of what happens to class enviro with 1 'behaviour child' #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:18 PM The "fun" is more for building rapport and relationship with each other. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:18 PM

@tomwhitby everyone wants to feel listened to and heard-sometimes a sympathetic ear and acknowledgement works wonders #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @TeacherShaw We do "The week of..." for whomever is having a tough time or low morale. Give them special treats all wk. Works well. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:18 PM Merit pay for schools will unite the good teachers and drive out the bad ones by peer pressure. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:18 PM If morale is so low, why are there so many people still in teaching, don't say because of the kids, it is more than that #edchat JamesBrann 3/2/2010 7:18 PM #edchat new teachers need more support. Too many new teachers leave the profession because of low morale. The need more SUPPORT! jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @kylepace I think most teachers value a good support system. I think many look here because they don't get it at school. #edchat jdthomas7

3/2/2010 7:18 PM Morale directly tied to administrative ability--low ability, low morale; great ability, great morale #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:18 PM RT @kmcg2375: Yes, strong leadership is essential RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting morale. #edchat joelh 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @lhiltbr #edchat Classroom discipline is key. It's the relationship between teacher and student that most impacts learning (and behavior). lbott 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @jsovick I agree -- teaching without the distractions #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:18 PM So. Learning. How does this affect learning, not just the teacher him/herself? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:18 PM I think the best thing to boost morale is for staff to work as a TEAM & get to know each other as people #edchat michellek107

3/2/2010 7:18 PM Morale is all about how you perceive yourself as being valued. Reading abt an entire school staff getting the axe hurts. #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:18 PM An educator or student having a bad day happens, a school having a bad year is a problem! #edchat MrTRice_Science 3/2/2010 7:18 PM Another morale killer: changing gears too often; I've had 3 principals in 5 years and 3 different school improvement initiatives #edchat Parentella 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @jasontbedell I agree 100%. #Edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:18 PM I'm amazed at how quickly morale drops when admin is dismissive of teacher concerns. #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:18 PM Teacher in my building has students write a letter of thanks to teacher that made a difference. Really a boost to those who get them #edchat reyjunco

3/2/2010 7:18 PM @TeacherShaw I heard a great recommendation last year - all meetings should be standing-only (they'll be short and to the point) #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @vanessacassie We had back-to-back single employee issues that created a mess for our entire department #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @hshawjr I agree we can't be part of the prob but what does that entail? #edchat does it mean we can never spk up when something unjust? stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:18 PM any time teachers hit "walls" or "ceilings" with no explanation morale takes a hit #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:18 PM @EdutopiaBetty - Admins were told to be more visible in the hallways, they are still MIA. That was two months ago. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:18 PM

RT @kylepace: RT @tomwhitby: PLN: #Edchat Remember the Edchat hasshtag # at the end of your tweet! TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:18 PM RT @kylepace: #edchat in 15 min: What effect does low teacher morale have on learning? How may teacher morale be improved when it's low? vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:18 PM Just a reminder to everyone that links get lost in the mass tweets during edchats! #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @tomwhitby: Poor morale should be something to be overcome not embraced to bring others down. Leaders need to be aware. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @jdthomas7: Morale directly tied to administrative ability--low ability, low morale; great ability, great morale #edchat BLicata 3/2/2010 7:19 PM Has anyone givien the OHI survey to determine what area need to be addressed with morale #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010

7:19 PM I have found that thanking teachers and support staff on a regular basis goes a long way to improving morale. #edchat coopsjd 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @tomwhitby: Administrators open to suggestions and constructive criticism help morale. #Edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @brophycat: @tomwhitby everyone wants to feel listened to and heard-sometimes a sympathetic ear and acknowledgement works wonders #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @reyjunco: @TeacherShaw I heard a great rec last year - all meetings should be standing-only (they'll be short and to the point) #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:19 PM I think we have a right to speak up when something is unjust, just to also provide options and to be respectful. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:19 PM High Morale = Teachers feeling respected, heard and valued. #edchat gameclassroom

3/2/2010 7:19 PM Teachers & Admin need to feel like they are working together towards the same goal - benefitting their students #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @ShellTerrell absolutely speak-up when something is not right but also offer viable solutions to problems otherwise just complaining #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @ShellTerrell @hshawjr I don't think speaking honestly about problems and trying to help solve is the same as poor morale. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @kmcg2375 Good point. Unfortunately, you can be ostracized for being a light in a negative school culture. #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @TeacherShaw I hear you. more time teaching and planning and less time in meetings- biggest complaint. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:19 PM

Collaborative (not competitive) work practices are good for morale. Developing a supportive PLN helps. #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:19 PM Yes! RT @jdthomas7: Morale directly tied to administrative ability--low ability, low morale; great ability, great morale #edchat malchkiey 3/2/2010 7:19 PM interesting...there are links put up for almost every discussion but this one!...this topic is all emotion! cool. #edchat mathfaery 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @georgewoodbury: When my morale drops, a conversation with a respected colleague is reaffirming/reinvigorating. Be that colleague #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @mbteach: I think the best thing to boost morale is for staff to work as a TEAM & get to know each other as people #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:19 PM Teachers and Administrators should work to build rapport with one another. Face to face time is needed #edchat Parentella

3/2/2010 7:19 PM @mbteach Really?? #Edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:19 PM Teacher morale is contagious: when it's low, student's motivation is low and vice-versa #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @mbteach: I think the best thing to boost morale is for staff to work as a TEAM & get to know each other as people #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @mjgormans: An educator or student having a bad day happens, a school having a bad year is a problem! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @flourishingkids: It's much easier to go beyond when you have a team with you. When you are fighting against forces, much harder. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @mbteach: So. Learning. How does this affect learning, not just the teacher him/herself? #edchat ShellTerrell

3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @rroysden: Modeling positive attitude is the best thing admin can do for teachers #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @hshawjr I think the answer to that is more complex than just the one issue of morale. #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @brophycat: @tomwhitby everyone wants to feel listened to and heard-sometimes a sympathetic ear and acknowledgement works wonders #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @EdutopiaBetty - ...to hopefully work on solutions. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:19 PM RT @kylepace: RT @kellyhines: #edchat Who should own low teacher morale? The teacher? The admin? Can any one person/group "fix" it? tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:19 PM Poor morale should be something to be overcome not embraced to bring others down. Leaders need to be aware. #edchat tshreve

3/2/2010 7:19 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Students know who the negative teachers are and it hurts everyone #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:19 PM @MrTRice_Science Stability within a school is definitely a contributing factor #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:20 PM Ineffective teachers can cause positive teachers to become negative - it becomes the admin job to "work" on the ineffective teachers #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:20 PM Admin should encourage their teachers to attend/present at conferences (morale boosters!) #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @jdthomas7 is our morale a hostage of admin ability then? #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @mbteach learning by the students or learning by the teacher? #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010

7:20 PM When a teacher's attention is diverted due to freq. behavior issues not being addressed/supp. by admin., learning is disjointed #edchat JamesBrann 3/2/2010 7:20 PM RT @kmcg2375: Collaborative (not competitive) work practices are good for morale. Developing a supportive PLN helps. #edchat jdthomas7 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @ShellTerrell Or consecutive bad years! #edchat lbott 3/2/2010 7:20 PM I think teamwork is key, b/c once we work together to create something new, satisfaction results in increased morale #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @mbteach re:TEAMwork yes! lead, learn, share, win, & even losing together by everyone doing all they can together = high morale #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @edtechsteve it helps to catch a happy hour now and then! #edchat mbteach

3/2/2010 7:20 PM @Parentella really..you mean the chair thing? Yeah. Tchr in my school has been choked, kicked & thrtnd w/scissors by a K stdnt. #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:20 PM Low morale impacts st.learning b/c teachers are less willing to go the extra mile, are less creative, etc. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:20 PM RT @PGRoom209: Admin "vision" is important, but they have to recognize the reality we face in bringing vision to fruition. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @hshawjr I completely agree #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:20 PM RT @hshawjr: absolutely speak-up when something is not right but also offer viable solutions to problems otherwise just complaining #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:20 PM

RT @jdthomas7: Morale directly tied to administrative ability--low ability, low morale; great ability, great morale #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:20 PM Chocolate also seems to help sometimes! #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:20 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @mjgormans: An educator or student having a bad day happens, a school having a bad year is a problem! #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:20 PM We have to look out for the new teachers. They are the easiest ones to get down when things are not going the way they planned. #edchat tshreve 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @tomwhitby Yes - and make sure the discipline policy has plenty of teacher input #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:20 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Yup! I gave it the good ol' 5 year try :) #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:20 PM

I find that in education, people tend to be a bit on the passive-aggressive side...not so good for raising morale! lol #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:21 PM RT @tomwhitby: Merit pay may alienate many and bring down Morale. Yes - that is a fear... #edchat BArcher001 3/2/2010 7:21 PM @jmcconville1000 Found the Australian Cybersmart program to be very useful. http://bit.ly/d7xId #edchat #edtech brophycat 3/2/2010 7:21 PM RT @tomwhitby: Poor morale should be something to be overcome not embraced to bring others down. Leaders need to be aware. #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:21 PM I agree with @msdon9 face to face time is a better way to handle morale issues #edchat cuevash 3/2/2010 7:21 PM .@tomwhitby admins open to constructive criticism are true leaders as opposed to managers. #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:21 PM

@TheNerdyTeacher All districts need to have a mentoring program in place for 1st yr. teachers. Goes a long way! #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:21 PM merit pay for schools will galvanize staff; merit pay for teachers causes Friction between teachers and between teacher & admin. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:21 PM @Digin4ed I do not believe that our morale is hostage to admin or gov, it is within our control #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:21 PM @stevejmoore I agree teacher morale is an issue, but there is so much more to these issues than we can provide solutions for #edchat jesusglezmx 3/2/2010 7:21 PM #edchat What would you do if your employer says your work is worthless because of the context you're working in? It happened to me once... joelh 3/2/2010 7:21 PM Admin morale directly related to admin ability - yes! Teacher morale directly related to teacher ability. Right? #edchat kmcg2375

3/2/2010 7:21 PM Do social clubs/outings/events boost professional morale? Or is this tokenistic? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:21 PM @phsprincipal I think it depends how often u see the admin. Many times I'll go the whole day & see mine once at the end of the hall #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:21 PM Good question! RT @phsprincipal: When it appears that the admin is down or having a bad day, does it affect your morale? #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:21 PM @mbteach Yes, a happy hour now and then sure does help! ;-) You know, milk and cookies with the colleagues. #edchat Poska 3/2/2010 7:21 PM Should faith perspectives be discussed in the science classroom? #fdpgjb http://smh.com.au/national/education-pgjb.html #edchat #teacher ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:21 PM

RT @foes4sports: In my school above and beyond is not noticed or recognized. It's a shame! #edchat || sad reality in most schls teachernz 3/2/2010 7:21 PM merit pay for teachers will drive good teachers away from classes that need them leaving whole communities ostracised as unteachable #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:21 PM Support from others/admin when misbehaviors occur in the classroom #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:21 PM Just like teachers to students, admins should send more positive notes home instead of negative ones. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:21 PM It is a principal's responsibility to foster morale among teachers just like leaders do in other organizations and businesses. #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:21 PM I really believe that low morale can be boosted by de-personalizing outside events that are beyond your control #edchat bltg

3/2/2010 7:22 PM Promote the positive! RT @cybraryman1: Admin should encourage their teachers to attend/present at conferences (morale boosters!) #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @mbteach it does-admin sets the tone-i tthen becomes the responsb of otehr leaders to step up and be positive-no easy task #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @hshawjr I agree, other may have an influence, but in the end we really control it. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:22 PM When it appears that the admin is down or having a bad day, does it affect your morale? <---Definitely, 100% #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @foes4sports Agree! Wish this was more common. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @kmcg2375 I find that they are gen a waste of time, I would rather be home with wife than hanging around w/people I work with #edchat

jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @pysproblem81 Don't have a simple answer, but they need to work with teachers, not just over them. #edchat jdthomas7 3/2/2010 7:22 PM I'm not sure that merit pay can lower morale any more than it already is. #edchat jesusglezmx 3/2/2010 7:22 PM #edchat And it can really low your morale.. and performance, and attitude, and skills and everything malchkiey 3/2/2010 7:22 PM #edchat when I am up my classes fly. when down my class hurts . good kids know how to roll with it. bad kids will slaughter you mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:22 PM YES! RT @ShellTerrell: RT @hshawjr: speak-up when something is not right but also offer viable solutions #edchat montitanner 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @TheNerdyTeacher But, they can also have the best attitudes when it counts! #edchat

mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:22 PM Organizations take on the 'personality' of it's leaders - they have institutional resp. but in our classrooms ... WE lead! #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @averyteach By "work" on negative teachers, you mean with a bat, right? (kidding... sort of...) #edchat pysproblem81 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @jasontbedell @ShellTerrell #edchat How can MNGMNT best ensure quality of provision AND support instd of crush teachers? shannonbauley 3/2/2010 7:22 PM A note from admin noticing the good in my class always boosts my morale; even if it ends w/a provoking ques that may lead to change #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:22 PM morale currently improving with the addition of a tasty beverage #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:22 PM

RT @pysproblem81: #edchat How can MNGMNT best ensure quality of provision AND support instd of crush teachers? ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @jdthomas7 At that point I have to ? district leaders & policy. My problem is many's 1st reaction to blame teachers #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:22 PM Morale has been so low b/c of staff cuts. That def. affects kids and makes it hard for those teachers to do their best. What to do? stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @kmcg2375 I think any social connection b/t staff be it an outing or not can boost morale #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:22 PM RT @teachernz: merit pay for teachers will drive good teachers away from classes that need them leaving whole communities ostracised as unteachable #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @VanessaCassie - I agree, but it's tough. I take not respecting what I do in class as personal. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010

7:22 PM The morale of an organization will only be as high as its leader. Low teacher morale is the result of low leadership morale. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @lasic I agree. I did not think that through. Respectful treatment is a necessity for all. Thanks #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:22 PM @tomwhitby #Edchat Not "low performing" but dropout factories. "15% of American high schools output + 50% of dropouts" http://ilnk.me/5a0 averyteach 3/2/2010 7:23 PM LOL!!! Sometimes I feel like I need to carry a big stick! :)@nothingfuture #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:23 PM If admin has such a big effect on teacher morale, what are we doing to ensure admin's morale isn't low? #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:23 PM Merit pay for schools not teachers! #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010

7:23 PM RT @shawdave: morale currently improving with the addition of a tasty beverage #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:23 PM Our department was never stronger than when we had monthly poker games. An alternative to the happy hour approach. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:23 PM @TheNerdyTeacher I see the complete opposite. The new teachers seem more positive. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:23 PM I actually find that teachers are more negative on the whole than most professions I have worked in sometimes is sad to see #edchat JamesBrann 3/2/2010 7:23 PM #edchat New teachers need to be introduced to a vast array of behaviour management stratergies. JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:23 PM I agree totally! @jasontbedell @kylepace @kellyhines Low morale is always owned by individual. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010

7:23 PM Merit pay encourages tall poppy syndrome as teachers compete for extrinsic reward and resent each other #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:23 PM laughter really helps, I moved locations in my school and come in early just to have coffee and laugh with other teachers #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:23 PM Did to a degree. RT @mbteach @phsprincipal: When it appears that the admin is down or having a bad day, does it affect your morale? #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:23 PM #edchat When admin does positively recognize staff members, then others should ALSO rejoice in that, NOT get jealous and bitter. mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:23 PM RT @mzmacky: Organizations take on the 'personality' of it's leaders - they have institutional resp. but in our classrooms ... WE lead! #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:23 PM A practice of reflection can slow down the treadmill and help remind us of our purpose while letting go of the ego #edchat

msdon9 3/2/2010 7:23 PM @BuellDuxSC Thanks! Admin & Teach need 2 know each other to build positive working relationship. #edchat Parentella 3/2/2010 7:23 PM @mbteach Oh my word!!! I hope the teacher is alright! #EDchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:23 PM I think you need to sling some grain to all of the chickens if you are not sure from where the eggs are coming. #IndianaAnalogies #edchat PititaCarita 3/2/2010 7:23 PM tomorrow i will tell our teacher my son seems happy when he comes home~~rasing morale #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:23 PM @thenerdyteacher exactly--look out for new teachers--surround them with teacher's that see the cup half full! Powerful! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:23 PM RT @Digin4ed: What can teachers do to get the support of admin and parents then? #edchat

ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:23 PM RT @brophycat: agreed! admin are the inspiration and role model for everyone- #edchat tawilkins 3/2/2010 7:23 PM Teachers need support of admin, engagement, appropriate power (w/o being micromanaged) & a sense that they matter #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:23 PM @gfred33 - That's great! I see that they have that attitude at first, but can become jaded quickly. I look out for the newbies. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:23 PM RT @nothingfuture: @averyteach By "work" on negative teachers, you mean with a bat, right? (kidding... sort of...) #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:23 PM @TheNerdyTeacher I completely agree -- it's one of the many reasons I chose to leave the profession :( Not because of the kids... #edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:24 PM

#edchat How would congress take to merit pay and accountability assessment? Yet they feel justified in doing it to tchrs. averyteach 3/2/2010 7:24 PM Working on ineffective teachers hopefully will make them more effective - either that or coach them out of the profession! #edchat Celinejr 3/2/2010 7:24 PM our school has financial pbs, cutting classes and languages 1st. Admin make the decisions, staff suffers but still giving its best! #edchat CREATED2B 3/2/2010 7:24 PM #edchat When do teachers say enough and take back education, schools and our childrens future. DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @jasontbedell: @pysproblem81 Don't have a simple answer, but they need to work with teachers, not just over them. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:24 PM Why doesn't anyone get this, don't reward individuals and enhance isolation. Merit pay for schools and for great teams #edchat edtechsteve

3/2/2010 7:24 PM I've found there are two types of admin- those that are easily able to find SOME good in every walkthrough...and those that can't #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @kmcg2375: Merit pay encourages tall poppy syndrome as teachers compete for extrinsic reward and resent each other #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:24 PM @jdthomas7 We are implementing pay 4 performance next year-it can lower morale even more. Also brings in "yours vs. mine". #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:24 PM @JamesBrann what is behavior management? A set of rules that usually limit what we can do in the classroom, some + some - #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:24 PM If teachers are negative as a whole then its because they worry about the future...our children are that future #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:24 PM

