Crystal M. Watson @_CrystalMWatson Twitter profile

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Crystal M. Watson

5 months

Young people don't hate math. They hate feeling like it's outside their possibilities. How do you build a community of welcomed confusion?

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

We DO know young people with IEPs can learn, right? Also, they are not “IEP kids.” 🗣🗣

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

I just want to snap my fingers and make every teacher believe in the abilities of Black and Brown children everywhere.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

It’s Saturday. Let’s stop calling children in schools “scholars.”

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

#Teachers …. I see you. I’m rooting for you. Your best is enough. 🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

My 4th grader’s BFF stood up in class and shared they’re non-binary. Dorien asked, “are your pronouns they/them?” They said “yes.” Dorien to me, “mom, I’m so happy for them.” WHY are adults not as accepting & #affirming ? It could literally save lives. Raise good humans! #LGBTQ 1/

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Black students have supportive homes. The support just might look different from what you’ve been socialized to think is “normal.”

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

#teachers how will you talk with students about all of the anti-Black violence that has happened this weekend? I’m curious.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Please…. PLEASE trust the leadership of Black women in Edu…. Especially when it comes to what’s good for Black children.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Pacing guide: key word is guide. Admin, I need y’all to OVERstand that teachers need to adjust based on the needs of students.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

Educators are expected to fix everything in society…. But who’s going to piece us back together as we break ourselves trying?

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

#Teachers How long do we think it will take to mend our (and our students’) minds and bodies post-pandemic? #edutwitter

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

This. I’m not sorry.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

I now cringe when I hear “minority” when referring to Black and Brown folx. We are the global majority. Stand on that!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

I don’t know who needs to hear this but…. It’s not bad for a child to have an IEP. And they are not “low” because of their IEP. 🗣️🗣️🗣️

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I can support teachers AND push us to be better. These things are not mutually exclusive nor accomplished in silos.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

We have teachers out here exclaiming (over and over again), “They don’t even understand how to….” Or “these kids can’t.” This thinking will never move us forward. It’s not them, it’s you. Try a different approach (or many) AFTER you unpack your own biases.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I am SO tired of the constant focus and resources put on early grades and high school. Do they know the POWER in middle school experiences? The movement/growth that could happen to make high school and beyond better for kids? So ANNOYING.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Hey #teachers …. In what ways did your #instructionalcoach support you best during this very trying year? What can they do better going forward?

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

My freedom dream: we stop attaching emotions to children that they did not communicate themselves. “They don’t care.” “They don’t want to learn.” All sounds ridiculous. Facts>>>assumptions.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

“You’re so articulate” is anti-Black

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

5 months

@VanCarlito2003 I love this. People talk about me for not partaking in the “family” things to protect my peace. NO ONE has the right to inflict harm. Ever. The trauma can stop with us.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Living in poverty sucks… I know first hand. But to equate that to children living sad, miserable existences is just not true. Many children are not even cognizant of the fact their family is living in poverty. Parents work hard to shield them from that reality. I know mine did.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

9 months

Don’t take good admin for granted. There are so many moving parts and it could be easy to put teachers last… so if your admin makes teachers a priority- celebrate them!!!! This year my hope is that teachers and staff say I showed up for them and made their happiness a priority.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Normalize teaching kids to listen to their bodies and minds. Mental health days should always be a thing.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Today I voiced my disappointment in our district (and the world) for missing an opportunity to really reimagine school and prioritize reengaging #teachers & Ss brains for social interaction before piling on curriculum. We are all complicit. There’s still time. And it’s now.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I REALLY despise the term “achievement gap.” Given equal opportunities, achievement happens. Period. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. ✌🏽

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

11 months

These babies made their own clothing in a community sewing class with one of their grandmothers. Chills were given. @csphoto_atl

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Question: Is it a red flag when white #teachers only have proximity to Blackness in the classroom/at school? For example: all their friends are white, all events attended are white spaces.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Let 2022 be the year “y’all“ stop telling us what students need and start asking them. It varies student to student, class to class, school to school, district to district, city to city, state to state, etc.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Normalize not assuming everybody celebrates Christmas.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Teachers truly doing the work to learn and grow : Go where you are respected, supported, and appreciated.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

We started a teacher cert. pipeline at @IamCPS where civil service employees are mentored through alternative or completing bachelors to get license. We are covering costs. I advise 35 participants. 25 are Black. Half are Black men. THIS is real equity work.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

The school “air” feels different this year. Students and teachers seem happier and more settled. I’m thankful. 🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I don’t know who needs to hear this but….. it’s okay to use something other than Jamboard.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

A lion does not announce he’s a lion. He just shows up doing lion type things!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Me: why do y’all talk over/disrespect [teacher in other class]? Student: We just giving the same energy they give us.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Covid is spreading so quickly and widely and schools are set to go back in person next week. I’m expecting catastrophic outcomes, particularly in urban and rural areas with lower vaccination rates. Are we just okay with sacrificing humans?

