Teachmeet Australia

Heard about teachmeets, but unsure what they are?

Teachmeets are voluntary gatherings of dedicated teachers in order to support their own professional learning and that of their students. I first discovered the term "teachmeet" via Twitter in 2011 and immediately set out to try one.  

You can read my previous posts here (Overwhelmingly grand PD 2011), here (Hills inaugral Teachmeet at Oakhill College, October 2011), here (Teachmeet Sydney, please try it we don't want same), here (live meeting; international teachmeet 2011), here (International teachmeet presentation on Pearltrees), here (Handy resources for educators and social bookmarking 2012) here (Crestwood teachmeet and history of TM in Oz 2012), and here (Belief presentation TM Macquarie university; from prac to practioner) 

My first impressions? A warm and welcome bunch of educators who were energetic and driven to help others. This continued far beyond the time frame of the teachmeet session. Conversations carried onto the "teacheat" held after the teachmeet and connections were formed and maintained via twitter, blogs and future teachmeetups.

Teachmeets are attractive to many as:

• the format is conducive to engaged learning.
• presentations are short and snappy (2 mins or 7 minute "info snacks" that can be elaborated on via converations in breaks, teacheats and/or blog posts)
• if a presentation is not to your personal liking, there is another topic presented in 2-7 minutes
• the presentations are prepared and presented by actual teachers who are experiencing student learning now. They get it. They provide honest information on what works in their learning environment and what doesn't. Teachmeet are for teachers by teachers.
• you can take away at least one idea to try in the learning space and adapt to suit you eg a primary teacher may present an idea that you can transfer to a secondary setting.
• important networks are formed.
• they are free.
• they are open to all, preservice, new scheme teachers, experienced teachers, leadership, retired teachers.

What do read what other people think of Teachmeets?

• Australian teachers crazy for their teachmeets! by Maralyn Parker (Daily Telegraph)
• Why teachers love Twitter. By Maralyn Parker (Daily Telegraph)
• Lesson in numbers teachmee aims for a world record. (SMH)
• You own teachmeet by Matt Esterman
• From little things big things grow. By Henrietta Miller
• The conversation: A teachers show and tell professional learning unplugged by Tony Loughland
• Teachmeet seachange the view from the other side by Simon Harper
• Oz teachers magazine
• Education Review

LISTEN to:

• Leon Wilson who organised the first TeachMeet for the Kimberley, at the Kununurra Public Library on the 14th of November between 4 and 6pm. Speed dating PD for Kimberly Teachers 
• Leon made an excellent video that explains TMs click here.
• TER podcast episode 009 3.11.2013 Inside teachmeet at the wharf

More conferences are now holding teachmeets 

These are freely available during lunch, a workshop or after the conference day concludes( for non conference attendees as well as paying attendees) I assisted Al Upton host one during the EDTECHSA state conference: Connecting people-sharing learning in Adelaide (July 2013). Other conferences that have included Teachmeets in their program include (but are not limited to) ECAWA State conference 2013 Teachmeet breakfast and another I presented at The Kings School National Boys conference: Get involved. I applaud these conference in making learning accessible to all. PLANE (Pathways for Learning, Anytime, anywhere a Network for Educators) also held online teachmeets)

Teachmeet Macquarie University

More Universities and TAFES are now hosting teachmeets 

• University of Sydney
• TM Macquarie University 2013 From Prac to practioner
• Australian Catholic University
• When teachers meet (TAFE) 
• We're hosting a teachmeet. Queensland University of Technology

Clever leaders are replacing traditional staff meetings with the Teachmeet format. Love this!

• Covenant Christian School: teachmeet help teachers keep learning
• Techie brekkie and teachmeets at Roseville College

How to find a Teachmeet near you?

• Teachmeet national website
• Teachmeet Sydney (includes calendars, resources and host pack)
• Teachmeet WA
• Teachmeet Melbourne
• Teachmeet Brisbane
• Teachmeet Adelaide
• Teachmeet ACT

Keeping the conversation flowing,

JJ @7mrsjames

Crestwood Teachmeet: trying to get accurate info re development of Teachmeets in Oz.

I enjoy teachmeets. I love meeting with people who share similar interests and conversing with them.