@jasontbedell I would strongly agree! #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @daylynn: If admin has such a big effect on teacher morale, what are we doing to ensure admin's morale isn't low? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:24 PM @lhiltbr hasn't happened in my room, but school culture is that you just won't get in trouble! Kids run the school :( #edchat MrTRice_Science 3/2/2010 7:24 PM My morale would be boosted by recognition for hard work. When I became NBCT, only congrats I got was blurb in district newsletter #edchat Parentella 3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @ksivick: laughter really helps, I moved locations in my school and come in early just to have coffee and laugh with other teachers #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @daylynn: @TheNerdyTeacher All districts need to have a mentoring program in place for 1st yr. teachers. Goes a long way! #edchat rroysden

3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: Just like teachers to students, admins should send more positive notes home instead of negative ones. #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:24 PM tweetgrid frozen? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:24 PM In 2 schools I've seen morale skyrocket when leadership was replaced w/ more passionate leadership #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:24 PM I think many admins do a wonderful job of walking the line w/ morale boosting and constructive critique, many do neither though #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:24 PM @gfred33 - They have great energy and we can't afford to lose that in a building. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:24 PM @K12Live Re: parent/teacher team building. Teachers must make more calls without, "Your child did. . . "#edchat Yes !

tshreve 3/2/2010 7:24 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Most of the time I don't mind going above & beyond but I want my.. leaders, parents support #edchat Supportive leadership! unklar 3/2/2010 7:24 PM @michaelcjohnson you'd think low morals would improve morale? #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:24 PM How about no merit pay at all? RT @dtitle Merit pay for schools not teachers! #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @mbteach as a quasi-admin-the days I feel i make most diff r days I spend interacting w as many staff as possible;I hate the office! #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:25 PM Also wondering (like @kylepace) if school board or admin is not respected does that affect the teachers' morale? #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @PititaCarita What a great idea! #edchat

Cohsapaa 3/2/2010 7:25 PM #edchat Teacher morale goes up when teachers feel empowered and successful. csstem 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @daylynn Teach like your hair is on fire and do what they ask. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @dtitle Based on what criteria? Test scores? #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @ShellTerrell Yes, passionate leaders inspire! When leaders are seen as "not as committed" can be a big problem #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:25 PM RT lhiltbr #edchat When admin does positively .., should ALSO rejoice in that, NOT get jealous and bitter<- Great pt. Important to remember hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @unklar naw just loose ones :P #edchat

iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:25 PM What's the #edchat topic tonight?? jdthomas7 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @ShellTerrell You're right--very rarely the teachers--most often the system in place #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:25 PM RT @ksivick: laughter really helps, I moved locations in my school and come in early just to have coffee and laugh with other teachers #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @iMrsF How to increase teacher morale #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:25 PM My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @Parentella he's handling it very well. Might even be watching #edchat tonight... Part of issue is lack of parent help/acceptance #edchat

michellek107 3/2/2010 7:25 PM RT: @tomwhitby A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat Parentella 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @ShellTerrell @Digin4ed As a parent, I'd love more engagement and communication and build relationships. #edchat RGSforTeachers 3/2/2010 7:25 PM Does it help if the admin was once a classroom teacher? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:25 PM RT @edtechsteve: Frequent reminders from admin that the business of the school is kids, not tests, go a long way as well #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:25 PM RT @tomwhitby: Merit pay may alienate many and bring down Morale. <I agree> #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:25 PM More of hearing what people are doing right instead of what they are doing wrong or need to change from admin #edchat

TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:25 PM @TheNerdyTeacher True! -You don't build up morale by always criticizing.Yet, criticism is taken well in high morale environments. #edchat tshreve 3/2/2010 7:25 PM Great leaders are people persons who hire good teachers, support them, and work with them when there are problems #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:25 PM teaching assignments based on seniority and whim rather than based on background, interests, and strengths #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:25 PM 100% agree!!! RT @Cohsapaa: Teacher morale goes up when teachers feel empowered and successful. #edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:26 PM #edchat Merit pay pits teachers against each other and teachers against students. Creates an environment were learning can't happen. averyteach 3/2/2010

7:26 PM My hope is that I carry passion to my teachers! If not, I need to find something else to do #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @lhiltbr: #edchat When admin does positively recognize staff members, then others should ALSO rejoice in that, NOT get jealous and bitter. Collin1000 3/2/2010 7:26 PM Anyone ever stopped to consider the flow of bad moral? admin->teacher->student. It can impact learning too! #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @ShellTerrell: In 2 schools I've seen morale skyrocket when leadership was replaced w/ more passionate leadership #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @RGSforTeachers I think it does. Without that experience, do they really understand what is happening? #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @lhiltbr: #edchat When admin does positively recognize staff members, then others should ALSO rejoice in that,NOT get jealous and bitter.

jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @RGSforTeachers I would never work for a school if the admin never worked in a classroom and doesn't understand what they go through.#edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @akamrt They only way congress knows how to award schools is through test scores. #edchat jdthomas7 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @Digin4ed Unfortunately, in many cases it is--I wouldn't call it a hostage situation, but certainly intolerable #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @lhiltbr I would also say that when teachers don't recognize teachers you can get low morale. #edchat joelh 3/2/2010 7:26 PM Wonder what the euphemism "support" means when talking about administrators/parents regarding student behavior--same as punishment? #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:26 PM

RT @tshreve: Great leaders are people persons who hire good teachers, support them, and work with them when there are problems #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:26 PM YES! RT @MrTRice_Science:morale killer: changing gears too often; 3 principals in 5 years & 3 diff school improvement initiatives #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @EDUCATIONCEO: RT @ShellTerrell: In 2 schools I've seen morale skyrocket when leadership was replaced w/ more passionate leadership #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @iMrsF morale #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 7:26 PM

@JamesBrann That's true, which is why I asked my Principal today to create a PLN for new teachers . I've had it with poor morale #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @lhiltbr: RT @daylynn: what are we doing to ensure admin's morale isn't low? Chocolate works! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:26 PM RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @hshawjr I think that's what this #edchat is about--what is driving or draining morale? There are solutions out there to be applied. TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @ShellTerrell - If we could replace our leadership, many people might shed tears of joy. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:26 PM @flourishingkids @ShellTerrell When leaders are seen as "not as committed" can be a big problem #edchat me: incompetence is much worse. unklar 3/2/2010

7:26 PM @CREATED2B I've thought for a long time that an education revolution is necessary for real change; evolution ain't cuttin' it #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:26 PM Is education simply going thru a phase after which morale will be on the upswing? #edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @jasontbedell #edchat Because they listen to the testing/txtbk companies that fund their reelection campaigns. Follow the money. averyteach 3/2/2010 7:27 PM My sup does!RT @TheNerdyTeacher: we all feel better when we are listened to. Does your admin listen to you? #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:27 PM A good administrator will take all school results as personally as the teachers. #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:27 PM Hello all - sorry I'm late. Great meeting w/ tech team. brophycat 3/2/2010

7:27 PM as an admin it is important not to underestimate the effect u have on moral #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010 7:27 PM I believe in my core that school leaders must have passion--for excellence, for people, for change. It is a 21st century skill. #edchat davezirk 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @ShellTerrell: In 2 schools I've seen morale skyrocket when leadership was replaced w/ more passionate leadership #edchat DaVinciDude 3/2/2010 7:27 PM #edchat schools need to be hiring teachers who are eager learners... Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @CREATED2B: #edchat When do teachers say enough & take back education, schools & our childrens future<Only if they have union & backbone georgewoodbury 3/2/2010

7:27 PM An ADMIN committed to learning, not scores or finances, helps to motivate & improve morale. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @tshreve true but usually you don't get to hire. You have the teachers that are there when you arrive. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:27 PM Who are leaders? I am tired of admin bashing, are there probs - yes, but are we part of the prob or part of the solution? Choose. #edchat JaneBalvanz 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @tomwhitby Poor morale should be something to be overcome not embraced to bring others down. Leaders need to be aware. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @vanessacassie I think we are in a time of increasing change and change is confronting to many so low morale is here to stay #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:27 PM #edchat We do need formal mentoring programs, certify mentors and create a 5 year plan to support teachers until they are solid

mbteach 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @hshawjr: @Digin4ed I do not believe that our morale is hostage to admin or gov, it is within our control #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @brophycat I can imagine. No one gets into education (hopefully) looking forward to an office! #edchat MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Who do you see replacing the leadership? Where does the best leadership come from? #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:27 PM I've watched morale in my school increase as a result of positive responses/support by admin for sch. proj. by teachers... #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:27 PM John C. Maxwell's Law of the Lid applies to our schools as well. A building will never rise above the level of its leadership "lid." #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:27 PM

New teachers absolutely need to have PLN's - network of supportive teachers and admin. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @foes4sports: Agreed. Passionate leadership is one of the keys to high morale. #edchat teachernz 3/2/2010 7:27 PM merit pay for school will attract teachers that's for sure, but at whose expense? Who want to teach at a school that pays less? #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 7:27 PM On the road,but must jump in. When you as admin have to hand out pink slips...that lowers staff morale. How u respond is critical!#edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @ShellTerrell either that or I'm coming to Germany. #edchat :) TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:27 PM we all feel better when we are listened to. Does your admin listen to you? #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:27 PM

@JeffreyEducator That is absolutely true. Teachers must have mutual respect for each others' contributions. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:27 PM @ToughLoveforX Dropout rate will be the new code for low performing. No Child Left Ungraduated NCLU #Edchat tshreve 3/2/2010 7:27 PM RT @mattguthrie: RT @mbteach: I think the best thing to boost morale is for staff to work as a TEAM ... #edchat Exactly! averyteach 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @jdthomas7: @canyonsdave Passion is number 1 quality in my book!YES!! #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @tomwhitby: @ToughLoveforX Dropout rate will be the new code for low performing. No Child Left Ungraduated NCLU #Edchat #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010

7:28 PM Agree with @vanessacassie + @Cohsapaa being empowered to make decisions is crucial--also having admin. who "get" what we deal with #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @MrTRice_Science: PLC and PLN have both improved my morale #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:28 PM @Parentella What kinds of engagement and communication would you like as a parent? #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:28 PM You must get energy from students or you get drained in weeks. Students are an untapped energy source for teachers #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:28 PM @tomwhitby Then watch how the requirements for graduation magically go downhill... #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:28 PM @mbteach Most of us got into education for the FAT paycheck #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010

7:28 PM @stevejmoore Steve I think the question was asked differently, I like your question better. :) #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat jaimesteward 3/2/2010 7:28 PM @ShellTerrell I totally agree that morale boost happens from my PLN!! #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:28 PM @daylynn I hadn't thought of trying, as a teacher, to maintain admin morale, but it trickles down. #edchat jenclevette 3/2/2010 7:28 PM Trickles dwn :) RT @ShellTerrell: In 2 schools I've seen morale skyrocket when leadership was replaced w/ more passionate leadership #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010

7:28 PM RT @georgewoodbury: An ADMIN committed to learning, not scores or finances, helps to motivate & improve morale. #edchat Linda704 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @flourishingkids: @ShellTerrell Yes, passionate leaders inspire! When leaders are seen as "not as committed" can be a big problem #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:28 PM remind yourself why you became a teacher in the first place #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:28 PM I miss them! Very imp RT @kmcg2375: Do social clubs/outings/events boost professional morale? Or is this tokenistic? #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @PGRoom209: New teachers absolutely need to have PLN's - network of supportive teachers and admin. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:28 PM In the commercial world, this is called creating "culture." It's a deliberate process, and the weight fall on admin. #edchat

ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @Parentella: @Digin4ed As a parent, I'd love more engagement and communication and build relationships. #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @georgewoodbury: An ADMIN committed to learning, not scores or finances, helps to motivate & improve morale. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:28 PM what can we learn from students about morale in school? #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:28 PM RT @TeacherShaw "More of hearing what people are doing right instead of" wrong. #edchat me: Same as in a classroom. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:28 PM Does unrealistic portrayals of teaching in Education faculties contribute to early deflation amongst new teachers? #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:29 PM

Student motivation can say a lot about teacher effectiveness - not all, but a lot. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:29 PM @edtechsteve maybe it is for the luxurious lunch hour #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @kevcreutz RT @georgewoodbury: An ADMIN committed to learning, not scores or finances, helps to motivate & improve morale. #edchat davezirk 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @georgewoodbury: An ADMIN committed to learning, not scores or finances, helps to motivate & improve morale. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @vanessacassie: I don't think that realistic, authentic, constructive criticism is a bad thing, nor does it impact morale #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @dtitle: You must get energy from students or you get drained in weeks. Students are an untapped energy source for teachers #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010

7:29 PM RT @mattguthrie: remind yourself why you became a teacher in the first place #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:29 PM In Australia a draft National Curriculum was just released. Prospect of reworking programs AGAIN (for what??) is demoralising #edchat lasic 3/2/2010 7:29 PM 'Morale' is built in fantastic and in terrible times - embrace and learn from both. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:29 PM #edchat When we work to make kids happier and more engaged learners, teachers will be happier and more interested in their work. mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:29 PM look for something new to do in the classroom - technique, lesson plan, technology, strategy - novelty can help morale #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:29 PM You forgot summers off, too ;) RT @edtechsteve: @mbteach Most of us got into education for the FAT paycheck #edchat msdon9

3/2/2010 7:29 PM My morale boost is working with awesome people... teachers/admins/friends #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:29 PM Here is what hurts morale and limits possibilities: when innovative teachers feel as though their contributions would not be missed. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @K12Live: RT @kylepace: My PLN is a morale boost for me everyday! #edchat shannonbauley 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @canyonsdave: I believe in my core that school leaders must have passion--for excellence, for people, for change. It is a 21st century skill. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:29 PM RT @dtitle: You must get energy from students or you get drained in weeks. Students are an untapped energy source for teachers #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:29 PM @thenerdyteacher My admin gr8 right now! My new director gets so excited when I integrate tech, my other director not so enthused #edchat

ShiftParadigm 3/2/2010 7:29 PM What role for ICT in addressing morale issues? #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:29 PM @edtechsteve We will go from social promotion to survival Promotion #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:29 PM @@foes4sports: Agreed. Passionate leadership is one of the keys to high morale. #edchat 2me: Passion is great. But competence is step one. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:29 PM I don't think that realistic, authentic, constructive criticism is a bad thing, nor does it impact morale #edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:30 PM #edchat Tchr morale will increase when congress trades term limits for merit pay. averyteach 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat

averyteach 3/2/2010 7:30 PM If teacher morale is constantly negative, I usually hear about it from students and parents. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @mbteach teachers,kids, ctivity is what keeps u in touch with morale-sometimes teachers just need a break ;time to vent and be heard #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:30 PM Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat DaVinciDude 3/2/2010 7:30 PM #edchat I guarantee that 90% of my fellow staff would think PLN is texting shorthand for plan...not even a joke... DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @pysproblem81 What's CPD? #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @vanessacassie Great question. I think that it places unrealistic expectations on all teachers-not only new ones. #edchat

flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @PaulWHankins: Here is what hurts morale and limits possibilities: when innovative teachers feel as though their contributions would not be missed. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @pysproblem81 Broad question, but it needs to start with a teacher's love for students and the content. #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @lhiltbr: #edchat When we work to make kids happier and more engaged learners, teachers will be happier and more interested in their work. K12Live 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @vanessacassie I believe it is a factor. But prepared and consistent leadership picks up new teacher misconceptions. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:30 PM .@ShiftParadigm ICT plays a big role in building PLNs that extend beyond your own school. PLNs nurture morale. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010

7:30 PM HEY EVERYBODY! Tell @thenerdyteacher we appreciate him and the value he adds to our PLN!! :) #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @lasic: 'Morale' is built in fantastic and in terrible times - embrace and learn from both. #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @daylynn no harm in thanking an admin now and again or just saying 'hi' and asking 'how are you.' Ya know, be human ;) #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @averyteach: Student motivation can say a lot about teacher effectiveness - not all, but a lot. #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @dtitle: You must get energy from students or you get drained in weeks. Students are an untapped energy source for teachers #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:30 PM What is the role of transparency in teacher morale? #edchat RussGoerend

3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @edtechsteve: Frequent reminders from admin that the business of the school is kids, not tests, go a long way as well #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:30 PM Helps if teacher is passionate about what they teach instead of forced to teach the subject #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @msdon9: My morale boost is working with awesome people... teachers/admins/friends #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @hshawjr haha, well we can #edchat about our own question then Harold :-) stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @nothingfuture I disagree, the weight of building morale/culture falls on every steakholder, not just admin. #edchat tawilkins 3/2/2010 7:30 PM As an AP, I still taught classes; kept me in touch with the realities of teaching #edchat ToughLoveforX

3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @mbteach RT @hshawjr: @Digin4ed I do not believe that our morale is hostage to admin or gov, it is within our control #edchat yes. tshreve 3/2/2010 7:30 PM @gfred33 Right! Find out why they are negative and try and find a way to work with them to change behavior - tough job. #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:30 PM RT @kevcreutz: RT @dtitle: You must get energy from stdnts or u get drained in weeks. Stnts are an untapped energy source for tchrs #edchat bjnichols 3/2/2010 7:31 PM Morale is tied to choice, passion, & potential to make a difference. #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010 7:31 PM The #1 reason I have become a Twitter convert is that I am able to connect with educators who have passion, who think, who innovate. #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:31 PM @ShellTerrell #edchat - Passion is key to motivation!!

cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:31 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:31 PM knee -jerk reaction to merit pay is deserved... individuals should not be rewarded. Merit pay for ENTIRE SCHOOLS, even custodians. #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 7:31 PM RT @ShellTerrell Helps if tchr is passionate abt what they teach instead of forced 2 teach subj. #edchat <TRUE!Experienced this as SPED tchr EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:31 PM Interview w Diane Ravitch today, "There shld not be an ed mktplce, there shld not be comp'tion. Schools shld operate like families." #edchat FlyontheCWall 3/2/2010 7:31 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010

7:31 PM RT @PaulWHankins: Here is what hurts morale and limits possibilities: when innovative teachers feel as though their contributions would not be missed. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:31 PM #edchat helps with ensuring we keep in touch w/other positive and passionate teacher and administrators K12Live 3/2/2010 7:31 PM @phsprincipal You got something started with the role of transparency in teacher morale #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:31 PM RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:31 PM I do the same. It is good RT @tawilkins: As an AP, I still taught classes; kept me in touch with the realities of teaching #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:31 PM True: bad times increase solidarity RT @lasic: 'Morale' is built in fantastic and in terrible times - embrace and learn from both #edchat

MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:31 PM @vanessacassie Burnout comes from poor support / mentorship. Good mentors help young tchrs find solutions around early dilemmas #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:31 PM I wonder if spreading admins too thin causes them stress and prevents them from working closely enough with colleagues. #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:31 PM I don't think admin can shoulder the burden for everyone's morale. It has to be a group effort across ranks. #edchat shannonbauley 3/2/2010 7:31 PM RT @lhiltbr: #edchat When we work to make kids happier and more engaged learners, teachers will be happier and more interested in their work. ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:31 PM @thenerdyteacher I appreciate you ;-) #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:31 PM

RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:31 PM RT @mbteach Very imp RT @kmcg2375: Do social clubs/outings/events boost professional morale? <Yes. Food always helps!> #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:31 PM My morale drops when I do not feel the support for the things I'm passionate about when it comes to helping kids. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:31 PM @ShellTerrell - Super Jealous. I get random phone calls asking how to embed PP into blogs. No tweeters. #edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:32 PM #edchat @todayshow interview had anchor & Duncan blaming tchrs for all sch probs. Any surprise there is low morale? @usedgov @EDPressSec alohalavina 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @EdutopiaBetty: Interview w Diane Ravitch today, "There shld not be an ed mktplce, there shld not be comp'tion. Schools shld operate like families." #edchat averyteach

3/2/2010 7:32 PM @thenerdyteacher - you add TONS to my personal/professional development #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:32 PM Sorry @kylepace sometimes I can't keep up with #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:32 PM Nicely Put! RT @bjnichols: Morale is tied to choice, passion, & potential to make a difference. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @cbelearn: @ShellTerrell #edchat - Passion is key to motivation!! edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:32 PM Note for admins: Teacher appreciation week should be every week. A culture of teacher appreciation is huge #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:32 PM @TheNerdyTeacher this is true but we as tchrs need to understand that being listened to is not the same as doing exctly what we want.#edchat IreneTortolini

3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Helps if teacher is passionate about what they teach instead of forced to teach the subject #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @canyonsdave: The #1 reason I have become a Twitter convert is that I am able to connect with educators who have passion, who think, who innovate. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @thenerdyteacher: My morale drops when I do not feel the support for things I'm passionate about when it comes to helping kids. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @msdon9: I wonder if spreading admins too thin causes them stress and prevents them from working closely enough with colleagues. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:32 PM

RT @bjnichols: Morale is tied to choice, passion, & potential to make a difference. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:32 PM What part to kids/students play in our morale? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:32 PM So glad that we are not admin bashing tonight & are taking resp for our own morale #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:32 PM Should we find simple ways to FORCE teachers to socialize to build morale? #edchat MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:32 PM Agreed: RT @ScottElias: I dont think admin can shoulder the burden for everyones morale. It has to be a group effort across ranks. #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:32 PM

Double duty.... #edchat and Syracuse Basketball. I love seeing that little #1 next to SYR PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @tenprincipal: Admin has to gear most decisions to how they effect the "best" teachers in the school. They are the compass. #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:32 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat runfardvs 3/2/2010 7:32 PM I choose to surround myself with teachers who are still excited about education (i.e. PLN). That's how I keep my morale high! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:32 PM I agree! RT @cbelearn: #edchat - Passion is key to motivation!! spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:32 PM @EDUCATIONCEO I also experienced being forced to teach something I didn't want to. Made enthusiasm difficult. #edchat tenprincipal 3/2/2010

7:32 PM Admin has to gear most decisions to how they effect the "best" teachers in the school. They are the compass. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:32 PM @lhiltbr - <Embarrassed> #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:32 PM PLN's are a great place to turn to when morale is low. Build a support group to help you through tough times. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:32 PM @tomwhitby #edchat "No Child Left Ungraduated NCLU: 2me Nope. Prez is talking about alternative paths. Tech, craft edu. and college prep. unklar 3/2/2010 7:32 PM lots of folks would argue that teachers are their own worst enemies in the morale department; many feel isolated and lonely #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:33 PM As an administrator what can I do to ensure that all teachers know I support them? #edchat bjnichols

3/2/2010 7:33 PM Clear, Consistent Expectations & Transparent Communication are both critical factors related to morale. #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:33 PM W/ strong admin I reach out to others. W/ weak admin I withdrawn into my world & get reinforced by students. #edchat Celinejr 3/2/2010 7:33 PM RT @canyonsdave: The #1 reason I have become a Twitter convert is that I am able to connect with educators who have passion, who think, who innovate. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @thenerdyteacher We appreciate you and the value you bring to our PLN. .@lhiltbr #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:33 PM Here's a surefire way to lower morale that a former princ did: We were making too many copies, so she had a fit and unplugged it! #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:33 PM

RT @nothingfuture: Admins need to remind themselves (and staff) that the whole point of what we do is the students- not tests/funding/whatver #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Mine drops when I try to offer assistance in any way that teachers want & I'm still denied. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:33 PM RT @tenprincipal: Admin has to gear most decisions to how they effect the "best" teachers in the school. They are the compass. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:33 PM The PLN here is fabulous source of "reality checks"when having a tough day. Gotta run 2 tutor but thanks #edchat for the boost! hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @msdon9 really think that is great point & believe that admins have things on their plates we are not aware which they agonize over #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:33 PM I think it's important to appreciate teacher's varying talents. (Admins should "differentiate" to play to tchrs' strengths.) #edchat kevcreutz

3/2/2010 7:33 PM RT @runfardvs: I choose to surround myself with teachers who are still excited about education (i.e. PLN). That's how I keep my morale high! #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:33 PM RT @EdutopiaBetty: Interview w Diane Ravitch today, "There shld not be an ed mktplce, there shld not be comp'tion. Schools shld operate like families." #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:33 PM YES! RT @cbelearn: Nicely Put! RT @bjnichols: Morale is tied to choice, passion, & potential to make a difference. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:33 PM RT @ScottElias: I don't think admin can shoulder the burden for everyone's morale. It has to be a group effort across ranks. #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:33 PM find someone besides yourself to boost #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:33 PM get your stdts to write something to other tchrs to help with their morale #edchat

mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:33 PM depending on gr level, share w/stdts why you have low morale - they might find way to boost it #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @averyteach yes, student tell me about their homeroom tchrs who have a bad/neg attitude. They sense it/know it! #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:33 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:33 PM Admins need to remind themselves (and staff) that the whole point of what we do is the students- not tests/funding/whatver #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @tenprincipal The best teachers do not include those the leadership placates to keep the peace. This is ballast not best practice. #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:33 PM

@phsprincipal Theoretically transparency should improve morale. But not if it's fake transparency. #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @mbteach Students can make or break any day and have a huge effect on morale. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @EdutopiaBetty - Yes, Families! #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:33 PM @a_l_black Exactly #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:33 PM While I loved and miss my students, a tough class during the day can add to frustration and low morale brought on by external forces #edchat akamrt 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @EdutopiaBetty: Interview w D. Ravitch, "There shldnt b an ed mktplce, there shldnt b comp'tion. Schs shld operate like families" #edchat andycinek 3/2/2010 7:34 PM

Hey #edchat I must run! Great discussion tonight! Please join #onecom chat this thursday at 7! Vote for one blog now! http://bit.ly/cXYnl averyteach 3/2/2010 7:34 PM YES! RT @canyonsdave: #1 reason I am aTwitter convert able to connect with educators who have passion, who think, who innovate. #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @unklar That's because we tend to isolate ourselves - closed door teaching, non-collaboration. #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @BradnDeedo: W/ strong admin I reach out to others. W/ weak admin I withdrawn into my world & get reinforced by students. #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:34 PM For Admin, Parents, Kids: RT @edtechsteve Teacher appreciation week should be every week. A culture of teacher appreciation is huge #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @mbteach: What part to kids/students play in our morale? #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010

7:34 PM @BuellDuxSC If you ever figure out how to keep up with #edchat, please share, a lot of would like to know how. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @runfardvs: I choose to surround myself with teachers who are still excited about education (i.e. PLN). That's how I keep my morale high! #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @kmcg2375: YES! RT @cbelearn: Nicely Put! RT @bjnichols: Morale is tied to choice, passion, & potential to make a difference. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @unklar: lots of folks would argue that teachers are their own worst enemies in morale dept many feel isolated &lonely #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @edtechsteve: Note for admins: Teacher appreciation week should be every week. A culture of teacher appreciation is huge #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @mbteach What part to kids/students play in our morale? I think that they ARE my morale #edchat

jdthomas7 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @averyteach I think that most teachers just want to know that you r aware of what they are doing--that you are tuned into the school #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @phsprincipal w/out transparency problems aren't given the benefit of clear solutions. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Amen! RT @iMrsF: I think u shoulud appreciate teacher's varying talents (Admins should "differentiate" to play to tchrs' strengths) #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:34 PM #edchat Anyone tried 2 incorporate FISH! Philosophy principles in their schools? We have just begun... it can brighten days & offer support! mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:34 PM if have community in the school (parents, stdts, & staff), get together to prob solve #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Sometimes just saying 'hi' to each other and smiling makes a big difference! #edchat

mbteach 3/2/2010 7:34 PM RT @IreneTortolini: RT @ShellTerrell: Helps if teacher is passionate about what they teach instead of forced to teach the subject #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @montitanner Admin- treat teachers like professionals, support them with relevant and timely PD, and have a TRUE open-door policy. #edchat MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Teacher morale improves when they are saluted for their great work and supported through their greatest challenges. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Stop telling us what we HAVE to do, and start facilitating things we WANT to do. Makes a HUGE difference... #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Trust them! RT @averyteach: As an administrator what can I do to ensure that all teachers know I support them? #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010

7:34 PM RT @averyteach: As an administrator what can I do to ensure that all teachers know I support them? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Gr8 advice! RT @mattguthrie: find someone besides yourself to boost #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @EDUCATIONCEO With education cuts it seems many are forcing tchrs to teach subjects sometimes mid semester that happened to me #edchat tamjello 3/2/2010 7:34 PM I once heard that educators are the only group, when threatened, circle the wagons and shoot inward. We have to support each other. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:34 PM @gfred33 - You are very right. We can't have everything we want, but a say goes a long way. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:34 PM Politics can also influence teacher morale. Many TX teachers are disappointed that the state will not accept new fed funds for ed. #edchat unklar

3/2/2010 7:34 PM @jeangfl I've just been taking notes for a long time; I'm trying to find some positive things to say about teacher morale for #edchat but . vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:34 PM I witnessed lower morale amongst colleagues when their teaching schedule changed last minute-as if no prep was needed in their class #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Yep - I need to do more of that. Thanks! #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @mbteach should we depend on students to motivate and inspire? (even though they do every day;)2 easy to blame kids 4 a bad day #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010 7:35 PM Recent Harvard Bus Rev article states that the biggest factor in employee morale is the ability to see progress with one's work. #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:35 PM

RT @canyonsdave: The #1 reason I have become a Twitter convert is that I am able to connect with educators who have passion, who think, who innovate. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:35 PM RT @canyonsdave:The #1 reason I've become a Twitter convert is that I am able 2 cnnct w/educators who have passion, think, innovate. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:35 PM You must get energy from students! You have 30 rip roaring energy centers every class ready to drive your day if you let them. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @cbelearn Good point! #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @edtechsteve Had a principal lock the bathrooms after troubles. #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @edtechsteve Had a principal lock the bathrooms after troubles. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:35 PM

@mbteach I definitely see morale as something "under our control." Hope my tweets weren't disrepectful in any way to any admin here! #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:35 PM RT @mattguthrie: find someone besides yourself to boost --> We CAN help each other. Often we can't see that we need a boost. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:35 PM RT @stevejmoore: @nothingfuture I disagree, the weight of building morale/culture falls on every stakeholder, not just admin. #edchat Agree hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:35 PM What we can do be a positive role model for other teacher, talk about it with those who have low morale, be a leader for pos change #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:35 PM RT @bjnichols: Clear, Consistent Expectations & Transparent Communication are both critical factors related to morale. #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:35 PM yes, kids notice and it's hard for them to respect the teacher with low morale but stays because its a job, we need to fake it #edchat lhiltbr

3/2/2010 7:35 PM @hshawjr #edchat Yes, get the collaboration going... they'll find the problems they're facing r shared by others. Work on common solutions. mbteach 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @spedteacher @IreneTortolini I completely agree! #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:35 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: PLN's are a great place to turn to when morale is low. Build a support group to help you through tough times. #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:35 PM Morning stretch exercise for teachers: bend down to lift up a colleague. Have your friends on radar. Empathic educators support. #edchat runfardvs 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @averyteach Make sure I interact with you (admin) in more situations than just staff meetings. #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:35 PM Teachers usually have each other to bounce off when morale is low or they're having a bad day. Admins are often alone. #edchat

ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:35 PM Teachers usually have each other to bounce off when morale is low or they're having a bad day. Admins are often alone. #edchat solennial 3/2/2010 7:35 PM As a middle math teacher, I fnd it real hard to get kids interested. I do hands on and all that - but many simply don't see value #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @michellek107 Let teachers have a say or choice in what PD they get. We respond well to choices. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:35 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Gr8 advice! RT @mattguthrie: find someone besides yourself to boost #edchat Yes! TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @averyteach - Simple notes that they are doing a good job go a very long way. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:35 PM

@averyteach "No Child Left Ungraduated NCLU" #Edchat 2me: No. What the Prez is saying needs a much closer look. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:35 PM @foes4sports I don't think that being excited about education automatically equals high morale, tho... #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @kevcreutz Thanks! #edchat bjnichols 3/2/2010 7:36 PM A common vision/mission & actions tied to those principles can also drive morale. #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:36 PM Best not to let students affect your moral too much--they will boost you up one day and break your heart the next. #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @jenbuttars Welcome to #edchat! Did my reading of "Too Many Daves" to your class improve your morale today? :) cbelearn 3/2/2010

7:36 PM RT @canyonsdave: I believe in my core that school leaders must have passion--for excellence, for people, for change. It is a 21st century skill. #edchat Celinejr 3/2/2010 7:36 PM Students give me my energy! #edchat csstem 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @vanessacassie Can you explain further what you mean by teaching schedule changed? #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:36 PM Biggest morale booster I got were thank you letters & recognition from my students. #edchat DaVinciDude 3/2/2010 7:36 PM #edchat Anybody else doing state testing this week? How does that affect morale... daylynn 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @lhiltbr Did FISH as our "theme" a few years back. Worked on the first day of school & kind of lost sight of it after that:-( #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010

7:36 PM @pysproblem81 You're right, When CPD is encouraged and supported by group of ppl, it creates a great environment to learn as tchers. #edchat flourishingkids 3/2/2010 7:36 PM RT @hshawjr: What we can do be a positive role model for other teacher, talk about it with those who have low morale, be a leader for pos change #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:36 PM RT @mbteach: Sometimes just saying 'hi' to each other and smiling makes a big difference! #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @ShellTerrell @mattguthrie: find someone besides yourself to boost. I agree! You can't feel bad when you are helping someone else #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @hshawjr How about more socialising within the school then? Agree - my husb. resents missing 'home time' for weekend 'team building' #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:36 PM Been talking with colleagues about stopping the 'blame game' and putting our diff aside btwn support staff, tchrs & admins #edchat

mbteach 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @flourishingkids I didn't see any :) They're prob used to it anyway! #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:36 PM Teachers support each other- understand that everyone, no matter what grade or content area, is important for kids- morale boost #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:36 PM RT @gfred33: RT @stevejmoore: @nothingfuture I disagree, the weight of building morale/culture falls on every stakeholder, not just admin. #edchat Agree monk51295 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @kmcg2375: no discipline policy - instead we frame it as a welfare policy. Has changed everything for the better. #edchat love it #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:36 PM What do you do about low teacher participation in school social activities? #edchat PreK360 3/2/2010 7:36 PM

RT @brophycat: @mbteach should we depend on students to motivate and inspire? (even though they do every day;)2 easy to blame kids 4 a bad day #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:36 PM So if admin not passionate or respectful & we can't change jobs, then what? #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:36 PM Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed or lectured to, #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @runfardvs - Great point! I want to see the admin in friendlier confines. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @averyteach If u haven't yet, develop relationships w/ your teachers & pay attention to what they do well vs only what's wrong #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:36 PM @BradnDeedo true for many teachers; need more examples and trend-setters (with admin support and leadership) #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010

7:36 PM @csstem High school tchrs who were given sched in June (of 4 classes) arrived in Sept to have 2 or more classes switched #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:36 PM I think admin feedback needs to be authentic -- praise for the sake of praise with no ties to realism is easily dismissed #edchat Annemazer 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @PaulWHankins: Here is what hurts morale and limits possibilities: when innovative teachers feel as though their contributions would not be missed. #edchat Annemazer 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:37 PM admin r role models for tchrs;tchers r role models 4kids; kids r role models 4ea other-positive energy creates more positive energy #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @mjgormans: RT @TheNerdyTeacher: PLN's are a great place to turn to when morale is low. Build a support group to help you through #edchat

edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @msdon9: What do you do about low teacher participation in school social activities? #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:37 PM @kmcg2375 Unfort there is very little time during school to have fun together, always too much going on :( not good but reality #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @mbteach: Been talking with colleagues about stopping the 'blame game' &putting our diff aside btwn support staff, tchrs & admins #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @mbteach: Sometimes just saying 'hi' to each other and smiling makes a big difference! #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:37 PM If admins would admit to bad days and model humanity teachers might soften toward admins #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @ScottElias: #edchat Admin is incredibly isolating. Thats why Twitter is wonderful!

michellek107 3/2/2010 7:37 PM @spedteacher totally agree with you re: input and choice in PD. Worked for 8 years in PD. That "voice" can make or break it! #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: RT @ShellTerrell: Gr8 advice! RT @mattguthrie: find someone besides yourself to boost #edchat Yes! PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:37 PM When we feel in the minority or not accepted, we further isolate ourselves and morale tanks. Closed doors. #edchat solennial 3/2/2010 7:37 PM Honestly - the biggest cause of low morale I know of is NCLB, r we all getting fired in 2014? #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:37 PM The same techniques that work motivating students also motivate teachers. #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:37 PM @vanessacassie It also has to be timely and useful. #edchat

stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:37 PM Just listen to others. Act according to their need. Morale will be cultivated. #edchat Struggle2Learn 3/2/2010 7:37 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:37 PM Figuring out how to solve problems rather than just complaining about them #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:37 PM I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:37 PM I received a notice of an official walkthrough and didn't even know the admin had been observing me #edchat luckily, it was a good eval vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:37 PM @spedteacher Precisely! #edchat

averyteach 3/2/2010 7:38 PM @TheServantMedia Hmmm...that sounds eerily familiar to what I tell staff about their own students...Take my won advice. :) #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:38 PM @msdon9 Can't respond - I am the ultimate isolate- hate social activities as discussion frequently turns to negatives of teaching. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @spedteacher: Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed or lectured to, #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @spedteacher: Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed or lectured to, #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:38 PM I found the best way to boost my morale was to meet, date, and marry another teacher in the building. Let's all work on this... #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010