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Toxic positivity is frustrating me these days. #Teachers , you can be both of all of these AND still be a wonderful educator and human. Give yourself permission. 🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

Imma hype you every time, sis!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

I’m here to tell you… don’t work yourself into burn out. If they cut budgets tomorrow…. They won’t hesitate to cut you if it makes the dollars make sense.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

I want to contribute/help #clearthelist of a few Black or Brown #teachers . Drop your list in the comments! If you live in a district that forbids lists, DM me some things you could use and where I can send it. 🖤🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

What’s the language you use instead of “low, medium, high” groups? More importantly, why are we still doing it? Serious question.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Creating a community of excellence in the classroom before digging into content is a non-negotiable. If you’re being told to do anything else- push back.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

#teachers - what do you wish instructional coaches would do MORE of and LESS of? #teachertwitter #backtoschool

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I really do love supporting fellow educators in this work. Teachers deserve all the love and support. 🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Stop calling Black girls “young women!!” They are GIRLS. Children.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

#NCTM conferences are amazing and should be experienced. The potential for connections and learning is infinite. How can we make them accessible (financially, really) to more teachers in classrooms? Real question.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

@VanCarlito2003 Baldwin would not be pleased.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Y’all know “anti-racist” doesn’t mean just “against racism” but ACTIVELY pursuing equity for Black and Brown ppl through action, right? It’s in knowing history, changing narratives, identity work, disruption to dismantle and rebuild.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

9 months

I don't care if you've done something for 23 minutes or 23 years.... there is always something to learn. Stay open and ready to receive feedback and direction.... you might learn something new!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

#NewProfilePic

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Fridays are for reflecting on your why! He is my why. 🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 months

Please stop saying “they don’t want to learn.” That statement centers adults instead of students. It also assumes that all other factors are perfectly aligned and the willingness of children is the problem. It’s not.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

If you had a theme song that played as you walked into rooms - what would it be? Teachers and educators, especially.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Today a principal shared with my boss that she TRUSTS me to do the work with the math teachers in her building and her teachers love having me there. Highest compliment ever. Trust. Today was a good day.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

This is 39. May my next journey around the sun be full of joy, growth, love, and resistance! 🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

There’s something super “cringy” about folx that will celebrate some “edu famous” folx but not those sitting next to them saying the same things and doing the work.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

You’re not dispensable. You’re not replaceable. Could someone else do it? Sure. But, never like you. #teachertwitter #selfworth #motivational #EduColor #TeachersAreEssential #affirmation

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

@izzieteaches Lol I know. But 🤷🏽‍♀️. I hate it. And it’s lazy vocabulary that we use for Black and brown students but not their white counterparts. That’s problematic for me. We can do better… like simply call them by their names or something individualized that realizes their own dreams.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Stop making decisions about young people without having convos with young people! Seats at the table! A voice in the policies! #HiphopEd

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

We need to do more to #unschool in #publicschool . Let’s start brainstorming and dreaming about what that REALLY looks like. Build some teams to make it happen.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

If you do this work (equity, ABAR) and still use “IEP students” or “low students” or any other gross misrepresentation of a condition without checking yourself and others… you don’t ACTUALLY do this work.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

#DismantleRacism in mathematics. It needs to be “a thing.” Example: Right answer focus vs. thought focus. Interrogating my own practices to ensure student success is not measured only by standard mastery but in their ability to analyze and discuss.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Y’all… let’s not welcome students and teachers back by rehashing the trauma of the last 18 months. Start with joy and excitement to begin this new year… and don’t negotiate with those looking to impede. #BackToSchool #teachers #teachertwitter

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

4 years

#goodtrouble is demanding students be HEALED before suspended. #nopipeline #equity #hiphoped #edutwitter #EduColor

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Help me wish my favorite Leo a happy 10th birthday! He’s had so many experiences in just 1 decade. Proud to be his mom. To more life, kid! 🖤🖤🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

Thank you @TFAOhio for recognizing me as one of 10 Change Makers (among many others) in our state. I am humbled and honored to continue to serve in my city. 🖤 #IAMCPS

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Schools are steady failing kids…. Even after we failed their parents. That ain’t safety, fam.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

