TL;DR: Some teaching days are great and some are hard. Having colleagues to talk to helps. Building relationships with colleagues can give you a network to problem solve with. Short conversations can change your day and plant the seed of a strong relationship. Take the chance to build relationships with colleagues. RINNNGGG! The end of the day is finally here. … Read More
The New Leader on Campus: Importance of Building Relationships
TL;DR: There are many ways to get to know your team as a new building leader: staff survey, meet and greet time, over lunch, and collaborative planning. Be visible, notice and name the great things you see by being specific in your language. Show appreciation by understanding the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Building relationships with new staff can … Read More
Build Better Relationships: 3 Foundational Mindset Shifts
TL;DR: Relationships matter. Being connected is important for our overall happiness and well-being. There are foundational 3 mindset shifts that will help you build better relationships: (1) See relationships as gifts. (2) The relationship you have with yourself is also a gift. (3) Treat every interaction as an opportunity to improve your connection as building blocks. We can cultivate our … Read More
Learning Through Exploration
TL;DR: Exploration taps into a student’s natural curiosity. It provides a way to use the content vocabulary authentically. Exploration encourages sharing and further discovery. It’s a great way to intentionally structure your instruction for your students. Beginning of the Year It is the beginning of the school year and students are returning to classrooms full of hope, excitement, and nervousness. … Read More
Looking Back on 20 Years in K-12 Education
TL;DR: Read a reflection on some pieces of Dana’s journey in K-12 education. There are many people to thank over the course of 20 years. This week, in early August, I recall it being exactly 20 years since I first came to Colorado and began my journey in K-12 education. World Traveller Context I lived in Quebec City, Canada for … Read More