7:38 PM To all the admins participating in tonight's #edchat. I, truly, respect and admire you! And.... I wish you were my admins.!! hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @mbteach: talking with colleagues re stopping the 'blame game' &putting our diff aside btwn support staff, tchrs & admins #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:38 PM @ksivick I agree! Kids feel EVRYTHNG that the teacher does.It's our responsibility to be conscious of the energy we bring in2 a room #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:38 PM @lhiltbr I agree. #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:38 PM @Digin4ed You're going to need several columns open in Teetdeck, hootsuite, or search.twitter.com in order to broaden view #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:38 PM Camp game:Warm fuzzies? All tchrs have an envelope & you put a note in each saying something nice. Open at faculty meeting :) #edchat

Kmorris2600 3/2/2010 7:38 PM my admin sends out a "fab friday" email - teachers email him someone on staff to thank and why, he compiles and sends on Friday =] #edchat MariaDroujkova 3/2/2010 7:38 PM #gno (girl's night out) hosted by @pbsparents - STEM parent chat: help your kids learn science and math. #math #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @stevejmoore: Just listen to others. Act according to their need. Morale will be cultivated. #edchat PititaCarita 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @thenerdyteacher I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat ~I accept rroysden 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Gr8 advice! RT @mattguthrie: find someone besides yourself to boost #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:38 PM @mbteach Very true. SMILING is contagious and doesn't cost a thing! #edchat

ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:38 PM I think if all teachers had as great a PLN as mine they'd have a daily shot of morale boosting! #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @mbteach: What part to kids/students play in our morale? <Our morale has a neg. or pos. effect on them, not so much other way. #edchat solennial 3/2/2010 7:38 PM i actually was depressed when I found out that white house supported the RI firings. . .#edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:38 PM [well put] RT @PaulWHankins: Here is what hurts morale ..when innovative tchrs feel like their contributions would not be missed. #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 7:38 PM So critical to examine the source of low morale. In Cali right now its huge layoffs. #edchat

TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:38 PM RT @ShellTerrell: I think if all teachers had as great a PLN as mine they'd have a daily shot of morale boosting! #edchat AGREED! TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:38 PM I've got state testing next week. That does wonder for stress levels and morale. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:39 PM YES!RT @ShellTerrell: I think if all teachers had as great a PLN as mine they'd have a daily shot of morale boosting! #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:39 PM For teacher socials provide child care and allow spouses/significant others to participate. #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @kmcg2375 We nominate a teacher each month for being an inspiration to other teachers & recognize at the faculty meeting. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @edtechsteve Not sure My current wife will support that one. #Edchat

DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @PreK360 I heart PLN - the learning, the people, the work everything. I tell my school teachers about you guys ALL THE TIME. #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @ShellTerrell I was paired w/Gen Ed tchr who had no problem stating she DID NOT want 2 teach SPED. Ugh! We had a Mexican standoff. #edchat ellclassroom 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @solennial As was I. That tends to drop morale for teachers all over the country. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:39 PM Me, too!! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:39 PM I'm in. 1 at a timeRT @TheNerdyTeacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:39 PM

There is a diff between good admins & bad admins, just like there is a diff between us great teachers and the bad ones #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:39 PM Need someone to talk to abt issues-someone who'll "get it" (unlike non educ spouse!) and feel safe doing so. Venting can be healthy. #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @edtechsteve ahh. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:39 PM ME! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @averyteach treat them like people, trust them and listen. Pop in to see what kids are doing. Ask about projects. Oh, and smile! #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:39 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: I've got state testing next week. That does wonder for stress levels and morale. #edchat michellek107

3/2/2010 7:39 PM Model being supportive. Celebrate each other and THANK each other-- I don't want credit for everything, but thanks is awesome! #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:39 PM Remember that school centers around students, learn to take yourself out of the center #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @stevejmoore To be fair, we (the community) select the admin as the captain of the boat to guide uswe need to work WITH them. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @EDUCATIONCEO LOL! Hope you won #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:39 PM Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:39 PM Giving each other positive feedback and recognizing each other's progress goes a long way #edchat spedteacher

3/2/2010 7:39 PM One thing that hurts morale in my district is the insistence on one format for lessons. The Point of Entry Model doesn't fit all! #edchat susanrmyers 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @lhiltbr I have read about FISH before. It sounds like a wonderful program! #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @msdon9 First, find out why they aren't participating before you conclude it's a lack of morale that's leading to their absence. #edchat tsbray 3/2/2010 7:39 PM RT @ScottElias: I don't think admin can shoulder the burden for everyone's morale. It has to be a group effort across ranks. #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @stevecollier time for a revolution in public education #edchat is anyone with me? unklar 3/2/2010 7:39 PM believe it or not, I get energized when I have to teach other teachers subject matter that they don't know for their own classes #edchat

vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:39 PM @kmcg2375 That sounds nice in theory, but can often be perceived as inauthentic, forced and too "floofy" (for lack ofa better word!) #edchat atrowell 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010 7:40 PM @jenbuttars Being with you, your students, and other great teachers and kids in the district improves MY morale. #edchat csstem 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @thenerdyteacher I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat <-- yes! Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:40 PM How significant has joining the PLN had on your morale compared to a year before being in the PLN? #edchat famousmistered 3/2/2010

7:40 PM RT @Kmorris2600: my admin sends out a "fab friday" email - teachers email him someone on staff to thank and why, he compiles and sends on Friday =] #edchat gameclassroom 3/2/2010 7:40 PM Interesting article on a unique school. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07charter.html?_r=1 Wonder if it will work. #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @stevejmoore RT @PaulWHankins: Here's what hurts morale: when innovative tchrs feel like their contributions would not be missed. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:40 PM I like that idea! RT @ShellTerrell Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:40 PM good idea! RT @ShellTerrell: Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:40 PM Most of our English faculty stays back for an hour 3x a week for group fitness. VERY powerful morale boost #edchat

ksivick 3/2/2010 7:40 PM me too! RT @kmcg2375: ME! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat ktenkely 3/2/2010 7:40 PM @ShellTerrell seems like morale is a school wide responibility and atmosphere that is created by each person in the school #edchat lasic 3/2/2010 7:40 PM See you #edchat, good topic but a mountain of work to climb! malchkiey 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @lhiltbr: RT @ScottElias: #edchat Admin is incredibly isolating. Thats why Twitter is wonderful! unless your admin is part of #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:40 PM So it seems we agree that effective learning does not occur when teacher morale is low? #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:40 PM

Being asked for my opinion helps boost my morale. When I feel like I have a voice, it's empowering. (same for students!) #edchat montitanner 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @cbelearn: @ShellTerrell #edchat - Passion is key to motivation!! montitanner 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @canyonsdave: I believe in my core that school leaders must have passion--for excellence, for people, for change. It is a 21st century skill. #edchat MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:40 PM @mbteach Blame game is a terrible trap we all fall into on occasion. Quick "morale fix" to feel better w/ long term implications. #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:40 PM LOVE RT @Kmorris2600: my admin sends out a "fab friday" email - teachers email him staff to thank and why, he compiles & sends #edchat NancyEH 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @spedteacher: Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed/lectured to, #edchat | Bravo! PaulWHankins

3/2/2010 7:40 PM Admins: Here is the basic leadership rule: "If you are leading and no one is following--you are just taking a walk." John C. Maxwell #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:40 PM @edtechsteve that works when it works....but boy when it does not work OY! <---on the marriage thing #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @daylynn: @kmcg2375 We nominate a teacher each month for being an inspiration to other teachers & recognize at the faculty meeting. #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:40 PM am enjoying showing fellow teachers is my learning stuff like twitter, edmodo, evernote. #edchat I get to feel like the expert ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:40 PM

RT @msdon9: What do you do about low teacher participation in school social activities? Survey staff, have variety, include families #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:40 PM @iMrsF Agreed. Venting is good. It canhelp to get another teacher's perspective on an issue. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:40 PM RT @georgewoodbury: I'm in. 1 at a timeRT @TheNerdyTeacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:40 PM @jeangfl I know I sound negative a lot; twitter is a nice vent for me, and I hope that my PLN knows and understands that #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:41 PM :) Been criticized for doing just that.....do it anyway.@kevcreutz #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:41 PM Kind words, respect,, integrity compassion go a long way. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:41 PM

We are all here because we value collaboration & communication- true education. We need to spread these ideals to other teachers. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @phsprincipal hmmm you may be right! #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @ShellTerrell Sure did! #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @unklar sorry I thought you meant every word and didn't want to buy that next round :) #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:41 PM We have to build a culture of high value on our campuses. It starts with the leadership, but must be maintained by everyone else! #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @mbteach True dat. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:41 PM

RT @daylynn: We nominate a teacher each month for being an inspiration to other teachers & recognize at the faculty meeting. #edchat Kmorris2600 3/2/2010 7:41 PM Way to Go waters. Bottled waters with our school logo and a "way to go" label. We drop them in staff mailboxes to celebrate #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @lasic B4 you go heres a smile for you :) #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:41 PM RT @ksivick: me too! RT @kmcg2375: ME! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat malchkiey 3/2/2010 7:41 PM my moral needs a beer. enjoy #edchat tonight! mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:41 PM just like we follow lead of our admin - stdts follow our lead, low morale OR high morale #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:41 PM

Sounds like a plan! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @nothingfuture you're very lucky you get to pick your admin. Never heard of that before. Ours are appointed #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:41 PM RT @mbteach: So it seems we agree that effective learning does not occur when teacher morale is low? #edchat [YES] mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:41 PM RT @kevcreutz: good idea! RT @ShellTerrell: Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:41 PM RT @dtitle: get energy from students! 30 rip roaring energy centers every class ready to drive your day if you let them. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @stevejmoore If the crew of the ship is supportive of the captain, the boat sails better. But the captain sets the tone. #edchat PGRoom209

3/2/2010 7:41 PM Morale boosting / compliment programs have to authentic, though. Forced compliments are worthless or worse. #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @iMrsF I believe in the power of catharsis (venting) #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:41 PM my fingers move too fast for my brain #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:41 PM @thenerdyteacher Count me in, but seriously you have boosted my morale this wk already #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:41 PM RT @mbteach: So it seems we agree that effective learning does not occur when teacher morale is low? #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:41 PM sure! I agree! @nothingfuture but even the best admin is only a single person, can't determine the attitudes of 100s of staff. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher

3/2/2010 7:41 PM Look for a blog post on teacher moral in the very near future! #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:41 PM I think sometimes we confuse passion with high morale #edchat WendyE40 3/2/2010 7:41 PM RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:42 PM I love going in to classrooms to see teachers and students! #edchat bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:42 PM RT @michellek107: RT @mbteach: So it seems we agree that effective learning does not occur when teacher morale is low? #edchat [YES] bjnichols 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale. It really has to be a community approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat brophycat

3/2/2010 7:42 PM @mbteach ohhh, tough day: at least you care enough to call #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Yes @bjnichols: Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale. It really has to be a community approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat BuellDuxSC 3/2/2010 7:42 PM The community chooses the captains of this ship--parents/voters need to pay attention to teacher morale, otherwise high turnover #edchat Celinejr 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @Digin4ed I joined about 10 days ago and I can already feel the difference! Sharing and learning from others is necessary!#edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @K12Live I could use that and a hookup to the Google Fiber experiment. #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Colleague who announces on day 1 "I don't like to teach at this level, but it's my assignment so here we go." I'll start w/him #edchat

hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Lead or follow, but get out of the way and let me have some fun in the classroom that should be our motto :) #edchat hurricanemaine 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Taking an interest in what someone else is doing in their classes. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Agree! PGRoom209 Morale boosting / compliment programs have to authentic, though. Forced compliments are worthless or worse. #edchat jasontbedell 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Thanks for a great #edchat everyone. I have to go make dinner for my daughter. ksivick 3/2/2010 7:42 PM model it! RT @DoremiGirl: Kind words, respect,, integrity compassion go a long way. #edchat Linda704 3/2/2010 7:42 PM RT @iMrsF: I think it's important to appreciate teacher's varying talents. (Admins should "differentiate" to play to tchrs' strengths.) #edchat

mikecullum 3/2/2010 7:42 PM Appreciating all colleagues, admin, teachers, custodians and cooks would build a culture of high morale for everyone. Studnts? Prnts?#edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @stevejmoore Oh, totally. But it's about a good captain and a staff willing to sail off the edge of the world with him (or her...) #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 7:42 PM This weekend helped energize me, to rethink and re-tool for a positive end to the year. Even my jokes seemed funnier today. #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:42 PM RT @IreneTortolini: I like that idea! RT @ShellTerrell Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:42 PM There is a big difference between a "bad week" and "low morale." One is short-term. The other is part of the culture and climate. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010

7:42 PM Yes! RT @ktenkely: morale is a school wide responibility and atmosphere that is created by each person in the school #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @shawdave Feeling like an expert & getting chance to show your expertise definitely boosts morale #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:42 PM RT @bjnichols: Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale. It really has to be a community approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:42 PM My principal boosts morale by challenging teachers to answer difficult, open-ended questions re practice & listens carefully to us. #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @nothingfuture I think the admin(s) are vital to good morale, just can't forget about the possibility of mutiny :) #edchat sumrthyme 3/2/2010 7:42 PM We are not getting substitutes at school. Students r divided and put into other classes. This has REALLY hurt morale at my school! #edchat

tamjello 3/2/2010 7:42 PM RT @canyonsdave: @jenbuttars Being with you, your students, and other great teachers and kids in the district improves MY morale. #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:42 PM RT @bjnichols: Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale. It really has to be a community approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @averyteach lol ... yes, precisely !!! : ) #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @ScottElias I agree that admins cannot burden the entire load. However, admins lead the way. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @MrMusselman @mbteach "Blame game is a terrible trap " Agree! 2me clear accountability means less need for "blame." #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:42 PM @hshawjr well, now we're talking! I'll gladly buy a round if we can ever meet F2F #edchat

WendyE40 3/2/2010 7:42 PM True. I teach children but am not a child. RT @tomwhitby: A faculty not treated like children goes a long way in boosting marale. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:43 PM Today I got to see Dr. Seuss "molecule" stories in a 6th science - Big smiles on both the teacher and students! #edchat bcluwlib 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @DeronDurflinger: #edchat We don't take pen class, but we are expected to use it daily in instruction, why is it not the same for newer technology bjnichols 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @ShellTerrell Good point. We spend so much time with prob. teachers that we don't take the time to recognize talent. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @mattguthrie: just like we follow lead of our admin - stdts follow our lead, low morale OR high morale #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010

7:43 PM @bhsprincipal well, learning might occur, but unintended learning-what r we teaching if morale is low? #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:43 PM Im in. RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat durk94 3/2/2010 7:43 PM Interesting idea! RT @kmcg2375: Most of our English faculty stays back for an hour 3x a week for group fitness. VERY powerful morale #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat <--- gr8 idea! hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @nothingfuture been there done that, when you sail off the end of the earth no good to anyone else. :) #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @ShellTerrell RT @ktenkely: morale is a school wide responibility and atmosphere that is created by each person in the school #edchat

iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @ScottElias: Big difference between "bad week" and "low morale." One is short-term. The other is part of the culture and climate. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @spedteacher: My principal boosts morale by challenging teachers to answer difficult, open-ended questions re practice & listens carefully to us. #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:43 PM There is nothing wrong with letting someone know how much you appreciate their efforts. Morale will soar if we did! #edchat jseal 3/2/2010 7:43 PM In discussion with future administator about how to + motivate staff. Any suggestions I should share #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:43 PM Yes & causes low student morale RT @mbteach: So it seems we agree that effective learning does not occur when teacher morale is low? #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010

7:43 PM @hshawjr yes, let us all have fun in spite of the naysayers! #edchat ktenkely 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @ScottElias I agree everyone is responsible for school morale leadership, teachers, parents, staff. #edchat leslie_mck 3/2/2010 7:43 PM must confess to needing a morale boost today... 2 of my classes went great, one was unproductive, with several students disruptive #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:43 PM GR8 point RT @ScottElias: big difference b/t "bad week" & "low morale." One is short-term. Other is part of cult & climate. #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @brophycat I actually got to speak to one of the students on the phone. I think it was more powerful than me talking to parent #edchat montitanner 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @thenerdyteacher challenges everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. This should be a daily commitment! #edchat

reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @mikecullum: Appreciating all colleagues, admin, teachers, custodians and cooks would build a culture of high morale for everyone. Studnts? Prnts?#edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:43 PM When I get down, personally, I like to spend time in classrooms with students and teachers. Very rejuventing!! #edchat shannonbauley 3/2/2010 7:43 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Yes! RT @ktenkely: morale is a school wide responibility and atmosphere that is created by each person in the school #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @spedteacher I think the listening is the important part of that #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @ktenkely The Edubloggers Alliance definitely boosts my morale weekly! Love it #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @vanessacassie what is the difference b/t passion and morale in your opinion? #edchat

TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:43 PM @VanessaCassie - That is a great point. i can still be passionate about my lessons, but have low morale regarding issues. #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:43 PM I worry about "brand-new" teachers and was a new teacher mentor until we "got a grant" to hire retired teachers to mentor new ones #edchat aforgrave 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @hshawjr: Lead or follow, but get out of the way and let me have some fun in the classroom that should be our motto :) #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @michellek107: Whenever I'm feeling beat down, I promise myself NEVER to make my students feel the same way. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @EdutopiaBetty: RT @ShellTerrell: Maybe each of us should tell another teacher tomorrow what we especially like that they do #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010

7:44 PM @vanessacassie You may be correct - passion might not be as passionate when morales are low...but it isn't the same thing! #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:44 PM If morale is low it is just a symptom of a bad system. If teacher morale is low it's not the teacher. it's the entire school. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @jseal Some great ideas in this chat tonight about how admin can make a diff. there- scroll back or check archive! #edchat educatoral 3/2/2010 7:44 PM I'm in for helping to raise the moral of another teacher! #edchat hadleyjf 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @mbteach: Sounds like a plan! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @unklar sound fair, maybe when I visit Arkansas next summer will find time to head over ? #edchat iMrsF

3/2/2010 7:44 PM *LISTENS* RT @spedteacher: My admin challenges tchrs to answer difficult, open-ended questions re practice &listens carefully to us. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @ScottElias: When I get down, I like 2 spend time in classrooms with students and teachers. Very rejuvenating!! #edchat Me 2 - esp. K-2! mbteach 3/2/2010 7:44 PM So when/where is the next #edchat happy hour? :oP michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @mbteach: So it seems we agree that effective learning does not occur when teacher morale is low? #edchat but I'd say it's "less likely" michellek107 3/2/2010 7:44 PM Whenever I'm feeling beat down, I promise myself NEVER to make my students feel the same way. #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:44 PM

