NYEDChat Opens Its Doors to Learning

Back-to-school time brings the startup of the educational twitter chats. With hopes for a positive school year of learning, energized teachers and leaders are excited about moving forward with ideas that have been on their summer draft board. The state and global Twitter chats are also gearing up for another year of shared ideas, advice, and inspiration to impact teaching and learning. 

Tonight NYEDChat, as the Twitter Voice of New York State educators, is ready to open its doors to another year of conversations.

Imagine this: a group of tweachers, teachers on Twitter, leaders, parents, and people from outside the educational world coming together at 8:00 pm to voice their opinion on the topic of the night: Students as Partners and Change Agents in Learning and Teaching. This will not happen face-to-face but through a virtual portal, #NYEDChat. From this committed group, a chorus of voices floating through the Twittersphere will brainstorm new directions, share successes, and connect and reconnect with those around New York and beyond. Our Aussie friends and educators from around the globe have been invited to discuss the topic. The outcomes of this virtual think tank will showcase the beginning-of-the-school year efforts of the difference makers of our educational system. 

As part of the nine-member moderating team of #NYEDChat, I will co-moderate the first chat of the year with Dan McCabe. The above flyers, reminders, and the question document have been sent out via Twitter to many state educational chat groups, individual thought leaders, connected educators, and colleagues. 

Invitation

NYEDChat opens its door to learning tonight, 

September 21, 2015 at 8:00 pm EST. 

You are cordially invited to join the conversation

that will engage in a  positive exchange of ideas 

and a showcasing of small successes and eduinspirations.

********************

Digital conversations take place daily on Twitter and blogging communities discuss opportunities for student growth. If you visit DigiLit Sunday hosted by Margaret Simon, you will find interesting ideas that will showcase students who are finding their voice and becoming partners in learning. 

Follow-up:

When a Twitter chat has many followers and participants it start to trend on Twitter. Tonight #NYEDChat rocked the Twittersphere with its kick-off chat. The power of the PLN is a strong bond. 

Choosing Positivity

We can be messengers of positivity, negativity, or indifference. 

It is our choice how to live life.

In school, a common mantra is I choose kind. My mantra is I choose positivity. Positivity becomes my framework for living a full life with a growth and positive mindset. Belief in wellness of body, mind, spirit is a common understanding of living this life of abundance. It is not material wealth that fills our days with fullness. It is the quest for balance and serenity in all that we do that drives a positive thinking framework and allows for an abundant lifestyle. Living fully in the moment with family, finding fulfillment at work, and having deep friendships become our solid footing as we walk the journey of life. 

With positive thoughts as my guide, I also choose to be part of personal and professional communities that are filled with people seeking truth. I look to build and add to other's energies and positivity vibes. In order to carry through my plans, I listen carefully to the thoughts from family and connected colleagues. My one little word, listen, has served me well so far. 

Last night as I moderated #NYEDChat with my team, there was an explosion of ideas about creating our summer bucket lists. The community of participants became part of a greater message: how to balance personal and professional life in summertime. We conversed as we crafted our bucket lists. We became messengers of hope, change agents spreading the word of positivity as dewdrops along the earth. Finding balance  in life was our common denominator.

After reflecting upon the NYEDChat experience, I feel uplifted this morning. It was an exhilarating experience to be part of an hour talk where committed practitioners exchanged viewpoints on finding balance for their professional and personal development. Through our collaborative conversation, we connected with those from within and beyond New York State; we crossed regions and shared summer plans. We even crossed the seas, bringing in friends from as far away as Dubai and Australia. Through our exchanges, we became provocateurs of thought and connectors of goals and dreams. 

As in any fast-paced Twitter conversation, the  tweets fluttered by in rapid succession. Mid-stream, I noticed that the conversation was trending on Twitter. Our moderating team applauded the participants who became trendees for the night but in reality we became more. We became a united body of connected practitioners of positivity. It is not the trending nor the accolades that cemented relationships last night. It is the sincerity of those seeking to build foundations, to join hands with each other, to find balance in a world of complexity, that builds bridges for us to cross. 