Since moving back to Sydney in 1998, I have been unaware of any free, informal professional development, similar to the the "hub" group meetings I attended in Adelaide over 15 years ago. I enjoyed these too-educators getting together to support each other and share resources-yes, a teachers meeting.  A teachmeet. Many organisations do the same. It is not an unfamiliar concept, I am sure we all agree.  I am sure many educators have Skyped, met together and shared resources in some format ever since teaching began. And of course, this is to be celebrated!  

I was asked at short notice to present at tonights Crestwood/Hills teachmeet.  As a major teachmeet is about to take place on 2nd March (click here for further detail), I thought it apt to share this with the group. Perhaps they could encourage other colleagues to attend?  Teachmeets are valuable for me therefore I hope to share when Teachmeets are on. An awareness of the calender and wiki could encourage others to present, attend again or host.  From feedback at previous teachmeets, some attendees mention that they feel overwhelmed with information or get lost when others reference twitter or share links via Twitter. So, with this in mind, I set out a quick overview of my understanding of a "Teachmeet ", its origins and list some links to resources I enjoy-like the International Teachmeet and studentmeet.  The sheet below is not an advertisement for teachmeet; it was for teachers not on Twitter to take away. Something tangible to leave with and perhaps share with other colleagues.  I understand educators have been "meeting" to share ideas for many moons. However, the "teachmeet" phrase/concept has truly been embraced by many. I am more than happy to learn aboutother "educator meetings" that have occurred in Australia. Interesting for me. I am curious. I like to learn. 

 Does anyone know of any consistent and organised free meetings of educators in Australia prior to 2011- across all sectors, all year levels, open to all, quick presentations, simple sharing and discussion of what works in the classroom and what doesn't?  Would be interesting to crowd source the development of teachmeets in Australia.  I will change the information sheet below accordingly.

I love how teachmeets are open to all and I love meeting with other passionate educators. I hope I am always open to improving and keeping the students optimum learning experiences at the forefront of my pedagogy. If  "meeting teachers" "teachmeets" "teacheats" "unconferences" or Twitter support me in this, then I feel I can continue to develop as a person and educator. 

Thanks #teachmeethills Crestwood for hosting tonight meeting of minds :)

Hills Teachmeet: Info sheet for those not on Twitter


This is a sample email sent out to staff if you would like to use, feel free.

Dear staff,

Have you ever attended a FREE Teachmeet?  Teachmeets are professional development sessions FOR teachers run BY teachers. They are informal, relevant, inspiring and a great place to swap ideas, resources and expand your professional learning network beyond your school. Presentations are short and sweet- 2mins or 7mins. There are opportunities to chat to other educators and network. Often a teacheat is held at a local cafe or restaurant after the free PD. A teachmeet was held at Oakhill College last October.

There are two exciting Teachmeets this term.  A local one was held at Crestwood High school on 20th February. Click on the link below to see more details. 30-70 people attend local teachmeets. 

If you are after a LOCAL teachmeet there is another one at Kellyville High on 8th May.

http://www.teachmeet.net/sydney-hills/

Term 1 2012

Date	Event	Host School	Host contact
Monday 20th February	TeachMeet Hills	Crestwood High School, Baulkham Hills	Melinda Bright
Friday 2nd March	TEACHMEET SYDNEY WR	Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh	Simon Crook, all TM organisers.
Tuesday 13th March	TeachMeet West/Mountains	St Paul's Grammar School, Penrith	Fiona Boughey
March 10, 11	ICTENSW Workshops	Sydney Uni	Steve Madsen smadsenau@gmail.com
Wednesday 21st March	TeachMeet North	St Augustine's College Sydney	Liz Armenio & Andrew Allmark, SAGS
Tuesday April 3rd	TeachMeet East	Kambala	Jessica Raeside/Sunny South

A world breaking record attempt (to raise awareness of teachmeets) is being held at Eveleigh on 2nd March at the Australian Technology Park. MANY educators from schools across ALL sectors will be attending. (Over 200 people so far!)  If you are interested you can visit the website for more info. An idea might be to share a lift together with a friend or three and go out for a meal in the city after :) This also assists with parking.

http://tmsydney.wikispaces.com/    (Click here to see further details. Register details also here.)

http://www.teachmeet.net/  (new website)

A PLN (professional learning network) not only offers great ideas and resources but a supportive network that assists YOU in continual professional development. 