Now and then, I will bring my principal coffee or a treat from the bakery without request. A kind of colleague communion. Works: #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @TheServantMedia Absolutely. They set the tone. But they can't possibly be solely responsible. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @montitanner: @thenerdyteacher challenges everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. should be a daily commitmt! #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @ktenkely: @ScottElias I agree everyone is responsible for school morale leadership, teachers, parents, staff. #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @nothingfuture I like that :) I'd go to great lengths for mine I think. Well said! #edchat tabascotim 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @ShellTerrell I'm in. 30+ layoffs at EOY, so it's a good chllnge here. #edchat tenprincipal 3/2/2010 7:44 PM

Morale has an ebb and flow as the school year progresses. This time of year is often tough. Crunch time prior to testing. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:44 PM RT @ShellTerrell: @ktenkely The Edubloggers Alliance definitely boosts my morale weekly! Love it #edchat AGREED! ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @TeacherShaw @bjnichols: "Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale." #edchat Yes. But those who have the power get the accountability. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:44 PM @stevejmoore I was very passionate about my stdnts, my subject area & classroom, but low morale due to outside forces within school #edchat aforgrave 3/2/2010 7:45 PM RT @DoremiGirl: Kind words, respect,, integrity compassion go a long way. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:45 PM RT @bjnichols: Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale. It really has to be a community approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat averyteach

3/2/2010 7:45 PM RT @bjnichols: @ShellTerrell Good point. We spend so much time with prob. teachers that we don't take the time to recognize talent. #edchat BernardCourt 3/2/2010 7:45 PM I think I'm lost in #edchat but I'm on the home page. I think that means morale is V, V important to teachers. Kids need happy +ve teachers. brophycat 3/2/2010 7:45 PM @mbteach wouldn't it be nice if we had the luxury of 1:1 time with studnets and staff during a typicla school day? #moralebooster #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:45 PM And let's not forget that teachers vary widely in how much/how little the outside stuff will affect them. #edchat educatoral 3/2/2010 7:45 PM I think fun is huge. If students are having fun and I'm having fun it's contagious. Let's spread fun! #edchat famousmistered 3/2/2010 7:45 PM

As a career-changing student teacher, I am especially disappointed by the admin in the White House. Expected so much more. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:45 PM I came late & u may have already said this, but scripted programs kill passion & moral more than anything else I've encountered #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:45 PM I came late & u may have already said this, but scripted programs kill passion & moral more than anything else I've encountered #edchat iscottanderson 3/2/2010 7:45 PM RT @iMrsF: I think it's important to appreciate teacher's varying talents. (Admins should "differentiate" to play to tchrs' strengths.) #edchat jdthomas7 3/2/2010 7:45 PM Problems r Problems; Lots of problems = bad situation; nothing done about it = low morale #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:45 PM @Digin4ed Google Fiber for sure. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010

7:45 PM RT @mbteach: So when/where is the next #edchat happy hour? :oP mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:45 PM @jseal Like a teacher, an administrator should be genuine , serve, and support #edchat montitanner 3/2/2010 7:45 PM I agree with @ktenkely: @ScottElias Everyone is responsible for school morale: leadership, teachers, parents, staff. #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:45 PM The principal then knows that he is on my radar even when I am not thinking of best practice or innovations for the classroom. #edchat ronhoutman 3/2/2010 7:45 PM A great deal of teacher morale is based on letting them take some ownership of decisions in the school, rather than all top-down #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:45 PM RT @michellek107: Whenever I'm feeling beat down, I promise myself NEVER to make my students feel the same way. #edchat sciteach3

3/2/2010 7:45 PM Biggest morale booster I got were thank you letters & recognition from my students. #edchat /via @cybraryman1 [I cherish mine like gold!] shawdave 3/2/2010 7:45 PM #edchat happy hour. I like the sound of that SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:45 PM RT @cybraryman1: For teacher socials provide child care and allow spouses/significant others to participate. I like this idea. #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:45 PM I had bad day yesterday. Principal noticed and came by to tell me he thought I was doing a tough job well. Helped a lot! #edchat steelepierce 3/2/2010 7:45 PM Count me in RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who's in? #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:45 PM

@VanessaCassie that makes sense, passsion==willing struggle and care, morale==supported & encouraged #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:45 PM Agreed! RT @dtitle:If morale is low it's just a symptom of a bad system If tchr morale is low its not the tchr its the entire schl. #edchat aforgrave 3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @spedteacher: Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed or lectured to, #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @foes4sports Cancun sounds good! #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @educatoral: I think fun is huge. If students are having fun and Im having fun its contagious. Lets spread fun! #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @ksivick @hshawjr Naysayers are vicious and spread bad things around. Don't get sucked in! #edchat Find sunshiny ppl :-) #edchat EDUCATIONCEO

3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @spedteacher RT @bjnichols Every stakeholder owns piece of morale.It really has 2 be comm approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 7:46 PM Maybe approach a difficult admin and share something you appreciate about him/her. Sometimes they can melt in surprising ways. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @unklar Hey, now that's an idea to boost morale. How about all who #edchat heading somewhere nice for some F2F??!! hadleyjf 3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @Digin4ed: How significant has joining the PLN had on your morale compared to a year before being in the PLN? #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @unklar Almost as far as you can get and still be INCONUS :) Never been to TX always wanted to maybe someday #edchat justwonderinY 3/2/2010 7:46 PM

RT @edtechsteve: And let's not forget that teachers vary widely in how much/how little the outside stuff will affect them. #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @spedteacher good to rec someone else for principal to go to - did wonders for my hallway #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @jseal Advice 4 admin: LISTEN, encourage, LISTEN some more, then ask "what can we do together?"-rather than suggesting solutions. #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @montitanner: I agree with @ktenkely: @ScottElias Everyone is responsible for school morale: leadership, teachers, parents, staff. #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @rroysden: @michellek107: Whenever I'm feeling beat down, I promise myself NEVER to make my students feel the same way. #edchat saune 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @ScottElias If I was admin, you wouldn't be able to tear me out of classrooms! That would be so fun... #edchat ScottElias

3/2/2010 7:46 PM OMG! People agreed with me - standby while I archive this #edchat. This is so good for my morale!! ;-) spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @educatoral It works the other way, too. If I'm having fun, the students have fun. #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:46 PM RT @bjnichols: Every stakeholder owns a piece of morale. It really has to be a community approach. Student, Teacher, Admin, etc. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:46 PM When you smile, you increase the morale at your school. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:46 PM @vanessacassie @stevejmoore "low morale due to outside forces " 2me: If it's in the school it's our job. No fun, but there it is. #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 7:46 PM My biggest #edchat fear: finishing the conversation and then getting an email that my principal or AP or higher admin is now following me vanessacassie

3/2/2010 7:46 PM @stevejmoore You spelled it out exactly! (I've been trying to put that thought into words for years!) :) #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:47 PM I will do it! @thenerdyteacher challenges everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. should be a daily commitmt! #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @DoremiGirlksivick@hshawjr Naysayers are vicious and spread bad things around. Don't get sucked in! #edchat Find sunshiny ppl :-) bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:47 PM The current standardized model has us treating teachers like assembly line workers in many cases - not good for morale! #edchat bjnichols 3/2/2010 7:47 PM @ToughLoveforX Not sure I understand..I have the most pressure in terms of account. but I'm only successful if everyone is invested. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:47 PM

i learned several yrs ago that everyone has a story- it pays 2 listen & get 2know studnets and tchers you work with-for good or bad #edchat busynessgirl 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Perhaps I'll procrastinate by joining #edchat for a few minutes. What's the topic/question tonight? classroomtools 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Probs identified in this Wash Post Op-Ed http://bit.ly/cv42bZ are serious hits on morale. Resolve them and morale will improve. #edchat csstem 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Having parents unsolicited support boosts morale. #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Some of the most meaningful morale boots come from the top, as in super & Board. How frequently does this happen or are they MIA? #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @educatoral: I think fun is huge. If students are having fun and I'm having fun it's contagious. Let's spread fun! #edchat <~ model JOY!! educatoral 3/2/2010

7:47 PM RT @spedteacher: @educatoral It works the other way, too. If Im having fun, the students have fun. --> Right on! Didn't have room :) #edchat heidiamorgan 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @PaulWHankins: The morale of a school is like an offering basket. Don't expect to take any more out than we put in. #IndianaAnalogies #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:47 PM @DoremiGirl I totally agree, they are the parasites on the side of evil and bring many down to their level. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @spedteacher: I had bad day yesterday. Principal noticed and came by to tell me he thought I was doing a tough job well. Helped a lot! #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @TheServantMedia: When you smile, you increase the morale at your school. #edchat ktenkely 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @ShellTerrell: @ktenkely The Edubloggers Alliance definitely boosts my morale weekly! Love it #edchat

michellek107 3/2/2010 7:47 PM RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who's in? #edchat msdon9 3/2/2010 7:47 PM @tomwhitby I took 1 personnel course. 3 educational leadership theory. SDL/SBL in NYS #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:47 PM The morale of a school is like an offering basket. Don't expect to take any more out than we put in. #IndianaAnalogies #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Wondering : How do you define morale? To me morale is a number of intertwined constructs(motivation, mental health, career dev, etc) #edchat ronhoutman 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Building leaders can do well by delegating tasks to willing teacher (leaders) in their organization. #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:47 PM

When I read what some ppl write about their admins, I'm like, "Who are these principals? Do they hate kids?" #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:47 PM @bjnichols I was reflecting how many times I've told my tchr in schl what a gr8 job & sadly not as much as I've told those in PLN #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions and share their expertise. solennial 3/2/2010 7:47 PM I've always wanted to know, why do the big teacher unions not do more to 'stop' the ill effects of NCLB? #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:47 PM Best advice I got re: morale-- stay out of the teacher lounge! #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:47 PM crowdsource your compliments to build morale #edchat bjnichols 3/2/2010 7:48 PM

Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @TheServantMedia: When you smile, you increase the morale at your school. #edchat so true Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:48 PM @tomwhitby Good question, I have no idea of administrators Prof Develop requirements or practices. #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @spedteacher: Best advice I got re: morale-- stay out of the teacher lounge! #edchat <Me too! Ha ha! educatoral 3/2/2010 7:48 PM I still worry about schls with admin who don't handle discipline problems well. We're having some of those probs, tchrs frustrated. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @bhsprincipal: The current standardized model has us treating teachers like assembly line workers in many cases - not good for morale! #edchat justwonderinY

3/2/2010 7:48 PM .@Digin4ed: How significant has joining PLN on your morale? <---PLN has improved morale by sharing insights/successes/thoughts #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @brophycat: i learned several yrs ago that everyone has a story- it pays 2 listen & get 2know studnets and tchers you work with-for good or bad #edchat Linda704 3/2/2010 7:48 PM I'm in! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:48 PM every month someone gets Crystal Apple award - staff nominated #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @andycinek: Join the conversation this Thursday at the #onecom chat! Vote for a blog post now! http://bit.ly/cXYnl #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:48 PM

RT @spedteacher: Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed or lectured to, #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @educatoral: I think fun is huge. If students are having fun and I'm having fun it's contagious. Let's spread fun! #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:48 PM RT @SherriLibrarian: Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions and share their expertise. montitanner 3/2/2010 7:48 PM Brilliant suggestion to help boost morale! RT @SherriLibrarian: Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions and share their expertise. #edchat montitanner 3/2/2010 7:48 PM @busynessgirl #edchat shouldn't be for procrastinating - it should be invigorating! MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:48 PM @SherriLibrarian Teachers nearly always run the PD in our school. Rarely do I feel the time is wasted. #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010

7:48 PM @educatoral ok Tigger... Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun... jk #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:48 PM @unklar maybe that is why none of my teachers are here tonight. Did not think of that. #edchat ScottElias 3/2/2010 7:48 PM @saune Tough to leave the paperwork and red-tape behind sometimes, but you have to make the time to be in classrooms. #edchat shannonbauley 3/2/2010 7:48 PM We teach kids to think positively and to put themselves in others shoes; we too should do this w/admin, parents, teachs, kids. #edchat shawdave 3/2/2010 7:48 PM what is the edblogger's alliance? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:48 PM Do we spend as much time boosting morale of teachers in our school as we do our PLN? #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010

7:48 PM RT @SherriLibrarian: Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions and share their expertise. tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:48 PM Since Morale is such a key factor in Ppl management shouldn't Admins take more Personnel Mangement courses? How many do they Take? #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:48 PM Very important to embrace colleagues, family and students to increase morale #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:48 PM @ToughLoveforX true, but if it continues with no let up, it leads to tchrs leaving for the wrong reasons...like me :) #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT@bjnichols I was reflecting how many times I've told my tchr in schl what a gr8 job & sadly not as much as I've told those in PLN #edchat bjnichols

3/2/2010 7:49 PM @ShellTerrell Thinking the same thing...Count me in for at least recognizing school-based the same amount as PLN #edchat BradnDeedo 3/2/2010 7:49 PM Having a hard time wrapping around this topic - 34 yrs teaching and can count the number of bad days on one hand. Good Admin or bad. #edchat busynessgirl 3/2/2010 7:49 PM @montitanner Given the amount of things I *should* be doing ... it's procrastination, trust me. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @spedteacher: Best advice I got re: morale-- stay out of the teacher lounge! #edchat <~ I want a real teacher's lounge! LOL! educatoral 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @mzmacky: @educatoral ok Tigger... Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun... jk foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:49 PM @ScottElias Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that they care about the kids. Sorry, I know that isn't what you want to hear. : ( #edchat

hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:49 PM @Desertdweller If that is all it is about then I feel sorry for those teachers & perhaps they are part of the prob, not the solution #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:49 PM lol RT @pickledtreats: @ScottElias Do RTs with exclamation points in #edchat boost morale? Someone do a study. IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @mbteach: RT @spedteacher: Admins should be accessible to teachers at times other than when teachers are being observed or lectured to, #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:49 PM PLN don't find it patronising RT @ShellTerrell: Do we spend as much time boosting morale of teachers in our school as we do our PLN? #edchat ktenkely 3/2/2010 7:49 PM @spedteacher so sad that the teacher lounge has that stigma. Trying to turn around that atmosphere where I am. #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010

7:49 PM @educatoral good argument for flat organization - admin could learn something from staff #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @ IreneTortolini: @bhsprincipal: current stand model has us treating teachers like assembly line workers - not good for morale! #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:49 PM If we keep looking down the hall waiting for the morale cart, we'll continue to be found wanting. We have to pack morale in, folks. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:49 PM @spedteacher This was the #1 advice given to me by the lady I student taught for--best advice ever #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @spedteacher: Best advice I got re: morale-- stay out of the teacher lounge! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:49 PM I must say I don't :( but my goal now is to increase this, perhaps this will make the most change #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010

7:49 PM @SherriLibrarian Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions & share their expertise. #edchat YES. & let them get paid what an outsider would get. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:49 PM @educatoral That's an issue in many schools -- fear of parental backlash often drives that issue #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Do we spend as much time boosting morale of teachers in our school as we do our PLN? #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @vanessacassie: Very important to embrace colleagues, family and students to increase morale #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:49 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @spedteacher wow that is nice-always good to know someone cares #edchat #moralebooster busynessgirl

3/2/2010 7:50 PM #edchat I keep an email folder I call "Happy" to put all the positive feedback in ... is invaluable on a bad day. capohanka 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @spedteacher Thankfully we don't have a teacher's lounge :) #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:50 PM We're trying to move that way at our school! RT @SherriLibrarian: Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions and share their expertise. #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @brophycat: I learned several yrs ago that everyone has a story- it pays 2 listen & get 2know students & tchers you work with #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @hshawjr Thankfully, I have many wonderful ppl around me & my PLN who keep me so motivated! Oh, the joyful kids really help, too! #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:50 PM

If morale is low, kind words are bandaids for symptoms of a sick system. Only efforts of the entire school can start recovery #edchat educatoral 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @vanessacassie: fear of parental backlash often drives that issue. -> You're right! Having parents on our side/team is essential! #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:50 PM Listen, give your opinion, help with decision making but when a decision is made support it and live with it. #edchat holysailboat 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @flourishingkids: Teacher morale can be contagious. We must surround ourselves with positive others with good sense of humor #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @DoremiGirl I agree, haven't gone into teacher's lounge except to heat lunch up & say hello/goodbye #edchat JeffreyEducator 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @bjnichols Now that is a thought. I like the way you put that! #edchat K12Live

3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @montitanner: Brilliant suggestion to help boost morale! RT @SherriLibrarian: Let teachers run prof. dev. sessions and share their expertise. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @ShellTerrell Im guilty of affirming my PLN more than my staff :( #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @tomwhitby I was in PD. There are some 'management' options for admin, but emphasis now is on reading/analyzing data, discipline. #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @robboyars no...answer one, none or all. Speaking to a larger group in #edchat. Join us!

ronhoutman 3/2/2010 7:50 PM Teachers need to be the change that our students need in the world #edchat rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010 7:50 PM co-worker says SSR and modeling reading is not educationally efficient use of time... #edchat #reading shannonbauley 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @brophycat @TheServantMedia: "When you smile, you increase the morale at your school. #edchat so true" (+ the world) ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @kmcg2375 I hope they don't I'm guilty #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @kmcg2375 I hope they don't I'm guilty #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @PaulWHankins: Admins: Here is the basic leadership rule: "If you are leading and no one is following--you are just taking a walk." John C. Maxwell #edchat

spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @capohanka The only people in our teacher lounge are the school aides. #edchat suzieboss 3/2/2010 7:50 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:50 PM Boom! http://bit.ly/aZacby Low Morale Fighting Force. Check in and share how you will fight this problem. #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:50 PM Good thing I've had lots of coffee today! It's a whirlwind keeping up with #edchat vtdeacon 3/2/2010 7:50 PM @ShellTerrell good point- is part of the reason because we get more boosting from pln in return?#edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:51 PM right now I am going to do something for my morale; girls scout cookies r in! #edchat

cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:51 PM RT @DaVinciDude: #edchat Encourage teachers to become experts in a topic of choice and serve as a versatile resource to the rest of the staff...morale up Celinejr 3/2/2010 7:51 PM @averyteach I miss getting feedback on my job... Only get general negat. comments at faculty meetings, never hear what is done right #edchat colonelb 3/2/2010 7:51 PM Partly what drags teachers down is the realization that the classroom isn't exactly the dream world they grew up imagining. #edchat DaVinciDude 3/2/2010 7:51 PM #edchat Encourage teachers to become experts in a topic of choice and serve as a versatile resource to the rest of the staff...morale up Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:51 PM If education is going to be transformed or restructured, perhaps we should look 2 what folks did in other industries about morale? #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010