This morning those connected colleagues from last night's NYEDChat move beyond all of the conversation to wave and smile at each other, knowing that we broadened our reach and strengthened our PLN. We, as messengers of positivity remain friends and wish each other well on the journey of life. Knowing full well that in solidarity we can triumph, it is my hope that all choose to build lifestyles at work and home that promote possibilities. In doing so, we will choose positivity as a guide. Ponder what Rumi said: "You are not just the drop in the ocean. You are the mighty ocean in the drop." 

Together, 

we can build tomorrows 

based on the journeys we walked, 

the mistakes we made, 

and the hopes that we have 

for a life of abundance.

CVarsalona 2015

What message will you deliver today? Will you join the ranks of connected educators as messengers of positivity? Will you seek balance in your life? Please peruse the Hall of EduHero Voices to read the #eduinspirations that will inspire your journey. Click here. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Today is Slice of Life Tuesday. Please turn your attention to  the Slice of Life created by Two Writing Teachers where you will many more bloggers' statements of the week.

Gearing Up for Fall with NYEDChat

Mid-summer is upon us and although NYEDChat is on summer hiatus, the moderators: Bill Brennan, Vicki Day, Blanca Duarte, Starr Sackstein, Tony Sinanis, and I, are gearing up for a new season of connectivity with NYS educators and those from across the states. Last school year saw the relaunch of #NYEDChat as the voice of NYS educators and a partnership of committed moderators grew to a team of six. Every other Monday at 8:30 pm #NYEDChat posed lively discussions. Guest moderators often visited the chats and one of the highlights of the year was a triple state chat #NJNYCOL with ten moderators from #njed, #NYEDChat, and #COLchat. This chat was not only a great collaborative effort but a fast-paced, successful discussion that trended on Twitter. Many connections were made that night. 

Following this was a joint venture by #njed and #NYEDChat, the Showcase of Teaching and Learning, a highlighting of best practices, blogs, and lessons from educators around the globe. The site created hopes to attract educators who wish to globally share their best learning. It will remain open to all who would like to add to the collection of shared practices. 

With its expansion as a professional learning network (PLN), #NYEDChat continues its journey to connect educators from across New York State so that they can add their collective voices to a broader, global connected community.  Vicki Day has taken one step forward to make #NYEDChat a more dynamic and united front. She has worked diligently to construct a new website from the previous wiki site that we have seemed to outgrow. You can see the new look that is under construction at http://nyedchat.wordpress.com/. Today, Vicki and I collaborated on adding a new page to the site and I must admit it was quite an experience for me, a worthwhile endeavor but a frustrating one while learning a new platform. 

Thank you @VictoriaL_Day for creating the new NYEDChat Website



 

This summer educators are reenergizing their personal lives by engaging in activities that are relaxing and a departure from daily school work. The moderating team of NYEDChat wants you to know that we are gearing up for another dynamic year of connectivity, driven by our passion to impact teaching and learning. Remember as Connected Educators: Together We are One. 

Join the first #NYEDChat conversation of the school year on
 August 25, 2014, 8:30 PM 
for a lively discussion, 

"Beginning the School Year on a Positive Note"

In the meantime, enjoy your summer!

Escape the Blizzard Blues-Engage with NYEDChat

By now, most of the country has felt the repercussions of the extreme weather conditions that are causing what some have termed, the Blizzard Blues. 

Yes, WINTER, you hit us hard this year. 

It seems that the constant barrage of snowstorms, freezing ice, and rain has been a source of concern in New York State, as is the case across the country. Hazardous road conditions, dropping temperatures, and potholes are the driver's worst enemy and you even have to watch where you walk for fear of falling.

By now, everyone has a story to tell of the Winter of 2014? 

My short tale is: within the past month, I traveled to Albany during the BIG snowstorm; got hit two days later in Albany with another  BIG storm, and traveled back to Long Island for a few more BIG snowstorms. After one of these storms last week, I backed out of the driveway only to land in one of the snowbanks. Needless to say, I had to dig myself out. There was one brief moment when I thought the big, white, fluffy snowflakes falling outside my window looked beautiful but that thought did not last long because the snowy particles kept fluttering at such a pace that it became difficult to manage a day outside. Sadly but true, snow shovels and salt bags have become the artifacts of the season, replacing the lovely decorations that once graced my front porch. 