Drop me an email or stop for a chat if you have any queries. Hope to see you there!

Kind regards

Jeannette James on behalf of the #teachmeet team

ps Tom Barrett and Ewan McIntosh from Scotland are also presenting (they are working with Parrramatta CEO and here from Scotland on Business.  Ewan got the teachmeet movement rolling in 2005)

pss Terrific chance to see what other schools are up to + meet colleagues that you have worked with in the past.

Date

Event

Host School

Host contact

Monday 20th February

TeachMeet Hills

Crestwood High School, Baulkham Hills

Melinda Bright

Friday 2nd March

TEACHMEET SYDNEY WR

Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh

Simon Crook, all TM organisers.

Tuesday 13th March

TeachMeet West/Mountains

St Paul's Grammar School, Penrith

Fiona Boughey

March 10, 11

ICTENSW Workshops

Sydney Uni

Steve Madsen smadsenau@gmail.com

Wednesday 21st March

TeachMeet North

St Augustine's College Sydney

Liz Armenio & Andrew Allmark, SAGS

Tuesday April 3rd

TeachMeet East

Kambala

Jessica Raeside/Sunny South

Keep movin' and improvin'

I have had the pleasure of connecting with inspiring, experienced and progressive educators since joining Twitter last year. During this time, I have also been able to offer an empathetic view and provide support to those that are just getting their feet wet in the pedagogical shift and cyber universe. This has been both rewarding and encouraging to see so many climbing on board! Some comment that is so overwhelming to keep up. Some are resilient enough to keep progressing and invest time into their own learning. Others may gulp and take a back seat for awhile or start swimming frantically towards the shore! If we are lucky enough to value the positive purpose in improving our students learning AND either possess intrinsic will to continually improve or feel the support of others, we keep at it. If our collegues, HOD (Heads of department), DPs and Principals are able to provide an encouraging and enthusiatic culture it provides a safer and adaptive environment in which to learn.

Somewhat resembling the learning space we hope for our students. 

Encouraging collaboration, informed risk taking, noticing the positive and building on this,  developing relationship (oh so important!) sharing learning, empathising in challenging times thru flexibity and time giving and the willingness and provision of open communication. ....But what if this is absent or still gaining traction in your workplace? What of those who require the extra support?

Isn't it comforting and uplifting to have the support of a PLN (professional learning network). 

Can we all make it one of our goals this year to provide this positive and encouraging support to other educators that NEED it the most. 

With the simple motto

  "Keep movin' and improvin'" 

Live meeting: International #teachmeet webinar

18th December, 2011
HAPPY and HOLY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Enhancing your own professional development 
via Global Collaboration.

                                       Amazing photo of  Guernsey, Channel Islands  by Kyle.wood


Last night on Twitter I stumbled across the  #itdi chat and was unsure what the acronym stood for so I asked... It stands for International teacher development institute. This caught my interest immediately.  I believe as educators, we are all responsible for our own learning and continuing to adapt our pedagogy to suit our students and to prepare them for THEIR future world, not ours. I believe schools must encourage a culture of educators supporting their own PD - more of "helping teachers help themselves".  As educators we are professionally responsible and morally bound to provide the best learning environment we can for our students.

Following the hashtag on twitter, I discovered it was the backchannel for a LIVE webinar that was currently concluding, however a new one for #teachmeet was about to start. I followed the links and tried to join the live meeting. This didn't work on my Mac, so I tried on my work HP probook and BINGO! I was able to install Microsoft Live meeting and join in!. Click here for more info.

This online LIVE meeting (webinar) was amazing!  I had the laptop open viewing the international presenters on screen and listening to their presentations (slides were also progressing in background- Click here for the teachmeet international wikispace ) and the Mac assisted my tweeting of the event on #teachmeet hashtag. Listening to the perspectives, insights and learning experiences from educators all around the world was very special. Here is a list of the presenters. They represented countries ranging from South Africa, Croatia, Greece, Indonesia, Switzerland, Wales, Belgium, Spain, England, Romania and India.
Cherry is an English teacher from India who was very helpful with the twitter backchannel.