7:51 PM @hshawjr Ours really lacks the space to breathe & for us to be left alone. But despite that, we chat while picking up mail....! #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:51 PM @spedteacher "Best advice stay out of the teacher lounge!" And stay away from negative talk re: problems vs. solutions #edchat jseal 3/2/2010 7:51 PM @michellek107 I agree we need to build consensus and work together teacher/administrator/parents for all positive and good #edchat K12Live 3/2/2010 7:51 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:51 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:51 PM @ShellTerrell Ha! I think it depends on whether they think they are 'above' you #edchat

ksivick 3/2/2010 7:51 PM don't hide from the teacher lounge..if you're good and you know it..... #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:51 PM RT @gfred33: Listen, give your opinion, help with decision making but when a decision is made support it and live with it. #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:51 PM student-centric school, teacher-centric pd.. all individual learners #edchat rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010 7:51 PM @mattscully thanx for the link! Going to read it sometime tonight! #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:51 PM @vtdeacon That's a gr8 question! Have to digest that #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:51 PM RT @bjnichols: Morale is similar to achievement. It goes up the more we differentiate our practices to fit individual needs. #edchat

TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:51 PM Positive attitudes are one of the few contagious things we want to catch from our students. #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 7:51 PM Have you ever spoken to someone who isn't concerned with education? That should boost your morale! #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:52 PM I agree with @ShellTerrell - If I can encourage my staff as much as I get encouraged here - I think morale will skyrocket. #edchat busynessgirl 3/2/2010 7:52 PM #edchat Find a project that will get widespread buy-in and support, doesn't matter what it is, an indirect effect is to improve morale. Celinejr 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @spedteacher our teacher lounge is like a corridor, people come in and out but nothing is exchanged :-( #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:52 PM

No person who is enthusiastic about his work has anything to fear from life. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @web20classroom So much of the culture of a school comes directly from admin, I think they have to take the reins here #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @Digin4ed Google model is a cool place to start with that notion. Would love to see more of it in schools #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:52 PM Ouch, this hurts. Great point. RT @ShellTerrell: Do we spend as much time boosting morale of tchers in our school as we do our PLN? #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 7:52 PM & vice versa RT @spedteacher: Learn the interests of your staff and do something to acknowledge them is big morale booster. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:52 PM The focus on scores & test results is because it is the law, not because it is right, we need to change laws that would incr morale #edchat kevcreutz

3/2/2010 7:52 PM RT @spedteacher: Learn the interests of your staff and do something to acknowledge them is big morale booster. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:52 PM Mine is called the "smile file" T @busynessgirl: #edchat I keep an email folder I call "Happy" to put all the positive feedback in kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @ShellTerrell Or, perhaps, on whether they are scared of or feel threatened by you? #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:52 PM morale is like a magic penny, hold it tight and you won't have any, spend it, lend it..it'll roll all over the floor! #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:52 PM #edchat Our awesome counselor surveys everyone about interest. Does a featured "Mystery Person" contest for kids and staff!! Fun for all! mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @brophycat Reese's PB cups are my fave morale (and weight) booster #edchat

michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @web20classroom @bjnichols: Good point, one teacher gives stdnts options in learning and helps him be excited as he learns w/them #edchat pysproblem81 3/2/2010 7:52 PM RT @IreneTortolini: @spedteacher "Best advice stay out of the teacher lounge!" And stay away from negative talk re: problems vs. solutions #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:52 PM RT @vtdeacon: good point- is part of the reason because we get more boosting from pln in return?#edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @kevcreutz @bjnichols I'm guilty as well but good that #edchat makes me reflect & improve spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:52 PM Learn the interests of your staff and do something to acknowledge them is big morale booster. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:52 PM

Faculty meetings highlighting the things that are working well instead of what is "broken" would be a big boost in morale. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @bjnichols #edchat Yes. "only successful if everyone is invested." It's like being the lieutenant in a squad. 2me Morale is job one. vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:52 PM RT @colonelb: Partly what drags tchrs down is the realization that the classroom isnt exactly the dream world they grew up imagining #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:52 PM @IreneTortolini I agree, but sometime venting to those in similar positions lets you get if off your chest before seeing students #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:52 PM Is it the job of the admin in the building to boost morale? Or should it be up to the teachers themselves? #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:53 PM I try and encourage new staff members to gravitate towards positive influences in the building, rather than the negative. #edchat averyteach

3/2/2010 7:53 PM This is a wonderful reflective tool! Thanks for reminding @bjnichols #edchat BLicata 3/2/2010 7:53 PM Isnt it up to everyone to boost morale #edchat busynessgirl 3/2/2010 7:53 PM Nothing is exchanged? How about germs. :) @Celinejr @spedteacher #edchat capohanka 3/2/2010 7:53 PM I am lucky that the people around me at school are positive. It makes it so wonderful! #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @DaVinciDude What a great idea! It's the concept of "Shared Leadership" that we like here! #edchat csstem 3/2/2010 7:53 PM don't blame the lounge. our lounge is a productive discussion about helping the students on our team be successful. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010

7:53 PM RT @brophycat: I learned several yrs ago that everyone has a story- it pays 2 listen & get 2know students & tchers you work with #edchat famousmistered 3/2/2010 7:53 PM every other Fri, teachers from 1 grade lvl put out breakfast in tchr lng for rest of staff. Nothing boosts morale like free food. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:53 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: Faculty meetings highlighting the things that are working well instead of what is "broken" would be a big boost in morale. #edchat getsweetie 3/2/2010 7:53 PM RT @cybraryman1: "No person who is enthusiastic about his work has anything to fear from life." #edchat/ amen! hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:53 PM We have to push our comfort levels and look at reality vs the pie in the sky we would like to have, then change what we can #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @thenerdyteacher and they want to catch it from us too #edchat

ksivick 3/2/2010 7:53 PM RT @spedteacher: Learn the interests of your staff and do something to acknowledge them is big morale booster. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:53 PM RT @web20classroom: Is it the job of the admin in the building to boost morale? Or should it be up to the teachers themselves? #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:53 PM RT @cybraryman1: "No person who is enthusiastic about his work has anything to fear from life." #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @IreneTortolini @spedteacher is there a way to turn the teachers lounge into a positive place? #edchat mikecullum 3/2/2010 7:53 PM Low morale often the result of having your nose in the problems of each day instead of seeing the bigger successes that abound. #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:53 PM

if we could just believe that everyone wants to do good.. and not assume otherwise ... communicate more #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:53 PM Parents can be the best and the worst for morale - either way if you wait they change ...#edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:53 PM HST: (con't) And that, I think, was the handle-that sense of inevitable victory over the forces of Old and Evil. #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:53 PM HST: There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning #edchat ronhoutman 3/2/2010 7:53 PM A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010 7:53 PM RT @vanessacassie: RT @colonelb: Partly what drags tchrs down is the realization that the classroom isnt exactly the dream world they grew up imagining #edchat ScottElias

3/2/2010 7:53 PM @foes4sports Not ideal, no. But all I can really do is worry about myself and hope those who dislike kids decide to retire. Soon. #edchat shoewee 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @web20classroom A good school can only run with good administration #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @georgewoodbury Yes, it works both ways. #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 7:53 PM Friends, tts easy to have good morale when you have a job. I've seen amazing teachers sink when they got a pink slip. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @web20classroom - I think it's a joint effort. Both can apporach the problem from different angles to solve the problem. #edchat tkraz 3/2/2010 7:53 PM An occasional Friday gathering at a local establishment helps create and find those kindred spirits among our colleagues #edchat

vtdeacon 3/2/2010 7:53 PM @ShellTerrell I think it goes beyond morale- same with seeking help- do it more on pln because they do it back #edchat alohalavina 3/2/2010 7:54 PM Admin and teachers are part of school community. Community means give and take toward common goals--& will boost morale as a result #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:54 PM RT @reyjunco: Humor is the best way to vent after/during a tough day #edchat brasst 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @web20classroom Leadership comes from many places; admins get paid to boost morale; the rest of us just do it because it's right. #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @mattguthrie I have no will power-especially when the box is sitting in the next room-so why fight it? #edchat classroomtools 3/2/2010 7:54 PM

This discussion seems to be about rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Morale is low because the ship is sinking Patch the leaks! #edchat colonelb 3/2/2010 7:54 PM RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat cybraryman1 3/2/2010 7:54 PM RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @brophycat You're so funny and wise, Cathy! #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:54 PM I love it when I'm heard. I know my Ss love it I when listen them. I'll learn to listen first rather than react. #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:54 PM We put up top 10 lists in a teacher lounge at another school... that helped with communication Give a topic, teachers fill in #edchat georgewoodbury

3/2/2010 7:54 PM & vice versa RT @TheNerdyTeacher: Positive attitudes are one of the few contagious things we want to catch from our students. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @web20classroom I think we have to boost moral ourselves, but it would help if admin. would do it too. #edchat ktenkely 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @thenerdyteacher yes faculty meetings should be celebrations of what good things are happening. Too often they end up list of bad #edchat lkneisz 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @kylepace #edchat teacher should own it michellek107 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @thenerdyteacher how many faculty meetings have agenda mostly set by teacher input? #edchat mjedallen 3/2/2010 7:54 PM Hear! Hear! RT @edtechsteve I found the best way to boost my morale was to meet, date, and marry another teacher in the building. #edchat

monk51295 3/2/2010 7:54 PM if people are allowed/encouraged to improve their art/passion - morale is a given #edchat reyjunco 3/2/2010 7:54 PM Humor is the best way to vent after/during a tough day #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @kmcg2375 I'm like 5 ft tall so I hope that no one does LOL #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @mbteach Yes, bright colors, soft chairs, computer, music, bar. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:54 PM RT @cybraryman1: "No person who is enthusiastic about his work has anything to fear from life." #edchat vanessacassie 3/2/2010 7:54 PM Thanks for the great edchat! Gotta run :) #edchat vanessacassie

3/2/2010 7:54 PM Social outings with little to no 'shop talk' goes a long way in boosting morael #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:54 PM RT @brasst: Leadership comes from many places; admins get paid to boost morale; the rest of us just do it because it's right. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:54 PM RT @shoewee: A good school can only run with good administration #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:54 PM @edtechsteve I would agree...admin help to drive culture...they have to take some control but all control? #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT@web20classroom:@edtechsteve I would agree..admin help to drive culture...they have to take some control..all control?--Please No! #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @web20classroom @edtechsteve the best admin control by letting others feel in control #edchat daylynn

3/2/2010 7:55 PM @vanessacassie Find that teachers have a hard time not talking shop when in a social setting. Is that a good or a bad thing?! #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @vanessacassie Find that teachers have a hard time not talking shop when in a social setting. Is that a good or a bad thing?! #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 7:55 PM As we approach the hours end--> What are your summary thoughts, comments, learnings, ideas from tonights #edchat. DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @spedteacher: @mbteach Yes, bright colors, soft chairs, computer, music, bar. #edchat <~what the heck? Sounds like a gr8 place! I want 1! edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @web20classroom Definitely not all, they just need to be driving it. It's amazing how culture of schools vary widely by admin. #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:55 PM

RT @web20classroom: RT @shoewee: A good school can only run with good administration #edchat AND good teachers! hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @foes4sports Not ideal, no But all I can really do is worry about myself & hope those who dislike kids retire. Soon. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @hshawjr: We have to push our comfort levels and look at reality vs the pie in the sky we would like to have, then change what we can #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @web20classroom admin is def in charge of running a pos environment, but sometimes us tchrs have to take up the slack. #edchat mjgormans 3/2/2010 7:55 PM To all... thanks for boosting my morale tonite, it gives me the energy to work for others tomorrow! You're an awesome group! #edchat PaulWHankins

3/2/2010 7:55 PM End of the day, I want my reflection in the mirror to be clearer than the one in my blackboard. I am the morale I want to see. #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:55 PM Change of princ in our bldg has done wonders to raise morale. Has taken the time to get to know us, our style, our interests. #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:55 PM Change of princ in our bldg has done wonders to raise morale. Has taken the time to get to know us, our style, our interests. #edchat phsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @averyteach: This is a wonderful reflective tool! Thanks for reminding @bjnichols I second that!Thanks so much for some good info #edchat pysproblem81 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @DoremiGirl #edchat Also have been on many irrelevant/unsuitable (& expensive) training courses... Needs to come from below raysadad 3/2/2010 7:55 PM

RT @vanessacassie: Social outings with little to no 'shop talk' goes a long way in boosting morael #edchat Sgwhizz 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @foes4sports That question was a reflection for me, too. I think it's easier to Tweet it but during day we get so busy we may forget #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @mbteach: So when/where is the next #edchat happy hour? :oP Good question tabascotim 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @georgewoodbury: & vice versa RT @TheNerdyTeacher: Positive attitudes are one of the few contagious things we want to catch from our students. #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @Sgwhizz: RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat TheServantMedia

3/2/2010 7:55 PM @mikecullum It is so very important to focus on the great goal than the daily problem. Great point. #edchat TNschatz 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @web20classroom I think morale is best deliverered via respect and discipline. #edchat TNschatz 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @web20classroom I think morale is best deliverered via respect and discipline. #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:55 PM What about teams of EDU Experts to travel and assess Schools & Programs to SUGGEST possible ways to approach probs differently. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:55 PM @TNschatz Agreed...it is mutual....between teachers and admin #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @IreneTortolini: I think we have to boost moral ourselves, but it would help if admin. would do it too. #edchat web20classroom

3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat willycard 3/2/2010 7:55 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @shoewee: A good school can only run with good administration #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 7:56 PM Good Point!RT @michellek107: @thenerdyteacher how many faculty meetings have agenda mostly set by teacher input? #edchat bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:56 PM Some of the ideas that are being mentioned are great, but are they really game-changers? #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @DoremiGirl Thanks to my PLN who definitely boost my morale! Cookies do not come close, btw #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @DaVinciDude: Yes!! Faculty meetings can be bloated with info that should be disseminated more efficiently using other means. #edchat

conjuremannovel 3/2/2010 7:56 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @cybraryman1: Teachers must be appreciated, supported, helped & encouraged for the hard work that they do. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @teachingwthsoul I can't imagine when one loses his/her job b/c of budget cuts. I'd be crushed...#edchat EduNut 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @web20classroom We all want to be a part of something bigger & positive. Admin set the tone but we have that power, too. #edchat famousmistered 3/2/2010 7:56 PM parent coun @ daughter's schl renovated teachers lounge 4 teacher apprec wk last yr. not sure what it did 4 morale, but looks nice #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @DoremiGirl the bar would contribute to other problems as inhibitions went away :) #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:56 PM

RT @mbteach: @web20classroom admin is def in charge of running a pos environment, but sometimes us tchrs have to take up the slack. #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 7:56 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat kevcreutz 3/2/2010 7:56 PM RT @mattguthrie: thx for the gr8 chat - I think we all needed it :-) #edchat LAMPeducation 3/2/2010 7:56 PM Public systems need to think outside the box and be prepared to take risks to boost morale too #edchat lthumann 3/2/2010 7:56 PM Some notes about a recent conversation with some HS freshman http://thumannresources.com/2010/03/02/sn_in_hs/ #edchat mattguthrie 3/2/2010 7:56 PM thx for the gr8 chat - I think we all needed it :-) #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 7:56 PM

And a big 'NO GRIPING' sign! RT @spedteacher: Yes, bright colors, soft chairs, computer, music, bar. #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @classroomtools: Morale is low because the ship is sinking Patch the leaks! #edchat - or maybe build a new boat.. yes? MrMusselman 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @mjedallen It doesn't hurt to have a best friend down the hall either! #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @thenerdyteacher unfortunately I don't tend to take those meetings too seriously... waiting for the other shoe to fall #edchat PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 7:56 PM One person sings the cadence, but it is the fervor of each step that makes a company really sing as it marches along. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 7:56 PM @csstem I think that is awesome and how it should be! Many times it turns into a gripe session that I didn't want to take part. #edchat rushtheiceberg

3/2/2010 7:56 PM I'm enjoying the change/variety in topics on #edchat! I like that there is dialogue, not just sharing "links"...(but I do like links!) ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:56 PM RT @SherriLibrarian: RT @mbteach: So when/where is the next #edchat happy hour? :oP Good question ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:56 PM RT @Digin4ed: As we approach the hours end--> What are your summary thoughts, comments, learnings, ideas from tonights #edchat. teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 7:56 PM RT @Sgwhizz @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:56 PM #edchat ers might find this helpful re "morale" --> The No Asshole Rule: by Robert Sutton, PhD http://ilnk.me/1ccd web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:56 PM

@edtechsteve Yea...I have seen how different it is in all the schools I have worked with...it varies from place to place... #edchat bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 7:57 PM @chrislehmann said it best at #educon "we need top-down support for bottom-up ideas" #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 7:57 PM #edchat Do unproductive meetings damage morale? Do you think more effective communication can make a big difference? classroomtools 3/2/2010 7:57 PM @monk51295 Yes, that would work too; but getting people off of the old and onto the new without great losses will not be easy. #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @brophycat: The best admin control by letting others feel in control #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 7:57 PM By the way, I love that this topic was chosen tonight- I voted this one! A great non techy topic #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:57 PM

@DoremiGirl that is prob what haps this year to me have to keep pos & morale up :) Plug away & if do may actually retire this time #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:57 PM If you boost the morale of your admin they can pay it back in spades - leaders need positive feedback too #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @ronhoutman: A bldg admin sets the tone - but the music is played by the staff. All must be in concert to make the school work. #edchat kylepace 3/2/2010 7:57 PM Thanks for a great #edchat everyone. Follow @jswiatek for the archive, which I will def need to read later! mbteach 3/2/2010 7:57 PM Anyone run a book club with their colleagues? #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:57 PM @tomwhitby what qualifies as an "EDU Expert?" #edchat mzmacky 3/2/2010