-And-

By the way who predicted that the weather station and meteorologists were going to be my constant go to advisors each day? 

So, I am thinking that those suffering from the Blizzard Blues

Need an Intervention

How about a cup of hot chocolate, a cozy fire, and a NYEDChat conversation?

JOIN US 
This Monday, February 24, 2014
for a lively and engaging discussion on 

"Teaching Writing to Children"

with

Peter Catalanotto, Author/Illustrator 

http://www.petercatalanotto.com/

@P_Catalanotto

UPCOMING EVENTS

8:30 PM

Mar. 3, 2014      Chris Lehmann & Kate Roberts, Authors/Consultants 

 "Teaching Reading in New York State: Where We Are Now, Where We Could Be"                      

Other Dates and Speakers for March and April will be announced.

  

Watch for more information about our Live Streaming Event 

Tuesday, May 6th, 8:30 PM 

with Pam Moran and Ira Socol

Teachers as Constructors of Exploration

**************************************************************************

SEND IN YOUR THOUGHTS

Why tweeps should join the NYEDChat conversations.

Some colleagues already responded.

CONVERSATION CORNER: 
Why Join NYEDChat?

I truly enjoy NYEDChat. It is one of my favorite chats on Twitter. This group generates a real feeling of passion, energy, and positivity in education. There is clearly a love of teaching and children. Thank you for coming together and creating a space for collaboration with such wonderful moderators and educators throughout NY and beyond!

-Lisa Davis @ lisaodavis

I look forward to the NYEDChat and its connections because I can connect directly to colleagues in NY who are juggling similar demands and can often find solutions and inspirations from the shared approaches.

-Lisa Meade, @ LisaMeade23

NYEDChat expands the school walls. My PLN (colleagues & friends) are there to support, teach and guide me at any time, anywhere!! I have learned so much from NYEDChats & look forward to expanding that on Monday night. Thank you NYED moderators!

-Emily Peterson, @emilyhpeterson 

NYEDChat features a distinct brand of educators who are tenacious, focused, and have a "New York State of Mind" - just what the circumstances call for in best supporting success in our schools today.

NYEDChat is the perfect supplement to the face-to-face relationships we nurture daily - a community of committed educators, dedicated to providing the support, enrichment, and nourishment our professional spirits need, to meet our challenges...with success...together.                                                                            -Dennis Schug, @DJrSchug

See The Power of the Professional Learning Community for Carol Varsalona's thoughts on why NYEDChat?

Please send in your thoughts on why you joined NYEDChat for a future posting.

My co-moderators, Bill Brennan, Vicki Day, Blanca Duarte, Starr Sackstein, and Tony Sinanis, and I look forward to connecting with you online to make NYEDChat a strong voice for the educational community.

Finding the Power of the Collective Voice

It was less than one year ago, that I began to explore Twitter as a professional development tool. For a decade before joining this conversational platform, I explored the strength of connected voices through collegial circle and listserv conversations. Little did I realize how social media could strengthen the power of the virtual voice. As I have said before, it was the passion in the message from Tony Sinanis and JoEllen McCarthy that led me to lurk and learn. My close encounter with the Twitter world of powerful chats unfolded from that moment forward.  

Twitter is a viable channel for the collective consciousness to have a voice.  In the Twittersphere, there are different circles of like-minded individuals who discuss timely and relevant topics about teaching, learning, reflection, and life. From my first #satchat, the educational world's Saturday morning chat, I was able to connect with educators across the country and then, that linked me to other chats and other tweeps. At first, there was a learning curve and then a familiarity with the platform and its power grew. 