Tweet doc of last night so you can have a squiz!   
Squiz is Australian slang for take a look/have a glance/be inquisitive.


Recently I was apart of the Connected classrooms #ccglobal Christmas-around-the-world initiative, where we sent QR codes (this is the generator I use)  to schools around the world sharing our countries Christmas traditions and experiences. Amazingly, one of the educators I had connected with last week Vicky Loras @vickyloras was also a presenter last night- truly a small world. So easy to connect these days which is the beauty of online learning. Link to our Glogster here and QR code below.

 

This is a terrific capture of the international teachmeet by Bart (see his contact below)




The event was hosted ever so well by Arjana Blazic from Croatia @abfromz and Bart Verswijvel @bartverswijvel from Belgium. Well done guys!


And another Slideshare overview by @sonjalr

TeachMeet International

View more presentations from TeachMeet_International

Link to the International teachmeet wikispace with further handy links -> Click here.

Over and out. Keep smiling!
Jeannette James

Teachmeet Sydney - Please try it! We don't want SAME.

 

                                                                                                    

For those new to the idea 

teachmeet ->

 Click here: What is teach meet?

The screen shots above are a result of a question posed to my PLN (professional learning network) regarding Cybersafety in-servicing for students.  A friend (who is not on Twitter) enquired about guest speaker suggestions and so I sent out a tweet. The suggestions above are only 8 or so out of about 15 responses.  Instant. All in about 30mins and some the following day. This to me is true collaboration - in an effective way.  I have meet all but two of these tweeple at teachmeets and value their input. These personal relationships are a result of my online social network (twitter) whom I may never have meet, if it were not for the contacts made within the Twitter family. I first heard of Teachmeet through Twitter and decided to go along and take a look what the fuss was all about- I am glad I did!

Teachmeet Sydney is really do it yourself PD.  A chance to be inspired, learn and grow. A chance to debrief, make contacts and most importantly, BELONG to a dynamic, enthusiastic and caring bunch of educators.

I wonder what you felt when you read "do it yourself". You see, I really believe as a profession we need to keep moving and keep learning.  That is our game. That is what we encourage our students to do. However,  educators can get stuck in routine.  The same topics for the same KLA (Key learning Area) presented by the same teaching staff, via the same lessons, year in year out.

We don't want same.  We want YOU. We want your thoughts, your ideas, your interpretation, your way of learning. Who are we? We are educators and students who have been hoping, waiting and trialling ways to ignite the passion of learning, back into education. Of course, there are MANY educators and classes that are inspiring daily. And others that are not.

We all learn differently. We all process and create differently.  That difference may have been hard to manage in schools of the past.  Hopefully, more educators will sense and see the value in this shift from teacher directed lessons to student focused learning.  I am still bemused by how little schools actually teach learning skills, thinking skills, management skills, resilience, cyber-safety and organisational skills. They may give a token presentation once or twice a year but this is not enough.

Just as students are conditioned that teachers will provide the content and manage its delivery and assessment, so too are many teachers conditioned that their workplace will provide all relevant support and PD.

Are you lucky enough to work in an environment where educators are:

•   proactive

•   attentive to students needs and learning environments

•   willing to adapt and change pedagogy as required by the learning group or subject presented

•   open to suggestions

•   optimistic

•   proud of their working environment 

•   proud AND content of their efforts and those of their students

•   happy to engage in PD and continual dialogue about education and improvements

•   happy to see what is NOT working and rectify?

I wonder how many teachers are "conditioned" or expect their HOD (heads of departments) to be responsible for their teaching affairs, reminders, programs, direction of learning, assessments and PD?  Is this why self efficacy evades many educators?  See pre-service teacher Lauren Forner's blog post on improving teaching through heightened self efficacy here.

As educators, it is up to us as professionals to be caring enough to invest the time into providing the best possible, engaging learning environments for our students.  That is the role of the teacher.  Attending teachmeets is one avenue to meeting this complex role.  Being an educator can be hectic, fast paced and emotionally draining.  True, but it also rewarding and satisfying.  It doesn't have to be isolating and confusing and thankless, due to a wonderful bunch of like minded educators that you can make contact with via teachmeets- if you choose.  