7:57 PM What the heck, we all know we ROCK! Right?! #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 7:57 PM @bhsprincipal I'm not sure morale is a game changer- it always is and always will be. But something to be dealt with, to be sure. #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:57 PM Summary thoughts: gd ldrshp, supportive admin, colleagues, parents, opportunities to get together, sense of empowerment up morale. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @mjgormans: To all.thanx 4 boosting my morale tonite, gives me the energy to work for others tomorrow! You're an awesome grp! #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @brophycat: @DoremiGirl Thanks to my PLN who definitely boost my morale! Cookies do not come close, btw #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:57 PM I'm walking away from tonight's chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat

stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:57 PM Just added a new group on Missouri Educator Community: #edchat http://ning.it/9bsnbt TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 7:57 PM Be Positive! #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @DoremiGirl @teachingwthsoul I can't imagine when one loses his/her job b/c of budget cuts. I'd be crushed...#edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:57 PM Didn't the Army appoint Morale officers? #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @bjnichols: @ShellTerrell Good point. We spend so much time with prob. teachers that we don't take the time to recognize talent. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @EduNut: We all want to be a part of something bigger & positive. Admin set the tone but we have that power, too. #edchat

web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:57 PM RT @brophycat: The best admin control by letting others feel in control #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:57 PM @gfred33 Good teachers are key! #edchat AndersonGL 3/2/2010 7:58 PM #edchat I've given up on school-wide morale. Too many different priorites within admin & teachers. Find morale with a couple of colleagues. averyteach 3/2/2010 7:58 PM I have tried to have staff share best practices-focus groups share projects.But many times, the fclty mtg gets in a rut. #edchat brasst 3/2/2010 7:58 PM My way to boost morale - desk on 3rd floor w/jar of chocolate; teachers can vent, get exercise, and feed their soul simultaneously #edchat daylynn 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Thanks for helping to keep my morale high! Another great #edchat

DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 7:58 PM @pysproblem81 Sorry didn't see your tweet re: exp/irr/ training courses - YES they drive me crazy too!! #edchat dtitle 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Merit pay for entire schools that do well - reward collaboration & differentiated learning #edchat gameclassroom 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Thank you all for another great edchat! #edchat gfred33 3/2/2010 7:58 PM The joke board in our faculty room always brightens my day. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 7:58 PM @tomwhitby yeah so did Coast Guard, useless job and people ran the other way when they came around, #edchat justwonderinY 3/2/2010 7:58 PM RT @spedteacher: I'm walking away from tonight's chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat

K12Live 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Thanks everyone, great discussion tonight. Have a fabulous day tomorrow! #edchat kwbenson 3/2/2010 7:58 PM The more I stand up for things I believe in, the happier I am and the better my teaching is. High morale comes from within #edchat laroncarter 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Thanks everyone, great discussion tonight. Have a fabulous day tomorrow! #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Yes! RT @bhsprincipal: @chrislehmann said it best at #educon "we need top-down support for bottomup ideas" #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:58 PM Good ?RT @michellek107: @thenerdyteacher how many faculty meetings have agenda mostly set by teacher input? #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:58 PM @michellek107 In NYC all Edu expertshave law degrees and no classroom experience. #edchat

SrMatador 3/2/2010 7:58 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @brophycat: The best admin control by letting others feel in control #edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 7:58 PM RT @kylepace: Thanks for a great #edchat everyone. Follow @jswiatek for the archive, which I will def need to read later! TNschatz 3/2/2010 7:58 PM RT @stevejmoore: great point from @phsprincipal: PLN has imporved my morale too #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:58 PM @mbteach We used to at my school but have gotten away from it in recent years....teachers say there just isn't time #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 7:58 PM What do teachers do when they are surrounded by the negative attitudes that are common in education? #edchat csstem 3/2/2010 7:59 PM

@web20classroom Either get away from them and succeed. Or stay and get sucked into the vortex. #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 7:59 PM @mbteach Our asst. principal does a book club and I have a book exchange. Both are very popular and appreciated. #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 7:59 PM Me too! :) RT @edtechsteve: By the way, I love that this topic was chosen tonight- I voted this one! A great non techy topic #edchat kmcg2375 3/2/2010 7:59 PM Sense of agency is so important to well-being RT @brophycat: The best admin control by letting others feel in control #edchat ksivick 3/2/2010 7:59 PM I think every fac mtg should honor at least 3 teachers by asking them to share favorite teaching tip , short, sweet and acknowledged #edchat LAMPeducation 3/2/2010 7:59 PM @AndersonGL Don't give up - never give up; just change your view and attack it from another angle #edchat mattguthrie

3/2/2010 7:59 PM @bhsprincipal gamechangers will only come w/real reform,. Tchrs real contributors, real participants in policy & implementation #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 7:59 PM Parents are boosting my morale this week, and my waistline. Teacher Apprec Week= LOTS of food and goodies. Caring parents=SUPER! #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 7:59 PM how we'd like to pd to be? that's how class should be. and vv - changes for kids... should be for teachers as well. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 7:59 PM @vtdeacon Or it could be in PLN it's a standard that has been in place but in RL often hasn't been established as standard? #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 7:59 PM #edchat boosts my morale. I love trading ideas with smart teachers and admins. Parents, too! TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:59 PM

.. my orale is boosted when I realize that there are so many amazing teachers out there doing something about it. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 7:59 PM I think I learned this hour that there is low morale for teachers all over the world. That makes me sad... #edchat but, tomwhitby 3/2/2010 7:59 PM @michellek107 Not Arne Duncan, Al Sharpton, Newt Gingrich #edchat AndersonGL 3/2/2010 8:00 PM #edchat What about when admin doesn't set positive tone? Then tchrs have to find "morale" within themselves & w/each other. It can be done. averyteach 3/2/2010 8:00 PM RT @PGRoom209: When morale truly takes a hit, ice cream sundae time! #edchat averyteach 3/2/2010 8:00 PM Have to go - my BB just won a great game! Thanks for the great conversation tonight! #edchat bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 8:00 PM

RT @spedteacher: #edchat boosts my morale. I love trading ideas with smart teachers and admins. Parents, too! BLicata 3/2/2010 8:00 PM They either inspire or they stop shining themselves #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @mbteach Teachers rwhat makes a difference-how can anyone create meaningful relationships w that many studnets? one at a time...#edchat Cowpernicus 3/2/2010 8:00 PM #edchat I am solely responsible for my morale. There are no external predictors. Digin4ed 3/2/2010 8:00 PM RT @kmcg2375: Sense of agency is so important to well-being RT @brophycat: The best admin control by letting others feel in control #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 8:00 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @EduNut: We all want to be a part of something bigger & positive. Admin set the tone but we have that power, too. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010

8:00 PM RT @spedteacher: I'm walking away from tonight's chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:00 PM RT @spedteacher: RT @brophycat: Thanks to my PLN who definitely boost my morale! Cookies do not come close, btw #edchat <~ or the bar..maybe famousmistered 3/2/2010 8:00 PM RT @davezirk: NJ has major budget issues, leading to many frowny faces around my district. Hard for young teachers to smile when faced w/ job loss #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 8:00 PM RT @spedteacher: I'm walking away from tonight's chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @web20classroom Absolutely positively correct, those are the ones we have to keep! :) #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:00 PM I really think that we have to objectively look and see that not everyone should be a teacher and don't have a right to be one #edchat

IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 8:00 PM I'm thankful for this PLN for boosting my moral every day #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @web20classroom that's kind of what I figured. Perhaps mindless nacho eating and margarita sipping are easier! :) #edchat Oh_the_Places 3/2/2010 8:00 PM My students would love feedback on their work!! http://bit.ly/5yjtuN #edtech #edchat #education PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @trkravtin I am in #edchat, Teresa. You know me. I hear joy and I just kind of follow it. These people are part of my bliss package! PGRoom209 3/2/2010 8:00 PM When morale truly takes a hit, ice cream sundae time! #edchat pysproblem81 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @ShellTerrell @Digin4ed Issues are global - Morale cn b problem & for sim. reasons, but we bear some responsibility to minimise it #edchat

raysadad 3/2/2010 8:00 PM PLN's are a great place to turn to when morale is low. Build a support group to help you through tough times. #edchat /via @thenerdyteacher teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:00 PM Me 2.RT @TheNerdyTeacher: I think I learned this hour that there is low morale for teachers all over the world. That makes me sad... #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:00 PM That should say Morale. #edchat yikes unklar 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @phsprincipal if my admins ever find twitter, I'm probably toast #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @phsprincipal you freaked me out one night 'cause my HS initials are PHS, too! #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:00 PM @hshawjr Which is how we loose great teachers every year... #edchat

averyteach 3/2/2010 8:01 PM Thanks PLN for a great chat - thanks also to those who moderated and set it up - Pleae give them credit I can't remember who it is #edchat bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 8:01 PM Thanks for another great #edchat - Sorry I missed the first half! brophycat 3/2/2010 8:01 PM @reyjunco nice-I agree! important to let othes be a part of that decision-where are we going and how are we going to get there? #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 8:01 PM I'm in!! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who's in? #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @ksivick: I think every fac mtg should ask 3 teachers by asking them 2 share fav teaching tip,& acknowledged #edchat <~ and end with that edtechsteve 3/2/2010 8:01 PM

@unklar They'll never recognize you in that hat... #edchat edtechsteve 3/2/2010 8:01 PM Gotta go put my nutty girls to bed. Night all!!! Thanks for everything and teachers rock! #edchat EDUCATIONCEO 3/2/2010 8:01 PM @ShellTerrell I would be interested in finding out exactly how many schools have a true PLN. #edchat Never heard term in any of my schools. gfred33 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @IreneTortolini: We have to take responsibility for our own morale-- no more blaming #edchat Yes. Yes. Yes! hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:01 PM @unklar you and how many other teachers :-P #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 8:01 PM Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be. #quote Abraham Lincoln #edchat kellyhines 3/2/2010 8:01 PM

#edchat If you don't find the support you need in your building, it's amazing how strongly you can be sustained by a virtual support system. ksivick 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @mbteach: Anyone run a book club with their colleagues? #edchat I did at last job...fun if you bring treats:) ktenkely 3/2/2010 8:01 PM I think if schools were modeled after Googleplex and Pixar philosophies morale would be higher for teachers and students #edchat michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 8:01 PM @web20classroom The admins need to at least NOT be the cause of low morale! If you know what I mean. #edchat monk51295 3/2/2010 8:01 PM a uni student was talking about twitter - said her pln there made her not feel crazy... thank you for that #edchat ppoulin 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @mbteach: Sometimes just saying 'hi' to each other and smiling makes a big difference! #edchat Sheila_A

3/2/2010 8:01 PM Is morale really wanting to be included in a group of likemindedness? What happens when your thinking is diff? Still high morale? #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @spedteacher: #edchat boosts my morale. I love trading ideas with smart teachers and admins. Parents, too! ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @IreneTortolini: I'm thankful for this PLN for boosting my moral every day #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 8:01 PM Bright colors, soft chairs, computer, music. This nice atmosphere can help in teachers lounge too. But can't have bar. #edchat TeacherShaw 3/2/2010 8:01 PM I learned that there are plenty of teachers out there that want morale to be boosted in their schools....HOPE #edchat TheServantMedia 3/2/2010 8:01 PM Thanks, everyone at #edchat ... as always I am left inspired. : )

web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @kellyhines: #edchat Good admin & good teachers must be good for each other. A perfect storm of sorts. The "mesh factor" is huge IMHO web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:01 PM @mbteach Yea..now that I can say happens regularly! #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:01 PM RT @IreneTortolini: I'm thankful for this PLN for boosting my moral every day #edchat <--Me Too! bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @IreneTortolini: I'm thankful for this PLN for boosting my moral every day #edchat brasst 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @DoremiGirl: RT @ksivick: I think every fac mtg should ask 3 teachers by asking them 2 share fav teaching tip,& acknowledged #edchat <~ and end with that brasst 3/2/2010 8:02 PM @teachingwthsoul Disheartening on wrong side of the pink slip; dist non-renewed everyone nontenured every year; happier elsewhere. #edchat

brophycat 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @thart74: Moral starts with a vision that everyone believes in. #edchat C_Baribeau 3/2/2010 8:02 PM @IreneTortolini I agree that we are responsible and this is what translates to students. #edchat cbelearn 3/2/2010 8:02 PM Thanks to everyone for another inspiring #edchat! I appreciate the supportive environment we have here! cybraryman1 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @foes4sports: RT @spedteacher: I'm walking away from this chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 8:02 PM Thank you all for a great #edchat and for boosting my morale. DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @IreneTortolini: I'm thankful for this PLN for boosting my moral every day #edchat <~ Me too!

elephantsgerald 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RE:averages- My early grades are 4 less pts. Initial learning is lower stakes. Later assignments have more weight. @joe_bower #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @IreneTortolini: Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be. #quote Abraham Lincoln #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:02 PM @michaelcjohnson and other teachers need to be taken to task by use & admin if they are the cause for low morale-accountability??? #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @AndersonGL: #edchat What if admin doesn't set positive tone?Then tchrs must find morale w/in themselves & w/each other. It can be done. IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @cybraryman1: RT @foes4sports: RT @spedteacher: I'm walking away from this chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010

8:02 PM @TNschatz totally struggle with the want to socialize and the need to get work done! #edchat nothingfuture 3/2/2010 8:02 PM ...and... I'm out. Battery's in the red, kid needs the bed. Thx for the fun, #edchat peeps! PaulWHankins 3/2/2010 8:02 PM @AndersonGL You are a new part of my morale package, Gary. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE (and my cap key is fine, friend). Best to all. #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 8:02 PM Now, we just need an #edchat at school! That would boost morale for sure. Thanks PLN for the great chat. #edchat raysadad 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @mbteach: RT @raysadad: Sometimes, forcing yrself to interact with others, shift gears, get outside the isolation helps. #edchat rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010 8:02 PM @lhiltbr I like the concept of classroom dreams changing! I'm learning to create a new "dreamality" each year! #edchat ShellTerrell

3/2/2010 8:02 PM @EDUCATIONCEO I've never heard of this in a school b4 either. Took me coming to Germany & getting on Twitter to find this #edchat thart74 3/2/2010 8:02 PM Moral starts with a vision that everyone believes in. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:02 PM Another wonderful #edchat folks. Don't forget to follow new people and read their blogs to continue the dialog. tshreve 3/2/2010 8:02 PM RT @spedteacher: I'm walking away from tonight's chat with sense of responsibility for morale of everyone in the school. #edchat Agreed! web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:02 PM @kellyhines I think you are exactly right...it has to be a combo of both #edchat AndersonGL 3/2/2010 8:03 PM #edchat We're losing ground on morale because we're unrealistically searching for common ground bet 300 tchrs & admin.

bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 8:03 PM @ShellTerrell Should I call this morale 2.0 or 3.0.? I am losing track. #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 8:03 PM I'm motivated by one colleague doing something positive - a great reminder of why I started teaching. #edchat iMrsF 3/2/2010 8:03 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @spedteacher: #edchat boosts my morale. I love trading ideas with smart teachers and admins. Parents, too! IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 8:03 PM Thanks for the wonderful edchat - sorry I can never make it on time! #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 8:03 PM Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! Thanks for coming everyone! michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 8:03 PM RT @ktenkely: I think if schools were modeled after Googleplex and Pixar philosophies morale would be higher for teachers & students #edchat

michellek107 3/2/2010 8:03 PM AGREED! RT @kmcg2375: If you boost the morale of your admin they can pay it back in spades - leaders need positive feedback too #edchat mikecullum 3/2/2010 8:03 PM How much of the "work" in a faculty mtng could be done online outside of the mtng and save meeting for important F2F interaction. #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 8:03 PM No matter the circumstances, we need to walk in that classroom and be the best we can be for our students #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:03 PM RT @brophycat: RT @thart74: Moral starts with a vision that everyone believes in. #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 8:03 PM Time for dinner. Thanks for a great chat. Love to all. #edchat spedteacher 3/2/2010 8:03 PM

I thought trying to read #edchat on firefox was fast. I tried chrome tonight and my eyeballs are rolling downhill! unklar 3/2/2010 8:03 PM @hshawjr we could start a new virtual school filled with axed teachertweeps #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:03 PM RT @TheNerdyTeacher: Another wonderful #edchat folks. Don't forget to follow new people and read their blogs to continue the dialog. web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:03 PM RT @thart74: Moral starts with a vision that everyone believes in. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:03 PM @michaelcjohnson That is true...yet is so many situations they are the cause of it... #edchat brophycat 3/2/2010 8:04 PM oops, I need to go boost my husband's morale-while I sit chatting he is busy cleaning up after dinner; must go work off the GSC #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:04 PM

@unklar hheeheeee it would be a hoot, besides then we could be the admin and really take some heat fm complaining teachers/parents #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:04 PM @spedteacher Naw it was the new glasses heheehe #edchat IreneTortolini 3/2/2010 8:04 PM RT @mbteach: Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! Thanks for coming everyone! LAMPeducation 3/2/2010 8:04 PM RT @rroysden No matter the circumstances, we need to walk in that classroom and be the best we can be for our students #edchat mathfaery 3/2/2010 8:04 PM RT @brasst: RT @DoremiGirl: RT @ksivick: I think every fac mtg should ask 3 teachers by asking them 2 share fav teaching tip,& #edchat ... mbteach 3/2/2010 8:04 PM @jenikoch cool! Love the yoga idea. It's a great way to wind down. #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010

8:04 PM @spedteacher I am using a column in TweetDeck, and it's scrolling too quickly for this speedreader! (but that means great partic!) #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 8:04 PM The finest Admin. I ever worked for once told me ,"Every child is someone's angel." It has changing everrything I do as a teacher. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:04 PM @pysproblem81 I agree we can minimalise it thru our attitude & way we interact w/ others #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:04 PM @IreneTortolini I was late too no worries...lots of love here! #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:04 PM Learning so many wonderful things everyday from all of you,PLN~~> MUAH! Big ((HUGS)) #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:04 PM RT @bhsprincipal: @ShellTerrell Should I call this morale 2.0 or 3.0.? I am losing track. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010

8:04 PM RT @mbteach: Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! Thanks for coming everyone! Digin4ed 3/2/2010 8:05 PM And thanks to @mbteach as well. RT@mbteach Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! Thanks for coming everyone! DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:05 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @mbteach: Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! Thanks for coming everyone! georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 8:05 PM Thanks for first edchat. I need to be a faster reader. Thanks for the transcript! #edchat michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 8:05 PM @hshawjr very true, if someone is poisoning the water it needs to be dealt with! #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 8:05 PM @web20classroom find a postive PLN (like all those responding tonight!) and help spread the positive outlook! #edchat Sgwhizz

3/2/2010 8:05 PM #edchat I find idea generating the best way to boost my own morale ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:05 PM @bhsprincipal LOL! It's in the cloud now so I'm thinking 3.0 ;-) #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:05 PM Starting tomorrow I'm making it goal to begin recognizing teachers at my school #edchat Thanx PLN for the reflection! TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:05 PM @cybraryman1 @teachingwthsoul @raysadad @ShellTerrell @averyteach @mzmacky @DaVinciDude @michellek107 @georgewoodbury thx 4 RT's #edchat AndersonGL 3/2/2010 8:06 PM @PaulWHankins #edchat That's the beauty of what we do here & in other soc-netw venues, building virtual morale. Proud to join you in that. csstem 3/2/2010 8:06 PM Thanks for boosting @joannahstevens (my student teacher) morale tonight. #edchat cusilleee

3/2/2010 8:06 PM RT @ksivick: I think every fac mtg should honor at least 3 teachers by asking them to share .... and acknowledged #edchat <---Great idea! hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:06 PM RT @ofalvo: The finest Admin. ...told me "Every child is someone's angel." It has changing everrything I do as a teacher. #edchat michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 8:06 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @mbteach: Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! Thanks for coming everyone! mzmacky 3/2/2010 8:06 PM @ofalvo every teacher is someone's angel too! #edchat rroysden 3/2/2010 8:06 PM #edchat Thanks to all for this opportunity--to be inspired by others who are passionate about teaching kids! SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 8:06 PM #edchat helped boost my morale! I hope I can make it back next week.

teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:06 PM @ShellTerrell Awesome! #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:06 PM @ktenkely @IreneTortolini @linda704 @michellek107 @steelepierce @montitanner @Digin4ed @mbteach Great job today! #edchat unklar 3/2/2010 8:06 PM @hshawjr @phsprincipal has there ever been a pilot, charter, etc. run only by teachers? #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:06 PM RT @michellek107: Find a positive PLN (like all those responding tonight!) and help spread the positive outlook! #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:06 PM @georgewoodbury Thanks for joining us...hope you drop by next week! #edchat csmonitoronline 3/2/2010 8:07 PM Great resource for communicating with individuals interested in education #edchat

DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:07 PM @hshawjr You look to young to retire - from what I can see your profile pic... :-) #edchat famousmistered 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @ksivick: I think every fac mtg should honor at least 3 teachers by asking them to share favorite teaching tip , short, sweet and acknowledged #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 8:07 PM Thanks, all! Time to go out there and boost others' morale!! #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:07 PM Now to go write up my PET meeting Written Notice (Minutes) - tired though :) #edchat justwonderinY 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @thart74: When we have a common vision we reveal that we are all working toward the same thing and not by ourselves. #edchat justwonderinY 3/2/2010 8:07 PM Much to think abt in regards to my responsibility for morale for myself, my colleagues, & my students. Thanks #edchat. Tomorrow = new day.