My journey with social media has taken me from the behind the scenes lurker to the visible forum of Google Hangouts. As a member of the moderating team of #nyedchat, I have spent many delightful moments chatting with my team and with those who join our forum, whether it be via Twitter or Google Hangout. My blogging experience grew simultaneously as I entered the Twitter world as another avenue to explore voice. Being a lover of language has helped me gravitate to the use of a new platform for conversation. Realizing that others are reluctant to engage in active chats, I enthusiastically invite educators to explore the power of the collective voice. Thoughts captured from online conversations can lead to transformative action in districts, classrooms, organizations, and in personal lives. 

If I have convinced you to join the conversation, please start with #NYEDChat. Each new experience or link will provide asynchronous professional development, outside the structure of your school day, and build a circle of committed educators. By joining NYEDChat, you can become one of the voices of New York State educators who have virtually bonded as a committed professional learning network attempting to impact teaching and learning.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

8:30 PM EST

Feb. 24, 2014     Peter Catalanotto, Author/Illustrator 

Teaching Writing to Children

Mar. 3, 2014      Chris Lehmann & Kate Roberts, Authors/Consultants 

Teaching Reading in New York State: Where We Are Now, Where We Could Be                       

Other Dates and Speakers for March and April will be announced.

  

Watch for more information about our Live Streaming Event 

Tuesday, May 6th, 8:30 PM 

with Pam Moran and Ira Socol

Teachers as Constructors of Exploration

It Takes a Dream and a Team to Create a Voice in Education

“There is nothing like a dream to create the future.” 

Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

At just what point in life do we recognize that our dreams can be captured, molded, and fashioned into something more than an abstract notion? While people from all generations dream, some see their dreams fall by the wayside, hampered by the twists and turns of life, while others witness the development of their dreams into realities. What determines which ones grow from seeds of an idea to fruition? Some think it is the resiliency of spirit that allows for the fruition of the dream. Others believe in a notion called grit. 

Walt Disney, the ultimate dream maker, said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” What can we learn from this magic maker who created an empire built on the dreams of childhood? Perhaps, it is a belief in positive energy that can take a dream to a new level, or Disney's ability to create possibilities while avoiding life's roadblocks. Open mindedness, steadfastness, and optimism must be present, but as Walt Disney added, "...It takes people to make the dream a reality." 

So with a dream and a team of dedicated moderators, NYEDChat has relaunched this year for New York State educators and those who wish to support our goals. With a variety of topical, relevant discussions and esteemed guest hosts, the dream is being transformed into a reality, the creation of a body of New York State educators with a unified, prominent voice on Twitter.  The moderators, Bill Brennan, Blanca Duarte, Vicki Day, Starr Sackstein, Tony Sinanis, and Carol Varsalona, each with their particular interests and expertise in the field of education, are journeying together to raise the state status from an under-represented voice in Twitter's educational communities to one that is united and heard. 

"That's our wish. And is there enough magic out there in the moonlight to make this dream come true?" 

(Adapted from the movie, Field of Dreams) 

Yes, indeed, a vibrant magic exists in the power of a professional learning network. From voice to voice, connections grow to glowing portions, bringing power to the dream of a reflective, connected community, embodied under one hashtag, #nyedchat. 

The invitation to join NYEDChat is open to New York educators as well as those in other locales who are committed to providing students with the strategies and tools to become passionate, lifelong learners, creative problem solvers, and meaning makers of this decade. Enthusiastic speakers such as Dave Burgess, Peter DeWitt, Chris Lehman, Kate Roberts, Peter Catalanotto, Pam Moran, and Ira Socol, have committed to be guest presenters for the new year. Please make the effort to sign on to #nyedchat on Twitter, Mondays at 8:30 pm EST. A preview of the January and February calendars is below. 

Save These Dates:

Date	Guest	Topic
Jan. 27, 2014	Dave Burgess	Teach Like A Pirate: Bring Passion to the Classroom
Feb. 10, 2014	Peter DeWitt	School Climate: How to Build A Safe Environment to Engage Learners
Feb. 24, 2014	Peter Catalanotto	Teaching Writing to Children
March 3, 2014	Chris Lehman & Kate Roberts	Teaching Reading in New York State: Where We Are Now, Where We Could Be?

The Journey Begins with the Dream, the Team, and You!