Just as we encourage students to extend their thinking and move out of their comfort zone, so too should we encourage other educators to get involved by attending teachmeets in their area in order to be connected, inspired, rejuvenated, share, think, grow and learn.  

Click here to read my first blog on Teachmeets-Overwhelmingly grand PD.

Interesting thoughts on Getting others to dive in and play in the deep end:

Click here to be directed to Pip Cleaves posterous post

I would also be interested in reading more on Steve's research:

(perhaps you can contact him with your thoughts and help him out?)

@wholeboxndice

Steve Box

Pls help me with some research. What guides your choice in PD? How has twitter changed your professional learning? more

19 hours ago via web

Favorite Retweet Reply

@wholeboxndice

Steve Box

How have teachmeets/edcamps/unconferences changed your learning experience? How important is your PLN?

Last week, I hosted the first ever HILLS teachmeet at Oakhill College.  I was privileged the school I work at granted me the opportunity to host this event on site, given our busy school calendar.  It was an amazing process to coordinate, cater and organise presenters.  I was very passionate about providing an opportunity for any willing educator to gather with other like minded professionals. All were welcome. Primary, secondary educators, HOD, principals from public, Catholic and private schools as well as directors of learning from DET all attended in one space with a common aim. This is the beauty of teach meets.  See the link below of the attendee comments, to gain further insight into a teachmeet experience.

Click here to read the Twitter backchannel of the First ever Hills teachmeet Monday-31.10.11

Check out some of the Presentations from all teachmeet's so far

Click here for : Next teachmeet at Ravenswood

TM + Xmas at Abbotsleigh Junior school

THANK YOU TEACHMEET SYDNEY!

There is always so much to learn and improve upon!

I hope to meet you at the next teachmeet.  

Jeannette James

5th Post: Overwhelmingly grand PD = Teachmeet!

Very quickly, as time is of the essence, I wanted to share with you one way to achieve tremendous
professional development.

I have attended two so far and am absorbing everything I learn, by putting ideas presented into action. Some ideas, such as QR codes I have been reading about for a while, however have not had the time to implement into the learning environment. At a teachmeet various tools and ideas are presented to engage YOU and YOUR students. This often prompts you into action! (Used QR codes in 3 classes today! Click here for more info on QR codes)  It is just so easy to get swept up in the enthusiasm that invades the room!  What teacher nerds we all are..and loving it!

My first Teachmeet was at NBCS (Northern Beaches Christian School). I had heard of this school, but was not prepared for the AWESOMENESS of their spaces and more importantly their best resource- the staff.  Meeting the likes of @Stephen_H, @rethinklearn, @cwoldhuis, @misscmorrison and vibrant history educator @Poska (thanks for the personalised tour mate!) was fabulous. This guy was on fire-@Steve_Collis. The driving forces behind #tmsydney @mesterman and @henriettaMi were also present, with friendly colleague @ClareFroggatt.  We were able to watch @largerama present via a live feed from England-what a guy! I had the pleasure of finally meeting active tweeter friends @townesy77 (great source of support and fun) and @LiamDunphy-how brilliant!  Teacheat occurs after the presentations with like minded passionate educators-imagine the conversations!

Just this week, I attended my second TeachMeet city hosted fabulously at SHORE by the wonderfully inspiring @cpaterso. Here, I was joined by two colleagues @jason_p_r and @NLMascolo. I had the pleasure of meeting a co-drama twitterer @karlao_dtn and newly joined buddy on Edmodo @whartonag. I watched a crazy "everybody's shufflin" a pecha kucha by @malynmawby (and Megan aka @townesy.) A courageous preservice teacher @sarah_bowman also presented on her experiences on teacher collaboration- insightful!  There were about 8 presentations in all. Dinner conversation at teacheat was lively, informative and engaging with @mylescarrick, @EduSum, @cpaterso and @betchaboy and others.

Next week, I hope to make ceoteachmeet at Concord.  See QR code for more details.

BTW, here is the FREE app for qr-reader-for-iphone (generator and reader). I used qrstuff for a QR code generator (can use various colours too!) Kids downloaded onto iphones and andriod phones using tapmedia apps. Heaps of fun had by all :)

I truly hope you can make it to a teachmeet soon, especially if you haven't yet afforded the time to go.
If you have attended, please share your experience of a teachmeet below.