LAMPeducation 3/2/2010 8:07 PM Thanks for the great discussion; I have to not schedule client meetings on Tues to be on time next week! Great ideas! #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @mbteach: Thanks to @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! montitanner 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @cbelearn: Thanks to everyone for another inspiring #edchat! I appreciate the supportive environment we have here! mzmacky 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Starting tomorrow I'm making it goal to begin recognizing teachers at my school #edchat Thanx PLN for the reflection! rroysden 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Starting tomorrow I'm making it goal to begin recognizing teachers at my school #edchat Thanx PLN for the reflection! rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010 8:07 PM

@acmcdonaldgp @BMcCormick65 its not coming f/district...ONE teacher wants to change it and now we have to vote...#edchat stevejmoore 3/2/2010 8:07 PM What kind of free global professional development do you get on Tuesday evenings? #edchat http://bit.ly/ctsQT7 thart74 3/2/2010 8:07 PM When we have a common vision we reveal that we are all working toward the same thing and not by ourselves. #edchat TNschatz 3/2/2010 8:07 PM RT @educatoral: I still worry about schls with admin who don't handle discipline problems well. We're having some of those probs, tchrs frustrated. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:07 PM So glad I was able to get in on my first #edchat in what seems like ages...can't wait to read what I missed! brophycat 3/2/2010 8:08 PM @mbteach thanks for moderating #edchat tonight-a great conversation; a chance to reflect on what's happening and how we can make it better hshawjr

3/2/2010 8:08 PM @DoremiGirl Yeah thanks only 52, but still might I have other interests that I want to do hiking, volunteering, loosng weight :) #edchat leslie_mck 3/2/2010 8:08 PM I was reminded that it is my job to stay positive esp when things don't go as planned & to spread positivity to tchrs at my school #edchat lhiltbr 3/2/2010 8:08 PM Feeling energized after #edchat ! Thanks to my fabulous PLN... Going to make people happy at work tomorrow!! mbteach 3/2/2010 8:08 PM @TNschatz so they SHOULD be seperate. Are we making sure they are or are we allowing morale to affect instruction? #edchat NetPat 3/2/2010 8:08 PM RT @csmonitoronline: Great resource for communicating with individuals interested in education #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 8:08 PM

RT @mzmacky: @ofalvo every teacher is someone's angel too! #edchat rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010 8:08 PM P.E. teachers complain that having 220 kids in gym is too difficult to have SSR (I agree)-but wont go into classrooms! #edchat SherriLibrarian 3/2/2010 8:08 PM RT @ShellTerrell: Starting tomorrow I'm making it goal to begin recognizing teachers at my school #edchat Thanx PLN for the reflection! teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:08 PM @TheNerdyTeacher Thanks to you too! You have a great heart. :) #edchat tomwhitby 3/2/2010 8:08 PM Thanks to @mbteach, @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! brasst 3/2/2010 8:09 PM @michaelcjohnson @hshawjr Nothing changes flavor of water like KoolAid - killing with kindness, spoonful of sugar, etc. #edchat Cowpernicus 3/2/2010 8:09 PM

If we let other's beliefs or behaviours dictate our morale we allow ego to get in the way of personal growth and positive existence. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:09 PM @hshawjr Second career's not retiring! That's cool! #edchat famousmistered 3/2/2010 8:09 PM Great advice! RT @LAMPeducation @AndersonGL Don't give up - never give up; just chg yr view and attack from another angle #edchat georgewoodbury 3/2/2010 8:09 PM @web20classroom I'll be here. Nice to be with so many inspired teachers, no matter the level or subject. Thanks for all you do! #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:09 PM @unklar In Cali are they doing Teacher led pilots out there???? Otherwise most admins at one time were teachers????? #edchat ofalvo 3/2/2010 8:09 PM RT @tomwhitby: Thanks to @mbteach, @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! rushtheiceberg 3/2/2010

8:09 PM @acmcdonaldgp they claim there will be more direct instructions - my point is students still learn core content while reading #edchat sakstins 3/2/2010 8:09 PM @web20classroom Teachers have an obligation to remain positive.#edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:09 PM Yes indeed! RT @tomwhitby: Thanks to @mbteach, @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! thart74 3/2/2010 8:09 PM @famousmistered I think every faculty meeting should include a reminder/revisit of the vision. #edchat AndersonGL 3/2/2010 8:10 PM #edchat Teacher morale is important because it affects students. Mini-morale is much better than no morale. Find it or build it somehow. EduNut 3/2/2010 8:10 PM Shout out slips. Recognize a fellow teacher for something, turn it in. A few are read by the principal in P.A.s each morning. #edchat hshawjr

3/2/2010 8:10 PM @brasst but when the kindness stops working, then we have to move on to diff methods, not everyone should be a teacher #edchat PGRoom209 3/2/2010 8:10 PM @bhsprincipal Perhaps they could change School Committee night to accommodate #edchat? stevejmoore 3/2/2010 8:10 PM Excited I got to participate in the #edchat tonight, no class this evening! It was a much needed change of pace! TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:10 PM @ktenkely - I had a very boring PD today. I used the time for an early #edchat. Wanted to be sharp for tonight. tim_yocum 3/2/2010 8:10 PM Fixing a water heater and missed #edchat. Dawg gone it! unklar 3/2/2010 8:10 PM @hshawjr an admin who was once a teacher (many w/ the 3 yr minimum classroom exp) is not the same as an admin who IS a teacher #edchat

bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 8:11 PM RT @rachelwzg: The White House wants to know what 21st century learning means to us: http://bit.ly/bLMrwG #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:11 PM @DoremiGirl This is my third career, I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up, but I have some ideas :) #edchat mhtalbut 3/2/2010 8:11 PM RT @mbteach: Sounds like a plan! RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat rachelwzg 3/2/2010 8:11 PM The White House wants to know what 21st century learning means to us: http://bit.ly/bLMrwG #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:11 PM @EduNut - I like the shout out slips idea. Good one. #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:11 PM @sakstins If not for themselves, for the kids in those desks... #edchat

Cowpernicus 3/2/2010 8:12 PM boosting collective morale comes from being open, honest, trustworthy, kind and always positive. #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:12 PM @unklar Most of admins up here have over 10 in classroom, usually have idea what we do, just that sometime they forget ;( #edchat michaelcjohnson 3/2/2010 8:12 PM Good luck to you all, remember you are engaged in an important work... I hope you find joy in doing it well! #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:12 PM Gr8! RT @EduNut: "Shout out" slips. Recognize a teacher for something, turn it in. A few are read by the principal in P.A.s each AM. #edchat tkraz 3/2/2010 8:12 PM @tim_yocum If anyone needs a morale booster, it is you right now! Read on and be inspired. #edchat bhsprincipal 3/2/2010 8:13 PM

Great to see so many BPS teachers on here tonight #edchat #bpschat - Please tell others to check it out! EduNut 3/2/2010 8:13 PM My first #edchat! I feel charged as a teacher thanks to all of you. You color my day. hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:13 PM Enjoyed it tonight drank some koolaid from the cooler and had it spiked with something a wee bit stronger :-) until next week folks #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 8:13 PM @EdPressSec Highly recommend you Twitter search for the #edchat topics. Share w/your boss. These r the ppl who are leading students forward. tawilkins 3/2/2010 8:13 PM RT @stevejmoore: What kind of free global professional development do you get on Tuesday evenings? #edchat http://bit.ly/ctsQT7 web20classroom 3/2/2010 8:13 PM RT @tomwhitby: Thanks to @mbteach, @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:14 PM

@KFreesen All the threads with #edchat or #musedchat go to that specific column. It's the only way you can keep up with huge conversations! elephantsgerald 3/2/2010 8:14 PM Lack of *genuine* positive reinforcement. RT @phsprincipal What is the number 1 school controlled thing that lowers teacher morale? #edchat hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:14 PM @Digin4ed I think that is where I am too, thankfully being retired military gives me a little cushion to fall on when I do fall #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:14 PM @brasst Wow! My teachers were devastated...but gr8 to know that others find peace. :) #edchat canyonsdave 3/2/2010 8:15 PM I agree. RT @Cowpernicus: boosting collective morale comes from being open, honest, trustworthy, kind and always positive. #edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:15 PM @hshawjr Amazing! 3rd career. What an accomplishment! It doesn't seem like you'll be lost for the 4th! Keep generating those ideas! #edchat TNschatz

3/2/2010 8:15 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @tomwhitby: Thanks to @mbteach, @kylepace & @Digin4ed for moderating a great #edchat! PGRoom209 3/2/2010 8:16 PM New Tweetdeck column! RT @bhsprincipal: G8 to see so many BPS teachers on here 2night #edchat #bpschat - Please tell others to check it out! csstem 3/2/2010 8:17 PM We have a thank you board in the copy room where you can thank staff for things they have done. makes for good boost during cpy time #edchat EdutopiaBetty 3/2/2010 8:17 PM RT @EduNut: "Shout out" slips. Recognize a fellow tchr for something, turn it in. A few are read aloud by principal in PAs each AM #edchat elephantsgerald 3/2/2010 8:17 PM Assuming the best of teachers. RT @phsprincipal What's the number 1 school controlled contribution to higher teacher morale? #edchat KSchulten 3/2/2010 8:17 PM

How does #edchat work? Reading all the tweets and it seems lovely. Is it just tweeting on a set topic at set time, or more? Help! ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:17 PM @tabascotim The teachers are your school definitely need morale boosting w/ that pressure #edchat cusilleee 3/2/2010 8:18 PM RT @ShellTerrell: RT @thenerdyteacher: I challenge everyone to attempt to raise the morale of another teacher this week. Who is in? #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:18 PM Vote now for my next movie/tech integration blog post. Back to the Future leads....for now. http://bit.ly/8FvVXc #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:19 PM Also, 2 updates on my No Tests for 10 Weeks experiment. The students are excited and creative. #edchat http://bit.ly/8FvVXc Cowpernicus 3/2/2010 8:20 PM @AndersonGL build it, yes. have a little fun @ school. What is fun? http://cowpernicus.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/the-power-of-fun/ #edchat Digin4ed

3/2/2010 8:20 PM An Opportunity 4 input! The White House wants to know what 21st century learning means to us: http://bit.ly/bLMrwG via @rachelwzg #edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 8:20 PM RT @hshawjr: @michaelcjohnson other teachers need to be taken to task by us & admin if they r cause for low morale-accountability? #edchat tim_yocum 3/2/2010 8:20 PM Reading through the #edchat dialogue now. Valuable comments in there. Thanks all. Ideas are a brewin..... acmcdonaldgp 3/2/2010 8:21 PM RT @unklar: @hshawjr @phsprincipal has there ever been a pilot, charter, etc. run only by teachers? #edchat foes4sports 3/2/2010 8:21 PM @KSchulten It's at 6:00pm Tuesday's and there is a specific topic. #edchat There is one during the day, also. Not sure the time. hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:21 PM

@teachingwthsoul Thanks, I have learned that you can't take yourself too seriously & to roll w/life as gracefully as poss #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 8:21 PM #edchat: 2me --> { The No Asshole Rule: by Robert Sutton, PhD http://ilnk.me/1ccd } is the best thinking I've found on morale in orgs. hshawjr 3/2/2010 8:22 PM @michellek107 then when I do get knocked down have to get back up again and push back to have some more fun-life is what you make it #edchat mbteach 3/2/2010 8:22 PM Don't forget to check out the #edchat archive by @jswiatek here: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ michellek107 3/2/2010 8:22 PM I love, love, LOVE #edchat. Can't wait to share benefits of PLN/Twitter at #NETA2010 ! #edchat will be one of the first topics !! teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:22 PM @KSchulten Hi! Visit @tomwhitby ~~>http://bit.ly/86CKmb #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010

8:22 PM RT @mbteach: Don't forget to check out the #edchat archive by @jswiatek here: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ mbteach 3/2/2010 8:23 PM Check out the #edchat group on the Educator's PLN Ning, too! http://edupln.ning.com/group/edchat michellek107 3/2/2010 8:23 PM RT @mbteach: Don't forget to check out the #edchat archive by @jswiatek here: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ NetPat 3/2/2010 8:23 PM RT @iMrsF: RT @stevejmoore RT @PaulWHankins: Here's what hurts morale: when innovative tchrs feel like their contributions would not be missed. #edchat Digin4ed 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @mbteach: Check out the #edchat group on the Educator's PLN Ning, too! http://edupln.ning.com/group/edchat DoremiGirl 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @mtrump: PLN - Preparing to give a workshop on Voicethread, comments appreciated! Please RT! http://bit.ly/aVaTP5 #edchat #edtech

NetPat 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @iMrsF: RT @edtechsteve: Note for admins: Teacher appreciation week should be every week. A culture of teacher appreciation is huge #edchat NetPat 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @bjnichols: Clear, Consistent Expectations & Transparent Communication are both critical factors related to morale. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @stevejmoore RT @PaulWHankins: Here's what hurts morale: when innovative tchrs feel like their contributions would not be missed. #edchat TheNerdyTeacher 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @web20classroom: RT @mbteach: Don't forget to check out the #edchat archive by @jswiatek here: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 8:24 PM RT @hshawjr: @teachingwthsoul Thanks, I have learned that you can't take yourself too seriously & to roll w/life as gracefully as poss #edchat web20classroom 3/2/2010

8:24 PM RT @mbteach: Check out the #edchat group on the Educator's PLN Ning, too! http://edupln.ning.com/group/edchat Cowpernicus 3/2/2010 8:25 PM @ToughLoveforX excellent read, as is, Lencioni's 5 Dysfunctions of a Team. #edchat elephantsgerald 3/2/2010 8:25 PM Depends upon how merit is determined. If it was a student survey bring it! RT @tomwhitby Merit pay may alienate & bring down Morale. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 8:25 PM RT @Digin4ed: An Opportunity 4 input! The White House wants to know what 21st century learning means to us: http://bit.ly/bLMrwG via @rachelwzg #edchat DerekBraman 3/2/2010 8:26 PM Just put the kids to bed and stumbled upon this #edchat thing. Have I been hiding under a rock or what? Great talk about recognition. Digin4ed 3/2/2010 8:26 PM Join the conversation this Thursday at the #onecom chat! Vote for a blog post now! http://bit.ly/cXYnl #edchat

suzieboss 3/2/2010 8:26 PM @KSchulten Yep--one good question, one hour, and let the good ideas fly. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:27 PM RT @michellek107: I wrote a blog post about natl leaders vs teachers today at avenue4learning.com morale will be in part II. #edchat ToughLoveforX 3/2/2010 8:27 PM RT @michellek107 @hshawjr @michaelcjohnson "other teachers need to be taken to task by us & admin" me: if we don't a politico will. #edchat ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:28 PM @PreK360 I love to do that too! We have a gr8 PLN! #edchat tim_yocum 3/2/2010 8:28 PM Thanks for the archive! RT @mbteach: Don't forget to check out the #edchat archive by @jswiatek here: http://tinyurl.com/yde9xynhe Cowpernicus 3/2/2010 8:29 PM

http://cowpernicus.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/what-makes-you-happy/ #edchat @thenewtag helped me with happiness. famousmistered 3/2/2010 8:29 PM #edchat 2nite made me recall that part of what sucked joy out of prev career was disingenuity of mgmt asking 4 opinions and then ignoring ShellTerrell 3/2/2010 8:29 PM RT @Digin4ed: Join the conversation this Thursday at the #onecom chat! Vote for a blog post now! http://bit.ly/cXYnl #edchat suzieboss 3/2/2010 8:29 PM @KSchulten Here's the backstory on #edchat: http://tinyurl.com/yexe46d monk51295 3/2/2010 8:30 PM RT @thenerdyteacher: No Tests for 10 Weeks experiment. The students are excited and creative. #edchat http://bit.ly/8FvVXc PGRoom209 3/2/2010 8:30 PM @ShellTerrell And thank YOU for making the PLN and #edchat such a great place to be. My kids know Tues nite's mom's Twitter time! spedteacher

3/2/2010 8:30 PM @michellek107 I used tweetgrid with chrome. i figure I saw about every 50th tweet because others went by so quickly. #edchat teachingwthsoul 3/2/2010 8:30 PM Very cool!~~>RT @Digin4ed: Join the conversation this Thursday at the #onecom chat! Vote for a blog post now! http://bit.ly/cXYnl #edchat jennydwood 3/2/2010 8:31 PM @AndersonGL I agree. You have to start with a good group of a few people and then try to expand (morale) from there #edchat