17 days

Spring reminder: let’s not police girls’ bodies, expressions, or clothing. Sexualizing girls is a you problem not a them problem. Them not wearing spaghetti straps or shorts shorter than their fingertips don’t make you less of a creep. ✌🏽

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

Just a math coach covering 9th grade ELA today.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Today is OURS. Put aside testing pressure and the “learning loss” rhetoric and allow your #students to enjoy you and the space today! We are enough. #teachertwitter #teachers #educolor

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I stand with and support @AkieaG and Woke Kindergarten.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

15 days

Yo- I never wanted kids. But I’m so glad we have him. The level of obsession I have for my baby is bananas. He is everything. His joy is everything and as long as there is breath in my lungs… he will feel joy every day. #blackboy #blackboyjoy

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

6 months

Tomorrow I close out #NCTMDC23 as the keynote. I’m not alone though. I bring with me ancestors, math fam that speaks my name in rooms I’m not present, and the spirits continually murdered in classrooms. I am because of them… and many of YOU. Let’s get it.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

6 months

Do good work and look good doing it or whatever Dr. Emdin said.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Teachers: we are not saviors. Young folx don’t need another person showing pity.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

Yo. I had to check my tone multiple times today. Trigger: having to repeat directions over and over again EVEN with written instruction. I have to remind myself that it’s just their math anxiety. I don’t want to add to it. I’ll do better 2mrw. #EduColor #edutwitter #teacherlife

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

“Reimagine school” they said..... and did just the opposite. #systemic inequity continues #statusquo #teachersday #teachertwitter #edutwitter #educolor

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

You can teach students grade level mathematics AND strengthen basic (missed) concepts at the same time. At the current rate, students will matriculate with only a middle school math education (if that).

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

Tomorrow, I’m starting off my celebration to 40 by stepping foot where some of my ancestors have with some of my closest friends… Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷 This is a part of my healing journey. 40 loading…

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

9 months

It’s totally possible to pause and think “is this good for children?” And then make a decision that is rooted in love and belief. To another school year!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

I’m excited to join @PrincipalMaher and the staff at Rees E Price. It’s goin upppp!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 month

Out of office on, pampered, hair color refreshed, fine and favored…. 👏🏽😍

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

LA … we up! I’m going strictly to fellowship with my tweeps! See y’all in the fall. 🧮

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

STOP CALLING HER (and other Black girls) A “YOUNG WOMAN!!” 🗣🗣🗣 She was a CHILD. A GIRL. I hate it here.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

Children deserve more than months of test prep and testing.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

I was recognized by a former student as a teacher who made a difference in his life. I sat at a table and cut up with him and his new friends. He told them, “see y’all can be yourself with her. I thank God for her.” That will sustain me.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

#Teachers … what’s the mood going into this week? How can we support one another?

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

4 months

Y’all… the list of “you can’t say this in my classroom” has huge implications for youth. Specifically, Black youth. A 🧵⬇️ 1/

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

@StuDocBilbrew First- congratulations to you on this accomplishment! Secondly- I Love seeing humans affirmed by those closest to them. Dad of the year!

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

@ShelbiCole1 As a teacher- I find this problematic. This teacher has a choice even with said pressure. That’s when I get into #goodtrouble bc I tell my fams about opting out & give info. I would also NEVER ask a fam to facilitate an 80 min test. Period. Write me up, fire me, whatever.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

1 year

To simply and authentically be personally acknowledged as an asset by a leader can be a fierce tool for retention.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

9 months

Pulled up on em’ this morning! Rees E. Price Academy… where kindness is the culture. 🖤🖤

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

6 months

Y’all (admin!) you REALLY can support and love on teachers AND move instruction and student outcomes. They aren’t mutually exclusive.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

4 years

@terrinwatson That’s the epitome of “protect Black women.” 🙌🏽

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

When you know - teach. When you teach - love. When you love - teach more. #Teachers really are everything. #teach #share #love

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I recently (and quietly) launched my first website. A little about me, my work, and ways to connect. Take a look! Bi-monthly “Research and Resource” 1 page memo to launch in September. Blog coming soon.

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

3 years

I loved and grew up on DMX... AND I’ve also had trouble reconciling with some of the homophobic and misogynistic (etc) lyrics he used over time. I also appreciate what he brought to the culture. Anyone else grappling with this? This is not a hate post. #HipHopEd

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Crystal M. Watson

@_CrystalMWatson

2 years

#teachers ….. don’t accept deficit thinking or language about you OR your students. Celebrate the wins and ACT on the losses. One thing is for certain- you’ll experience both.

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